2011 Kawasaki Bagger

In this YouTube video, a few editors took the 2011 Kawasaki Vulcan Vaquero (pronounced va-kero, Spanish for cowboy) motorcycle, a bagger that combines comfort, style and functionality.

This custom bagger has it all; but Kawasaki engineers and designers didn't just throw custom paint and a blacked-out motif on a Vulcan 1700 and call it done.

They digested valuable owner and market research, and scrutinized every system on the motorcycle- engine, chassis, features, bodywork and appearance - to ensure that the motorcycle being developed squared nicely with what cruiser buyers wanted.

Custom, blacked-out details are your first clue to the new Kawasaki Vulcan Vaquero's mission, and there's plenty to see. It all starts with the beautiful Ebony or Candy Fire Red paint on the abbreviated fairing, sculpted tank and curvaceous bodywork that looks as if it could be a half-inch deep.

Luxurious chrome accents (engine guards, exhaust, mirrors, etc.) provide a beautiful counterpoint to the glossy paintwork, but it's perhaps the multi-textured blacked-out engine and chassis treatment that best highlights the Vaquero's radical aesthetic look.

The motorcycle engine, air-cleaner cover, wheels, fork assembly and tank cover all get the blackout treatment, which gives the bike a true custom look that's beautiful and menacing at once. This new Vulcan definitely not a motorcycle you'll easily forget.

Beneath all that beautiful bodywork, paint and chrome is a superbly engineered motorcycle, one that blends power, handling, durability and confidence-inspiring character in a massively functional package.

It all starts with the Vaquero's 1700cc liquid-cooled V-twin, which powers all four Vulcan 1700 motorcycle models for 2011 - Voyager, Classic, Nomad and Vaquero.