Saw a Vaquero for the first time

[Jared]

I have been in love with the Vaquero ever since I saw the first picture of it, but today I saw one in person for the first time, sitting side by side with a Voyager, and I was slightly disappointed. -Just a few thoughts-

I expected the floor boards to be slightly farther forward, like the 1700 classics, but I took some simple measurements and they are in the exact same location as the Voyager. That is not necessarily a bad thing for me, being only 5'9", but for some it may be.

The bags on the Vaquero are much better than the Voyagers, but that is the only main benefit. The Voyager has a light bar, passenger floorboards, full-size trunk with wrap around backrest and chromed rack, larger seat, and lots of chrome parts all for only $1000 more. It is an obviously better value

I wish the Vaquero had a chrome model available. With the two bikes being set up how they are, I would prefer a Voyager over a Vaquero. If money wasn't an issue I'd get a Voyager and mount some Nomad bags on it and then sell the Voyager bags, which are probably more valuable, being less common. I think that would be a better alternative to buying a Vaquero and adding all the necessary accessories.

[coacha]

That is a good take on the bikes Jared. I like the look of the Vaquero but I don't think I can justify the price compared to the Voyager.

[socwkbiker]

Thanks for the review Jared. I still don't like certain aspects of the Voyager, but I can see what you mean about the value.

[ray2]

Went to get the ECU replaced today (the recall) and also saw the Vaquero for the first time. Dealer had it in red and black. The new Nomad was $14,999 the Vaquero was $15,799 in red or black and the Voyager was $17,499.

[Jared]

Originally Posted by ray2

Went to get the ECU replaced today (the recall) and also saw the Vaquero for the first time. Dealer had it in red and black. The new Nomad was $14,999 the Vaquero was $15,799 in red or black and the Voyager was $17,499.

MSRP prices are as follows
Nomad-$15,499
Vaquero-$16,499
Voyager-$17,499
Voyager ABS-$18,599

[ken]

I've looked the Vaquero over and while the bike looks good generally, I don't think that faring fits the overall look of the bike. In my humble opinion, a faring belongs on a cruiser type bike and the Vaquero isn't exactly a cruiser (kind of hard to define - more of a "chopper" although it doesn't really fit that category either. Actually, I probably don't know what I am talking about or want to say, but I much, much prefer my 2005 Nomad.

[jestephens]

I, on the other hand, am having the hardest time not taking advantage of maw-kaw's 0-down, 0% apr financing.

My in-laws are coming for a40 day visit this summer, and I know I'll have to wait until after that if I do anything. :-[

[ponch]

Originally Posted by Utah Motorcyclist

I have been in love with the Vaquero ever since I saw the first picture of it, but today I saw one in person for the first time, sitting side by side with a Voyager, and I was slightly disappointed. -Just a few thoughts-

I expected the floor boards to be slightly farther forward, like the 1700 classics, but I took some simple measurements and they are in the exact same location as the Voyager. That is not necessarily a bad thing for me, being only 5'9", but for some it may be.

The bags on the Vaquero are much better than the Voyagers, but that is the only main benefit. The Voyager has a light bar, passenger floorboards, full-size trunk with wrap around backrest and chromed rack, larger seat, and lots of chrome parts all for only $1000 more. It is an obviously better value

I wish the Vaquero had a chrome model available. With the two bikes being set up how they are, I would prefer a Voyager over a Vaquero. If money wasn't an issue I'd get a Voyager and mount some Nomad bags on it and then sell the Voyager bags, which are probably more valuable, being less common. I think that would be a better alternative to buying a Vaquero and adding all the necessary accessories.

And you can get ABS with the voyager.

[landman]

but you get an extra piston ring on the vaquero for durability ::),what's
up with that.

[ponch]

Originally Posted by landman

but you get an extra piston ring on the vaquero for durability ::),what's
up with that.

I think that is mis-stated. They probably modified the second compression ring. a lot of journalists and marketing types don't know a compression ring from an oil control ring. I would thing that all street bikes come with 2 compression rings and one oil control ring per piston. it doesn't make sense the way it's been parlayed.

[Jared]

Originally Posted by ponch

And you can get ABS with the voyager.

Teri Conrad, a Kawi employee told me that next year they will have an abs option.

[elvis]

<<I'd get a Voyager and mount some Nomad bags on it and then sell the Voyager bags, which are probably more valuable, being less common. I think that would be a better alternative to buying a Vaquero and adding all the necessary accessories.
[/quote]

Jared, do you know if the bag mounts are compatible between Vaquero and Voyager?

[Griz]

I agree with your assessment Jared, I am not wild about the blackened out engine and wheels on the Vaquero. When I saw one sitting next to a Voyager at my local dealer a couple of weeks ago, I thought for the price difference, it iooks like you get a lot more for your money with the Voyager. The price posted on the Voyager, a 2010 model, was only $300.00 more than the Vaquero. Makes me like the Voyager even more!

I do like the Vaquero bags and the Red color!

[ponch]

Originally Posted by Utah Motorcyclist

Teri Conrad, a Kawi employee told me that next year they will have an abs option.

I'd rather get the same exact red paint job on the voyager with ABS.

[1600bluekaw]

I have been going to my local dealer every week for the last month to see the Vaquero. Finally today it was there on the show room floor. I was drooling all over myself. I sat on it & did not want to get off the saddle. The lines are great especially the rear, it all flows with the fender & Nomad style saddle bags. It felt like the handlebars are more narrow that my 08 Nomad. If I had lottery money in the bank I would have this bike in the stable. I really enjoy my Nomad & all the chrome it has on it, also the ability to ride two comfortably. The Vaquero would be my bike to cruise with the POSSE on Saturday nites