I tried a Raptor in 2000 and liked it - but not enough to actually buy one. From what I remember, the bike was very neutral - so neutral and stable that you could be doing illegal speeds very quickly without realising. It was the demo bike at Powerhouse, Ashford and I was always put off by the fact that there was rust on the frame welds, where the trellis met the headstock. Was this a problem with just this bike/just early bikes, or is it a common fault?
So, lots of bikes later, I've now had my interest in these re-awakened, though I've yet to work out where I will put another bike and doubt it will be used much. I'm still not sure if I like the styling of the V Raptor (so that's 11 years and still not made my mind up), or whether to stick with the more conservative Raptor. I think I've discounted getting the 650 version, as I already have a curvey SV and don't really want something so similar. There don't seem to be many bikes for sale in the normal places (ebay, biketrader, bikemart, pistonheads) and was wondering if there is anywhere else where they are for sale - including bike shops with pristine examples that are not being advertised elsewhere?
I could also really do with getting a look at a V Raptor again, just to finally make up my mind. Is there anyone in Kent with a V Raptor that would be happy for me to take a look?
Right, now who's for Lager Shandy, and who wants Bitter Shandy.
Cheers
- if there's a brandy in it 
