2024 Kawasaki Vaquero vs. Voyager: A detailed, side by side comparison!
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- Опубликовано: 27 авг 2024
- The 2024 Kawasaki Vaquero and Voyager are still two great bikes for riders looking for a traditional big V-Twin that can take them anywhere from across town to across the country, but there are key differences which may make one better for you than the other. In this video, I explore those differences with you to help you decide which one is best for you. Check out these bikes for yourself by connecting with the amazing team at Jim Gilbert's PowerSports here: powersports.wh...
I bought a 2023 Vaquero. Excellent bike I put an air cleaner, two in one exhaust, Ivan‘s tune ,Klock Werks, Kawasaki gel seat and LED headlight main reason I bought one. Dealership gave me such a good trade-in for my sportster. Took one home for $11,500 out the door couldn’t pass the deal up. Does everything I need to do I like the old-school dash I have my cell phone mounted right on my handlebars. Very simple maintenance. Vulcan tunes are about to release an adapter you can Bluetooth your phone straight to the radio and use all the hand controls and see what music is playing on the radio.
Kawa should update it evolution style like indian just did with the scout. To finally make it less bubbly
it's better and more reliable than anything HD ever made!!!
Where can I get the info for the Bluetooth adapter?
An outstanding overview presentation of both bike models. I love my 2022 Voyager edition in turquoise and white. This is an excellent purchase if you’re in the market for a big bike at a reasonable cost, which is also practical for grocery shopping. The stock stereo system is so-so; however, the sound is quite good when streaming music from your phone over an inexpensive, Amazon-purchased cigarette-lighter Bluetooth device via the built-in FM radio. This machine turns heads.
. . .and all for probably less than 50% of the price of a Harley!
First off, good vid overall.
Now fellas I'm a kawa guy through and through (78 z650, 86 600R, 88 KX 250, 96 zx1100, 2012 KX 450 F, 2023 Z650RS) I know the sales fellow went on about these being "old school" (which I am by my age) but I've been waiting for years for Kawa to get it together on their touring bikes. I've had a Goldwing for years and a (yes even a) Yamaha Venture Royale prior to that. These are both very solid touring bike platforms. So I have seen the progression of things in this market area. I never considered a HD as they are not built for this purpose, IMO neither are the bikes above. I rode 700 miles last weekend with my wife on the rear seat (in one day.....one long day) and I would never put her on the back of one of these and try that.
There are reasons the others have progressed in their tech levels and abilities and this is to enhance the ride and usefulness of their touring models. Do I wanna pay huge money for a honda ....not on your life....Am I being backed into a corner....you bet your life......I just want to see a really decent effort from Kawasaki that can come close to their rivals. I've rode the V's the inline's etc etc all have good and bad characteristics...but I would like to see a bike my wife and I could hop on and travel a similar full days ride with all our gear from this manufacturer,......am I going to, unlikely and that is saddening to me.
enjoy all, keep the wheels up and the drinks down. ride safe and be safe.
I saw one of those matte blue vaqueros at a dealership yesterday sitting between two harleys. It actually held up really well. It caught my eye over the harleys. And the price was much more attractive.
It will last a lot longer than those "image" bikes. And cost a whole lot less in maintenance!
Love your videos, I just bought the Voyager in this video. Rob Skead was a great help with it.
Nice presentation. I've the 1700 and liked very much. It's actually an HD Road Glide assassin. Why would anyone buy an HD and then take it home and spend money to make it do what the factory should have done? The 1700 is light years ahead of its competition by what doesn't have rather than all the electronic crap of today. Who needs it. I'd like to see Kawasaki give a choice of the Vaquero bags on the Voyager rather than the top loaders. The clam shell bags are much nicer looking. And may Kaw, Honda and Suzuki never abandon its loyal followers when the bike is 10 years old as Harley has done. I've had them all with Kaw and Honda my favs. I've the HD's, but for the money AND reliability, metrics are the best. Thanks for your comprehensive piece.
