Should a Kiwi buy a Raptor??

[SteveX]

Greetings from the antipodes. Make mine a Speights (The Pride of the South) and a virtual round of the same to all of you shivering through a UK winter.

Now my dilemma. I'm returning to riding after 15 years absence - so yes that puts me in the grey hair brigade. I've test ridden a number of bikes over the last couple of weeks, and have concluded a (near)-naked 1 litre V-twin is the bike for me. So my short list consists of:
- Honda VTR-1000
- Ducati Monster
- Cagiva Raptor

I have to admit my heart is with the Raptor, but practicality and wallet say Honda. The Ducati I can't test ride - none on the showroom floor, but should I wait?

Now I know that asking these questions in a Raptor forum is going to give some pretty one-eyed responses! But focusing on objectivity:
- Is the premium you pay for a Raptor worth the difference?
- While most of my riding will be solo, how long can I ride before my pillion starts complaining? (I'm 5'7, she's 5'4)
- My local bike shop just happens to have a new Xtra-Raptor ready to go for the weekend. Should I take the plunge, or settle for the VTR and spend the cash difference on something else?

Feedback appreciated!

Cheers

Steve

[wayne]

Steve,
Buy the Xtra-Raptor, you will not reget it !
I had a Firestorm before my Raptor 1000 , it was ok but I found it a bit boring to ride and the handling/braking wasn't brilliant when pushed hard...where as my Raptor handle's/wheelies and stops,oh and it puts the biggest grin on your face !!! Enjoy...
Wayne

[Guest]

yeah... raptor rules... get some after market s/o...
n the raptor will roar all the way....

[snapdragon]

Welcome SteveX
You know you want to so buy it
Not only will you have a grin from here to breakfast but the newer Raptors have a better pillion seat, the engine is a dream, everything is just so special about the Raptor and a VTR just won't cut it. I've pillioned on mine (also 5'4") and been well comfortable - the seat on mine is the earlier type but with a grab rail I was quite at home

Plus those roads of yours are just begging for Raptor playtime

[shebee]

I'm not sure about the VTR on the list... its a HONDA?????

The only problem you might have is that your pillion should be able to ride the Raptor even at 5ft 4

Should a Kiwi buy a Raptor??

Should a bear sh!t in the woods?

Just do it!!!

[Shlockengronk]

the honda.......ho hum yawn, the monster is only good if its the 8 valve and you'll have to use those wooly animals you guys are famous for to keep the pillion comfortable on that seat and a healthy wallet for maintenence..........now whats left ,,,oh yeah massive grins

[Amanda M]

Buy the raptor they're brilliant

[SteveX]

Buy the raptor they're brilliant

Thanks for all your feedback, guys (&girls)! I'm now the proud owner of a new Xtra Raptor - I'll pick it up on Saturday.

No contest really - test rode the VTR again both solo and with a pillion. Capable bike, but when I repeated the exercise on a Raptor there was no comparison. Grin material! Made the Honda feel like a tractor.

Will post my first impressions in a few days.

Cheers

Steve

[Amanda M]

fantastic!!!

[shebee]

Enjoy!

[snapdragon]

Congratulations!! a man of evident good taste and culture (also a hooligan)

[hebs]

Congratulations! You will not be disappionted.

[JimBo]

You made the right decision Steve. Enjoy