 |
| Daytona 350 |
 |
| Spyder 350 |
 |
| Bobber 350 |
When wifey and me first saw the Regal Raptor Spyder at a showroom, I
didn't get a chance to sit on it because wifey liked what she saw and
went straight to it. She sat, didn't move and asked me to try out
others. I have to admit it, among the 3 Regal Raptors, it is the most
beautiful. I can understand why wifey likes it. It looks long and has a
slender body. I was about to say 'yes' to buying it but was immediately
smitten the moment I saw the Regal Raptor Bobber. You see, I love
hardtail frames and the no-nonsense rugged look. I said that's the one
for me! Yet, somehow the Bobber looks shorter than the Spyder. Looks can
be deceiving. I checked the technical specifications of the motorcycles
and found the Bobber is actually the longest (2400mm) i.e. 65mm longer
than the Spyder. However, the Spyder has the longest wheelbase (1850mm)
i.e. 180mm longer than the Bobber. Incidentally, for length comparison,
the HD Sportster 883 and the HD Street Bob are 2179mm and 2319mm
respectively which goes to show how long the Bobber is. From an
aesthetic angle, this 'stretches' the body and creates that tall and
slender image lanky models have. The Daytona has the shortest wheelbase
(1660mm) but these figures also have a geometrical meaning i.e. the
Daytona (with its bigger front tyre) has the best handling while the
Bobber with a wheelbase of 1670mm has to meander slightly and the Spyder
meanders the most when taking corners and U-turns. This wheelbase
geometry dictates the cruiser personality of the Regal Raptors. Just
observe any of them parked next to a normal motorcycle and you will
understand what I mean i.e. they are comparatively long. The Spyder is
designed to be a highway cruiser. That long wheelbase makes it stable on
highways but also the most difficult at handling really slow traffic
especially in the fine art of splitting lanes. When I park the Bobber
diagionally, it takes up 2 to 3 parking bays because I do not want to
block the motorcycle passage. Wifey prefers one that can accommodate a
pillion rider because she wants to come along but I prefer the solo seat
because it oozes a more independent personality and said "No
share-share". The salesman supported me and said I couldn't bring a
girlfriend. She immediately agreed. It was actually the Bobber I first
sat on and the seat felt firm. I said this is going to make me a Rough
Rider but what the heck. You can't get the best of both worlds. Sitting
on the Daytona is way different and the handlebar has a comfortable
feel. Yet, I prefer the first generation Daytona mini-ape handlebars and
requested it when I made my booking. The factory told my saleman it is
possible but for safety sake insisted I upgrade to longer supporting
cables (or else they did not agree to the swap). I said OK. If you
compare my Bobber against the current stock Bobber, mine is slightly
different though first generation Bobbers came along with the mini-ape
handlebars. What sets the Bobber apart and unique even from other
motorcycle marque is that rigid frame. Like it or not, it is that
component that gives it that popular old school look even some Daytona
and Spyder owners try to emulate in their ride but to the purists, it's
just not it.
CONCLUSION:
Spyder - Most beautiful;
Daytona - Best handling;
Bobber - Everlasting classic looks