Having owned a Voyager for 60,000 miles and now a Road Glide for 30,000 miles I will have to disagree with you. My Road Glide is so much more in every way compared to the Voyager. I chose the Voyager in 2010 because in my opinion it was better than the 2010 Road Glide. 14 years layer the Kawasaki is the same bike while the Road Glide went through the Rushmore redesign, and then the M8 engine update. I loved my Voyager, but I love my Road Glide even more. If I couldn't afford the Road Glide I would be happy with the price point of the Voyager. Enjoy your bike.
@@Dave-sw2dm have you had any issues with you HD? I like just changing the oil and not worrying about having issues. I have the Voyager.
@@douglashawkins4402 , no issues with the Road Glide, but I leave my bikes stock. People with issues tend to make a lot of changes to their engines. That said my stock Voyager needed the engine rebuilt at 50,000 miles. The Kawasaki Automatic Compression Release (KACR) came loose and went pinging all around the engine. Glad I had extended the warranty to 6 years. Would have cost me about $3000 according to the tech that did the rebuild. Modern Harleys are as reliable as any other bike out there if you dont mess with them.
I really like that the engine, transmission, and primary use different fluids instead of the Japanese bikes requiring an oil that is a compromise for all 3 areas in one.
@@Dave-sw2dm for sure any bike can have problems, but statistics don't lie. Harley is definitely not as reliable as any Japanese make. However, that wouldn't prevent me from buying one. I love the way they ride so it's ok if they're a little more costly to own. I also don't mind only using oil for the whole system it's obviously been fine considering the track record with metrics. Enjoy your ride, I'll own one too someday, I'm sure.
@@douglashawkins4402 , that really depends on the specific bike you are referring to. Some Japanese bikes have their issues. Especially the ones built to a price point. I know Harley riders on touring bikes with 200,000 miles on them.
Lack of technology is a major plus because it never gets old or outdated. Think of all your old garmins and TomToms that are so old they barely function anymore
Thanks for sharing this excellent presentation of these fantastic bikes, Peter 🙏
Great vid. Found a repo'd '23 Indian Chieftain with 1300 miles on it for $18k US. Almost bought a Vaquero, but I think the Indian not only looks better, but I like the features better: 3 ride modes, electricly adjustable windshield etc
Great overview of these two models. Thanks for doing it.
Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment!
I came across your channel and review... you gave an absolutely stellar review of both bikes!!!! I look forward to watching and learning about other bikes as well from your reviews. Thank you
Thanks so much for your kind words!
This was a great review totally objective.
I don't own one but my assessment is that these are bikes that serve as a basic platform (pizza base) for people who then want to customize it to their particular tastes and add the specific accessories they need. Given the initial purchase price is very low compared to Gold Wings and especially Harleys/Indians you can spend a few thousand on upgrades/modifications and still be at a total price that is way less than the aforementioned brands. I've yet to encounter a GPS on a bike or car that works half as well as a standalone Garmin or Tom Tom is able to do for a third of the price of the factory option. If you want good audio you can get a Cardo or any number of other blue tooth devices that can pipe high quality audio into your helmet or splurge on upgraded amps/speakers etc. if that's your thing. On a bike like this you don't need a million customizable rider modes as you won't be racing around on it. I ride a Gen 3 FJR1300 but if I was looking for a cruiser this would be very high on my list as I consider this to be the "value pick" of the V-Twin Cruisers - you get Japanese reliability and if you buy a gently used late model the value is even better. A lot of people who own theses seem to get a reflash from Ivan (exact name escapes me) which everyone who has done this say makes a huge difference to how the engine performs. A a guy who years ago bought and wore very expensive brand name clothing I've gotten older and wiser (less status symbol conscious) and have stopped overpaying . . . these days buy most of my clothing (non serious business attire) from Costco which is more than good enough for 25% of the price of name brands. These days I care more about value for money (the FJR fits) and from what I can tell these bikes also fit. I apply the same criteria to my investing and it has served me pretty well so far.
I love my 2012 voyager. But as far as accessories go, there are minimal that you can get that are direct for the Voyager or the Vaquero. You pretty much have to measure things and then order online and hope for the best. A lot of Harley-Davidson stuff does bolt up, but a lot of times you have to make modifications. Out of everything that I love about my voyager, being able to order Voyager accessories is the only downfall.
