As with all of the top cruiser bikes in the world, the name of the game has always been building a long, low, and wide bike with high-end custom touches and powerful performance figures to boot. For Kawasaki->ke299, the Vulcan->ke1749 1700 Vaquero fits that bill to a tee - and then some.

With the word 'vaquero' originating from a Spanish word meaning “cowboy” or “herdsman", the Vulcan 1700 is the perfect bike for the rugged and the adventurous. Its got a profile that's undeniably cool and stylish and more than that, the extensive detail that came with the production of the bike's overall performance system is unparalleled in the business, one that ensures the Vulcan 1700 of high-level awesomeness that other cruiser bikes would understandably be looking up to.

Looks, power, technology, and a general sense of bad-assery. That's what you get with the Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Vaquero. It's exactly what bikers would want on a new cruiser bike.

Continued after the jump.

2011 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Vaquero

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2011 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Vaquero
  • Engine/Motor: V-twin
  • Horsepower: 400
  • Torque: 108
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Exterior Details

Decked with a custom, blacked-out detail that starts with the beautiful Ebony or Candy Fire Red paint on the abbreviated fairing, sculpted tank and curvaceous bodywork, the Vulcan 1700 Vaquero is a definite sight to behold. The dark and aggressive finish is complemented by luxurious chrome accents on the engine guards, exhaust, and mirrors to provide a striking contrast to the glossy paintwork. Adding to the bike's radical aesthetic look is the multi-textured blacked-out engine and chassis treatment, coupled with 16" nine-spoke cast aluminum flat-black wheels with 130/90x16 Bridgestone tires in the front and 170/70x16 versions on the rear, giving it a truly custom feel that draws out a beautiful yet menacing bike. Even the corresponding instrument panel comes decked with good features like an audio AM/FM system with weather information that can also be connected to an iPod and XM Radio.

Performance

In terms of performance, the Vulcan 1700 takes a backseat to no one. It comes with a V-twin 1700 cc engine powers a four-stroke, liquid-cooled 0.52-valve SOHC 0.8-degree V-twin, producing an output of 400 horsepower and 108 lb/ft of torque. In addition to the Vaquero, this engine also comes into play with all other lines of Kawasaki's Vulcan family, including the Classic, Nomad, and Voyager. The engine is the epitome of a classic-looking engine with modern-day capabilities that features an overhead cam design, high compression, and a long-stroke dimensional design.

The suspension consists of 45mm hydraulic with 5.5-inch size and the rear swingarm adjusted for 4-way rebound with 3.1-inch distance from the wheel. In terms of brakes, Kawasaki outfitted the bike with 300mm discs on both the front and back with corresponding twin piston calipers.

The Vaquero also carries its own electronic cruise control system that can be conveniently used from the right handlebar and is adaptable at any speed ranging from 30 mph all the way up to 85 mph in any of the top four gears. If cruise control isn't your thing, you can disengage the system through a number of different ways, including usage of the brake lever, clutch lever, rear brake pedal, or simply just turning the throttle grip past the “closed” position.

Pricing

With intricate high-end details and a technologically-potent engine, the Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Vaquero will cost interested riders a stout $16,499.

Final Thoughts

The Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Vaquero offers plenty of features that adds up to a bagger that's on a level all its own. It offers top-flight function in a number of environments whether its cruising along the sea-side highway or trampling along the city streets. Beyond its powerful looks and even more powerful engine, this bike gives you everything you'll ever need with a cruiser. Really, you couldn't ask for anything more.