not happy with my new bike

[markc]

does anybody have a vaquero and just do not like it? if so why,i would like your opinions

[Scootergptx]

I would like the bars to be pulled back a bit more. Easy fix.

[OldSchool]

What are the things you do not like about the Vaquero?

[hlknvlcn60]

Why would anyone spend thousands of $$ on a bike without checking it out really well first? All bikes have a few things that someone may not like, mostly little things that can be fixed. I would say that 99% of Vaquero owners including myself love the bike. Just set the intake and exhaust up the way you like, get your ecu re-flashed by Ivan, adjust your rear shocks for the ride you want, and go. Any questions about this awesome tourer can be answered by most any member on the forum that owns one. And, the fact that Vaqueros are a very popular bike that leave dealer floors pretty quick....a good seller at a good price.

[Rasta]

If you are not happy with it, what I have seen from people on here that are not happy with their bike, they end up spending a ton of money and time then end up selling it and getting something else. My advice is get rid of it now before you spend any more money than you have already and get what makes you happy.

[Mrstrike]

I learned with my Connie14 that EVERY bike has to be tuned for my taste.
not just the seat, but the bars, pegs, grips, lights and sound.

for me I dont know what does or does NOT work while sitting on the showroom floor, or a 10 min ride.

there were things I loathed about teh vaquero, mainly the performance, and awe-full fueling (fixed with the Ivan ECM, YEA!) but I made a gamble to buy it with some Money set aside for Mods.
... hoping the mods I made would work in the long run.

QUOTE FROM ABOVE
..... My advice is get rid of it now before you spend any more money than you have already and get what makes you happy....
With respect to RASTA, i disagree.
this is not an ON/OFF switch, of either It works, or does not work. This is more of a sliding scale of WORKING<------------>TOO much MONEY

For me I was 70% happy with the bike and I made a calculated risk that I could spend Money to get that last 30% of 'joy' to the finish line.

Markc, you have to ask your self what parts you like, VS. what parts you dont like (money no object).
then find out how much these parts cost/labor/effort will equal $XX amount.
lastly, is $xx amount worth a $16,000 (new)/$12,000(used) bike?

if you got to drop $6k on a new bike BUT YOU KNOW 100000% you will be in love with the finished project, there is some meret to that.

VS.

spending $200 here, $300, there, $600 over there in an effort to HOPE you will learn to like it is a losing path (supporting RASTA's statement) .


my 2 cts
cheers
chad

[Snake Ranch]

When I bought my skoot it was not even close to what I wanted. But it was the closest to what I could see for possibilities. And what I wanted to shell out to start this affair.

Kawasaki and the aftermarket doesn't offer as many accessories, but what I couldn't buy I knew I could make.

To me this skoot has the lines and grace of something older but in the new world.

And I didn't have to be shelling out a bazillion dollars and have to worry about making it home.

Sit down and make a bucket list on what you want and what you are not comfortable with and post it.

There are some real knowledgeable people on this form with good practical knowledge and horse sense. They can help you through this. Give it a year or so.

Give them time to help. Or if money is no object, buy a Harley. They have a lot of options. But be prepared. HD doesn't stand for that, what shall not be named or spoken. But for "Hundred Dollars".

Just kidding, kinda.:tup::tup:

Give us a list, and let the the form help.

[Mrstrike]

.....To me this skoot has the lines and grace of something older but in the new world. ....(CHADC: amen, that what sold me VS a used Harley that looked like everyone else)

....Sit down and make a bucket list on what you want and what you are not comfortable with and post it....



couldn't agree more with both statements bud :cheers:

[Erilflynn]

does anybody have a vaquero and just do not like it? if so why,i would like your opinions
Like Oldschool said, you really have to tell us why you don't like it and then someone may be able to help you. And, if need be, sell it and move on to something you like.

[smokey]

He does have a point though, I have been riding since 1967, and have probably owned 30 or more bikes in that time. I have never ever found one that suits me right off the bat, either the seat, handlebars, or some other thing like ergonomics, is not suited to my size or style of riding. I do get things and add them to the bike to make it more suited to me. I think that most if not all, bike manufacturers make the ergonomics to suit the average rider, I am sure they do not test every single bike among a range of tall, short, fat, thin etc riders but design them based on their thinking and the design for an "average" person. Of course we know that the "average" person can differ greatly depending on what country they are from, Asians are small, while Europeans and North Americans tend to be variable as there are a lot of immigrants plus the home grown folks.

