Newbie, just lurking...

[Big-Fokker]

Hello everyone,
I'm a fellow Honda rider and member over on the VTXOA site just here for some info and research on the Rune. I'm currently on an '05 1800 F that I've got up for sale. I plan to unload the F, lay low for a season and work on my investments and come back next spring with a new ride.
I've currently got my eye on a Rune or a Big Dog. My roots are with Honda, so the Rune is really weighing in hard on this decision :wink: .
I'm sure I'll be asking a few questions to pick your brain's for some info but I'll be sure to use the search method first 8) so to not bore you all with the redundant newbie questions :oops:

Thanks for having me here and I hope to get some good info from you guys and gals 8)

Ride safe,
Jamie

[stewie]

welcome buddy... and ask any question you need to.. that's what we are here for... be careful around this guy that calls himself "dog"... he is from canada.. and you know how "those people" are.. :) just kidding... we have a good set of people here.... glad to have ya on board... hand around, we have a lot of good conversations here... especially on the off topic board... Those 1800F models are pretty sweet... I had a 1300C model for a while before I sold it... How much are ya wanting to get rid of the 1800? I may know of a couple folks that may be interested..

Stewie - da resident "Bad Ass"

[Big-Fokker]

Thanks for the welcome Stewie.
I'm asking $11,500 and here is a link to the thread over on VTXOA http://www.vtxoa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=189508
I appreciate you putting the word out 8)

[stewie]

have ya considered using it as a trade-in on a rune??

[Big-Fokker]

Yeah, but whenever I think of trading in a vehicle, Joe Pesci's voice comes to mind...."It always happens, you get f**k'ed in the drive through", except with different wording :wink:
Plus, I'd really like to go in to a deal with an upper hand. With a trade, I think the dealer will be less likely to move...

[David]

With a trade, I think the dealer will be less likely to move...

That's a big +1 here BF

As a VTXOA and Rune Riders (and GL1800 Riders) member, I see people moving from one bike to another like I did (owned one of each at one time or another).

I traded a VTX1800C that I'd just gotten to feeling and running good for an '04 Illusion Blue Rune.

You have been the subject of VTX conversations up here in the WIVO chapter - can't believe you've put her up for sale after putting so much into her.

Don't get me wrong, I loved the Rune as much as I loved the VTX, but the dealer (and the bank) is the one who mad a ton of coin on all those deals :evil:

Sell the bike privately, and deal with a cash upper hand on the next bike. That's my plan, and I'm sticking to it.......

[hgslayr]

Big Fokker...Did I peak your interest with my posting on VTX board...VTX guys dont seem too friendly....Time to get the Rune ,guys here are cooler.
http://image2.frappr.com/pix2/i/20070213/3/e/8/3e857bf08c1835f475d4e51b311e60730_large.jpg

I had to post some pics when some of the VTX guys said Runes are ugly.
If you get a Big Dog let me know when you go to a rally and we'll see who gets all the attention...Its like being a Rock Star.

[Big-Fokker]

With a trade, I think the dealer will be less likely to move...

That's a big +1 here BF

As a VTXOA and Rune Riders (and GL1800 Riders) member, I see people moving from one bike to another like I did (owned one of each at one time or another).

I traded a VTX1800C that I'd just gotten to feeling and running good for an '04 Illusion Blue Rune.

You have been the subject of VTX conversations up here in the WIVO chapter - can't believe you've put her up for sale after putting so much into her.

Don't get me wrong, I loved the Rune as much as I loved the VTX, but the dealer (and the bank) is the one who mad a ton of coin on all those deals :evil:

Sell the bike privately, and deal with a cash upper hand on the next bike. That's my plan, and I'm sticking to it.......

Man...Ol' B-F is getting some talk time waaay up in IL huh? I'm a star :lol:

Could you offer some power/speed comparisons between the 1800 and the Rune? My F is a beast and makes me grin everytime I hit it. Can the Rune be compared to it in any way, power wise??

