I had a 2009 M90 and loved the bike. It was written off this past summer so its gone now. While looking around for a newer bike to replace the M90 my wife suggested that we look at a M109r since it was always a dream bike of mine. We were looking at a matte grey discounted new 2017 model when we came across a nice new discounted 2016 model. Its in our garage now waiting for spring once the roads get cleaned up around here. I follow a lot of the forums and am sure that I'll be happy with this bike. It feels more comfortable to sit on than our M90 was but time will tell.
Picking a new one!
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!)
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If your on a budget go for the Victory, there are some awesome deals out there right now, look around online to see what I mean. I basically got a brand new 6 year old bike bike ( less than 3k when I bought it) for 1/3 of the original MSRP. Sounds like your well aware of the company closing down and all that so i won't warn you about it.
I personally think the Kingpin is the best of the steel frame vics, with the inverted forks and better matched size wise set of tires it's probably the best handling of the bunch. I love mine.
I personally think the Kingpin is the best of the steel frame vics, with the inverted forks and better matched size wise set of tires it's probably the best handling of the bunch. I love mine.
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I posted that picture once with the caption "My two Visions keeping close eye on their wild little sister"
Well, there was a time I didn't look at everything so it must have slipped by.:wink2:I posted that picture once with the caption "My two Visions keeping close eye on their wild little sister"
Always thought the Kingpin was the Cream of the Crop in Looks for a Victory but the Vision and Cross Country both will surprise you at how well they handle for their size and weight ..
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The Road King Classic Old School Looks is Hard to Beat, but check out the New Indian Springfield and will it's almost par with the RK in Design and Looks ..
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I agree the Springfield is nice looking, but I hit up the Indian demo truck last year and was not impressed with how it rode. Sure it was smooth, but it felt enormous, like I was 6 feet or more behind the front wheel. Ironically I did not have the same sensation on the Roadmaster.
Road Kings are surprisingly affordable for a HD around my area as long as I don't mind mid-early '00s. Chrome isn't important to me as much, but neither the RK or the Springfield fall under "muscle" or "power cruiser"
I should probably consider the V-Max as well, but I want a V-Twin
Road Kings are surprisingly affordable for a HD around my area as long as I don't mind mid-early '00s. Chrome isn't important to me as much, but neither the RK or the Springfield fall under "muscle" or "power cruiser"
I should probably consider the V-Max as well, but I want a V-Twin
I've read up a bit on V-rods in general as I've admired them for a while. I think you have to lower the the engine an inch or so to check valve clearances. And even then I believe there is a workaround. Spark plugs looks like you only have to take the airbox, velocity stacks and battery off (found the factory HD video series on it). All on top. Neither are something you have to do terribly often, and surely no worse than the plugs in a Ford Expedition (there's 6 hours I'll never get back).
Most "Harley" folks don't like the V-Rod because it's different from what I've been able to tell. Of the 4 of H-D's I've ridden (Demo day in like 2015 and a buddy's Fat Bob), the VRSC line has my favorite engine. I haven't been on one of the new Milwaukee 8s yet but they're out of my price range anywho
I went to my local YamaHondaZuki dealer today because they had an M109 and Raider in the showroom to sit on. Right away, the 109 is WIDE. The Raider was almost natural feeling - feet just a little bit (3 inches or so?) forward compared to my Intruder, and the bar position had my back basically vertical, also like my Intruder (S83 Bouly equivalent). Granted this was just sitting still. Too cold to roll out yet, and snow coming this weekend. Between the Yamaha and the 'Zuk, the Yamaha gets the vote on the "static" comfort check. The Zuk didn't seem just awful, but it was just a minute or so.
Most "Harley" folks don't like the V-Rod because it's different from what I've been able to tell. Of the 4 of H-D's I've ridden (Demo day in like 2015 and a buddy's Fat Bob), the VRSC line has my favorite engine. I haven't been on one of the new Milwaukee 8s yet but they're out of my price range anywho
I went to my local YamaHondaZuki dealer today because they had an M109 and Raider in the showroom to sit on. Right away, the 109 is WIDE. The Raider was almost natural feeling - feet just a little bit (3 inches or so?) forward compared to my Intruder, and the bar position had my back basically vertical, also like my Intruder (S83 Bouly equivalent). Granted this was just sitting still. Too cold to roll out yet, and snow coming this weekend. Between the Yamaha and the 'Zuk, the Yamaha gets the vote on the "static" comfort check. The Zuk didn't seem just awful, but it was just a minute or so.
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