vaquero reliability

Iantoy · 03-23-2021, 09:20 AM

i am looking at a vaquero 2014 model 28000 KM ,bike looks very good condition .I have been looking on the forums and have seen problems with the transmission, gear failures ie' first and second gear, 5th and 6th gears not being hardened correctly, outer drive shaft failure, loose drive shaft pulley has destroyed the splines which all result in complete engine strip down for repairs. Are these very common problems? What sort of mileage have you guys got on your bikes?
I live in Bulgaria so not quite so easy to get hold of parts if there are problems. I really like the bike but find it a bit concerning.
Thanks Ian

redjay · 03-23-2021, 05:00 PM

Hello and welcome to the forum.

The issues you raised are not common but they do happen. On a forum you will hear about the bikes with issues but rarely hear about the vast majority of bikes that don't have any issues.

As with all things in life it is a gamble. Use your gut feeling and make your decision based on that. Good luck.

**JD Hog** · 03-23-2021, 07:08 PM

Hi and welcome from Northern California!

The 1700's don't have a drive shaft, they are belt driven.

markc9503 · 03-23-2021, 11:39 PM

I have a 2013 Voyager which is, apart from some luggage and styling, the same motorcycle. I have had none of these problems and I am coming up on 40k miles.

As was said previously what you see posted are problems. There are far fewer posts of "Everything is fine here."

The Black Knight · 03-25-2021, 07:33 AM

Welcome from Italy.

I agree with redjay.

**smokier** · 03-26-2021, 11:20 AM

Greetings, Welcome and Congratulations!

I have had both a 2012 Vaquero and a 2015 Vaquero (Mine and the Brides rides).
The 2012 was at 40K miles, with no known issues, The 2015 was at 30k (29,9xx) miles when it was traded, with no known issues.

I would agree that there have been reports of those problems, it is NOT common.
Adding this: The factory drive belt tension is TOO tight. There are dozens of threads about adjusting the belt tension to a more acceptable level. *And* that the factory "excessive belt tension" may have lead to some premature failures.
I.E. Adjust the belt to a more industry STANDARD tension and ride the heck out of her!

Ride safe,
Smokier

Milkbone_VP_SpartanSonsRC · 03-30-2021, 11:30 AM

I had all the gears replaced on my 15 at 6k miles. Haven't had peoblem since. These bikes are great and these issues aren't common.

P2breaker · 07-03-2021, 11:27 PM

My 2016 Vaquero just hit 43k miles. There have been no problems at all. I only today heard about the front pulley nut possibly coming loose. I plan on checking it tomorrow.

andyvh1959 · 07-05-2021, 10:53 AM

I suspect some of the driveline issues are combined, meaning that the final drive belt may be too tight, and the bike owner not using the best shifting technique. Especially on bikes with a heel/toe shifter I suspect some riders hammer on the heel shifter and also hit the throttle hard. The most common issue when it happens is 2nd gear. When you consider how we typically ride; we get the bike moving in 1st gear and then get into harder at the 2nd gear shift. Shift technique can help a lot especially on a big v-twin. Get the bike up to speed, get your foot under the shifter to take up the free play, at the shift point keep any throttle chop to a minimum (try to keep the engine speed drop to a minimum) and then only about 1/4 clutch lever action and the shift easily clicks in. After 2nd gear the momentum of the bike gets it through the shift easier, but the lowest gears require the best shifting action.

I prefer to use the toe shifter as it gives me better feel for shifting than using the heel shifter. The heel shifter makes it too easy to just hammer through the shifts.

mbarr10 · 07-05-2021, 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andyvh1959

I suspect some of the driveline issues are combined, meaning that the final drive belt may be too tight, and the bike owner not using the best shifting technique. Especially on bikes with a heel/toe shifter I suspect some riders hammer on the heel shifter and also hit the throttle hard. The most common issue when it happens is 2nd gear. When you consider how we typically ride; we get the bike moving in 1st gear and then get into harder at the 2nd gear shift. Shift technique can help a lot especially on a big v-twin. Get the bike up to speed, get your foot under the shifter to take up the free play, at the shift point keep any throttle chop to a minimum (try to keep the engine speed drop to a minimum) and then only about 1/4 clutch lever action and the shift easily clicks in. After 2nd gear the momentum of the bike gets it through the shift easier, but the lowest gears require the best shifting action.

I prefer to use the toe shifter as it gives me better feel for shifting than using the heel shifter. The heel shifter makes it too easy to just hammer through the shifts.

Damn Straight, Otherwise you need a tranny rebuild like I got. While I was in the shop 2 other bikes have had 3rd and 2nd gear issues. I take full responsibility for my issue, But Had a lot of Fun getting there. Warrantee so just down time for my carelessness. DOWN TIME SUCKS !! Not going there again. Lesson Learned.

After all that I had to add slack to the drive belt, since they did a full To Spec rebuild.

