Harley Davidson V Rod specifications and review

When the first Harley Davidson V Rod was shown to the public in 2001, the camp of fans of this brand was divided in two. Some were delighted with the new product, while others categorically stated, “This is not a Harley,” meaning the design of the bike, which is atypical for this conservative company. The V-Rod, developed in collaboration with Porsche, bore little resemblance to classic Harley Davidsons, but practice showed that it hit the mark, and therefore remained in production for a decade and a half .

Design

Due to its specific appearance and non-standard layout, some Russian bikers awarded the model the contemptuous nickname “U-Rod,” hinting at the original name. But not everyone agrees with this point of view; many consider the bike to be the standard of style in the power cruiser . Looking at the photo, the reason for such polar opinions becomes clear - this motorcycle looks very strange compared to other equipment produced by Harley Davidson.

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.

Specifications

For the Harley Davidson company, the development of the V-Rod line was a new experience. Some controversial solutions were used in the design, but overall it turned out to be very successful and balanced. If desired, the owner can always customize the bike to suit himself, having received a unique Harley-Davidson V Rod Custom, if the money is enough.

Engine

Innovative for its time, the overhead V-twin Revolution is liquid-cooled, the cylinder angle is 60 degrees instead of the classic 45. Depending on the version, it produces up to 125 hp. and 117 Nm of torque. The engine loves high revs, which distinguishes it from the engines of most cruisers.

Transmission

The classic 5-speed gearbox , and the absence of a sixth gear is felt at high speed. Torque is transmitted to the rear wheel via a belt drive , which perfectly minimizes power loss compared to a cardan and has a longer service life than a chain.

Chassis and brakes

The bike received a stamped steel frame assembled from individual elements, which facilitates customization. Suspensions depend on the version, and vary from conventional to progressive Showa. The brakes on the first generations are not effective enough - given the incredible dynamics, they do not correspond to the technical characteristics of the engine. But on later generations they were modernized and improved.

Electronics

There are no auxiliary systems, with the exception of ABS (from 2006 as an additional option). The on-board electrical network is extremely reliable.

Weight and dimensions

The low seat height and low center of gravity make the bike very easy to ride. The weight depends on the modification, and ranges from 281 to 307 kg without taking into account possible tuning - with it the weight of the Harley Davidson V Rod Custom can differ either up or down.

Controllability

The power cruiser has excellent directional stability thanks to the fork angle and wide rear wheel . For the same reason, its maneuverability at low speed can only be called tolerable, which corresponds to the characteristics of this class of motorcycle.

Fuel consumption

When riding quietly, the bike consumes 5-5.5 liters of gasoline per 100 km. If you drive aggressively, the figure can double. A similar result can be achieved when driving at maximum speed on the highway.

Harley-Davidson V-Rod

The V-Rod series are considered the fastest and most powerful Harley Davidson motorcycles. Even engineers from Porsche took part in the creation of this series.

There are only 2 models in this series: Night Rod and Muscle.

The Night Rod is a classic V-Rod, designed to allow the bike to achieve maximum speed while engineers worked to lower the center of gravity. A new engine was developed in which the cylinder camber angle became 60 degrees, and in classic Harley Davidson engines the camber angle is always 45 degrees.

In addition, in order to further reduce the center of gravity, the engineers placed the gas tank under the saddle, and in place of the gas tank there is a regular fairing that covers the air filter. The result is a Harley Davidson motorcycle, which has excellent stability on a straight road and in corners.

The second model, the V-Rod Muscle, differs from the Night Rod in that the Muscle has exhaust pipes on both sides, while the Night Rod has 2 mufflers on one side. Also, the external design is slightly different for these models.

You can identify a V-Rod by the radiator that is installed in the front; the Softail, Dyna and Sportster do not have a radiator, because their engines are cooled by air while driving. But the engine in the V-Rod has a liquid cooling system, like in a car. Such tricks had to be done in order to increase the power of these motorcycles; in the V-Rod it is 120 hp. With. And the greater the power, the more efficient the cooling system must be. Prices for these Harley Davidson motorcycles start at RUB 1,687,000 for the 2022 Muscle model.