BTW - Looking at your BBR pics, am I correct in assuming that I can use my current m/c lift and PepsX stand by adding that yellow Rune adapter?

[hgslayr]

Fokker...I think we posted at the same time.

[Big-Fokker]

Big Fokker...Did I peak your interest with my posting on VTX board...VTX guys dont seem too friendly....Time to get the Rune ,guys here are cooler.
http://image2.frappr.com/pix2/i/20070213/3/e/8/3e857bf08c1835f475d4e51b311e60730_large.jpg

I had to post some pics when some of the VTX guys said Runes are ugly.
If you get a Big Dog let me know when you go to a rally and we'll see who gets all the attention...Its like being a Rock Star.

Nah...you subtly reminded me of what I want in life 8)
The guys over there are cool, you just have to be around for a while and get used to the folks. I came from a Sabre and that board was like brothers and sisters..then I felt like I stepped into a boxing ring when I first joined VTXOA. Most are awesome, but some guys feel the need to give you unwanted or un-asked for info :wink: ie; riding w/shorts :lol:

I will say that whenever someone new comes into the mix, there are a few that try to establish their seniority over them with sort of a "holier than thou" attitude :? Not my cup of tea.
Thanks for not lumping me in with the few rowdy folks over there 8)

BTW - The Big Dog is starting to gain popularity because I just finished searching and found there are no forward control options for the Rune yet :x

I know who's gonna get the attention at a rally...trust me, I've been around when a Rune parks and it's like watching a school of small fish when a shark comes near....except in this case the fish swim toward the shark :wink:

Ride safe Hgslayr

[hgslayr]

Thats why you get these from www.hondadirectline.com (http://www.hondadirectline.com) they are Rivco Hiway pegs.
http://www.hondadirectlineusa.com/pics/RIV-NRX004.jpg
Mine are on the front of the valve covers with the stems pointed back....looks wierd on the back end of the valve covers... Mine arent on in pic.

[hgslayr]

Big Dogs Disappear when a Rune is around I guarantee it.

[BUY LOW]

I can settle the debate between a Rune and a Big Dog right now. My best riding buddy rides a Big Dog Chopper. Candy red with black ghost flames. I'm not into choppers but the Big Dog is the way to go if you want a chopper. You will pay dearly for a new Big Dog (over $30K). They are definitely the most well made chopper on the market. The fit and finish is outstanding. If I were going to buy a chopper or pro-street bike it would have to be a Big Dog.

However...when we ride places and stop, 10 times more people ask about my bike than his. And I only paid $19,995 for my new 2005 Rune. I also got the extended warranty. :) The Big Dog is nice for what it is just like the Rune is nice for what it is. The difference is that choppers are a dime a dozen (or $30K+ in the case of a Big Dog) and the Rune is a unique beast that most people have never seen or heard of. That is why we tell the uninformed lots of lies about the rune which you can read about on this site. The favorite seems to be that once "debadged" you can tell folks it is a Lamborghini and they believe you. 8)

Good luck with your decision. I say if you are happy with Honda, want a bike that runs smooth as silk, with lots of power, gets more looks than Paris Hilton on Rodeo Drive, for much less dough than a Big Dog, and comes in a beautiful Candy Black Cherry (and two other colors not worth mentioning :lol: ), then this is the bike for you.

And don't forget to...BUY LOW :wink:

[Big-Fokker]

B.L. and H-Slayer,
You both have very valid points :!:

Great link to the Rivco product to provide some comfort, but that still leaves me cramped up. No matter how far away I mount those highway pegs, my controls are still in the same place right?
I think the Rune is the #1.........lemme say it again in case you think you didn't read right....I think the Rune is the #1 Best looking 2 wheeled vehicle on the road, but for upwards of $18k you mean to tell me that no one (aftermarket folk) has attempted to comfortably fit a vertically gifted person to one of these? Surely there has to be another "big fokker" around here riding one of these awesome machines right???? I met a gentleman, who just "happened to be" a comedian, that was as tall as I am and he had a CBC ('04 maybe), but I didn't ask him about how he fit on it...

