thinking of an upgrade 1500 Nomad to Vaquero

wildwr · 09-10-2018, 02:43 PM

I've been thinking of upgrading my 2003 Vulcan Nomad 1500 to a 2016-18 Vaquero 1700.

I'm wondering if there's really that much performance difference?

I've read tons of threads on modifying the 1700 but I'm not convinced its worth the upgrade with or without mods.

I've been very happy with my 1500 which only has 24,000kms. however there's times I find I want a little more power.

I rode against an identical model to mine with a power commander and full V&Hs, to be honest I really didn't see that much difference in power or performance. just a lot of noise.

Looking for some feedback on pros and cons of upgrading and is it really worth it.

Thanks

redjay · 09-10-2018, 03:40 PM

If you are happy with the performance (most of the time) and it only has 24,000 kms my advice is to keep it. Part of the decision depends on how much longer you intend to ride. Your bike wont be worth much less 5 years from now. It still has some value today, but not much, maybe 3 to 4 thousand. You will have to add $10,000 to $12,000 to get a 2016 to 2018 Vaquero. Do you want to spend $12,000 to get a little extra power ?

rolfe · 09-10-2018, 07:36 PM

Yes but wait till after the holidays for sure a better buy.

mbarr10 · 09-10-2018, 09:06 PM

Quote:

I've been thinking of upgrading my 2003 Vulcan Nomad 1500 to a 2016-18 Vaquero 1700.

I'm wondering if there's really that much performance difference?

I've read tons of threads on modifying the 1700 but I'm not convinced its worth the upgrade with or without mods.

I came from the 2007 1500 classic with a reckless batwing and stereo to the Vaquero.
Only had 42,000 on it. Happy I did, but you have to spend the money on the Ivan mod to even begin to compare the 2 bikes. With out the Ivan Mod you will find the Vaquero very jerky especially if it is new. Takes 6-8000 miles to come in and run better.

My thoughts for doing it were Time and Miles take a toll on any equipment. Seals, rubber stuff coatings ect just get old. A major repair can cost as much as the bike is worth. or it can nickel and dime you, since I ride every day it would be very inconvenient for me and frustrating.. Then you lose that money when you sell it.
NOW KEEP IN MIND, THIS IS WHAT I TOLD MYSELF. And I believed me.

Your mileage may vary.

More power, Yah more. not a real lot but defiantly more. Handles better because they reduced the rake on the forks, cornering is much more fun. More stable in the wind. Lots less motor noise, No more of the rattling.

I do miss the 1500 sometimes but not much as the time passes. And I still have another year left on my warrantee. I sleep better. Yet make payments that are consistent and not ones that are surprising and Major decisions like do I sell or part it out, and now what do I ride??

My $0.02

wildwr · 09-10-2018, 09:32 PM

I appreciate the advice and opinions. When I swapped out tires I dropped the front tire size down to the same size as current bikes and was amazed how much better the bike handled.

Can someone direct me to the “Ivan Mod”.

Noting: I have a buyer on stand by For $5000 and I found a 2018 vaquero demo with 200 Kms for $16000 plus tax with full warranty.

So I’m really hung up on how much more power difference I will see. Between removing muffler baffles and updating clutch to meanstreak clutch plate and judges washers I found a huge increase in performance.

redjay · 09-10-2018, 09:52 PM

http://www.ivansperformanceproducts.com/vn1700.htm

Add $2550 to the $16,000.
$2000 for taxes and $550 Canadian for Ivans ECU flash.

Peg · 09-11-2018, 12:04 AM

I went from an '02 Nomad to the Voyager, and don't miss the 1500 at all.

Not having to look down at the tank for the gauges, cruise control, better handling, more power - are among the best of many improvements the factory made - plus a few more of my own doing (Ivan's flash, a Daylong seat, and aftermarket suspension), have all resulted in a bike that I intend to keep longer than any other I've had over 45 years of riding.

mbarr10 · 09-11-2018, 12:38 AM

Take that money and come on over. everything else will fall in place. every one wins. Go Now !! EXCEPT , $16,000 Canadian? is a bit to much ? This time of year? Unless your are color blind, Meaning you have to have that color. The Black is very nice,2018, red is very rich on the 2107 and Well what can I say on the 2016 ? Notice my avatar. it says it for me.

wildwr · 09-11-2018, 07:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mbarr10

Take that money and come on over. everything else will fall in place. every one wins. Go Now !! EXCEPT , $16,000 Canadian? is a bit to much ? This time of year? Unless your are color blind, Meaning you have to have that color. The Black is very nice,2018, red is very rich on the 2107 and Well what can I say on the 2016 ? Notice my avatar. it says it for me.

