Thanks. Let me know how the 2 compare for riding around town, which is all I do these days, or an occasional trip to the coast on the twisties. Also, if you have time and are so inclined, send a photo of the pair. my fiends think I am crazy for buying a 2nd R18 but I love the style and comfort. They think it’s completely insane and redundant but then they don’t house Harleys and BMW’s and Ducatis under the same roof. Enjoy!
Hi David.
These are my subjective thoughts. Roctane is physically a lot bigger, it’s noticably taller, rides higher and you sit higher in the bike. Standard seat is a lot more comfortable and the suspension is more plush. Don’t know why, it just is.
R18 feels a lot lighter than the 30kg difference, in every way, almost ‘nimble’
, the exhaust note is slightly different, a touch quieter but still very nice (to my ears). The pegs would grind out more easily than the Roctane in tight bends, no doubt about it, but it’s easy to make adjustments and avoid it. Mine has lovely chrome fishtails and I personally prefer the looks of the spoked wheels, satin silver engine finishes and of course the gorgeous red colour with pinstripes. All very subjective and personal to taste of course.
I love them both, for slightly different reasons. Honestly I don’t know which I would let go if I
really had to, flip a coin probably. Regarding town work, well, either would be fine but the side cases on the Roctane are very wide at the back (same width as cylinder heads) so if it will pass while filtering traffic you are good to go but you could forget and catch a vehicle if not careful. Know what I mean.
I genuinely plan to keep these two, especially now that they are sort of discontinued, they have all the qualities I want and like in a bike and are sufficiently different in looks and riding experience that it doesn’t bother me at all, quite the opposite actually. Good luck with your decision
heel+toe shifter...
