6/9/2017 Editors note: Roar Motorcycles is unfortunately no longer in business. However, if you are lucky, you may still find one of its used motorcycles for sale.
I missed the formal unveiling of Roar Motorcycles WildKaT motorcycle, which took place during Daytona BikeWeek 2009. I had briefly stopped in at Roar the day it arrived, but the bike was in the back of the shop getting some tweaking, and I was heading home to Tampa.
The only thing I remembered about the bike was that it had a 1200cc Harley-Davidson engine. Makes you think Sportster—well, that is where the similarities end. I went over to Roar Motorcycles recently for its Sisterhood ride, makeovers, lunch and to just see all the bikes and accessories. Before I knew it, I was off on a demo ride on the WildKaT with Roar President and CEO Kathy Tolleson.
Let me preface all of this by saying I enjoy doing demo rides on different motorcycles; however, what keeps me off of many bikes is the seat height, position of the controls and the handlebars. Thats right—I am vertically challenged. Well, fear not with the WildKaT, as this is the absolute lowest bike I have ever ridden. The WildKaT had been set up for Kathy, who is about my height (5-foot-1), and everything just fell into place. The handlebars were there without me having to lean over to grab them, and my feet felt comfortable on the floorboards. It really did fit me like a glove, which is something I have never experienced on a demo ride.
As we rode around the backside of the Daytona Airport, the curvy, twisty roads were a breeze on the well-balanced WildKaT. Just a little counter-steering here and there, and you realize what a piece of cake it is to ride this bike. Even with the low seat height, there was no fear of bottoming out as with most bikes that are lowered. This bike packs the power of the 1200cc Harley-Davidson engine, but with none of the vibrations usually associated with some of the bikes with similar engines. There was also a feeling that the bike had substance while riding it, but was light as a feather when you stood it up. Actually, the WildKaT and all of the Roar motorcycles can be stood up with a little thigh and hip movement to the right, regardless of the weight of the bike.
What did I really like about the WildKaT? Well, lots of things, but here is my best of the best: it comes with a 2-into-1 SuperTrapp exhaust that gives you just enough noise so people know you are coming and is also a great performance muffler; it has a 4.5-gallon tank; the weight is a nice solid 525 pounds (dry); the great paint color/design; the cool styling that incorporates comfort; adjustable swept-back handlebars; an easy clutch; and the fact that it is adaptable to fit just about anyone because the seat height can go from 23.5 inches to 29.5 inches (unladen) and the foot controls are also easily adjusted for size. Essentially, Roar builds motorcycles geared for women, but no one is going to look at this bike and think, “Now thats a girls bike!” This custom bike has all the bells and whistles that you find on the “big boy” bikes.
What didnt I like about the WildKaT? Just one thing—the seat. It was not a bad seat, but last year Tim “The Seat Man” Heart made over my stock Harley-Davidson seat for my Dyna Street Bob, and I am forever spoiled! Tim also happens to work at Roar Motorcycles. After I saw the work he had done on the Roar bikes, I knew he was the man for the job. Kathy informed me that when you order a WildKaT, the seat can also be customized to fit the rider.
Dont forget to check out Roar Motorcycles, the WildKaT and all of the companys other bikes during Biketoberfest or at their shop if you are in the Daytona Beach area. This is the motorcycle store where every day is “Ladies Day”!
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Roar Motorcycles Unveils the WildKaT
They look like nice bikes. Why does the RoarMotorcycles.com link take me to a page for toe nail fungus?
Thank you for your comment. Unfortunately, Roar Motorcycles is no longer in business. We have updated the page to remove the link and let readers know.
Love it! I am also 5 feet and had to lower my bike a few inches and it still doesn't feel quite right and let's not even mention the handlebars! Would love to check this bike out and take it for a spin!
Nice article and had spiked my interest in checking out the model. One question is with the fit for someone 5-feet-1, what size saddlebags could be mounted?
I'm sure this is a great bike, but has anyone tried a Victory motorcycle? I like the Kingpin, you can easily touch the ground, flatfooted. It is well balanced and handles curves and corners like a dream!
I like the looks of the bike as well. Victory is also an American made motorcycle, which is something I really like — having a different manufacturer for an American made bike.