Billy Bartels
6', 193 lbs.
33" inseam
When Cruiser tested the Raider vs. the Rocker last year about this time and the Raider won, I was thinking "are you blind?!" And I still can't get around the droopy back end and some of the clunky design aspects, but functionally, this bike is the cat's meow. For riding, I like it better than the Roadliner it shares a motor with. It's a big bike, but it handles its size and power perfectly, and those brakes are sublime. As for the Rocker, well, let's just say that in my judgment, the last test was right.
The Vegas really surprised me. For a bike that was designed going on seven years ago, it really works very well. I loved blasting it around back roads and canyons like a sportbike. There are some little refinement issues with it, but overall the bike just works.
But there's something about opening the garage and finding the Fury, knowing it's the bargain bike of this test. And then the view out over that tall tank cruising down the road that just exudes cool. If the bike didn't perform, I'd probably still like riding it, but that fact that it does, just makes it that much sweeter.
Chopper Dave
6', 215 lbs.,
32" inseam
I know what Yamaha is thinking with the Raider, "let's give it that front up in the air look so the back half looks like it's doing a wheelie or has long high forks when it's sitting still..." I hate it. And yet this motorcycle has the cleanest, broadest powerband of all the bikes. It's fast, it pulls hard throughout the whole rpm range and despite the wide rear tire, it handles pretty well.
The Rocker is a decent bike, I had no qualms about throwing it too hard into turns and grinding the pegs every time. It doesn't exactly want to turn, but once you get used to it, it's ok. Not inspiring but a decent bike to cruise around on.
The Fury has a ground-breaking gas tank for a major manufacturer, pretty sweet. Rides decent for a "long" bike, thanks to its rear tire not being "that" big. I didn't have to muscle it as much into the turns as the Yamaha but not quite as fun to ride.. Pretty blah power, I really figured it would be faster. Sounds decent, but has too much plastic.
The Victory Vegas was completely uninspiring, foot control positions suck, front brakes suck, the H-D had better front brakes. Got more used to it riding it more, handled ok, like a vanilla cruiser. Pretty boring over all. Polaris should go back to snowmobiles.
Orlando Belotti
5'6'', 145 lbs.,
29" inseam
The bike that I liked most is the Honda Fury. When I sit on it, it makes me feel I'm riding a `chopper'--it gives off some attitude. The engine is not the best, but it pulls you out of slow turns smooth enough, even a gear high. Medium and top end are better and the stock exhaust sounds good. The riding position, especially for a short guy like me (5', 6'') is good. I can reach the handlebar and the foot pegs easily and place my feet on the ground firmly.
The Star Raider has the best engine. Power everywhere and the gearbox is really good. Seating position is the most comfortable. I don't like the look, but that's subjective.
What I don't like on the Harley-Davidson Rocker was the riding position, the foot pegs are too far, the seat doesn't hold you, it makes you slide backward and the handlebar is in a mid position that you cannot hold your upper body, especially at high speed.
The Victory Vegas' engine is not bad, after the Yamaha it's the one that I like the most. Seating position is the worst though, the seat pushes my legs out and the foot pegs are too close to the motorcycle, making them hard to reach. Plus the brakes are weak and the gearbox is really 'clunky'.
David Zemla
6'2"/200 lbs./
34" inseam
A shaft drive and might I add, water cooled...chopper? Mongo wide wheels right from the factory? Stump pulling torque without any mods? This parallel universe we have dubbed production choppers adds a whole new dimension to the showroom floor, but how do they work in the real world? Pretty damn good if I do say so myself. I favor a relaxed riding position, spacious ergos and an angry twin. For the most part, these bikes delivered just that and more. The broad spectrum of OEM long bikes should make a good fit for just about all those who care and the aftermarket is certain to offer a cornucopia of personalization and fine tuning options, all without the nuisance of dicey garage built reliability. The Chopper has finally come of age.
On a fun per dollar basis the Yamaha is the probable winner and a set of pipes away from being a boulevard-eating machine. The Honda could also be a true contender if it where only priced about 3K less, as it'd likely attract an entirely new (and younger) demographic to this segment.
Victory and Harley? Well, for the loyalist they have little choice, the rest of us will be looking into Star tattoos.