Good comparison of these two Cruiser styled motorcycles. Thanks! If I had to choose one, I'd go with that nice dark blue color. They both look good though.
Fantastic bikes if you like simplicity- I have a vaquero but if I bought again I’d buy a voyager and take off the trunk (because of the top opening bags, fairing lowers, air conveyer on the rear cylinder and the better seat)
Your videos are great! The details you share are very helpful. No overpriced and overrated Street Glide for me. I’m planning to trade my Vulcan S for a Vaquero next year! 👍🏽
Thanks for your kind words!
Love your review very informative !
Thanks for watching!
This the most efficient bike to review. This could be the 2011, the 2024, or the 3024 Kawasaki Vulcan and it's going to be the same bike. I actually dig them even though they are in need of at least a refresh if not redesign. If I go the cruiser route this is what I'll get, I could get this new for the price of a used HD and most HD's to me look like grandpa bikes unless you spend $30k+ for a special model.
Thanks for sharing
Will the upper and lower farings fit onto the 09 Vulcan Nomad 1700?
That Voyager would look sweet in the matte blue!
Nice bike, thanks for the review
If the trunk is removed from the voyager will the vaquero passenger back rest fit the voyager? Thinking about short trips or cleaner vaquero look for around town riding 2 up.
Quick question for the Voyager could it fit a full sized helmet in the backrest compartment?
Will the touring pack on the voyager fit the the vaquero
Kawasaki really needs to bring back the 125 cubic inch (2000cc) engine and put it in the Vaquero and add a digital cluster, apple carplay/android auto with a sticker on $25k and will sell like Chinese neck fans on a hot day
Thanks for the detailed comparison. I have a 2017 voyager and was wondering if you know if the remote air fill for the rear shocks would fit on the '17? I'm getting my ECU updated by Ivan and debating on changing the mufflers and air intake, any suggestions for those items? Thanks again.
I have a 2012 Vaquero and they really havent changed alot at all, I was really hoping for an updated front end (stereo portion) kinda disappointed.
Still wish they had updated dashboards. Kawasaki knows how to build thin film displays. Love to have GPS and a little more out of my entertainment system.
Spending hours on a bike it’s nice to have a little more.
Do you think they will ever upgrade anything? At least the throttle control would be nice so it's smooth in more than just 4,5,6th gears. That slow speed 1-3 are so choppy. If you want to much miles, it will not let you down though.
Will Kawasaki make a EU 5 compliant Vulcan 1700 for the European market?
Are there plans to review the 2024 ZX10R Kawasaki in the background there on the left at 28:00 ?
Yup. I'll review every 2024 bike that I can. Stay tuned!
@@PeterLoweOne Cool, thanks!
Can you get the voyager seat on the vaquero
I would think so... But I'd check with a dealer to be sure.
When does the 2025 Kawasaki Vaquero come out?
I owned a 2010 Voyager 1700 ABS from new. I put 60,000 miles on it in 6 years and ended up trading for a Road Glide because Kawasaki made no improvements to entice me to stay with the brand. If I couldn't afford a Harley, I would probably still be on a voyager and still enjoying it.
There actually is very little aftermarket when you compare with Harley.
Harley's definitely rules the aftermarket, but there are options for these bikes too. Thanks for sharing your experiences.
These are extremely heavy bikes, but very comfortable and super reliable for touring. I've spent some miles on my dads Voyager, and its mostly stock, but has a third party windshield with open/closable air vents which work great without having to swap windshields. If your a big strong person, you can't go wrong with these. I'm small, and weak, so its a lot of work and loses the fun pretty fast... but still manageable, and so comfy and a great amount of storage space for long long rides.
Mostly stock huh. How many miles so far? I intend to get a Kawasaki VN900 and a Voyager further down the line as they seemingly have a reputation for being exceptionally reliable and well engineered.