As for the Rune vs. BDM debate, I see your point as well....especially when it comes to New prices :shock: . Here is where I get lost, so please help me....If an '04 Rune was, let's say $20k in '04.....why is it still $20k in '07? Is it a supply and demand thing?
BTW - that $30k number comparison is accurate but a new '07 BDM Chopper can be had for the same price as a "new" Rune :wink:

Please don't take my post wrong here, I'm not trying to start sh*t and piss people off...but something that is still on my mind is why do dealers still want to charge me 2004 msrp and it's 2007? Don't they wan't that unit moved???

Seriously, the little voice in the back of my head tells me to buy Honda. I like the looks of the BDM line, but I'm in no way familiar with them, pretty sure I couldn't work on one like my Honda...but I just don't think I can fit on a damn Rune :(
Someone help me please :lol:

[BUY LOW]

$%#@%*&)(*(&%^#^ I just spent about 30 minute writing on this topic, hit the submit button, and my post disappeared. $$@$#@%$&*^)((&*$%@#$!!!!!!!!!!!!

Check again on the BDM prices. I'm pretty sure they are in the $30K range for a new bike but I've been know to be wrong before :(

The 2005 Rune only comes with the upgraded chrome wheels which were a pretty penny in 2004 for the upgrade.

The Rune will cost less to insure as it falls into the "Cruiser" category. My Rune insurance cost is about 2/3 of the cost to insure my 2001 HD FatBoy.

I'm 5'10" and need to stretch my legs on rides over 50 miles. If you are over 6'6" you may be uncomfortable on a Rune for longer rides even with the highway pegs.

Rune warranty is 3 yrs unlim miles. BDM offers a 2 yr warranty (unsure about mileage).

How close is the nearest Big Dog dealer to you? You'll probably want to take it to them for service. How close is your local Honda dealer and do they have a mechanic who knows the Rune? Plenty of stories on this board about Honda mechanics who don't know their butt from a hole in the ground.

Just for fun...check out the video on the BDM site:
http://www.bigdogmotorcycles.com/

Final note: The BDM is a really nice bike. The Rune is a sexy machine!

[Dockery]

Big-Fokker,

here is a bit of advice. Go find on of each and sit on them. You won't need any futher encoragement.....

I stopped at a Big Dog dealership last night by chance. They also have american IronHorse, and they build their custom. They certainly can talk a good game, but come on. There is no comparison to throwing a leg over the CBC.

Btw, where are you located?

[Blackwing]

Big-Fokker.. Im 6'5" and I found that the Rune was suprisingly comfortable. There is a nead to streatch out on a long ride but the highway pegs can take care of that. I had to have one after seeing one in person..
Have you riddin a Rune yet? If not, Im sure once you ride it you'll buy it! :1st:

[Big-Fokker]

Buy Low,
You provide excellent info my friend 8) I didn't know that about the '05 Runes, but that explains the huge price gap between them and the '04's.
As for dealers, I have both within 10 minutes of me. The local Honda dealer I prefer to only go there in an emergency....like I said, he's 10 mins away, but I bought mine from a dealer 1 hour away :idea:
The BD dealer has a nice selection and they also carry Victory. I go there at least once a month because it's hooked on to a biker bar called Scooters, so when I get done killing a 20 piece wings and 2 beers, I make my way over to the "Dog pound". I've sat on both, love them both, but now that you put the insurance in there I remember why there's not a dog in my garage now :shock: When I was shopping for my current bike I checked rates and Progressive quoted me $3500/yr for a Big Dog. I also called Foremost (who I'm with now) and they quoted the same BD for $1450/yr and to me that's still a little high for bike insurance.
Right now I pay them $600/yr for the 1800 and I'm fine with that.

