history of the company
The history of Harley Davidson deserves special attention. It is one of the most successful firms that has ever existed. The company began in 1903. It was in this year that Davidson and Harley released their first bike. They soon founded a small company and began producing about 50 motorcycles a year. Over time, they began to introduce innovative developments into their products: V-Twin engine, manual transmission. Even in the earliest times, Harley-Davidson products had their famous, highly visible shape.
The company withstood difficult crises for the American economy, produced more than 80 thousand units of equipment for the US military needs during the Second World War and remained afloat. Currently, Harley Davidson produces about 200,000 motorcycles per year. It is also noteworthy that the community of motorcyclists under the auspices of the company is the largest in the world.
Wheelbase
Separately, I would like to talk about the wheels of the V Rod model. From the factory, the motorcycle is sold with a 19-inch front disc and an 18-inch rear disc. Most likely, this was done more to give the appearance of the motorcycle a little brutality, since the rear tire is 240 millimeters wide. This size, by the way, allows you to feel the motorcycle better, and when riding the bike gets fairly good grip on the road. But here it’s immediately worth noting that factory tires are not suitable for racing, even at the entry level. It’s better to move around on it calmly, sometimes twisting the throttle, since it’s pointless to do this from the start - the wheel just spins and the tires wear off. This model has quite a lot of potential, but in order to fully realize it you will have to install quite expensive tires intended for racing.
Harley Davidson Sportster 1200
Motorcycles of this model are the most common. Buyers are attracted to them not only by their appearance, but also by their relatively affordable price. The Sportster is the lightest model in terms of weight and handling. Its frame is narrower and more compact than that of classic models, and provides better maneuverability on the roads.
The first Sportster motorcycle appeared in 1957 in order to satisfy the interests of those who wanted to purchase a sports bike. The developers tried to achieve ideal characteristics, and they succeeded. The new frame, equipped with engine balancing shafts, is more rigid and durable, and the 2-piston brakes have also been improved. The cooling system has also been improved. Increasing the engine speed gave it additional power. The ignition system has also undergone modernization. At the same time, Harley has not changed its classic brutal style at all. The ease of handling makes the Harley Davidson Sportster 1200 ideal for urban riding.
Background
This model has quite a long history, since the first V-Rod was released back in 2002. As soon as the new Harley was introduced to the general public, a lot of criticism flew towards the V-Rod model. One part of the brand’s fans considered it almost perfect, while the other completely refused to accept the new motorcycle. The reason for this controversy was the new engine, which was now equipped with water cooling. In honor of this, the new engine received an exclusive name - “Revolution”. However, the most dissatisfied were the avid fans of the Harley Davidson brand, who were supporters of the classic design of the motorcycle. The rest of the two-wheeled enthusiasts found the installation of water cooling on the new Harley Davidson V Rod quite successful.
Over several years of active work, several modifications were made to this model, each of which revealed the motorcycle and its appearance from a slightly different perspective. In addition, after some time everyone came to terms with the new cooling system, since, following the Harleys, manufacturers from other companies began installing water cooling in their motorcycles. It turned out that the Harley Davidson V Rod became one of the first motorcycles to receive the new product.
Specifications
Harley Davidson Sportster 1200 has excellent technical characteristics. It is equipped with a 1200 cubic centimeter V-engine that produces 96 Nm of torque. The motorcycle is considered the lightest among Harleys and weighs 268 kilograms. The amount of horsepower varies depending on the model and year around 58-66 units. This is quite enough to provide the Harley Davidson Sportster 1200 with acceleration to 100 km in 4 seconds. With this time, you can start beautifully from a traffic light and impress observers.
The technical characteristics of the Harley Davidson Sportster 1200 allow it to reach speeds of up to 175 km/h, but the operating speed is lower - around 160. Fuel consumption, depending on the route and driving style, is 5-7 liters per 100 kilometers. This model also has a rather impressive gas tank with a volume of 17 liters, which helps you travel a certain amount of distance without refueling.
The developers also did a great job on the appearance of the Harley Davidson Sportster 1200. The motorcycle looks so proportionate and harmonious that you want to immediately get on it and ride, conquering more and more new roads.