@@libertyprime9891This ones just like a year and a half old. I've put a little over 2k on it myself in a few long trips, it has like 15kish miles... still seems brand new. I expect it to last many more years since many people have these last a long time. I like the VN900, its a much better size for me. If it had a cruise control and a better highway gear, I'd probably get one. If you fit on the Voyager good though, its a great bike, but it is a 900lbs behemoth. Unless you want to go many long miles, I wouldn't suggest it. I like ripping around on my Rebel a lot more 🙂
@@AyaWetts Yeah i've seen reviews of early production years of the voyager and 900, and some from older still models in 1200 and 2000 and such, and they all seem to agree that they are extremely well made machines that never have mechanical problems.
From some of those same reviews i recall it being mentioned that despite having a five speed the 900 is still very relaxed and reaches well above highway speed limits without issues.
As for the sizes, i may be a bit in the opposite direction of maybe being a bit too large to even use a motorcycle practically, 6'2, '4 with my boots on (floorboards definitely don't fit me) and around 270 pounds, very broad shoulders. My only reasonable options are big cruisers like these.
I may or may not get the Voyager, but i know that in my lifetime i want to own a 900, the LT Classic variant with the studded leather and backrest. Gorgeous machine. I'll buy it new from a dealership and it'll be my forever bike.
@@libertyprime9891You sound about as big as my dad, and he fits on the Voyager well and loves it. The 5 speed 900 gear ratio should be just fine on the highway. Technically the 5th gear on the Voyager is just fine on the highway, but that 6th drops the RPMs extra low. I don't really even use 6th until around 65+ mph, its a huge drop in RPM more than any of the other gear. Its not even listed as 6th, its listed as an overdrive. Its a nice to have, but not necessary on the 900. The main thing I really would want on the 900 would be cruise control, and a throttle lock just isn't the same. The 900 is a great bike from what I can tell, but I haven't gotten to ride one... but I'm not opposed to having one some day.
Nice
You could take key out of my 2006 Vulcan 1600 and it would stay running
Kawasaki screwed themselves by discontinuing the Bluetooth adapter and rear speaker pods, the one thing any road trip bike NEEDS, same stereo as the 2012 same hp,torque same restricted ecu that everyone flashes by Ivan or Moore mafia to get the full use of the bike. I have a 2014 voyager and see no purpose in buying a newer one for nothing different other than a paint job, which I can have done for less than a new voyager.
I see so many people with these bikes, they spend another $12k on upgrades and then want to sell, only to be heart broken that the bike loses %25 value after 1k miles and another %25 for upgrades.
N500 vs Z500?
I've already filmed the Z500. I'm setting up to film the Ninja 500 right now. I'll do a comparison of them in the same video in the future.
@@PeterLoweOneGreat!
Where is this dealership?
I like the Touring bike.
I don't get Kawa, why not upgrading them over the years? They haven't change even one damn bolt on these bikes. Its a lot of bike for the money. Great value for someone who want a big baby for not breaking the bank.
I think a lot of people forget the business side of the motorcycle world. A bike like this continues to sell well for Kawasaki year after year. Because it's been out so long, the development costs have been recouped and this bike has decent profit for the company while still being priced competitively for the customer. Kawasaki can take that money and develop bikes in segments where they want to be leaders, or where they're underperforming their own goals.
If they were to redesign these bikes, they would almost definitely go up in price, and they would be forced to add features that other redesigned bikes now feature. That would take a profitable bike, alienate the customer base that buys these at their current price, and run the risk of being less competitive in a higher priced segment of the market.
To summarize, that's one of the main reasons that all kinds of manufacturers sit on their current designs with several models, while innovating in other models.
@@PeterLoweOne Good thinking. However, we, riders, are hungry for more comfort and tech and these days, its a drug that many companies try to fight for by changing even few things.
@@alp3781 I don't disagree that you and I are hungry for more tech... But Kawasaki continues to hit their sales goals with these year after year with healthy profit margins. These will be tweaked eventually... But the current success of these bikes is what gives us a fleet full of other great bikes from Kawasaki.
Kawa just had to make the H2 and H2R to beat out Hayabusa’s lol.