Dockery,
I'm in Raleigh, NC where the forces of the Darkside are very prevalent! It's kinda hard being a metric boy in this area but I keep the HD boys at bay...and in my rear view mirrors :lol:

Blackwing,
No I haven't ridden a Rune yet and I seriously don't want to until I'm ready to pull the trigger. When I had my Sabre I was happy, but at the same time toying with the idea of buying an 1800. I rode it...I bought it. "No rides on the Rune till I'm ready to buy" is what I have to keep telling myself :wink:

[Dockery]

Dockery,
I'm in Raleigh, NC where the forces of the Darkside are very prevalent! It's kinda hard being a metric boy in this area but I keep the HD boys at bay...and in my rear view mirrors :lol:


HAHAHAHA, Shoot, I'm in Milwaukee.......

Try being Metric here, LOL

[NCEdElliott]

Hey Big-F,

I'm here in Durham and while I don't have my Rune yet I will be getting one by the end of summer. Hopefully we can get out for a ride then.

P.S. I just got back from Ray Price and their open house, there sure was a lot of HD's over there for sure. I did see one Victory though. Sad to say there was nary a Rune.

[David]

Could you offer some power/speed comparisons between the 1800 and the Rune? My F is a beast and makes me grin everytime I hit it. Can the Rune be compared to it in any way, power wise??

BTW - Looking at your BBR pics, am I correct in assuming that I can use my current m/c lift and PepsX stand by adding that yellow Rune adapter?

BF, the power is about the same, but the power curve is different: immediate is the proper word. Bluto Dyno'd the Rune before and after the 1 1/8" holes drilled in the crossover muffler - not much change, so the numbers are valid with, or without a muffler modification. The Dyno sheet on my BBR is for the Rune.

The Rune's torque isn't as strong as the VTX1800, but the Rune will get there just as quick because it'll spin up FAST.

I'd say that the top end speed isn't as high as the VTX1800 due to the Rune's gearing. Isn't meant to be a highway cruiser / tourer.

But the grin will be just a big with the Rune as it was with the VTX.

The PepsX stand is unique to the Rune - it is about 3/8" wider than the VTX stand, in order to accomodate the lift adapter shown in my photos.

[hgslayr]

David...I dont know about your Rune but the Helicopter motor in mine will smoke a Hayabusa...Maybe you should take your back to have it checked..

[Big-Fokker]

Nice comparison David...thanks 8)

[WIZ]

i am in goldsboro NC,and we already have to many RUNES in NC.move to CA.and get a RUNE and live there............
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
just kidding,,,,,,pierrot (lives in WILSON NC)him and his wife and i and mine,can ride over to Raleigh to let ya sit and ride a RUNE if you would like..........these two RUNES ARE OF THE BEST MODELS.....ib or illusion
blue,better known as (blurple).......... :) if we could get Trooper to chime in on this he also would also confirm what Buylow has posted...about a vtx and a RUNE........
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, ,,,

[hgslayr]

Fokker... you said earlier that you would still be cramped with the controls and the Rivco Hiway pegs...My friend is 6-4 and he has no problem with these pegs. Maybe we can get Rune Giant to chime in since he is 6-7 or something like that. After owning the Rune I went to the Big Dog dealer and sat on all of their bikes and I gotta tell you it felt like a mini bike to me.
If forward controls are what you want you better get the BD and when we see you at a rally and were getting all the attention dont say "Gee... I almost bought one of those". Just playing with you but its reality.
Ride safe...

[Big-Fokker]

Thanks Tom! It's nice to get some of that good ol' NC welcoming/humor in... 8)
I've seen a Rune here about a year ago over at a little Sunday gathering spot called Michaels Bar & Grill. The IB is a good looking color but I'm already partial to the CBC. I have sat on one before down in Daytona during BW '05. There was a gentleman with a CBC '04 just hanging out waiting for some friends and he let me swing a leg over it. Nice feel and I think that's where the bug first hit me :x
I don't see many black Rune's around...what's up with that?

