Why compare Apples (Rockets) to Oranges (Diavels)

[David Scott Douthit]

I have seen all types of bikes wrongly compared over the years...probably the one comparison that irks me the most is when someone compares the V-Rod to the big cubic inch cruisers. Yes, it's fast, but that doesn't mean it's comparable to 1800cc or bigger cruisers. 600 ******rockets are fast too, so does that mean they're comparable too? The V-Rod is a tiny, little woman's bike IMO and it should only be compared to other bikes in its size category. Maybe the go/no go line should be that a bike must produce a certain amount of torque, rather than whether or not its designated as a cruiser...

The Diavel is marketed as cruiser by Ducati, and then Ducati states "Don't call me a cruiser" as the Diavel motto? Now spy shots have spotted the Diavel with belt drive and forward controls, making the Diavel more cruiserish? To me the Diavel is a sport bike with upright seating position. Ducati is owned by Audi, who in turn is owned by Volkswagon. The whole sexy Italian sports machine kinda loses its facade when its really a Volkswagon.

I think the V Max is a cool bike, but negatives that make it uncruiserish are small gas tank, and not really suited for carrying a passenger or luggage. IMO the cruiser designation should be given to bikes capable of cruising long distances with a passenger and luggage if necessary.

I think the Rune is cool except for the tail section. If I ever have a Rune I would restructure the tail section to not wrap around the wheel, but be higher and shorter.

Hey, to the guy who owns both a V Max and a Carpenter Racing Rocket, which is faster?

 

[Tripps]

Hey, to the guy who owns both a V Max and a Carpenter Racing Rocket, which is faster?

Never been on a V Max, but I'd bet a considerable sum a Carpentered Rocket is faster, LOL.

 

[FR56]

My son has a SE V-rod....It is faster than my rocket on top end...or was....LOL

It does feel like a skinny bicycle after riding the Rocket

My 500lb(wet) K1200R BMW feels positively diminutive after riding my Rocket. The interesting part is how the 2300cc powerhouse Rocket encourages me to leisurely "putt" whereas the 1200cc B-mer encourages felony speed. And to be honest; MUCH lighter weight, frame geometry and superior suspension have everything to do with this. Can you imagine an R3 power curve on a 500lb sport bike?

I've owned a first generation V-Max and a 97 Honda Valkyrie, and recently test rode a Diavel. None of these "power cruisers" made/make me hum Roger Miller's "King of the Road" as does my R3.

 

[mexican]

If i was rich i would buy one of each

 

[mexican]

Wings don't compare to Rockets in my opinion, but I watched a big ol boy (Oscar) ride the $hit out of a wing at MV. He had absolutely no problem keeping up through the twistys or anywhere else for that matter

Did you notice he had a car tire on it?

 

[TriumPhil]

I can say with authority that a fully carpenterized Rocket II is not just faster than the fastest street legal VMax, it is WAY faster.

This gave me a chuckle given that our Japanese motorcycle manufacturing friends have out-Harleyed harley davidson at their own game in all respects other than marketing; "the stigma attached to oriental Harley Clones..."

BTW, the PC term is "Asian", not "Oriental".

 

[cusso ken]

I can say with authority that a fully carpenterized Rocket II is not just faster than the fastest street legal VMax, it is WAY faster.

This gave me a chuckle given that our Japanese motorcycle manufacturing friends have out-Harleyed harley davidson at their own game in all respects other than marketing; "the stigma attached to oriental Harley Clones..."

BTW, the PC term is "Asian", not "Oriental".

After riding my Mates Kawasaki Voyager 1700 full dresser with 55000k on the clock (tight as a drum) I have to agree it is a much nicer ride than the equivalent Harley, I thought I was being PC compared to my usual uncouthly description of these machines ,but if I had to choose a big Bagger to do an around Australia trip two up the Voyager would be on my consideration list along with the Touring of coarse