Touring Bikes Comparison - Long Rangers

Four Philosophies, One Purpose

Photography by Kevin Wing

2008 Triumph Rocket III Touring | Price: $16,999-$17,299

Tech Spec
Engine type: l-c inline-tripleRake/trail: 32.0/7.3 in.
Valve train: DOHC, 12vSeat height: 28.9 in.
Displacement: 2294ccWheelbase: 67.2 in.
Bore x stroke: 101.9 x 94.3mmFuel capacity: 4.9 gal.
Compression: 8.7:1Weight (tank full/empty): 897/867 lbs.
Fuel system: EFIMeasured horsepower: 80.5 bhp @ 4250 rpm
Clutch: Wet, multi-plateMeasured torque: 122.5 lb.-ft. @ 2250 rpm
Transmission: 5-speedCorrected 1/4 mile: 13.05 sec. @ 100.02 mph
Frame: Tubular-steel twin-sparTop gear roll-on 60-80 mph: 4.13 sec
Front suspension: 43mm Kayaba forkFuel mileage (high/low/avg.): 36/33/34 mpg
Rear suspension: Twin Kayaba shocks with adjustable spring preloadColors: Black, black/white, black/red, two-tone blue
Front brake: Dual Nissin four-piston calipers, 320mm discsAvailability: Now
Rear Brake: Single Brembo two-piston caliper, 316mm discWarranty: 24 mo./unlimited mi.
Front Tire: 150/80-R16 Bridgestone ExedraContact: www.triumphmotorcycles.com
Rear Tire: 180/70-R16 Bridgestone Exedra
  • 2008 Triumph Rocket Iii Tech Spec
  • 2008 Triumph Rocket Iii Tech Spec Graph

Dyno
Dominating in displacement and thrust, the Triumph triple churns out 12.7 more lb.-ft. of torque than the Honda six, but power falls off once revs climb.

Ergos
Essentially a touring cruiser, the Rocket III isn't quite as comfy as the others, our lower backs and butts protesting after not so many miles.

2008 Victory Vision | Price: $19,999

Tech Spec
Engine type: a/o-c 50-deg. V-twinRake/trail: 29.0/5.4 in.
Valve train: SOHC, 8vSeat height: 26.5 in.
Displacement: 1731ccWheelbase: 65.7 in.
Bore x stroke: 101.0 x 108.0mmFuel capacity: 6.0 gal.
Compression: 9.4:1Weight (tank full/empty): 899/863 lbs.
Fuel system: EFIMeasured horsepower: 76.9 bhp @ 5000 rpm
Clutch: Wet, multi-plateMeasured torque: 94.9 lb.-ft. @ 2750 rpm
Transmission: 6-speedCorrected 1/4 mile: na
Frame: Aluminum backboneTop gear roll-on 60-80 mph: na
Front suspension: 43mm Kayaba forkFuel mileage (high/low/avg.): 45/33/38 mpg
Rear suspension: Single Kayaba shock, air-adjustable preloadColors: Black, Super Steel Gray, Midnight Cherry
Front brake: Dual Nissin three-piston calipers, 300mm discsAvailability: Now
Rear Brake: Single Nissin two-piston caliper, 300mm discWarranty: One yr./unlimited mi.
Front Tire: 130/70-R18 Dunlop Elite 3Contact: www.victorymotorcycles.com
Rear Tire: 180/60-R16 Dunlop Elite 3
  • 2008 Victory Vision Tech Spec
  • 2008 Victory Vision Tech Spec Graph

Dyno
A near-duplicate of the Harley's curves, with considerably better numbers: up 18.8 bhp and 24.0 lb.-ft. thanks to four valves per cylinder and overhead cams.

Ergos
Reigning supreme with a spacious cockpit and generous floorboards, the Vision was voted hands-down the most comfortable of this group.

By Kevin Wing
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