Technical features of Harley Davidson V Rod
As for the technical part of this model, there is something to discuss. It’s probably worth starting with the engine, since it has become a kind of highlight in the new Harley. In addition to installing water cooling, the engine received a cylinder camber angle of 60 degrees, as well as an overhead camshaft. In the V-Rod model, engineers decided to make the engine exactly like this for the first time. The fact is that on old Harleys the cylinder angle was 45 degrees, and a lower valve timing mechanism was used. However, this time, Harley Davidson set the task of extracting more power from the engine. Then it was decided to borrow the idea from sports motorcycles, which even then had a cylinder angle of 60 degrees.
By the way, there is a myth among motorcyclists that this engine was developed jointly with, but in fact this is not entirely true. The fact is that the Porsche concern has a department that tests and tests new engines. After development, the engine from the new V Rod was sent there in order to receive proposals for its improvement and refinement.
If we talk specifically about numbers, the V-twin engine of the new Harley Davidson V Rod received two cylinders, which in total produce a volume of 1250 cm3. The motorcycle's power was 119 horsepower, and quite good torque - 113 N/m. The listed characteristics allow you to accelerate the motorcycle to 223 km/h. For a model with a dry weight of almost 300 kg, this is considered a fairly good result. By the way, we were also pleased with the consumption; as the manufacturer assures us, the V-Rod consumes 6.3 liters per 100 km in the combined cycle.
Advantages and disadvantages
Like any vehicle, Harley is not without its shortcomings. But you can’t find too many of them:
- high cost of original spare parts;
- small seat (suitable for only one passenger);
- specific size of bolts with inch threads.
Otherwise, this is a real treasure on wheels:
- excellent brakes (both front and rear);
- large and comfortable mirrors;
- fast acceleration;
- attractive appearance;
- economical fuel consumption;
- comfortable fit and comfortable steering wheel;
- suspension that will not be afraid of Russian roads;
- modern cooling system.
Who is the Harley Davidson V Rod made for?
Motorcycles from Harley Davidson are very bulky and heavy equipment, equipped with a powerful power unit. The whole essence of the V Rod model is revealed in its appearance - wide wheels, huge engine, exhaust system. All this suggests that such a vehicle should be driven by a strong man who can handle great power and heavy machinery. This is true. Even pressing the brake pedal requires a lot of force.
If you are a lover of high speeds, sonorous engine rumble and comfort, then the Harley Davidson V Rod is definitely for you. The motorcycle gives a huge amount of positive emotions and it is worth saying that it is really worth the money.
Owner reviews
Motorcyclists speak of the Harley-Davidson 1200 not just well, but with real love. Rest assured, if you bought this bike, you won’t be able to get away with easy sympathy. This is a motorcycle for the soul. If you're a fan of sportbikes rather than choppers, then this won't appeal to you. But if you are a fan of a leisurely and “soulful” ride, then you will like the smooth rumble of the engine and the classic appearance.
The raised steering wheel keeps your hands from getting tired, and the ease of control makes the Sportster 1200 ideal for urban conditions. Among the disadvantages, owners note the stiffness of the suspension, which almost does not soften the unevenness of the road. Motorcycle parts are of high quality. The virtually indestructible gearbox and excellent brakes will not soon require replacement after purchase. The only things that upset the owners are the too stiff clutch, which you have to get used to, and the forced loneliness on the road due to the small seat. Otherwise, if the Harley is looked after and faults are corrected in a timely manner, it will serve its owner for many years.
Pleasant advantages of this model
The new Harley Davidson V Rod is somewhat different from previous motorcycles. The first thing that is very important for buyers is the presence of modifications. The modern V-Rod has two.
Night Rod Special
This modification is distinguished by an exclusive dark color and the absence of chrome surfaces. The motorcycle has a very aggressive and intimidating appearance, as well as increased torque.
V Rod Muscle
In appearance, this is a simpler model, although compared to the Night Rod, it costs a little more. In fact, these two modifications are distinguished only by their appearance. In the Muscle version we have the opportunity to choose our own color, and we also get chrome elements as standard. The Night Rod version has neither of these, which is why it received the additional word “Special”.
Another nice feature is the presence of the ABS system. Moreover, it is available even in the simplest configuration of the V Rod model. You can also note the exclusive look and new engine.