I have not found any stock seat to be really comfortable, nor the handlebar layout, I think I may have finally found the setup that best suits me in the Russel day long and the Helibars that I now have on the bike, the saving grace of the bars is that they can be adjusted multiple ways, so if my wrist starts bugging me I can simply turn the end of the bars in or out, but it all comes at a price, and that is why I generally stay away from the expensive bikes like Harley and the Gold wings, because I know I am going to spend more on aftermarket goodies, but that is what riding is all about, making the ride to suit you, and that is what makes it fun, at least it does if you can afford it.

[schoeney]

Yes I agree, I think just about every bike out there needs a little tweaking to make it your own.

Some bikez start out a little bit closer to what you expect than others.

You can whittle it down fairly well with the advent of the internet and all the forums available. But even then when people are giving opinions of windshields, seats, comfort you need to read between the lines and figure out things like how big each person is, what type of riding they do, what part of the country they live in, etc. A lot of moving parts.

Some people get lucky and don't have to spend a lot of money to get what fits them well others spend lots of money with different luck.

I spent very little money on my ST 1300 and I love it from a comfort, handling, reliability and power standpoint. But I did do a lot of homework and research before I bought. It works for me but I know there are others it would not work for. I did need to tweak a few things like risers and aftermarket seat. But I was expecting that.

I do know others that have spent $20,000 just to end up trading the bike in months later.

My 2003 Vulcan Nomad was the perfect bike to get back into motorcycling for me. Again it did not cost much but it worked well for me. I never took the plunge of buying a day-long Russell seat when I had the bike but I wish I had.

I guess my suggestion would be to go ahead and make the modifications to make the bike comfortable for you before you decide to throw in the towel.
Unless the things you do not like about the bike are not fixable.



Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

[waldowales]

I bought a Triumph Trophy last August, because it is fast, beautiful, has all the goodies one could ever want. I plan to dump it, because it is ridiculously top heavy and unwieldy at low speeds, plus the simplest maintenance is a big job, i.e. replacing the air filter involves removing much of the plastic and the fuel tank. I'll lose a substantial amount of money, but if I keep it, it will only get worse. I love my 2003 Nomad, and won't mind spending money on it, if it turns out there is something I don't like about it. I can live with the lousy gas mileage.

[Rookie13]

Agreed. It all boils down to personal preference. For myself it was based on history of former bikes I have owned or ridden. Before purchasing the Vaq I now own (and enjoy greatly), much research was done, as well as head to head comparisons with other bikes. It was a shootout between a RoadGlide, Victory CC, and the Vaq. The biggest thing was overall cost of ownership after making a "wish list" of each bike and the changes required on each to fit my needs (and wants). Not everyone chooses to leave their bike stock, either. Aside from the second mortgage required for the Kawi passenger backrest, the Vaquero won in every aspect for ME. No, it is not for everyone. Not everyone has to own a HD. BTW, they do make a great bike...for a t-shirt company. Sorry to hear that you are not pleased with your bike, but as others stated- there are many here that have helped me and may be able to give some guidance to you as well.

[lostnavigator]

Give it to me if you dont want it.

[ponch]

does anybody have a vaquero and just do not like it? if so why,i would like your opinions

What did you ride before hand? What don't you like?

I believe in test riding bikes and if you didn't, that was a mistake. If you did, what happened that was so unexpected? Insofar as ergonomics go, unless you are the average sized male, there's probably some adjustment that needs to be done. Expensive mistakes are, well, expensive, but instructive.

[recumbentbob]

does anybody have a vaquero and just do not like it? if so why,i would like your opinions

If you just don't like it get rid of it.

Life's to short to ride a bike you really don't like.

[smokier]

does anybody have a vaquero and just do not like it? if so why,i would like your opinions
Greetings,
What is it you do not like regarding the Vaquero?>:(
What is it that you DO like about the Vaquero?:tup:

I love mine. 20k miles in 14 months...:D
Ride safe,
Smokier

[duffy]

I am lucky I guess. I'm the "average" male that bikes are designed to fit. 5'10" @ 170 lbs with 35" sleeves and 31" inseam. Most bikes fit me pretty well. I do have to make adjustments for a skinny butt (new seat) and a weak back (backrest and risers). Other than that it's only "looks" that I have to adjust.

