I know the R is not meant to reach the levels of a Duc ST or an Aprilia Futura (not at 600+ lbs, anyway), but has anyone who now owns an R driven the others extensively and able to compare them?

I've got an A, and when I looked the R over carefully at the dealer I began to wonder why I'd trade in the A for an R if I wanted a Sport Tourer config, versus trading the A for a Duc or Aprilia ST config.

Any thoughts if you have experience on the two types?

what you are wanting, is not even in the ball park! the R is not even in the same league as my bmw's. if a sport tourer is what you are after, you will not be happy!
however, the R is a cooler bike than the ones you mentioned. its a "fun bike", if thats what you are looking for! a cruiser that you can take thru "deals gap" and not hear the chuckles from the bystanders when your frame drags the pavement like the other harleys.

what you are wanting, is not even in the ball park! the R is not even in the same league as my bmw's. if a sport tourer is what you are after, you will not be happy!
however, the R is a cooler bike than the ones you mentioned. its a "fun bike", if thats what you are looking for! a cruiser that you can take thru "deals gap" and not hear the chuckles from the bystanders when your frame drags the pavement like the other harleys.


That's what I thought -- the VR (R) is unique, but not in the same league with the other two. Fair enough. Like Mr. Ed, who bought a Duc ST3 and kept his VR (A), the two are differnt bikes for different purposes. I'd probably do the same if I wanted a ST, and not try to get both in one machine.

Any other thoughts from those with experience with both?

at a time when bikes are becoming seemingly more specailized and narrowly focused in their mission and target buyers, the R is, to me at least, truly unique. i've owned many sport bikes from all the Japanese mfrs. BMWs and a Ducati. i currently own a GL1800 and a VFR 800 as well as my R model.
the one i ride the most...the one that is the most fun...without a doubt is the VRSCR. i use it for everything. sport riding (not as fast as the true sportbikes..but i don't care to go THAT fast anymore...been there done that),
cruising...it gets lots of glances, mainly from people trying to figure out what it is. sport touring and all out honest to goodness touring. and the fact that i have to plan and improvise and fiddle with it to make it do what i want it to do, takes me back to when i started riding bikes. back when they weren't so sophisticated. or fast. or capable. and i like that.

don't COMPARE the R to anything. ride one because it truly captures the raw mechanical essence of what motorcycling is all about.

ken

I went through a bit of a dilemma when I got the bug for a sport style bike this these last few weeks. I was looking for a naked sports bike or what's now called a "streetfighter".

I narrowed it down to 5 contenders (in alphabetical order):

Aprilia Tuono
Buell XB12S
Ducati S4R
MV Agusta Brutale
Triumph Speed Triple
VRSCR

Of these I eliminated the Buell (too small for me), the Aprilia (not naked enough and too angular), and the MV Agusta (not enough bottom end torque, no dealer support network). That left the Ducati, Triumph and Harley.

Ignoring the fact that I already have the V-Rod I evaluated these three on what I consider to be equal grounds.

Using a Scale of 0 - 5

Looks:
Ducati - 5
Triumph - 5
VRSCA - 4

Power:
Ducati - 4
Triumph - 5
VRSCA - 4

Handling:
Ducati - 5
Triumph - 5
VRSCA - 4

Cost:
Ducati - 3
Triumph - 4
VRSCA - 2

Adding it all up, with a perfect score being 20:
Ducati - 17
Triumph - 19
VRSCA - 14

Now, if I didn't already own a V-Rod I would be placing a higher value on the ownership of the VRSCA but in most objective reviews the Street Rod is going to lose because of it's price and weight. If, however, they turn the platform into a true sport touring bike that changes everything. As a naked streetfighter it's really not in the same league (SORRY)

I have taken a few demo rides on the Street Rod and mine should be delivered in May. I have owned a Ducati ST4, ST4s, and Monster S4. I think the VRSCR is more like the Monster S4 than the fully faired ST with hard bags. The Street Rod actually brought back memories of my BMW K1200RS: a large, heavy, stable, secure and fast sporting bike rather than the smaller and more flicable Ducatis.

