Contemplating a different bike
 

I'll likely get some stick for this but I can't get a particular bike off my mind, I'm gonna line up a demo ride on one very soon and take it from there:

http://www.aimag.com/wordpress/wp-co...e-Hammer-4.jpg
The Victory Hammer S...

I am starting to think I need to slow down a little and get the SMT part-exed against one...the SMT is a great bike no mistakes but I am thinking it might be time to enjoy a big muscle bike with uber torque and comfort

I am thinking if I have a hammer I'll then get a cheap dual sport for winter and bad weather in general, the hammer will be for joy rides and weekend touring.

They have a 180 mile tank range with 50MPG, which for an engine getting on for 1.8L that ain't bad...They seem to hold their value well too...only down side I see are the scraping of pegs, especially after getting used to the SMT in the twisties

review of the earlier slightly smaller engined 2010 model:

Am I just having a moment? mid life crisis looming? Demo ride will make or break the decision I guess...

Contemplating a different bike
 

Pansy :p
Have a different kind of crisis and buy a blackbird or 'busa.

Re: Contemplating a different bike
 

I've already had my licence suspended once before, if I got a Busa I would get too carried away...I enjoy the grunt and acceleration of a big engine and want to try and stop enjoying the top speed....hence the cruiser...I did like the idea of a Diavel but they also have too much bhp and top end too

Re: Contemplating a different bike
 

following my second major op on the knee; there was a very real possibility I would end up with extremely limited bend, I looked at the "feet forward" choices available.

I had a two hour test ride on a Victory 8 ball

http://cdn2.bikesevolution.com/pics/...all-2012_1.jpg

Was impressed by the build quality and modern aspects of the bike, defiantly no harley clone, bit weird riding position and mini roundabouts are something else, but given time I reckon I could live with one.

Fortunately things went better than expected and I didn't need to go in that direction.

Cheers Mark.

Re: Contemplating a different bike
 

i had a sit on a victory hammer s recently while waiting for my bike mot to be done and was sooo comfy, bit too big for me though

Re: Contemplating a different bike
 

I've had a look at one already and agree the build quality and finish is nice. The demo ride is lined up for Saturday if it doesn't rain so I'll get to see what it's like to actually ride...

I could get the Hammer 8-ball instead of the sport, people have locked up the front tyre with the single disc so having just one ain't an issue...they don't have an 8-ball to test ride where I am heading though...might get some time on a Victory Judge too if I can though, like those as well, smaller width rear so mini roundabouts shouldn't be so bad but it still has the same lump in it:

http://www.ridermagazine.com/wp-cont...udge-right.jpg

Assuming you're on about the engine size I've gone from an SV650 to an SMT990 and then maybe a Hammer S @ 1.7L next, all in 3 years of getting my licence. Having a bigger engine is nice, especially if it's a V-twin...do a demo ride on any bigger bike and see what the appeal is for you.....

Re: Contemplating a different bike
 

Down to 3 possibles now:

* Victory Hammer S
* Victory Judge
* Triumph Thunderbird Storm

Demo's on the first 2 this weekend hopefully and a demo on the TB next weekend if available

Re: Contemplating a different bike
 

Triumph Trophy?

Re: Contemplating a different bike
 

Nah, not interested in a big sports tourer

This may just be something I need to try out on a demo ride or 3 and I may just come back with a "what was I thinking" but I am liking the idea of a muscle cruiser, just wondering if the low ground clearance will put me off...the Thunderbird Storm is the better handling of the three I think.

If only Triumph did the TB Storm in this finish:

Re: Contemplating a different bike
 

If you plump for a Victory Hammer, don't forget the extra expenditure on leather apparel

Aresless chaps, 10 gallon cowboy hat, waistcoat, wallet on a chrome chain etc etc ;)