[Scootergptx]

Granted I didn't get the whiter teeth and six pack abs I was hoping for when I bought mine, but I'm still happy with it.

[skullbagger]

Granted I didn't get the whiter teeth and six pack abs I was hoping for when I bought mine, but I'm still happy with it.

What choo trying to say rufus ya got indian corn for teeth!
LOL, just kidding I'm in a mood

[Scootergptx]

What choo trying to say rufus ya got indian corn for teeth!
LOL, just kidding I'm in a mood


As a guy who grew up in the Appalachians, I guess I should be happy I'm using the plural when it comes to dental references.

[skullbagger]

As a guy who grew up in the Appalachians, I guess I should be happy I'm using the plural when it comes to dental references.

You are correct my friend LOL

[smokier]

Granted I didn't get the whiter teeth and six pack abs I was hoping for when I bought mine, but I'm still happy with it.
ROTFLMAO!:cheers::lol::tup::lmao:

[waldowales]

Are the Vaquero and the Voyager near enough alike that if I didn't like the Voyager, I won't like the Vaquero? I have considered looking at a the Vaquero, but if it is a twin of the Voyager except for colors and trunk box, I won't bother.

[ponch]

Are the Vaquero and the Voyager near enough alike that if I didn't like the Voyager, I won't like the Vaquero? I have considered looking at a the Vaquero, but if it is a twin of the Voyager except for colors and trunk box, I won't bother.

Different bags, seat, lowers and windscreen. Vaquero is lighter, but neither is light. Different color options too. Voyager always had an ABS option, Vaquero hasn't. I think it was 2013 or 2014 before the Vaquero got ABS in the US.

[Erilflynn]

For whatever reason, I found the Vaq a completely different ride than the Voyager (the one time I demoed it). Just was not comfortable on it. To each his own I guess.

[RACNRAY]

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE my Vaq BUT......

It has a way to keep me off my Hayabusa and EVERY time I get on the Busa, well, lets just say I am blessed to have two totally different skoots with personalities that match my Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde.

RACNRAY

[Scootergptx]

My Vaquero weighs in at almost 200 pounds more than my old C90. I like the way the Vaquero handles much better. Maybe it's just the ergonomics fit me better.

[captj3]

So what happened to the original poster??? Lots of responses and questions and no answers????????

[JD Hog]

So what happened to the original poster??? Lots of responses and questions and no answers????????

He was on here at 2:48 am this morning. :???:

[skullbagger]

I love mine too! 14 model, there everything I thought it would be when I fell in love with them since there birth 2011.
I would guess that kawi. is at their peak with classic looking scoots what could they possibly do after the end of the Vaq.
with that said I would look elsewhere for my next scoot ( manufacturer)
probably Indian. Man are they comfy!

But I'll have my vaq (rusty) for a while.
anyone else ever name your bikes?

[hlknvlcn60]

I agree....when I first saw the 2011 Vaqueros I knew I had to have one. Hence the 2012 S.E. that sits in my shop ready to roll.

[markc]

So what happened to the original poster??? Lots of responses and questions and no answers????????

I have a life>:(

[markc]

He was on here at 2:48 am this morning. :???:

Sorry but i was sleeping at that time!!

[JD Hog]

Sorry but i was sleeping at that time!!

That's what it showed in your profile :shrug:

[ldhthept]

Give it to me, I've wanted the Vaq since it came out, sat on it many times, fits me perfect. I have an 06 Nomad with many mods to make it just right. I could be talked into a trade...

[markc]

That's what it showed in your profile :shrug:

It was posted at 11:34 am:???::???:

[JD Hog]

It was posted at 11:34 am:???::???:

More than likely it is not set to Eastern Time in your Edit Options under the Date & Time.

[Snake Ranch]

does anybody have a vaquero and just do not like it? if so why,i would like your opinions

Soooooo what is it that you don't like about your skoot?