03-23-2021, 09:20 AM	#1
Iantoy Jr. Member Join Date: Mar 2021 Posts: 1	vaquero reliability i am looking at a vaquero 2014 model 28000 KM ,bike looks very good condition .I have been looking on the forums and have seen problems with the transmission, gear failures ie' first and second gear, 5th and 6th gears not being hardened correctly, outer drive shaft failure, loose drive shaft pulley has destroyed the splines which all result in complete engine strip down for repairs. Are these very common problems? What sort of mileage have you guys got on your bikes? I live in Bulgaria so not quite so easy to get hold of parts if there are problems. I really like the bike but find it a bit concerning. Thanks Ian Login or Register to Remove Ads
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03-23-2021, 05:00 PM	#2
redjay Top Contributor Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Ontario Posts: 6,927	Hello and welcome to the forum. The issues you raised are not common but they do happen. On a forum you will hear about the bikes with issues but rarely hear about the vast majority of bikes that don't have any issues. As with all things in life it is a gamble. Use your gut feeling and make your decision based on that. Good luck. Last edited by redjay; 03-23-2021 at 08:05 PM.
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03-23-2021, 07:08 PM	#3
JD Hog Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Placerville, CA Posts: 2,946	Hi and welcome from Northern California! The 1700's don't have a drive shaft, they are belt driven. __________________ Jim Diebolt 2015 Vulcan 1700 Voyager ABS The Black Kaw 2005 Vulcan Nomad Sold 2006 Honda 1800 VTX (Freebie) Sold 2008 Harley Ultra Classic Sold 2001 Harley Ultra Classic Sold Hangtown, Kalifornia VBA #2625
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03-23-2021, 11:39 PM	#4
markc9503 Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Westminster, CO Posts: 65	I have a 2013 Voyager which is, apart from some luggage and styling, the same motorcycle. I have had none of these problems and I am coming up on 40k miles. As was said previously what you see posted are problems. There are far fewer posts of "Everything is fine here." __________________ VROC 4018 VBA 02454 Physics & Astronomy Teacher Boulder High School Boulder, Colorado Mysteriously, wonderfully, I bid farewell to what goes, I greet what comes; for what comes cannot be denied, and what goes cannot be detained. --Master Chuang--
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03-25-2021, 07:33 AM	#5
The Black Knight Top Contributor Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Italy Posts: 6,020	Welcome from Italy. I agree with redjay. __________________ VBA 02514 - VROC 35394 VN 800 A - VN 900 Classic VN 1700 Vaquero Usque ad finem. Login or Register to Remove Ads
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03-26-2021, 11:20 AM	#6
smokier Join Date: May 2015 Location: DBQ Iowa Posts: 1,807	Greetings, Welcome and Congratulations! I have had both a 2012 Vaquero and a 2015 Vaquero (Mine and the Brides rides). The 2012 was at 40K miles, with no known issues, The 2015 was at 30k (29,9xx) miles when it was traded, with no known issues. I would agree that there have been reports of those problems, it is NOT common. Adding this: The factory drive belt tension is TOO tight. There are dozens of threads about adjusting the belt tension to a more acceptable level. And that the factory "excessive belt tension" may have lead to some premature failures. I.E. Adjust the belt to a more industry STANDARD tension and ride the heck out of her! Ride safe, Smokier __________________ You only get one, so "Make it the best day ever!" 2014 Victory Cross County Tour Blue Fire Gloss (BFG) "Cruella" Brides Ride: 2012 Victory Crossroads in Sunset Red "Ruby" Previous Vulcans: '15 Vaquero, '12 Vaquero, '10 1700 Nomad, '04 1500 Classic, '01 1500 Classic, '88 Vulcan 750 VROC # 10967 \| VBA # 3115
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03-30-2021, 11:30 AM	#7
Milkbone_VP_SpartanSonsRC Jr. Member Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: South Bend Indiana Posts: 5	My trans I had all the gears replaced on my 15 at 6k miles. Haven't had peoblem since. These bikes are great and these issues aren't common.
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07-03-2021, 11:27 PM	#8
P2breaker Member Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Woodbridge, Vriginia Posts: 45	My 2016 Vaquero just hit 43k miles. There have been no problems at all. I only today heard about the front pulley nut possibly coming loose. I plan on checking it tomorrow.
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07-05-2021, 10:53 AM	#9
andyvh1959 Advanced Member Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: Green Bay WI Posts: 755	I suspect some of the driveline issues are combined, meaning that the final drive belt may be too tight, and the bike owner not using the best shifting technique. Especially on bikes with a heel/toe shifter I suspect some riders hammer on the heel shifter and also hit the throttle hard. The most common issue when it happens is 2nd gear. When you consider how we typically ride; we get the bike moving in 1st gear and then get into harder at the 2nd gear shift. Shift technique can help a lot especially on a big v-twin. Get the bike up to speed, get your foot under the shifter to take up the free play, at the shift point keep any throttle chop to a minimum (try to keep the engine speed drop to a minimum) and then only about 1/4 clutch lever action and the shift easily clicks in. After 2nd gear the momentum of the bike gets it through the shift easier, but the lowest gears require the best shifting action. I prefer to use the toe shifter as it gives me better feel for shifting than using the heel shifter. The heel shifter makes it too easy to just hammer through the shifts. __________________ My $1200 Vulcan, to start from.
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