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Motorcycle price

All Harley V-Rod modifications have been discontinued, so they are no longer sold in dealerships. The latest was the Harley Davidson V Rod Muscle, discontinued in 2022 . Any modification can be bought on the secondary market for reasonable money - the price of the oldest copies starts from 500 thousand rubles , but newer motorcycles are noticeably more expensive.

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It doesn't matter what label you put on it: sport cruisers, power cruisers or muscle bikes. All three are motorcycle analogues of the “hot rod” phenomenon, which has long been known in the automotive environment. Yes, yes, Harley Davidson, Ducati and Yamaha are exactly hot rods, spectacular, powerful, loud and - how could we not be without it! - incredibly fast. These qualities have been characteristic of them since the time when the progenitors of the first hot rods began to try their hand at the dry salt lakes in Southern California in the 30s of the last century. But, having gone through the chain of evolution, some members of the family came to the principle of “appearing, not being.” I'm glad it's not all.

Repair and tuning

All Harley-Davidson motorcycles have a multimillion-dollar army of fans, and everyone who is not too lazy makes money from them. In addition to genuine parts and upgrades, the HD V Rod is available with options from dozens of other manufacturers.

Repair

Despite its modern and relatively complex design, the motorcycle is repairable, and most operations can be performed in your own garage. There would be tools and skills.

Spare parts

The cost of original parts is comparable to the price of spare parts for Japanese bikes. Non-original, often not inferior in quality, costs even less. You can buy anything, from consumables to a new engine.

Tuning

No motorcycle in the world has as much tuning available as any Harley Davidson. V-Rod was no exception; you can change everything in it to your taste, without exception. Some craftsmen even install a full-fledged gas tank instead of a false tank to increase the power reserve.

Harley-Davidson Dyna Low Rider Engine

In motion, the Harley Davidson Love Rider is powered by a 2-cylinder V-shaped engine, the volume of which is almost 1.7 liters, air-cooled. Engine vibrations are kept to a minimum thanks to rubber “pillows”, with the help of which the engine is attached to the motorcycle frame. The motorcycle engine has an almost even power cycle in all speed ranges.

Maximum torque at 3500 rpm, 126 N/m. The engine is 4-stroke, eight-valve, with electric. structure of sequential fuel injection. The maximum speed of the bike is a little over 200 km/h. The gearbox works just fine.

Also in the Harley-Davidson Dyna Low Rider motorcycle, the designers have improved the suspension - the shock absorbers at the rear now have a different design, they are soft and practical. The fork travel at the front is 130 millimeters – a good indicator. In conclusion, we can say that the bike’s suspension is designed simply beautifully.

The braking system of the Harley Davidson Love Rider is quite remarkable. The motorcycle has 2 30 cm floating disc brakes on the front wheel and a 29.2 cm disc on the rear wheel. In addition, the functional equipment includes ABS. The front brakes are 2 floating discs with four piston calipers, the rear brakes are 1 disc with two piston floating calipers.

Motorcycle modifications

• VRSCA (2002-2006) . The first modification with a 1130 cc engine and a 180 mm rear tire.
• VRSCAW (2007-2010) . 17kg heavier, with a 240mm rear roller. Later versions had a 1247 cc engine.
• VRSCB (2004-2005) . From a technical point of view, it is completely identical to the very first model, but differs in design.
• VRSCD Night Rod (2006-2008) . The foot controls have been moved closer to the driver, creating a more upright and collected riding position. Depending on the year of manufacture, it was equipped with one of the two above-mentioned engines. The frame and engine were painted black.
• VRSCDX Night Rod Special (2007-2017) . It differs in coloring and exhaust system.
• VRSCF V-Rod Muscle (2009-2017) . Stubby exhaust, forward foot controls, 1247cc engine, slipper clutch and increased torque to 117Nm, available at lower revs than other bikes in the range.
• VRSCSE Screaming Eagle CVO V-Rod (2005) . It differed from the standard modification in coloring, plenty of chrome and other little things.
• VRSCSE2 Screaming Eagle CVO V-Rod (2006) . Similar to the previous model, but additionally equipped with a 240 mm rear wheel instead of 180 mm.
• VRSCR Street Rod (2006-2007) . It had an inverted Showa fork instead of the usual one, Brembo brakes and the highest saddle height in its model range (76 mm), as well as an increased fork angle from 32 to 40 degrees. Sold mainly on the European market.
• VRSCX V-Rod (2007) . The bike received forward foot control mechanisms, a 240 mm rear wheel and a unique color scheme. Only 1,400 copies were produced.
• VRXCE V-Rod Destroyer (2006) . A small-scale modification (646 copies produced), created specifically for drag racing and not allowed for driving on public roads. The most powerful Harley in the entire line.