[markc]

ok so here is my list of dislikes.but first to let you all know i did hours of research before i made my purchase, ie youtube reviews,and any article that i could find that, being said here is my list.
1 gear ratio
2 clutch pull
3 brakes are very touchy
4 decel pop "i never owned a bike that does this"
5 throttle
6 handling "rear tire doesn't feal planted"

ok so that is my short list.i know you all love this bike but for me this is the first bike that i've owned that i'm just not feeling.i have spent approximately 2 grand on aftermarket mods,rays throttle mod,gel seat,tall windsheild,slip ons mufflers,highway pegs and so on for me it is not!! the ergonomics that part is perfect.that being said i just cannot seem to connet with this bike.also my previous bike was a harley davidson was an ultra classic.as you all know harleys are pricey and that i why i went with the kawi.but i did absolutely love every thing about that bike,so that's a start,i hope to hear some ideas.


thanks,mark and yes it's for sale

[Erilflynn]

[QUOTE=markc;658632]ok so here is my list of dislikes.but first to let you all know i did hours of research before i made my purchase, ie youtube reviews,and any article that i could find that, being said here is my list.
1 gear ratio
2 clutch pull
3 brakes are very touchy
4 decel pop "i never owned a bike that does this"
5 throttle
6 handling "rear tire doesn't feal planted"

ok so that is my short list.i know you all love this bike but for me this is the first bike that i've owned that i'm just not feeling.i have spent approximately 2 grand on aftermarket mods,rays throttle mod,gel seat,tall windsheild,slip ons mufflers,highway pegs and so on for me it is not!! the ergonomics that part is perfect.that being said i just cannot seem to connet with this bike.also my previous bike was a harley davidson was an ultra classic.as you all know harleys are pricey and that i why i went with the kawi.but i did absolutely love every thing about that bike,so that's a start,i hope to hear some ideas.


thanks,mark and yes it's for sale[

Did you try the marble mod for the popping? If not, the reflash apparently takes care of it. And if you haven't done that yet you might as well spend another $350 and it may change your opinion of your bike. Also, knowone like the stock Stones so some new rubber may be the answer for your not feeling "planted". Hope this helps.

[smokier]

1 gear ratio
2 clutch pull
3 brakes are very touchy
4 decel pop "i never owned a bike that does this"
5 throttle
6 handling "rear tire doesn't feel planted"

Greetings MarkC,

The mind is wonderful, magical thing. Once it decides something is SO, it is hard to see that thing any other way. Once a person gets it in their mind that they don't like peas or tomatoes... Nothing with peas or tomatoes is ever good.
As i look at your list, it makes me think you have made up your mind not to like this bike at this point. For arguments sake, lets run through the list...

Gear ratio? Do you feel they are too close together? to short, they whine? Not that we can suggest yet, depends on the complaint...

Clutch Pull; squeaky, stiff? Or is this your first hydraulic clutch? I changed the fluid in mine this spring and it is stiffer now that it was. Maybe a bleed would help?

Brakes very touchy; Takes some getting used to. Like the first time you drive someone else's car and you step on the brakes...

Decel pop. Agreed annoying... The marble tip as mentioned will help. The IVANization will cure it. In a backhanded way, the Ivanized ECU might help with the gear ratio observation, depending on the specific thought.

Throttle? Response? Drag? Is this your first throttle-by-wire? Or, again depending on the specific complaint, the Ivanization may address this one.

Handling; this one is important. I completely agree that one needs to feel connected, in tune with and in sync with their scoot. However, more specifics would make it easier for suggestions. Changing the tires as mentioned is top of list. The OEM 'Stones are not great feedback tires IMHO. The Michelin Commander II's are VERY popular, as are the Avons. There is a large Dunlop E3 following as well. Adjusting the rear damping can help. I was mistakenly set to 1, thinking softer. Someone here posted what the settings mean and I am now on 4. Probably switching to 3 soon. But MUCH better feel from the backend of the scoot since making the adjustment. Of course, setting the air on the rear shocks as well. I do have a SHAME ON KAWI for having two separate valves. They should be (and can be) one fill for both back shocks.

My previous ride was a Yama Venture. Great touring bike. Had 88k miles on it when I traded it in. But that bike was NO FUN at low speeds or in traffic. The Vaquero is so much more enjoyable FOR ME to ride in all conditions, that I am quickly outpacing my mileage markers set with the Venture.

Different tastes is what makes the world go round. The world would be BORING if we all likes exactly the same thing and agreed on everything... If the Vaq isn't the right bike for you, that is OK. Don't bash the bike, maybe it just wasn't your fit.

Best wishes,
Smokier

PS. How much? My wife loves riding mine and wants one of her own...

