2011 Bagger Cruiser Shootout

[Kevin_Duke]

Originally Posted by Duken4evr

Gimme a Vic with that Star engine and I'd be a happy man. Frankenbike indeed.

For me, it is all about the engine, so the Star is the most attractive. I am willing to put up with the other shortcomings to have that motor. The Star pulls at the heart, the Vic pulls on my rational side.

Bah. Who am I kidding. The brain rules and the Vic is most likely to find itself in my garage someday.

My 0.02: This shootout turned out to be very interesting, with each bike offering its own distinctive merits and demerits. If I were to take the best from each, I’d combine the Stratoliner’s burly powertrain and swoopy styling with the Street Glide’s ergos and maneuverability. Then I’d incorporate the Cross Country’s comprehensive instruments, capacious saddlebags and versatile suspension to create my ideal bagger.

[TonyC]

Two inches of rear suspension travel!?!?!?! I know Harley buyers love low seat heights, but come on! No one wants the compressed spine feeling after a day's (or several) ride.
I guess all their engineers were focused on finally buying brakes that worked. How many years ago was it that BMW introduced ABS? (198

[King Vitamin]

I agree the Vic wins. It doesn't look completely derivative like the Star, and it's not a total limp noodle like the HD.

I think Harley should change their name to the Harley Davidson Styling and Marketing Company.

[acecycleins]

Originally Posted by Kevin_Duke

My 0.02: This shootout turned out to be very interesting, with each bike offering its own distinctive merits and demerits. If I were to take the best from each, I’d combine the Stratoliner’s burly powertrain and swoopy styling with the Street Glide’s ergos and maneuverability. Then I’d incorporate the Cross Country’s comprehensive instruments, capacious saddlebags and versatile suspension to create my ideal bagger.

And if we can get Erik to build it with a Rotax motor we will be singing in the streets of Costa Rica smoking Cuban cigars.

[davejohnson]

I like reading comparisons, but some important things were missing or maybe even intentionally omitted. First of all forget horsepower on baggers…the real number to compare is torque. Empirical numbers (especially horsepower) are not nearly as important as the practical use of torque….roll-ons, quarter mile, engine character, etc.
It sounds like the new H-D frame and rubber-mounted engine is the most comfortable for handling, slow speed maneuvers and long term rides. I was sold on these things vs HP or TQ.
Regarding the comments about MP3 being the new standard, check Apples Stock….the iPod is the new standard and the H-Ds deck with auxiliary input allows the use of the CDs for us old guys and both MP3 players and iPods. Seems to me, the most practical multi use stereo option is H-Ds deck. And as for the “adds weight” comment, there needs to be an amp to drive speakers whether there was a CD player or not. So the point is moot.
As for the fit of riders 5’8” or taller or shorter…..it seems the wealth of seat design options for an H-D make it the most customizable for fit and functionality for ANY rider. Besides, I’d rather have a seat designed for long term comfort than worry about the feel of the wider seat at a stand still (I too am under 6 feet). Also, with regards to the SG, the bike was designed to be a sporty tourer….a bike that has the benefit of looking cool. If you want or need passenger comfort….see “wealth of seat design options”. Besides, (and I quote from the article re the rigid mounted engines “buzz from the Strat makes its way to the rider…..but not to the extent the Cross Country tingles”), I would rather not experience the hand and foot numbing experiences of dated, rigid mounted engines of days past vs a small investment in a seat that suits me and my passenger.
Lastly, and regarding cost….have you ever tried to sell a used Victory or Star on the “previously owned” market?? I haven’t, but my friends have and they had to give-them-away. I would rather pay a small premium to be able to ride a brand that can actually give some kind of re-sale value. And that’s my final point…..I’d buy a Harley-Davidson because it will provide a great riding experience (based on your articles comments) and great value.

[Kevin_Duke]

Originally Posted by davejohnson

I like reading comparisons, but some important things were missing or maybe even intentionally omitted. First of all forget horsepower on baggers…the real number to compare is torque. Empirical numbers (especially horsepower) are not nearly as important as the practical use of torque….roll-ons, quarter mile, engine character, etc.

Torque indeed rules the cruiser roost, so you should be able to admit the SG comes up way short. It barely tops 80, and only briefly, while the Star is well above 100 over the vast majority of its powerband. The TC103 is a sweet motor, aided by relatively low gearing, but it is easily the least powerful, whether in terms of hp or tq.

Originally Posted by davejohnson

Regarding the comments about MP3 being the new standard, check Apples Stock….the iPod is the new standard and the H-Ds deck with auxiliary input allows the use of the CDs for us old guys and both MP3 players and iPods. Seems to me, the most practical multi use stereo option is H-Ds deck. And as for the “adds weight” comment, there needs to be an amp to drive speakers whether there was a CD player or not. So the point is moot.

Not quite moot, IMO. Just so we're on the same page, an iPod plays MP3 files. So, yes, MP3 is the new standard. And, indeed, a CD player adds weight, and their big vibe-reducing size consumes luggage room.

Originally Posted by davejohnson

As for the fit of riders 5’8” or taller or shorter…..it seems the wealth of seat design options for an H-D make it the most customizable for fit and functionality for ANY rider. Besides, I’d rather have a seat designed for long term comfort than worry about the feel of the wider seat at a stand still (I too am under 6 feet). Also, with regards to the SG, the bike was designed to be a sporty tourer….a bike that has the benefit of looking cool. If you want or need passenger comfort….see “wealth of seat design options”.

Yes, if you're looking for custom seats, the Harley has huge aftermarket support unmatched by any other brand. Or you could just be happy with the seats of the Vic or Star.

Originally Posted by davejohnson

Besides, (and I quote from the article re the rigid mounted engines “buzz from the Strat makes its way to the rider…..but not to the extent the Cross Country tingles”), I would rather not experience the hand and foot numbing experiences of dated, rigid mounted engines of days past vs a small investment in a seat that suits me and my passenger.

Yeah, not many would want one of those counterbalanced V-Twins. Well, except the ones in the millions of H-D Softails around the world... those are great!

Originally Posted by davejohnson

Lastly, and regarding cost….have you ever tried to sell a used Victory or Star on the “previously owned” market?? I haven’t, but my friends have and they had to give-them-away. I would rather pay a small premium to be able to ride a brand that can actually give some kind of re-sale value. And that’s my final point…..I’d buy a Harley-Davidson because it will provide a great riding experience (based on your articles comments) and great value.

Well, check out KBB and you'll find late-model Vics and high-end Stars hold their value quite well. Still not as good as Harleys, but not exactly giveaways.

Anyway, I hope I wasn't too confrontational with my reply. It's just that we put a lot of work into our words, so I can get a little defensive. Hope you at least got a few things good out of this one! Your Harley is surely a great bike, but don't be afraid to take its rivals out for a test ride.

[acecycleins]

Dike- where are my confrontational words??? I'm crushed.

[Dr_Sprocket]

Originally Posted by acecycleins

Dike- where are my confrontational words??? I'm crushed.

Wait. What?

[Morbo the Destroyer]

Nice first post, DaveJohnson. Clear, coherent, logical, structured.

Do you like to watch Gladiator movies?

[pplassm]

Wow. Dave's a one-hit wonder.