Price of Harley Davidson VRSCF V-Rod Muscle according to advertisements for sale

The maximum price of Harley Davidson VRSCF V-Rod Muscle among the advertisements found is RUB 2,400,000*

The average price of Harley Davidson VRSCF V-Rod Muscle among the ads found is RUB 781,000*

The minimum price of Harley Davidson VRSCF V-Rod Muscle among the ads found is 1,000 rubles*

Selling a Harley-Davidson V-ROD Muscle Vrscf motorcycle in Novokuznetsk

11.11.2020 780,000 rub.

Motorcycle Harley Davidson vrscf V-Rod Muscle in Krasnodar

10/15/2020 RUB 1,150,000

Harley-Davidson V-Rod Muscle vrscf in Moscow

10/11/2020 RUB 2,200,000

Harley-davidson vrscf muscle V-ROD 2009 1190 in Vladivostok

09/07/2020 680,000 rub.

Harley-Davidson V-Rod Muscle vrscf in Moscow

02/03/2020 RUB 1,200,000

Harley-Davidson V-Rod Muscle vrscf in St. Petersburg

08/28/2019 RUB 1,100,000

Harley-Davidson vrscf V-Rod Muscle (2015) in St. Petersburg

07/24/2019 RUB 1,200,000

Harley-Davidson V-Rod Muscle vrscf in Moscow

05/25/2019 RUB 2,400,000

Harley-Davidson V-rod Muscle vrscf 2022 in Ufa

06/13/2017 1,600,000 rub.

Harley Davidson V-ROD Muscle vrscf 2015 in Moscow

03/15/2017 RUB 1,150,000

Selling Harley-Davidson vrscf V-ROD muscle in Moscow

03/10/2017 940,000 rub.

Motorcycle Harley Davidson vrscf V-ROD Muscle-K00407 in Moscow

02/06/2017 999,000 rub.

Harley-Davidson vrscf V-Rod Muscle in Novosibirsk

01/12/2017 1,200,000 rub.

Harley-Davidson vrscf V-Rod Muscle in Rostov-on-Don

11/12/2016 RUB 1,380,000

Harley-Davidson vrscf V-Rod Muscle in Novosibirsk

10/31/2016 RUB 1,500,000

V-rod muscle vrscf in Makhachkala

10/30/2016 RUB 1,220,000

Harley-Davidson vrscf V-Rod Muscle 2016 in Novosibirsk

10/26/2016 RUB 1,500,000

Harley-Davidson V-Rod Muscle vrscfr in Nizhny Novgorod

10/20/2016 RUB 890,000

Harley-Davidson vrscf V-ROD muscle in Moscow

10/18/2016 970,000 rub.

Harley-Davidson vrscf V-ROD muscle for sale in Moscow

08/19/2014 685,000 rub.

Harley-Davidson vrscf V-ROD muscle 2011 in St. Petersburg

08/19/2014 770,000 rub.

Harley-Davidson V-Rod Muscle (vrscf) for sale in Cheboksary

08/18/2014 615,000 rub.

Harley davidson vrscf V-ROD muscle in Sochi

08/14/2014 680,000 rub.

Harley-Davidson vrscf V-Rod Muscle in Moscow

08/10/2014 RUB 890,000

* Attention! Under the maximum, average and minimum of the Harley Davidson VRSCF V-Rod Muscle motorcycle on this page, the average cost according to advertisements for sale on the Internet is indicated, without taking into account the year of manufacture, configuration and generation of the motorcycle model.

Advantages and disadvantages

Any V-Rod is significantly different from other Harley Davidsons. This is where both its strengths and weaknesses come from.