[MET-RICK]

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE my Vaq BUT......

It has a way to keep me off my Hayabusa and EVERY time I get on the Busa, well, lets just say I am blessed to have two totally different skoots with personalities that match my Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde.

RACNRAY

Dr. Rac 'n Mr. Ray, I presume..... Ray, by many accounts on this forum your blessed in many ways with all your mechanical skills, talents and love for scoots. Cheers....wrench/ride on.

[MET-RICK]

Greetings MarkC,

The mind is wonderful, magical thing. Once it decides something is SO, it is hard to see that thing any other way. Once a person gets it in their mind that they don't like peas or tomatoes... Nothing with peas or tomatoes is ever good.
As i look at your list, it makes me think you have made up your mind not to like this bike at this point. For arguments sake, lets run through the list...

Gear ratio? Do you feel they are too close together? to short, they whine? Not that we can suggest yet, depends on the complaint...

Clutch Pull; squeaky, stiff? Or is this your first hydraulic clutch? I changed the fluid in mine this spring and it is stiffer now that it was. Maybe a bleed would help?

Brakes very touchy; Takes some getting used to. Like the first time you drive someone else's car and you step on the brakes...

Decel pop. Agreed annoying... The marble tip as mentioned will help. The IVANization will cure it. In a backhanded way, the Ivanized ECU might help with the gear ratio observation, depending on the specific thought.

Throttle? Response? Drag? Is this your first throttle-by-wire? Or, again depending on the specific complaint, the Ivanization may address this one.

Handling; this one is important. I completely agree that one needs to feel connected, in tune with and in sync with their scoot. However, more specifics would make it easier for suggestions. Changing the tires as mentioned is top of list. The OEM 'Stones are not great feedback tires IMHO. The Michelin Commander II's are VERY popular, as are the Avons. There is a large Dunlop E3 following as well. Adjusting the rear damping can help. I was mistakenly set to 1, thinking softer. Someone here posted what the settings mean and I am now on 4. Probably switching to 3 soon. But MUCH better feel from the backend of the scoot since making the adjustment. Of course, setting the air on the rear shocks as well. I do have a SHAME ON KAWI for having two separate valves. They should be (and can be) one fill for both back shocks.

My previous ride was a Yama Venture. Great touring bike. Had 88k miles on it when I traded it in. But that bike was NO FUN at low speeds or in traffic. The Vaquero is so much more enjoyable FOR ME to ride in all conditions, that I am quickly outpacing my mileage markers set with the Venture.

Different tastes is what makes the world go round. The world would be BORING if we all likes exactly the same thing and agreed on everything... If the Vaq isn't the right bike for you, that is OK. Don't bash the bike, maybe it just wasn't your fit.

Best wishes,
Smokier

PS. How much? My wife loves riding mine and wants one of her own...

****Smokier, that sums it up very well. PS. I could never before even dream of being so comfortable on a bike and able to ride for hours on end day after day and also to be so thrilled with how much better it has become performance wise. Wouldn't trade it for anything...yea not even some of that -> v :D . Cheers

[captj3]

I have a life>:(

Shocking like you're the only one. :cry:

[hlknvlcn60]

markc....if your rear tire feels a little numb, try pumping it up to 42 psi cold and try adding at least 20 psi in each rear shock....get to know your bike better, and send your ecu to Ivan for the re-flash and get that motor running right. Clutch pull? The Vulcan 1700s have one of the lightest and smoothest engaging clutches out there and FYI new Harleys have hydraulic clutches too along with ride-by-wire throttles as well. These are features on new bikes that are becoming the norm and with Kawasaki you get these things that come with much more expensive bikes like....Harleys. So, WTF? You take care of a couple of things here and there, get it right, and go out and enjoy your ride.

[koga]

I do love my 13 Vaq and may keep it till I quit riding. I liked how much longer my 07 nomie felt. Just seemed less crowded. I don't like the throttle by wire. Took a lot of hours tuning with the PCV to get rid of the popping. Gonna get the reflash done now. Wish that had been available when I first bought it. All that being said when me and my Harley buddy's pull up to the bar people gravitate to my bike!!http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160504/ff81ed2dc4c565211ead4fb3e048f687.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160504/f360f7bda7d191634741de692f34cb56.jpg

[Glenn54]

I do love my 13 Vaq and may keep it till I quit riding. I liked how much longer my 07 nomie felt. Just seemed less crowded. I don't like the throttle by wire. Took a lot of hours tuning with the PCV to get rid of the popping. Gonna get the reflash done now. Wish that had been available when I first bought it. All that being said when me and my Harley buddy's pull up to the bar people gravitate to my bike!!http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160504/ff81ed2dc4c565211ead4fb3e048f687.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160504/f360f7bda7d191634741de692f34cb56.jpg

Nice looking skooter.

