2016 Harley-Davidson Roadster vs. 2017 Victory Octane
The performance cruise segment is growing more and more as iconic motorcycle manufacturers like Harley-Davidson and Victory fight to lure younger audiences with strategic products.
At the top of the must-have list of the performance cruise segment are the 2016 Harley-Davidson Roadster, and the 2017 Victory Octane. Two different motorcycles with different attitudes and characteristics, yet two bikes are meant to represent their brand’s interpretation of a growing sector.
Our friends over at UltimateMotorcycling have recently gotten their hands on these two exact models and shared their opinions on both machines. While they initially state that both bikes are designed with the performance rider in mind, they also cater to riders that want functionality and convenience in an every day bike.
The Harley-Davidson Roadster is much better established given its flat-track pedigree, and it definitely taps into its background to make a name for itself and move units out of dealerships, but that being said, the overall look and feel of the truck leans more toward the popular cafe-racer that many riders prefer today. Its old-school long-stroke pushrod Harley-Davidson Sportster Evolution motor delivers power at fairly low rpm, and seems to be the best of the two at acceleration and typical normal stop-and-go riding.
The Victory Octane is in my opinion the better looking one of the two, and its 104 horsepower at 8000 rpm love to rev high and deliver smooth and good sounding performance that it’s easy to get addicted to. In fact, according to Ultimate Motorcycling, it’s much more nimble and better handling than the Harley in almost all categories.
If these two are on your shopping short-list, make sure to check out their full review and good luck making a choice!
Chime in with your thoughts on the forum. >>
Photos via: [HD & Victory]
