Hi John, I bought my rocket about 3 weeks ago, I have a vtx1300 r also, put 22,000 miles on it in 18 months, nice bike but clumsy at high speed. I was going to buy a vxt 1800 n, but looked at Harley Street Glide, Kaw. Concours 1400, and the Rocket, I wasn't out of low gear and I decided I was taking the Rocket home with me. I bought an 07 touring for 400.00 more than what they wanted for a plain vtx 1800 n , NO COMPARISON!!!!! I don't know what you're looking for in a bike but one up or two up, I have no complaints. As far as performance, 70, 80, or 90, mph, twist the throttle and you'll be running away from the rest of the cruisers, unless it's a Rocket. Wheelies????? Yes they can do wheelies. I can do an awesome rolling 1st gear wheelie with ease, and feel the wheel getting light in 2nd. I bought this bike because I like to ride and it had everything on it , bags, windshield,etc. and of course it has GOBS of brute power. You need to test drive one and try to keep from grinning