[twowheeladdict]

That's how I felt about the '09 Nomad. The Speedo on the tank, who thought that was a good idea? The handlebars just never felt right. Amazing how it can be so close to the Voyager, but yet be so different.

I added the tachometer between the handlebars and learned what speed equated that rpm. Quick release windshield took care of the buffetting. Adjusted the handlebars with thoughts of putting Voyager bars on the bike.

[hlknvlcn60]

koga your Vaq looks very nice....good job on the graphics over the matte paint. The black Z bars look nice too. At 62, my Vaquero will likely "go to the grave" with me also, likely the last bike I will ever own. I will ride it or me, who ever comes first, into the ground.

[JccVaquero]

Just bought a new 2015 vaquero candy green with ghost flames. I paid $14269.00 I bought the passenger back rest ( a little pricy) but when my son rides with me I want him safe. I love my Vaquero. Not fond of a little pop-pop-pop on decel. A friend at work just bought a new HD Ultra Limited then upgraded the seat, upgraded the exhaust, upgraded the stereo. $40K plus he loves his too. I am not sure why I can be so satisfied by spending so much less money, but I am. Now I can buy a factory repair manual, a lift for detailing and service work, And a few other useful goodies . To be fair I have never owned a HARLEY and MAYBE I just don't know what I am missing. Two years to retirement. Bike should paid off by then.

[ponch]

Just bought a new 2015 vaquero candy green with ghost flames. I paid $14269.00 I bought the passenger back rest ( a little pricy) but when my son rides with me I want him safe. I love my Vaquero. Not fond of a little pop-pop-pop on decel. A friend at work just bought a new HD Ultra Limited then upgraded the seat, upgraded the exhaust, upgraded the stereo. $40K plus he loves his too. I am not sure why I can be so satisfied by spending so much less money, but I am. Now I can buy a factory repair manual, a lift for detailing and service work, And a few other useful goodies . To be fair I have never owned a HARLEY and MAYBE I just don't know what I am missing. Two years to retirement. Bike should paid off by then.

40K for a limited? They are a lot less than that. Not sure what he sunk into it, but it sounds like he bent over.

[smokier]

Just bought a new 2015 vaquero candy green with ghost flames. I paid $14269.00 I bought the passenger back rest ( a little pricy) but when my son rides with me I want him safe. I love my Vaquero. Not fond of a little pop-pop-pop on decel. A friend at work just bought a new HD Ultra Limited then upgraded the seat, upgraded the exhaust, upgraded the stereo. $40K plus he loves his too. I am not sure why I can be so satisfied by spending so much less money, but I am. Now I can buy a factory repair manual, a lift for detailing and service work, And a few other useful goodies . To be fair I have never owned a HARLEY and MAYBE I just don't know what I am missing. Two years to retirement. Bike should paid off by then.

Congratulations and welcome to the forum! :wave: The Vaq is only going to get better after break-in. Keep the fluids changed with quality products and you will years of trouble free service! We have a member who crossed 100k miles on his Vaq. We have other members who multiple 100K kilometer's on their clocks.
The decel popping can be quickly taken care of by having the ECU reprogrammed. Look for threads on IVAN or ECU. This is one of the more popular and best bang for the buck modifications. It addresses, fueling, temperature, and performance issues.

