There has been talk throughout this forum about other bikes that may or may not compete with the VRSCR. I'm putting up some other brands without models in the pole.

If you cross shopped, select the brand on the poll and post the model you shopped as well as your final choice and why.

I went to the yamaha dealer because I really wanted a warrior,but the sales guy just walked past me without even a "hello",the same day i went to hd dealer near me,and the the sales guy bellowed out " hey if you want to test ride something let me know" ,i had only got one foot in the doorway!
PROOF customer DO vote with their wallets.

Just to add my experience, I shopped these bikes:

Aprilia Tuono
Buell XB12S
Ducati S4R
Honda 919
Triumph Speed Triple
VRSCR

I chose the Speed Triple for 5 reasons:

1. I already have a V-Rod and have no intentions of selling it
2. Perfect ergonomics for me and my intended purpose (weekend toy the thrash about)
3. Power and Handling
4. Price (value)
5. Tradition (Triumph ranks high on my list of historical marques and I pay a lot of credence to motorcycles that are built by people who love motorcycling as much or more than they love the almighty dollar)

The new Street Rod was the only bike that was able to take me off my totally Screamin' Eagle modified 2001 Dyna SUper GLide Sport (FXDX). That bike was the hastest H-D in my area of NC. I loved it completely. But, the VRSCR is yet another giant step up in terms of H-D performance.

When I arrived at the dealer I was riding a Softail, had a demo ride and left riding a StreetRod..
No regrets at all, I love this bike.. :)

I really wasn't in the market for a new motorcycle and I didn't really cross-shop but I did demo a BMW R1200ST the same day I took a demo on the Street Rod and fell in love with it. I ordered my Street Rod the next day.

I was happy with my 1200 Sportster Custom but got the same basic Harley rumble on my Road Glide so was toying with the idea of getting something that would give me more of a different experience. The Street Rod put a smile on my face. While the BMW was a nice motorcycle, it just didn't move me like the VRSCR. This was a purely emotional decision based on the fun I had riding the Street Rod.

Alan

I just had my 15,000 service on my VRSCB and walked into the service bay and saw the R with the new crated engine sitting next to it. The bike was bought by another Rider's Edge Instructor I teach with and had a problem with the original engine after 400 miles. Dealer bought it back and worked a deal to get the Big Bore right then. Until that point, I was ready to ride my B to the Grave with me............

The Triumph R3.

Just to add my experience, I shopped these bikes:

Aprilia Tuono
Buell XB12S
Ducati S4R
Honda 919
Triumph Speed Triple
VRSCR

I chose the Speed Triple for 5 reasons:

1. I already have a V-Rod and have no intentions of selling it
2. Perfect ergonomics for me and my intended purpose (weekend toy the thrash about)
3. Power and Handling
4. Price (value)
5. Tradition (Triumph ranks high on my list of historical marques and I pay a lot of credence to motorcycles that are built by people who love motorcycling as much or more than they love the almighty dollar)

Mark,

Thanks for pointing out the Speed Triple...nice bike. I've been considering a 2nd bike recently & have been looking at used Monsters & never considered the Triple. If I'm going to stay in the used market, I'll still probably go Monster as the older Triples are no where near as good looking as the new models (IMHO), which gives the edge to Ducati. While the 1000s & 900Sie appear to be calling me, as I'm 150lbs, I think a 750 would have plenty of giddy-up in the twisties. To be determined...

G

Mark,

Thanks for pointing out the Speed Triple...nice bike. I've been considering a 2nd bike recently & have been looking at used Monsters & never considered the Triple. If I'm going to stay in the used market, I'll still probably go Monster as the older Triples are no where near as good looking as the new models (IMHO), which gives the edge to Ducati. While the 1000s & 900Sie appear to be calling me, as I'm 150lbs, I think a 750 would have plenty of giddy-up in the twisties. To be determined...

G

G,

I was $3500 away from buying the S4R (price difference between the Duc and the Trumpet). The Monsters are REALLY nice rides, any one of them. Good luck in your search.

I know it doesn't have the cache' of the Duc but the Suzuki SV650 is a really fun package for not much cash. Good, clean ones can be found all day for ~$3500.

Mark

Went into the dealership and he read out a list of improvements on the VRSCR and decided on the spot to order one.

G,

I was $3500 away from buying the S4R (price difference between the Duc and the Trumpet). The Monsters are REALLY nice rides, any one of them. Good luck in your search.

I know it doesn't have the cache' of the Duc but the Suzuki SV650 is a really fun package for not much cash. Good, clean ones can be found all day for ~$3500.

Mark

Mark,

Took a Yellow Speed Triple & Red/White Stripe S4R for test rides today. My findings are:
1) While both look great, the Triple looks better. Much tougher look.
2) Riding position goes to Ducati. The seating position was perfect for me. More comfortable seat, leg & hand positions. Didn't need to search for the rear brake. Well thought out ergonomics.
3) Didn't care for the inline whine of the Triple & the S4R V-twin doesn't sound like our amazing Revo's.
4) Brakes on both are fantastic. May need to look at putting the Brembo's or Nissans on the V.
5) Overall neither bike WOWED me enough to think I must have one. Cost on the Triple is $9999 firm, no discounts as bike is selling well. The demo Ducati was $12,500, or $13,500 new.
6) I did take your advise & take a look at a new SV650. Demo ride not available. I think I'd be disappointed with the 650, but the SV1000 looks interesting. This dealer had an 03 leftover at a $6800. This is also a 996 V-twin like the Duc, with Michilen Pilots, fuel injected, steering damper, & simaler seating ergos to the Duc. Obviuosly it's not a Duc, doesn't have the same suspension, inverted forks or cache, but for the price, it's tough to beat.
7) What I learned is how lucky we V-Rodders are to be owners of the best bike available & what a great addition the VRSCR is to HD to help them compete (favorably) against the Europeans & Japanese.
8) I'm going to give the Kosman Mid foot controls a good look, as this would be my least expensive option in getting a sportier ride, rather than buying another bike. Sometimes the best decision is to do nothing.

G

In addition to the Street Rod, I looked at the Yamaha FJR 1300 and FZ1, Honda ST1300, BMW R1150 and R1200C, and the Fat Boy. This list dwindled down to the FZ1, R1150, FJR, and VRSCR in order from cheapest to most expensive. Each is in their own price class, and whichever price range I decided to commit to, I'd have been happy with any of these bikes. I ended up ordering a Street Rod, Black Cherry, which should arrive in mid-June. Waiting is the hardest part...

i wasnt even looking at the street rod. I was looking to add another sportier bike to go along with my XL1200C. Irode the XB12 lightning about 5 weeks ago and loved the power but not the tight ergos. wanted to look this summer at the ducati monsters, and the triumph speed triple. last week i test rode the R and really liked it from there my wife did the rest. the only downfal was trading in my 03 1200. but no regrets now! 380 miles on her now!