[Big-Fokker]

Fokker... you said earlier that you would still be cramped with the controls and the Rivco Hiway pegs...My friend is 6-4 and he has no problem with these pegs. Maybe we can get Rune Giant to chime in since he is 6-7 or something like that. After owning the Rune I went to the Big Dog dealer and sat on all of their bikes and I gotta tell you it felt like a mini bike to me.
If forward controls are what you want you better get the BD and when we see you at a rally and were getting all the attention dont say "Gee... I almost bought one of those". Just playing with you but its reality.
Ride safe...

I'd still be cramped with the controls but I agree that the Hiway peg setup would be okay. My argument there was that while the hiway pegs would let me stretch, I'd still be spending a majority of my time in the "cramped" control position while braking and shifting.
All your points are very valid and I'm not trying to call you wrong or anything 8)
I will say that I joined both this forum and 2 other Big Dog forums and I've only gotten 2 replies over there from my "newbie" post :idea:
I guess you do "meet the nicest people on a Honda" 8) You guys kick a**!

[hgslayr]

Fokker...How tall are you?

[Big-Fokker]

6' 5" - 6' 6" with a 35" inseam.

[hgslayr]

You should PM Rune Giant to get his in put....hes 6-7 or taller.

[Big-Fokker]

Yeah I saw a pic of him somewhere...My wife walked in while I was reading a post of his and saw his pic. She asked if he was really tall, or was that just a really small bike he was standing next to :lol:

[WIZ]

if you are confy riding your 1800 you will be just as confy on the RUNE...
my pal in wilson is a big Fokker too....6'2" or 4 something like that he has no problem with the RUNE.........as far as 1800 vrs the RUNE .........
there is not an 1800 v twin that can handle the RUNE.....
i smokem daily...lol takes to long for the v twins to turn up the rpms...
they are known as thumpers for a reason.........
nah just kidding the vtx 1800 are sweet bikes.......but nothing like a RUNE........seems you big fellas would be more concerned with the
the grips......finger wrap around......... :)
we just got back from riding all over wake co......we rode all day in raleigh
and cary..........RED LOBSTER was calling our names....... :)

[Kythyn]

With that inseam, you could mount Rivco Spider mounts all the way forward on the valve cover covers (no, that isn't a typo). Mine are mounted in the center of the covers and with a 29" inseam, they aren't worth reaching for. Of course, I don't need them the way you do, as I am not all cramped up. A custom seat with a bit more distance towards the back should allow you to reach the classic "chair" position.

Dan

[WIZ]

ditto: dan.........

[Big-Fokker]

So it sounds like a Corbin and the Rivco pegs should be the first thing bolted on :idea:
I had a Gunfighter on the Sabre that I asked Corbin to cut the foam all the way back. They said "there's a bracket for the backrest in there" and I said "cut it" so they did. It gave me about 2 extra inches so I'm confident they'll do it for the next seat.

I really appreciate all your comments and suggestions. Again, you guys kick a** :!:

Jamie

BTW - I found an '05 CBC still in the crate for $19,999 :)

[dog]

Thats pretty normal now for chrome wheels,grab it! The color is just an added bonus. I rode with 700 motorcycles this past Saturday and mine was the only Bike getting attention. Including the VTX crowds that have spent the same amount of money on accessories as the bike itself cost. You may not get what you're asking for your bike but you'll be getting a lot more bike for your money this round. "Thats for sure" dog

[JakesBoss]

welcome buddy... and ask any question you need to.. that's what we are here for... be careful around this guy that calls himself "dog"... he is from canada.. and you know how "those people" are.. :) just kidding... Stewie - da resident "Bad rear end"

It's never been proven the Dog is from Canada... I think He's Danish :pepper1:

Some simple proof of citizenship questions:

What is a beaver tail :?:
What did Foster Hewitt say over and over that made him so famous :?:
Name the 1st Canadian to fly into space.
Where was the first Molson Brewery located :?:
What is Canada's newest territory called :?:
Who is Steve Nash :?:
Where will the 2010 Winter Olympics be held :?:
What is Poutine :?:
What did Al Capone and Moose Jaw have in common :?:
Who is Pamela Anne Gordon :?:

[JakesBoss]

proves my point...
left that door open for the Dog a couple of days and he couldn't answer even 1 of those questions.

