Ultimate Motorcycling did a comparison test for the Harley-Davidson Roadster and the Victory Octane. The Octane may have more power but the Roadster hits torque peak at 3750 rpm while the Octane hits it at 6000 rpm, making the Roadster better for city riding or taking those tight canyon turns.

Even on the highway that helps with getting up to speed since once your at speed its easier at that point. But overall this is an ideal bike for highway riding.

Seems like it.. I'm just a bit worried about the vibration. Would prefer the peak torque on the bottom end regardless though

Low end torque like the Roadster's won't be winning any track races bit it'll be a lot more enjoyable on the street and that's what the review gets. Some reviews I've seen are biased towards oversquare, higher-revving bikes.

Wouldn't want to go for a high revving Octance anyways, it vibrates at the higher levels of their rev ranges but that's exactly where the Octane starts showing off its chops.

Well, looks like the Roadster will win this by default.

Looks like Polaris is winding back Victory. Not good.

Victory Motorcycle Important Announcement | Polaris Industries

[quote=34nineteen;13106]Well, looks like the Roadster will win this by default.

Looks like Polaris is winding back Victory. Not good.


IIRC folks were predicting this once the new Indians appeared in numbers.

Any idea what sales figures looked like ??

Makes sense, Polaris is getting most of their income from their powersport products like ATVs and other off-road vehicles. No idea what the sales figures looks like, I think those are published at manufacturer's discretion.

Old thread, but the above is BS about the octane power output. My friend just picked a brand new one two weeks ago. I rode it about 40 miles and it absolutely moves at ALL rpms. Throttle response is better and pulls hard the moment you whack the throttle. I am sure gearing plays a big roll here since he has a 6 speed to our 5 speed. I just picked up a roadster 3 days ago, and no where power wise does it come close to matching an octane. His bike handles nice but i really dont enjoy forward controls pushing a bike through some twisties, though its good for my knees.

I just hope when my 2 into 1 exhuast and tuner shows up i can keep up. Right now looking at a dyno chart from a stock octane vs a stock roadster based on 3500 rpm.

Roadster: 45hp / 68ft-tq
Octane: 46hp / 69ft-tq

Looks pretty close until you factor in the gearing, which gets him up to his peak power quicker and it might even be a few lbs lighter.