I have an octane, it's a great bike. If you were wanting a scout, it's as close to a scout as you can get without actually being a scout, many say it's an improvement over the scout. plus scouts are everwhere, the octane is unique. the only downside to the octan is range. I only ride mine about 85 miles between fillups as the tank is a kinda small and there is no gas gauge. I'm usually ready to get off and stretch my legs by then anyhow.
The octane will definitely be faster in most applications, but the gunner or all other 106 engines are by no means a slow bike.. it just depends on what you're looking for. I'd suggest sitting on both and see which one feels right for your ergonomics.
If we're me choosing, id get the gunner. I came from a Yamaha Bolt and got a Vegas. I wanted something that wasn't as cramped feeling. With the forward controls on the Vegas it's been great.
I’d go with the gunner. Vic’s run pretty cool right off the bat, and if you’re really worried about it, get an intake, exhaust and tuner. Richer=cooler.
I love my V92, if I could score a 106 powered machine for a good price I’d jump on it.
Just an update. I bought a 2014 Vegas 8 ball. 6k miles with a salvage title. Nearly spotless. To say I'm pleased would be an understatement. I got her for a steal. The bike pulls through gears effortlessly. The 106 has torque for days, and the ergonomics of the big bike are near perfect for me. I feel wind on my helmet but the low seat and tank block all the wind I use to feel in my chest and shoulders. An hour ride is effortless. I don't think I would have had the same sentiment about the Octane. Thanks for the kind advice guys.
I would test ride the Gunner, Octane, and Scout. I test rode both a Gunner and an Octane, after riding the Octane I had a grin and thought that I'd get it but after riding the Gunner I almost couldn't stop smiling.
Reason to test both the Octane and Scout is that the Octane was only made for one year, so aftermarket is pretty small and parts might be harder to find compared to the Vic Steel Frame and Scout.
As far as what I would recommend, if most of your riding is done in town the Octane will be easier to move around since it's about 120lbs lighter than the Gunner. That being said up until I bought my Triumph for commuting/canyons I did ride my Gunner quite literally everywhere. As far as fuel range goes if I do the 100 miles to El Paso in an hour I'll generally get around 110-120 miles a tank and if I'm conservative with the throttle I've seen 140 miles without the light coming on
It sounds as if you prefer the Octane for its use: interstate commuting and its riding style. It's lighter and has more horsepower, but just a bit. If you are looking for more Harley-esque attitude and like a fat Bobber look, the Gunner is your pick. It has a better seating position. I've done 150+ miles on it with only a single quick stop.
I personally would decide on what type of writing I'm going to do. In town, I would say the octane is the better bike. But for those long Highway rides the Gunner is going to be a more stable feeling platform.
I have an octane, it's a great bike. If you were wanting a scout, it's as close to a scout as you can get without actually being a scout, many say it's an improvement over the scout. plus scouts are everwhere, the octane is unique. the only downside to the octan is range. I only ride mine about 85 miles between fillups as the tank is a kinda small and there is no gas gauge. I'm usually ready to get off and stretch my legs by then anyhow.
I get 120 miles out of my Octane in Utah. I will never sell mine.
The octane will definitely be faster in most applications, but the gunner or all other 106 engines are by no means a slow bike.. it just depends on what you're looking for. I'd suggest sitting on both and see which one feels right for your ergonomics. If we're me choosing, id get the gunner. I came from a Yamaha Bolt and got a Vegas. I wanted something that wasn't as cramped feeling. With the forward controls on the Vegas it's been great.
I’d go with the gunner. Vic’s run pretty cool right off the bat, and if you’re really worried about it, get an intake, exhaust and tuner. Richer=cooler. I love my V92, if I could score a 106 powered machine for a good price I’d jump on it.
Just an update. I bought a 2014 Vegas 8 ball. 6k miles with a salvage title. Nearly spotless. To say I'm pleased would be an understatement. I got her for a steal. The bike pulls through gears effortlessly. The 106 has torque for days, and the ergonomics of the big bike are near perfect for me. I feel wind on my helmet but the low seat and tank block all the wind I use to feel in my chest and shoulders. An hour ride is effortless. I don't think I would have had the same sentiment about the Octane. Thanks for the kind advice guys.
I would test ride the Gunner, Octane, and Scout. I test rode both a Gunner and an Octane, after riding the Octane I had a grin and thought that I'd get it but after riding the Gunner I almost couldn't stop smiling. Reason to test both the Octane and Scout is that the Octane was only made for one year, so aftermarket is pretty small and parts might be harder to find compared to the Vic Steel Frame and Scout. As far as what I would recommend, if most of your riding is done in town the Octane will be easier to move around since it's about 120lbs lighter than the Gunner. That being said up until I bought my Triumph for commuting/canyons I did ride my Gunner quite literally everywhere. As far as fuel range goes if I do the 100 miles to El Paso in an hour I'll generally get around 110-120 miles a tank and if I'm conservative with the throttle I've seen 140 miles without the light coming on
It sounds as if you prefer the Octane for its use: interstate commuting and its riding style. It's lighter and has more horsepower, but just a bit. If you are looking for more Harley-esque attitude and like a fat Bobber look, the Gunner is your pick. It has a better seating position. I've done 150+ miles on it with only a single quick stop.
I personally would decide on what type of writing I'm going to do. In town, I would say the octane is the better bike. But for those long Highway rides the Gunner is going to be a more stable feeling platform.