:pepper1: :o4: He's DANISH :o4: :pepper1:

Some simple proof of citizenship questions with answers:

What is a beaver tail :?:
BeaverTail pastry found at the Ottawa market, very good & very sticky

What did Foster Hewitt say over and over that made him so famous :?:
"He Shoots... He Scores!"

Name the 1st Canadian to fly into space.
Marc Garneau

Where was the first Molson Brewery located :?:
Montreal Quebec

What is Canada's newest territory called :?:
Nunavut

Who is Steve Nash :?:
http://www.nba.com/playerfile/steve_nash/

Where will the 2010 Winter Olympics be held :?:
Vancouver

What is Poutine :?:
French fries, gravey & cheese curds

What did Al Capone and Moose Jaw have in common :?:
Booze, prohibition and the tunnels under Moose Jaw

Who is Pamela Anne Gordon :?:
http://images.askmen.com/galleries/actress/pamela-anderson/pictures/pamela-anderson-picture-1.jpg

[dog]

Can I be forgiven if I recite Oh Canada? Or what does Petro Canada stand for? John Candy was from East York. Eh? Tim Hortons! Front St. EH! A Couple of coins we named after the Americans,$1.00 and $2.00. Young street. Master Johns. Canada day and May 24th week-end. Sorry I missed the test. I hope this may give you a bit more confidence in me. Forgive us for those............something like that! Viva la Canada. dog If the States would ever do a random Co2 test on me they'd be confused. And keep me. Salute Messieur.

[JakesBoss]

pass :clap2:

:capwin:

[Dockery]

Wow, all I heard was blah blah blah,



http://images.askmen.com/galleries/actress/pamela-anderson/pictures/pamela-anderson-picture-1.jpg

...............................blah, blah, blah......

[WIZ]

all i heard was ...bust,bust,bust,bust,...........

[Canyon Ghost]

Big-Fokker, I also took the big guy step up to a Rune after owning and loving my last bike a VTX 1800 Retro. There is nothing better than the Rune. I have a cousin who is trying to unload a Big Dog. Big Dog's are everywhere. Forget the forward controls, and the Vtwin grin.

The Rune has plenty of power, and can handle the canyons well. The Rune's peg feelers will hit before any other part of the bike, I doubt you can even turn a street corner quick on a Big Dog.

Before you buy anything, find a Rune in any color first, then spend about a full hour really, really looking at every part of the Rune ( up close ) and the level of detail and quality put into the bike, then add Power, Beauty, Looks, World Class Design & Engineering, Performance, Reliability, and very limited production. Then look at the Big Dog and make your own decision.

[Big-Fokker]

C.G.
Thanks for your opinion, you make a couple key points like engineering and reliability 8) That's the driving factor for me when it comes to the Rune. I know Honda, I'm used to Honda and I love the Honda product. The one up-side to the Dog's being everywhere is that without a doubt, I'll be able to find a dealer that can wrench one, unlike the feeling I get about dealers and the Rune. Though, what gets done to the Rune that I couldn't/shouldn't do.....are there valve adjustments on this beast? I can change oil, do brakes, tires/wheels (I'm not even gonna attempt to mess with the exhaust) that should be about it right?

[dog]

"NO" Get rid of the Exhaust! It almost lead me astray,but I knew I'd be able to change them out almost immediately. Looking over the bike and seeing what I was about to get for $17 almost 3 years ago,I took the plunge and now I forget what a Big Dog looks like now-plus many other bikes too! Even when I go to a gathering of bikes I'm always looking for a Rune,when I see one I exclaim '****' it's mine! So.............................ya-ba-da-ba do! dog

[Big-Fokker]

Your pipes vs. stock are pretty much a night and day diff in sound I'll bet huh?
Who are they made by?