My favorite motorcycles are Harleys and Ducatis because of their mechanical presence and feel. Some people call it character or soul. The Ducati ST will offer more protection from weather with its fairing and hard bags are always nice to have even for local rides. I like to vary my speed from a slow cruise to brisk sport riding and the Street Rod did both very well. Ducati’s race bred motors like to go fast and don’t slow cruise nearly as well. Some of them surge and protest at lower rpm and they don’t have the range of talents that the V-Rod motor does. I also found the VRSCR put less pressure on my arms than the Ducatis though I think the ST has a more legroom.

You can tour on any motorcycle and I have a friend who has ridden cross-country on a Sportster. Obviously, the Ducati or Aprilia are better suited for such duty and if you want a sport tourer you would be better off buying one of those. The Aprilia is a sport-touring bike while the Ducati is a touring sportbike. A fine distinction but one that will make a big difference in the fun factor depending on what you are really looking for. For me, I agree with Ken and think the Street Rod is more fun. As he put it, “it truly captures the raw mechanical essence of what motorcycling is all about.” I wasn’t in the market for a new motorcycle but was so taken with the feel, power and handling of the Street Rod I told my dealer I would take the next one he as coming in.

Ride them all and buy the one you like the best.

Alan

i got rid of my fxdx harley last winter. i was bitten by the beemer bug and never thought i would go back to harleys again. at the time i owned a r1100s and a r1150rt. then i saw the vrscR and had to have it. im not disapointed at this point.
i will admit that the new bmw k1200s is calling to me. 168hp, abs brakes and more. i decided to let bmw have a year to get the bugs out before i buy. it comes in a naked version too. them beemers are nice!

I just want to add that if I didn't already have the VRSCA and was only looking to own one bike the VRSCR would be on the top of my list. My choice for a second bike was one that I could hop on and thrash about whenever the bug hits me. The Street Rod is more multi purpose than any of the bikes in my comparison.

if I didn't already have the VRSCA and was only looking to own one bike the VRSCR would be on the top of my listYour comment and location raised a couple of new issues. In Northern NJ, a Ducati or Aprilia sport-touring bike will add about two months of comfortable riding over an unfaired Harley. While I anticipate the Street Rod being one of the best and most fun bikes I have ever owned, living in New York I would keep my Road Glide in a one motorcycle garage.

As for the original question, why trade an A for an R, the only reason would be riding style and comfort. If you prefer more control and enjoy going faster, the R is the way to go. Many riders don't find the feet-forward cruiser ergonomics all that comfortable. Some don't like the sportbike tuck and might find the legroom on the VRSCR to be a bit lacking.

I think the Ducati ST line is one of the best all around motorcycles made. It is the most comfortable sportbike you will find. It has that V-Twin character and power delivery most Harley riders appreciate. It offers decent protection from the elements, has very good luggage, and is a versatile motorcycle. Unfortunately, you need a good Ducati dealer to support the bike since they tend to have more mechanical problems that require a good mechanic to keep them on the road and routine maintenance is expensive compared to a Harley.

For years I was torn between sportbikes and Harleys. I think the Street Rod will hit the perfect balance for me. For others, Ducati might be the better choice. Having come off a few less than satisfying experiences with my local Ducati dealer, I factor in dealer support to all my motorcyle purchases.

Alan

That's what I thought -- the VR (R) is unique, but not in the same league with the other two. Fair enough. Like Mr. Ed, who bought a Duc ST3 and kept his VR (A), the two are differnt bikes for different purposes. I'd probably do the same if I wanted a ST, and not try to get both in one machine.

Any other thoughts from those with experience with both?

I have several Triumphs, including a Triumph Sprint (similar to the Ducati in terms of intended use) and a Street Rod. I agree that the Street Rod is NOT a "sport tourer" (no wind protection, no center stand, no decent integrated luggage (more on that later), too heavy and a gas guzzler). If you want a sport tourer, check out the new Triumph Sprint. IMHO the Sprint is a better bike than the Beemer or other European Sport Tourers. It is less money, plenty powerful and very reliable. Service doesn't cost an arm and leg either.

I looked into the "bags" for the Street Rod and was amazed that they are not waterproof. They come with "waterproof covers" that must be installed to keep the bags watertight. What a load of CRAP! I can't believe HD would sell a set of $550 bags that aren't waterproof. I suspect that HD will soon learn that the people who are buying this type of bike will demand accessories that are truly functional.