I disagree with his comments about there being a lot of accessories available. That's one of my main issues with these bikes. I have a 13 and most accessories are aftermarket products manufactured for other bikes. It's a great bike and needs more love by Kawasaki. There is no reason for these bikes not leading most markets. It needs updates to include Bluetooth. USB ports, heated grips, etc. Additionally, they need to have a much larger marketing presence. Lastly, why are these bikes rolling out of dealerships partly tuned? That needs addressed ASAP! Love the bike!!
i just wish Kawasaki would make a model like the Vaquero without the windshield and bags. I mean, the same bike, but make the windshield and bags optional. Just my opinion, I hate those windshields and bags.
Does the paint on the Vaquero look like it was done with a rattle can to anyone else?
The flat blue just looks cheap to me. I do like that it isn't "phoned-in" black
I love the look of the matte paint. It looks great to me, in person.
Give me the Vaquero blacked out motor with a solid gloss paint job on a 2025 Voyager, I’d trade in my 2017 today.
Kawasaki has to step it up i have a 2011 voyager and it's literally the same bike just a different color there super reliable but dam you have to change the style eventually
I hear what you're saying, but look at it from Kawasaki's perspective. They can keep a lower priced bike (compared to the competition) and sell out every year at a profit. Changing things would put it into a much more competitive segment and abandon the market that they're feeding right now.
At least upgrade the damn radio to bluetooth
@@PeterLoweOnemeh I refuse to believe that a modern Bluetooth TFT display would offset their profit margin that much. Honestly they would probably sell out faster.
How many miles can u go on a full tank of gas ?
No Bluetooth?
I bought a 2023 vaquero about 5 months ago for 16k. love Harley and Indian but I don't pander to bullshit price rises!!!
Hi Peter
I need MPH , Not KMH on the speedometer .
These are Canadian bikes. That's why they don't have MPH.
Thanks Peter
@robertingram752, Hi, I live in Australia, We used to have Miles per hour on our speedos but We changed over to the metric system a very long time ago, here's an easy way to work out miles per hour from kilometers per hour & vise verser, the rule is that 5/8 of a mile equals 1 kilometer, or if You prefer to say it the other way round,1 kilometer equals 5/8 of a mile, so as We were taught at school when using fractions, invert & multiply, so when transfering kph into mph, multiply the kph by 5 & then divide by 8 to get the mph, use a calculator, it's a lot easier & quicker & it takes a lot of the guess work out of it, so a couple examples of how to bring kph to mph would be as follows,....60kph, 60×5 = 300, 300÷8 = 37•5,.... 60kph = 37•5mph,....80kpkh, 80×5 = 400, 400÷8 = 50,....80kph = 50mph,....100kph,100×5 = 500, 500÷8 =62•5,....100kph =.62•5mph, & if you want to go back the other way & transfer mph into kph, do it the opposite way & multiply the mph by 8 & divide by 5 to get the kph,.... 37•5mph, 37•5×8 = 300, 300÷5=60,....37•5mph = 60kph,....50mph, 50×8 = 400, 400÷5 = 80,....50mph = 80kph, ,....62.•5mph, 62•5×8 = 500, 500÷5 =100,....62•5mph =100kph, I hope that this helps because it's the only way that I can think of to explain it.
I wish they would add more horsepower. I have an 03 1600 and until they add another 30 horsepower it is just not worth it. I don't understand why Kawasaki is lacking in horsepower.
Kilometers and liters?
I film in Canada. 🤷♂️
@@PeterLoweOne Understood, thank you!
8:06 Well, im in trouble then. i wear size 16 shoes and they 100% will not fit properly on those floorboards.
Meh. They'll feel fine. But part of your foot will hang off the back.
Kawasaki vn1500 meanstreak, 2003, has that ignition feature. So it’s nothing new
I don't think I said it was new, but it's unique in the Kawasaki lineup, and rare among motorcycles in general.
@@PeterLoweOne I pointed it out, because you made it sound like it’s a new thing.
@@percarlzon7035 Gotcha. That wasn't my intention. I just wanted to point out that it's pretty unique, not new.
Cool bikes. You have a habit of repeatedly saying "again", which doesn't improve the presemtation.
Really good video about a really crappy bike.
How is it a crappy bike? I would understand if you said that about Harley Davidson