Finally have some access to some "extra" funds this year. Like the title says, I'm thinking about upgrading the 2-wheeler (or starting a stable? 
).
Current ride is an '03 Suzuki Intruder 1400. It's pretty nice, it might just be the itch setting in waiting for the season to start in the midwest.
That said, I have spousal approval so hah!
The 'truder is my first Vtwin. First bike was a Honda single, then a Kanatuna/Katana, then a v4 Magna. I've been really digging the V-Twin world. I think I want some sort of "power cruiser" or "muscle cruiser". I've been eyeing a few models and hopefully start sitting on/test riding some soon. I have 0/zip/nada brand loyalty, as far as I can tell all the major brands are good quality outside of specific (usually well-known) issues. I'm 5'10" and find my current Intruder to be pretty comfy as a reference.
In order of none-particular (I've been able to find examples of these in the ~$6k range):
Suzuki M109R
Honda VTX1800
Harley Davidson V-Rod (specifically the "VRSCR/Street Rod" version, or VRSCDX/Night Rod Special for the mid controls)
Victory Vegas (and sub-models, Hammer, Jackpot, etc)
Yamaha Raider (BIG 1900 beastie there)
Styling-wise I favor the Vic, with the V-Rod and 109 tied for 2nd with the Raider then the Honda last. None of them are ugly. Notes: The Vic is just hawt (matter of taste and all), while the V-rod has that near "purposed build to go fast" look, and the big 'Zuk is big and interestingly freakish/brutish. The Raider is maybe a tad overdone, and the Honda looks like...a Honda.
I've actually ridden a V-Rod Muscle before. LOOOVED the engine. HAETED the ergos. I later got to sit on (but not operate) a Streed Rod variant and found its ergos to be MUCH better. I've also ridden a '15 Vegas at a demo day before Victory closed down and found it to be pretty dang nice. My price range is likely to be the Freedom 100" instead of the 106 but I expect it to be a similar experience.
I fully plan to get my keister in as many examples as possible before dropping the dough unless a screaming deal makes my mind up for me. I would appreciate any input/experiences people have had with these machines (bonus if it's been more than 1!).
I've been watching/listening to as many videos as I can find, and it seems (in vids anyway) the Honda sounds awful unless it's stock
, the H-D and Vic both sound great pretty much no matter what, and the 109 and Raider are good w/ the right exhaust. I don't plan on modding to speak of, so whatever it comes with will likely be how it stays in terms of exhaust - unless it's some ridic straight pipe, then I might trade back to OEM.
The right Dyna is a possibility also, but unlikely to be in my budget (Fat Bob or bust!)
Current ride is an '03 Suzuki Intruder 1400. It's pretty nice, it might just be the itch setting in waiting for the season to start in the midwest.
That said, I have spousal approval so hah!
The 'truder is my first Vtwin. First bike was a Honda single, then a Kanatuna/Katana, then a v4 Magna. I've been really digging the V-Twin world. I think I want some sort of "power cruiser" or "muscle cruiser". I've been eyeing a few models and hopefully start sitting on/test riding some soon. I have 0/zip/nada brand loyalty, as far as I can tell all the major brands are good quality outside of specific (usually well-known) issues. I'm 5'10" and find my current Intruder to be pretty comfy as a reference.
In order of none-particular (I've been able to find examples of these in the ~$6k range):
Suzuki M109R
Honda VTX1800
Harley Davidson V-Rod (specifically the "VRSCR/Street Rod" version, or VRSCDX/Night Rod Special for the mid controls)
Victory Vegas (and sub-models, Hammer, Jackpot, etc)
Yamaha Raider (BIG 1900 beastie there)
Styling-wise I favor the Vic, with the V-Rod and 109 tied for 2nd with the Raider then the Honda last. None of them are ugly. Notes: The Vic is just hawt (matter of taste and all), while the V-rod has that near "purposed build to go fast" look, and the big 'Zuk is big and interestingly freakish/brutish. The Raider is maybe a tad overdone, and the Honda looks like...a Honda.
I've actually ridden a V-Rod Muscle before. LOOOVED the engine. HAETED the ergos. I later got to sit on (but not operate) a Streed Rod variant and found its ergos to be MUCH better. I've also ridden a '15 Vegas at a demo day before Victory closed down and found it to be pretty dang nice. My price range is likely to be the Freedom 100" instead of the 106 but I expect it to be a similar experience.
I fully plan to get my keister in as many examples as possible before dropping the dough unless a screaming deal makes my mind up for me. I would appreciate any input/experiences people have had with these machines (bonus if it's been more than 1!).
I've been watching/listening to as many videos as I can find, and it seems (in vids anyway) the Honda sounds awful unless it's stock
, the H-D and Vic both sound great pretty much no matter what, and the 109 and Raider are good w/ the right exhaust. I don't plan on modding to speak of, so whatever it comes with will likely be how it stays in terms of exhaust - unless it's some ridic straight pipe, then I might trade back to OEM.The right Dyna is a possibility also, but unlikely to be in my budget (Fat Bob or bust!)
