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Old 03-23-2021, 09:20 AM   #1
Iantoy   Iantoy is offline
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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



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Old 03-23-2021, 05:00 PM   #2
redjay   redjay is offline
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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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Old 03-23-2021, 07:08 PM   #3
JD Hog   JD Hog is offline
 
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Hi and welcome from Northern California!

The 1700's don't have a drive shaft, they are belt driven.
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Old 03-23-2021, 11:39 PM   #4
markc9503   markc9503 is offline
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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."
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Old 03-25-2021, 07:33 AM   #5
The Black Knight   The Black Knight is offline
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Welcome from Italy.


I agree with redjay.
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Old 03-26-2021, 11:20 AM   #6
smokier   smokier is offline
 
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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
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Old 03-30-2021, 11:30 AM   #7
Milkbone_VP_SpartanSonsRC   Milkbone_VP_SpartanSonsRC is offline
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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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Old 07-03-2021, 11:27 PM   #8
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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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Old 07-05-2021, 10:53 AM   #9
andyvh1959   andyvh1959 is offline
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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.
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Old 07-05-2021, 09:39 PM   #10
mbarr10   mbarr10 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by andyvh1959 View Post
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.
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Last edited by mbarr10; 07-05-2021 at 09:41 PM.
 
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