After not having a bike form .....oh....32 yrs or so I'm leaning hard towards a Victory Kingpin bagger.
I had Triumphs before anmy last bike actually was a 750 Norton Interstate Commando w/ the combat engine.
I'm way to old for the litttle bit of cafe racer still in me to buy a crotch rocket BUT Moto Guzzi Norges, BMW T1200s feel like a bike should. I've also Looked at the big Triumph triple (Rocket? That's what they used to be called.)
The big Yammie / Star V Twin has had me sit on one since I have had phenominal preformance from my well used Yammie main motor and kicker on my pike boat.
Last but not least I will look at H-D.
The thing is is that when I walked into a custom chopper retailer, by mistake and / or curiousity, where every thing on the floor had the H-D based S&S motors for power, the salesman said, "Go Victory. Very reliable, lots of power, and they handle well for a big cruiser."
Having gotten to the point in my life where I can buy a "toy" like this from being a union tradesman I feel like Victory or H-D is the way I'll go . I really want to hear truthful experiances on Victory.
Thanks.

Never rode one. My suggestion is to go and test ride a few models you are looking at and get the feel for the ride. I have a 08 street glide now and it is a real nice bike, rides niece and lot's of power.

A friend of mine has a Kingpin. He just replaced the throttle position sensor on it. Other than that, it's been a great bike.

If you are looking to buy a new Victory now is the time, right now they are sold with a 5 year warranty. Drop me an email and i can get you more details on a Victory. centralbassman at yahoo . com

Dunno where you're at, but I have not much luck securing test drives on the Japanese models unless I rent a bike.

I fully agree to test drive as many as you can though, if you can. Don't know the whole situation and details, but a friend of mine wants to sell their fairly new Victory. Says vibration makes butt go numb. He says it's something to do with solid vs. rubber mounted engine. Again, don't know all the facts, only what he's said.

I was able to test drive my Kawasaki before I signed on the dotted line.

[quote=Whoaru99
Dunno where you're at, but I have not much luck securing test drives on the Japanese models unless I rent a bike. [/quote]

If you go to a dealer looking to possibly purchase a bike and they do not let ya test drive one find another dealer! I have never bought a bike without riding it first! The Yamaha dealer in Faribault allows test drives if you are serious about it. Take care and N Joy the Ride././Jimbo

After looking and thinking hard... I think I'd buy a new H-D Fat Bob , but more than likely will go a late model Dyna w/ forward controls.

I’ve got 33,000 trouble free miles on my 2003 HD Softail Heritage Classic and I am 64 no spring chicken. I love the smooth ride, the way it hugs the corners and the bike fits me well. My youngest son has a 2007 Yamaha 1700 Silverado that I’ve ridden and can’t say enough good things about.

Tink

Tinkhamtown, Man that is AWESOM! I really look up to the guys that can still log lots of miles in they're senior years. I sure hope I can do the same. any words of advise you can give us younger 40 somethings on the secret to being vibrant enough to keep rolling and enjoying a more active retirement in general?

Married a nice, smart, good-looking woman who makes 100,000 a year and pays all the bills. Is a good cook and always says YES. Great white hunter?---YES, Fine figure of a man?---YES. Good that is all you need to know for now. Plus buy a sheep skin seat cover.

Tink

Ha, ok so I guess that means the less stress in your life the better you do.

I bought a 05 kingpin arlen ness this year and love it. Plenty of power, smooth easy ride and handling, good looks.

Far be it for me to brag but I have an 08 Roadstar 1700 Silverado with over 28,000 trouble free miles on it! But then again, I am only 55! (jk) Take care and N Joy the Ride././Jimbo