Canadian prices are crazy, but that’s a good price compared to other places.

**smokier** · 09-15-2018, 08:26 AM

Wildwr, we south of the northern border members will have to take your word for it. My first thought was as MBarr's, 16K CANADIAN seems like a ton of money for a scoot with miles already on her.

HappyHoovy · 09-15-2018, 01:15 PM

I have a 2002 Nomad 1500 and have been very happy with it. I bought it used with 8,000 miles on it for $4,000 US. It came with Vance and Hines pipes. They were fine around town, but they were too loud for my taste when cruising on the interstate so I added some more baffling to them. I agree that having to look down at the tank to look at the gauges is a drag. I added a Baron big air kit which looks great and may have added 1 or 2 hp. I also added a fuel management system which makes the engine run cooler and may add a little power. (The engine had been running lean because of the free-flowing aftermarket exhaust pipes.) I am a thrifty guy and this bike is paid for, so I am sticking with what I have. The bike needs a new front tire. What size and type of tire did you put on yours?

redjay · 09-15-2018, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smokier

Wildwr, we south of the northern border members will have to take your word for it. My first thought was as MBarr's, 16K CANADIAN seems like a ton of money for a scoot with miles already on her.

10 years ago I almost bought a brand new Nomad here in Canada.
Even allowing for the U.S exchange rate the bike was $3000 cheaper in the U.S.

The Black Knight · 09-16-2018, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redjay

If you are happy with the performance (most of the time) and it only has 24,000 kms my advice is to keep it. Part of the decision depends on how much longer you intend to ride. Your bike wont be worth much less 5 years from now. It still has some value today, but not much, maybe 3 to 4 thousand. You will have to add $10,000 to $12,000 to get a 2016 to 2018 Vaquero. Do you want to spend $12,000 to get a little extra power ?

I agree with you

ldhthept · 09-16-2018, 03:02 PM

Grey Vaq in Rome Ga for sale at dealership for $8500, trade ins accepted. Not mine, just saw an ad. Craigslist can be your friend.

Killer_Kaw · 09-20-2018, 04:11 PM

No experience with the 1500 but my last cruiser was a 1600 meanstreak. Now the happy owner of a 2018 Vaquero. Very happy with the bike it has plenty of power and almost never sees WOT. Biggest difference for me as far as the engine is it’s much quieter and very smooth. I did have the Ivans flash done and it really smooths the fueling out. I also added an air kit and 2-1 freedom exhaust. Ivan adjusted the flash for this set up so no need for power commander or such. As far as price goes I was tax, title, out the door for $14,300 brand new May of this year at Rick Roush Motorsports here in Ohio. There were rebates in play at the time and the fellas at that dealership like to sell motorcycles.

09-10-2018, 02:43 PM	#1
wildwr Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Pickering, Ontario Posts: 71	thinking of an upgrade 1500 Nomad to Vaquero I've been thinking of upgrading my 2003 Vulcan Nomad 1500 to a 2016-18 Vaquero 1700. I'm wondering if there's really that much performance difference? I've read tons of threads on modifying the 1700 but I'm not convinced its worth the upgrade with or without mods. I've been very happy with my 1500 which only has 24,000kms. however there's times I find I want a little more power. I rode against an identical model to mine with a power commander and full V&Hs, to be honest I really didn't see that much difference in power or performance. just a lot of noise. Looking for some feedback on pros and cons of upgrading and is it really worth it. Thanks __________________ 2003 Vulcan 1500 Nomad. Login or Register to Remove Ads
	0

09-10-2018, 09:32 PM	#5
wildwr Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Pickering, Ontario Posts: 71	I appreciate the advice and opinions. When I swapped out tires I dropped the front tire size down to the same size as current bikes and was amazed how much better the bike handled. Can someone direct me to the “Ivan Mod”. Noting: I have a buyer on stand by For $5000 and I found a 2018 vaquero demo with 200 Kms for $16000 plus tax with full warranty. So I’m really hung up on how much more power difference I will see. Between removing muffler baffles and updating clutch to meanstreak clutch plate and judges washers I found a huge increase in performance. __________________ 2003 Vulcan 1500 Nomad. Login or Register to Remove Ads
	0