Advantages

• Crazy acceleration dynamics . The motorcycle has so much torque that the asphalt under its rear wheel rolls up.
• High reliability . The Harley Davidson V-Rod does not have the disadvantages common to many American motorcycles, such as irritating vibrations, excess weight and low reliability of individual components.
• Low saddle height . Thanks to this, physically handling the bike is easy even for not the strongest motorcyclist. The center of mass shifted down also makes its contribution.
• Abundance of tuning and spare parts . You can buy anything you want, and in dozens of variations for each position.

Flaws

• High speed engine . Cruisers are used to having torque available from low revs, but the V Rod needs to be revved up to keep it moving dynamically.
• Compact sizes . This may not be regarded as a negative, but many bikers find the seating position on the V Rod too cramped, with their legs tucked under them.
• A small gas tank coupled with high fuel consumption. You will have to stop by the gas station often.
• Lack of 6th gear in the gearbox. The main reason for the dissatisfaction of most owners.

Harley-Davidson Softail

Softails are large and heavy Harley Davidson motorcycles; this series is also very rarely seen in our country. In the movie "Real Hogs" with John Travolta, this motorcycle was filmed in full swing. Externally, the motorcycles in this series look like a classic bike; it seems that the wheel is attached directly to the frame, but there are still shock absorbers here, they are located under the saddle and are not visible.

Back in the good old days, the rear wheel was simply attached directly to the frame without springs or shock absorbers, so the ride on such a motorcycle was very harsh, which led to various back problems. In memory of these difficult times for bikers, the Harley-Davidson Softail was created.

The name translates as “soft tail”, and the “dry” frame here is for decorative purposes. And the shock absorbers are mounted horizontally and spring the rear of the frame, so riding on this series of Harley Davidson motorcycles is very comfortable.

The engines in the Softail are the same as on the Dyna series motorcycles, only the engines are rigidly mounted on the frame, and there is also a balancer shaft that eliminates any vibrations.

There are 6 models of the Softail series, but there is no significant difference in technical characteristics:

• Softail Slim is the simplest model, its price is 1,620,000 rubles;
• Fat Boy is a motorcycle with a large front wheel, the price of this model is 1,769,000 rubles;
• Delux - a motorcycle with an abundance of chrome, costs RUR 1,737,000;
• Breakout is a model for faster driving, its price is 1,744,000 rubles;
• Fat Boy Special - a bike with less chrome than the Fat Boy;
• Heritage Softail Classic - costs 1,843,000 rubles, it has a high windshield and leather side saddlebags.

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It’s easy to spot Harley Davidson Softail motorcycles on the road - stand on the left side and see that the motorcycle does not have shock absorbers in the rear.

Those who watched the movie “Real Boars” saw that Travolta has a rare Screamin Eagle Softail Fat Boy, which was tuned at the factory. Lawrence has a Softail Springer with a lever fork in the old school style, they don’t make those anymore. Allen's is a simple Fat Boy. And Macy's has a Sportster 1200.

Owner reviews

I bought a used VRSCX in 2015, limited edition, probably no one else like it in the whole city. In fact, it’s an ordinary Harley Davidson Virot, but it looks a little different; connoisseurs of the brand immediately see the difference. Wherever you go, you are always in the spotlight)) Sergey, St. Petersburg.

The motorcycle is crazy, the suspension is super (tuned), the brakes are tenacious, the seating position is comfortable. The standard seats are comparable in comfort to a wobbly stool; it is advisable to change or at least sew in gel. You can put on a windshield and safely travel long distances, I drove from Moscow to Europe on a tour for almost three weeks, the only inconvenience was the volume of the tank, I took with me a special 3-liter canister. True, it was not useful, but it was calmer. Dmitry, Moscow.

A very strange mot, I personally didn’t like it. Before this I drove an Electra Glide with an 88 twincam, I was used to tractor traction at the bottom, but here it’s not there - the engine in the Muscle version is torsional, you need to keep the revs to go. It was unusual after a classic cruiser, but I couldn’t get used to it over the course of the season and ended up selling the car. Victor, Novorossiysk.

What's with the comfort of the Harley Davidson Dinah Love Rider?

The developers have modified the handlebars, seat and footpegs for a better ride for bikers of medium and small stature. Now it is possible to move the steering handles closer to the steering wheel by as much as six centimeters, and to move the saddle forward by 3 centimeters. Any problems, of course, cannot be avoided, but this has greatly improved the ergonomics. Using a similar method, the footrests themselves can be adjusted, so customers can find the best position.

