Which will it be?

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