09-11-2018, 12:04 AM	#7
Peg Sr. Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: West Coast, North Island, New Zealand Posts: 1,375	I went from an '02 Nomad to the Voyager, and don't miss the 1500 at all. Not having to look down at the tank for the gauges, cruise control, better handling, more power - are among the best of many improvements the factory made - plus a few more of my own doing (Ivan's flash, a Daylong seat, and aftermarket suspension), have all resulted in a bike that I intend to keep longer than any other I've had over 45 years of riding. __________________ Nothing screams poor workmanship like wrinkles in the duct tape '02 1500 blonde Nomad (Sold) '97 800 burgundy Classic (Sold)
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09-11-2018, 12:38 AM	#8
mbarr10 Sr. Member Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Minneapolis Posts: 1,562	Take that money and come on over. everything else will fall in place. every one wins. Go Now !! EXCEPT , $16,000 Canadian? is a bit to much ? This time of year? Unless your are color blind, Meaning you have to have that color. The Black is very nice,2018, red is very rich on the 2107 and Well what can I say on the 2016 ? Notice my avatar. it says it for me. __________________ Please post back after you have solved any issues 2016 1700 Vaquero 10/4/2016 2007 1500 Classic W/ Reckless Fairing, 42,000 miles 2004 600 Honda Shadow 18,000 miles 1989 500 Honda CX Custom 55,000 miles 1973 400 Kawi Triple 5,000 miles Last edited by mbarr10; 09-11-2018 at 12:45 AM.
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09-10-2018, 03:40 PM	#2
redjay Top Contributor Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Ontario Posts: 6,943	If you are happy with the performance (most of the time) and it only has 24,000 kms my advice is to keep it. Part of the decision depends on how much longer you intend to ride. Your bike wont be worth much less 5 years from now. It still has some value today, but not much, maybe 3 to 4 thousand. You will have to add $10,000 to $12,000 to get a 2016 to 2018 Vaquero. Do you want to spend $12,000 to get a little extra power ?
	0

09-10-2018, 07:36 PM	#3
rolfe Advanced Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Lake Travis, Texas Posts: 518	Yes but wait till after the holidays for sure a better buy.
	0

09-10-2018, 09:52 PM	#6
redjay Top Contributor Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Ontario Posts: 6,943	http://www.ivansperformanceproducts.com/vn1700.htm Add $2550 to the $16,000. $2000 for taxes and $550 Canadian for Ivans ECU flash.
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09-15-2018, 08:26 AM	#10
smokier Join Date: May 2015 Location: DBQ Iowa Posts: 1,807	Wildwr, we south of the northern border members will have to take your word for it. My first thought was as MBarr's, 16K CANADIAN seems like a ton of money for a scoot with miles already on her.
	0

09-15-2018, 01:15 PM	#11
HappyHoovy Jr. Member Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Duluth, Ga. Posts: 43	I have a 2002 Nomad 1500 and have been very happy with it. I bought it used with 8,000 miles on it for $4,000 US. It came with Vance and Hines pipes. They were fine around town, but they were too loud for my taste when cruising on the interstate so I added some more baffling to them. I agree that having to look down at the tank to look at the gauges is a drag. I added a Baron big air kit which looks great and may have added 1 or 2 hp. I also added a fuel management system which makes the engine run cooler and may add a little power. (The engine had been running lean because of the free-flowing aftermarket exhaust pipes.) I am a thrifty guy and this bike is paid for, so I am sticking with what I have. The bike needs a new front tire. What size and type of tire did you put on yours?
	0

09-16-2018, 03:02 PM	#14
ldhthept Sr. Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Tallahassee FL Posts: 1,035	Grey Vaq in Rome Ga for sale at dealership for $8500, trade ins accepted. Not mine, just saw an ad. Craigslist can be your friend.
	0

09-20-2018, 04:11 PM	#15
Killer_Kaw Jr. Member Join Date: May 2018 Location: Ohio Posts: 7	No experience with the 1500 but my last cruiser was a 1600 meanstreak. Now the happy owner of a 2018 Vaquero. Very happy with the bike it has plenty of power and almost never sees WOT. Biggest difference for me as far as the engine is it’s much quieter and very smooth. I did have the Ivans flash done and it really smooths the fueling out. I also added an air kit and 2-1 freedom exhaust. Ivan adjusted the flash for this set up so no need for power commander or such. As far as price goes I was tax, title, out the door for $14,300 brand new May of this year at Rick Roush Motorsports here in Ohio. There were rebates in play at the time and the fellas at that dealership like to sell motorcycles.
	0