But, regardless of the rider’s height, the knees are too high at the elbows, and the saddle is too low. When purchasing, you need to test the bike; not everyone will like its unusual fit, and for some even it will be uncomfortable.

This bike looks out at the track beyond its small fairing and is easily recognizable. For fast driving at a low landing, you need a fairing. The designers placed the canopy deeper into the windshield - this moment gave the bike an aggressive look. This motorcycle is quite powerful and easy to control. The motor is air cooled. The bike has Premium Ride suspension components at the front and rear, which provide better handling and high comfort.

Nice rack-mounted handlebars, an updated saddle and mid-mounted controls give the biker's riding position some aggressiveness. The braking structure is equipped with ABS. The “base” includes a Harley-Davidson cruise control system and alarm system, equipped at the enterprise. The motorcycle is quite easy to control, equipped with all the devices that should be in modern motorcycles.

The bike is light and mobile, superbly assembled. The Harley-Davidson Dyna Low Rider includes all the hallmark street custom features that define its segment. The basic equipment includes exceptional paintwork, giving the brand an original look.

FAQ

• How does a 240mm roller perform in corners? Is the motorcycle trying to roll over on its side? Such a wide rear tire makes maneuvering at low speed a little difficult, but not at all critical.
• What wrenches are needed for maintenance, inch or metric? Both. The Harley V Rod engine is built on the metric system, almost everything else is built on the inch system.
• Is there a big difference between the different modifications? Or is it just the look of the motorcycles basically, the design and everything else? The difference is significant. It consists of engine settings, the location of controls and suspensions with brakes.

Conclusion

Any motorcycle in the V-Rod line fully justifies the title of power cruiser, be it a Harley Davidson V Rod Muscle or some VRSCB. If you want to join the community of owners of this model, if you have the appropriate budget, it is best to look towards models equipped with the latest modification of the Revolution engine (1247 cc) and modern Brembo brakes, which were absent on earlier versions.

Specifications

Harley-Davidson V-Rod Muscle. Masculine

If assessing appearance is a subjective matter, then even the most conservative will now have to come to terms with dropsy: partial water cooling also appeared on classic HD tourers in 2014, such as the Electra Glide.

With its appearance in 2002, the Harley-Davidson V-Rod divided fans of the brand into two camps: those who liked the new product and those who were hostile to it. Is it a joke, a “water” engine on a Harley?! And it doesn’t look like a chopper!

Broad-shouldered, muscular, brutal V-Rod is for respectable men. Sitting forward with your feet and hands is comfortable only if you are over 180 cm tall. The wide rear “roller” coupled with the already not very sharp Harley-like handling, tight brake and clutch levers, long stroke of the gas handle - riding such a motorcycle is quite hard work.

V-twin engine with a volume of 1250 cm3 and a power of 121 hp. With. and a torque of 115 Nm, created with the help of Porsche engineers, confidently, but without extreme, picks up from the bottom and, if you actively turn the handle, shows a rather aggressive character in the middle speed range and at the top.

V-Rod is such an initial form - masculine, singular. Not a plasticine thing on wheels that adapts to the rider, but an independent creature, ready to compete for the place of the “alpha male” with its rider, just waiting for him to make a mistake, so as not to forgive. Squeezing the brakes for more or less effective deceleration can only be done with considerable force; ABS is more of a hindrance than a help, as on other HDs that I have tried. It’s as if there are no suspensions: the motorcycle rides on the seams and markings, all irregularities are clearly transmitted to the driver. But it holds a straight line firmly, it takes smooth turns willingly, but only until you decide that the V-Rod is more sport than a cruiser - low running boards and not at all sporty suspensions will quickly return you to the cruiser reality where you have to go at cruising 120-130 km/h, catch the wind with your chest and try not to remove a complex expression from your face even when the oncoming flow of freedom strives to tear off this face, which V-Rod may even be happy about, unless you manage to do the only thing the sure thing: not to tame, not to tame, but to make friends with him. Truly, like a man.

SPECIFICATIONS

The driver's seat in this format leaves no room for fidgeting

Original tidy, turn signals built into the stopper or mounted on the mirrors - stylish without sacrificing functionality

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