Congrats on being two years from retirement! :cheers:

Ride safe,
Smokier

[Txtriathlete]

Interesting thread. Having owned many bikes over the years (including HD) I think I can safely say that each bike has a personality and sometimes they click and sometimes they just don't fit no matter what you do. I had a Honda Shadow for a while and really didn't like it - it was sold within 6 months. My father in law has one and I ride his once in a while and I still don't like the ride 15 years later. I still get sad when I think of the 99 Drifter I sold a few years ago - that bike fit like a glove and was a blast to ride. I had a 1500 gold wing that was perfectly fine but not me, still have a 78 OldWing that I love to tear around on, and recently sold a softail to buy my 2012 Voyager (just not a Harley guy - I tried). I just got back from a 2000 mile trip on the Voyager and enjoyed every minute. I will probably do the Ivan's at some point but other than that I really am very happy with it. In the back of my mind I still want a Valkyrie - some thing about that bike just calls to me. And I love the looks of the new F6B wings. I'm convinced it's a personality thing, just like any good relationship. Ride what you like, life is short.

[ponch]

Interesting thread. Having owned many bikes over the years (including HD) I think I can safely say that each bike has a personality and sometimes they click and sometimes they just don't fit no matter what you do. I had a Honda Shadow for a while and really didn't like it - it was sold within 6 months. My father in law has one and I ride his once in a while and I still don't like the ride 15 years later. I still get sad when I think of the 99 Drifter I sold a few years ago - that bike fit like a glove and was a blast to ride. I had a 1500 gold wing that was perfectly fine but not me, still have a 78 OldWing that I love to tear around on, and recently sold a softail to buy my 2012 Voyager (just not a Harley guy - I tried). I just got back from a 2000 mile trip on the Voyager and enjoyed every minute. I will probably do the Ivan's at some point but other than that I really am very happy with it. In the back of my mind I still want a Valkyrie - some thing about that bike just calls to me. And I love the looks of the new F6B wings. I'm convinced it's a personality thing, just like any good relationship. Ride what you like, life is short.

I'd also add that our requirements and desires can change as we age. Knees and backs start to fail with our eyesight and hearing. My first bike was a KZ1000A2. I might like to have one for nostalgia, but not as a daily rider. I'd also not buy a bike without ABS and cruise control. Those are musts and that list gets bigger too, but ergonomics matter a lot as does all around function.

[notmighty]

Congratulations and welcome to the forum! :wave: The Vaq is only going to get better after break-in. Keep the fluids changed with quality products and you will years of trouble free service! We have a member who crossed 100k miles on his Vaq. We have other members who multiple 100K kilometer's on their clocks.
The decel popping can be quickly taken care of by having the ECU reprogrammed. Look for threads on IVAN or ECU. This is one of the more popular and best bang for the buck modifications. It addresses, fueling, temperature, and performance issues.

Congrats on being two years from retirement! :cheers:

Ride safe,
Smokier

fluids? aside from oil the dealer told me the coolant doesn't need to be changed till well over 50k, however I have not looked at the maintenance manual.

[JD Hog]

fluids? aside from oil the dealer told me the coolant doesn't need to be changed till well over 50k, however I have not looked at the maintenance manual.

I think he was lying to you. :wtf:

My Voyager manual says 3 years or 22,500 miles. :shrug:

Should be the same for your Vaq. :tup:

[schoeney]

Don't forget brake/clutch fluid.

Oh and the manual says to change the blinker fluid every two years. 😁

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

[mike07nad]

Don't forget brake/clutch fluid.

Oh and the manual says to change the blinker fluid every two years. 😁

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Also, Don't forget to cycle your flatulator exhaust valve in your seat every 10 - 15,000 miles.

Sorry - I just couldn't resist.

[ponch]

Don't forget brake/clutch fluid.

Oh and the manual says to change the blinker fluid every two years. 😁

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If the bike has ABS, the brake fluid should be flushed no less often than every two years.

[notmighty]

I think he was lying to you. :wtf:

My Voyager manual says 3 years or 22,500 miles. :shrug:

Should be the same for your Vaq. :tup:

Thanks! I'm gonan have to dig out the owners manual/maintenance manual and do some reading >:(, I have thought about draining the coolant to fill it with fresh fluid and some water wetter w/ hopes of dropping the coolant temp a tad or two lol

[mike07nad]

Thanks! I'm gonan have to dig out the owners manual/maintenance manual and do some reading >:(, I have thought about draining the coolant to fill it with fresh fluid and some water wetter w/ hopes of dropping the coolant temp a tad or two lol

I recently switched over from OEM coolant with Water Wetter added to Engine Ice. I liked the Coolant and Water Wetter Better. I just thought the engine Ice would drop my temp some, Didn't seem to. And for what it cost me.

Note - the change is not that bad - follow the instructions in the manual.