Hello Ziplock,
I have only seen the Rio once. Big Blue is not in the country yet, so I am only going on pictures. I have to say, that BOTH of them are EXTREMELY good looking. Once I got the bug I would have taken either one that was available here, but they only come into Oz by special order. I got the bug, on seeing a customized Ultra with the chrome grips and goodies, and I decided that riding with the "Tribe" my 103 need more umph.. On pricing up things I was told about the CVOs, as they never hit the showroom and I had never seen on, they are relatively rare. Anyway, if a Rio Red was sitting on the floor, I would have taken it.
On preferrences, if BOTH were sitting on the floor I would be in a pickle. My psych feelings on it are that the Red and Black is "Badder", on the Bad A$$ side of things with the combo black and red that has always been from the "Dark Side"... On the other hand, "Big Blue" is a bit soft, kind of swishy, and while I love that colour it is definitely not the hard core look... Ziplock, I think both are BEAUTIFUL and maybe the best HD have done, but if I had to chose which one I was going to take? Man, I really don't know.. I would take HOURS at least. It they would hold them on my promised sale, it might be DAYS !!!
Both are great, and I guess I am glad I don't have to make that choice. Blue was my always my favourite colour, that exact Fire Blue, even as a kid, and I think this bike was sent for me. I don't think there should be any Red or Blue bagging in this Thread, to be sure, BOTH ARE FABULOUS...
Cowboy, Out on the last Frontier....