Looking to the Spanish word vaquero, which means “cowboy”, Kawasaki have apparently designed the hulking bagger under the mantra of ‘whatever it takes’, at least to get riders into this new machine.

Featuring a massive 1,700cc SOHC liquid-cooled V-twin engine, the Vulcan Vaquero hides its powerhouse technology with retro looks, even as it delivers 108 foot-pounds of torque.

The Vaquero’s advanced electronic fuel injection reportedly optimizes engine response without detracting from its distinctive V-twin throb. A water-cooled alternator produces a staggering 46.8 amps, plenty to power a selection of electronic accessories to enrich motorcycle travel.

 

The Vaquero offers true touring-bike convenience in the form of its electronic cruise control system, conveniently operated from the right handlebar and usable at any speed between 30 and 85 mph in any of the top four gears.

The engine’s features include an overhead cam design, high compression and a long-stroke dimensional design that results in the sort of effortless low- and mid-range thrust that’s so desirable and useful in a big-inch cruiser. Vaquero’s throttle valve system works with the advanced electronic fuel injection to optimize engine response without detracting from its distinctive V-twin throb. The system utilizes an Accelerator Position Sensor (APS) and a Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) that feed data to the ECU, which adjusts the throttle plates to tailor intake airflow accordingly.

The system is based on that found on the Ninja® 650R and Vulcan 900 motorcycles and utilizes one sensor in place of the usual three for reduced complexity and weight.

Following in the standard for cruisers, Vaquero’s 1700 cc engine runs it power through a six speed transmission with overdriven 5th and 6th gears, which contributes to a relaxed ride and excellent fuel economy at highway speeds.

More details about the engine;

Liquid-cooled, four valves per cylinder, fuel-injected 1,700cc 52-degree V-twin engine

Long-stroke 102 x 104mm bore and stroke dimensions deliver high torque levels with a distinct V-twin feel

Valve-actuation system is based on the Vulcan 2000’s, but uses a single overhead cam arrangement instead of pushrods for quicker revving and enhanced mid-high rpm power

Semi-dry sump design allows lower crankshaft positioning and a longer piston stroke without increasing engine height

Single-pin crankshaft accentuates the engine’s V-twin character by providing strong power pulses

Large-capacity airbox is located on both sides of the engine

Small-diameter iridium sparkplugs reach deep into the combustion chamber for high combustion efficiency, especially during low-load operation

Engine tuning, combined with long-stroke design, offers superior acceleration in the 50-70 mph range

Even in overdrive (5th and 6th gear) the engine pulls strongly, which makes highway passing easier

The Vaquero’s fully electronic throttle actuation system enables the ECU to control the volume of intake air (via throttle valve angle) and fuel (via fuel injector timing) delivered to the engine with the optimized injector timing and throttle valve position resulting in accurate, powerful engine response. Kawasaki is promising by having the control of both injection and airflow riders will enjoy easy starting and precise cold-engine idle speed control.

From the rider’s perspective, the ETV system works like a standard cable-operated throttle; the throttle grip remains connected to cables, so the feel at the grip is the same. Twisting the throttle turns a pulley on the throttle body, which triggers the Accelerator Position Sensor (APS) to send a signal to the ECU, which then modulates the throttle valves via a DC motor. Accurate throttle position is relayed to the ECU by a Throttle Position Sensor (TPS).

And just in case, APS and TPS send two sets of signals to the ECU for system redundancy in the unlikely event of a sensor failure

Design-wise, the latest offering from Kawasaki highlights its sparing chrome against powder black components wrapped with fairings reminiscent of muscle cars from the 1970’s. While not design as radical as Victory’s Vision when first introduced some years ago, Kawasaki have made the lines of its Vaquero just different enough to catch the eye.

Coming in black, sorry Ebony and Candy Fire Red on the abbreviated fairing, sculpted tank and curvaceous bodywork is finished with a wildly shaped rear fender that integrates equally stylish taillight and turn signal assemblies.

Other design features include;

Basic engine architecture supports the Vaquero’s factory-custom look, while its blacked-out color with machined and bare-aluminum accents sets off the bike’s color scheme

Gloss and matte finishes on the engine highlight aesthetics even further

Hand-formed body-part shapes create a highly customized appearance

Many of the parts are original designs, which adds to the factory-custom look and feel of the Vaquero. These include the engine shrouds, rear fender, one-piece side covers, saddlebags, fairing, and seat

Cut-down fairing looks like a true custom piece, right down to the abbreviated smoked windscreen and headlight cover

Louvre-style fog lamp covers can be replaced with accessory lamps

Sculpted strut covers seamlessly fill the space between the rear fender and saddlebags

Newly designed mufflers are tapered at their ends for a thoroughly retro look

Sculpted, custom-look seat looks good and cradles the rider for maximum comfort

LED taillight is attractive and highly conspicuous when lit for added safety

Among the sweeping lines is a scooped saddle with a minimalist passenger pad. The seat height is just 28.7 inches and along with sporty one-piece seat the overall look is a low, long classic cruiser look. Sculpted seat blends a stylish shape with ideal foam density for all-day comfort with a scooped shape that allows an easy reach to the ground. An upright riding position and rubber-topped floorboards contribute to substantial riding comfort.

The frame holding all this hardware together is a single backbone, double cradle unit designed to be as slim and light as possible for an easy reach to the ground and optimal handling.

The strong steel frame allows a relatively short wheelbase for optimal ergonomics and easy maneuverability. Lightweight and slim, the Vaquero frame minimizes the number of forged parts and trims any unnecessary metal. The only forged parts are areas that require additional strength: the down-tube joint, engine brackets, side-stand bracket and rear fender/shock absorber bracket

Kawasaki feels this compact design contributes to light handling and facilitates low-speed handling, especially maneuvers such as parking or U-turns.

The fairing on the Vaquero that has the muscle car vibes is supposedly lower than a traditional windshield or full fairing, but Kawasaki promises it still cuts a decent-sized hole in oncoming atmosphere, giving the rider a useful still-air cocoon in which to enjoy the ride.

With all the obvious effort that has gone into the over look and feel of the Vulcan Vaquero, it’s no surprise it sports hard-case side bags that lend themselves to the low, long, ultra stylish lines.

These hard, lockable and sealed side-opening side cases provide nearly 10 gallons of storage space each for overnight touring.  Their flowing, rounded shape is an attractive alternative to the square, boxy luggage found on other bagger models.  Up front, lockable glove boxes provide a handy place for storing smaller items and the Vaquero also features dual under-seat helmet holders.

What is a touring motorcycle without the tunes?

The instrument layout and large round dials give the Vaquero’s console a custom look with a retro flavor with the radio/stereo unit featuring a classically custom look from the 1960s. Multi-function LCD display in the center of the instrument console is controlled by switches on the right handlebar.

Features include a gear position indicator, fuel gauge, clock, odometer, dual trip meters, remaining range and average fuel consumption.  Analog displays include speedometer, tachometer and coolant temperature gauge.

Audio system with twin speakers features radio (FM/AM/WX) and compatibility with optional iPod®, XM tuner or CB radio units and it can be operated by switches on the left handlebar.

The cost of all this cool? The Vulcan Vaquero 1700 has a recommended sticker price of $16,499 with a webpage full of accessories to keep any biker confident their ride will look different from any other similar model they may come across in their travels.

Pictures of Kawasaki's 2011 1700 Vaquero

The official Specifications