Harley V-Rod?

[HardDrive]

Anyone here ridden a V-Rod? Does it corner like a tank?

[Jeff Higgins]

Yes and yes.

The "V-Rod" to look for is actually the "Street Rod", a one or two year only bike that H-D produced about five years ago. It has a far more normal rake (I think under 30 degrees, compared to 40 or so on the V-Rod). It has normal foot controls, mounted under the seat instead of on the front down tubes. It sits higher and has far more cornering clearance. It's simply a far better bike to ride. Unfortunately, H-D no longer makes them.

Why? Typical H-D head up their ass approach to trying to enter a new market. This was supposed to be their "sport tourer", along the lines of the big BMW's, the FJR, and the like. Problem was, they didn't provide any panniers or a decent windshield. WTF? The aftermarket didn't pick up on it, either.

All of the bike testers loved this thing. "Finally, a Harley for the Rest of Us!" procalimed Cycle World. The thing handled, had great brakes, a comfortable riding position, and looked like it could give the R bikes a run for the sport touring twin market. Alas, it died on the fine, before given half a chance.

[BlueSkyJaunte]

Made in the USA and air/oil cooled:

[Playa76911S]

Not to mention, the engine was engineered by Porsche. It's the only HD I lust after.

[Grog]

I almost bought a street rod. I just don't think i could sit on it for long, especially with no after market seats or bags made for it anymore. There are two brand new 06 street rods at Columbia HD in Vancouver, Wa. Should be able to buy for less than $9k. Tires are old.

[duncan1437]

all my friends ride Harleys, but i've always preferred the 1970s japanese universal 4s, cause of the traditional ergonomics (foot pegs under my butt instead of that foot forward stuff).

anyways, not sure if this is old news, but i just found an interesting site that provides the ergonomic specs of many different bikes, including customiztion for different handle bars and rider height/inseam.

Motorcycle Ergonomics

here i am on an original cb750 and a 2006 vrod (5'8", 30 "inseam)

cb750



vrod

[LakeCleElum]

Boy - What Jeff said times 100.....This was Harley's chance to get their head out of the sand and realize not everyone in the future would want the old school iron. Anyone with half a brain could see the aging baby boomers with money would not be stumbling into local dealers forever with fistfulls of cash. This was their chance to appeal to a much broader market, and they blew it BIG TIME.

Here is a great engine designed by Porsche. I envisioned it being offered in the following type of bikes:

Sport Touring
Touring
Dual Sport
Standard - (UJM style)
MoTard
Cruiser
(you get the idea)

Instead, they stuff the engine in a kinda V-Max style drag bike, call it a day and never change it again...What a lost opportunity.....I couldn't ride that thing a 1/2 hour without a sore back..Much less trying to make it handle or turn. Maybe it's the ticket for a quick launch off a stop-light? Not my thing really.

It's just another Tavern bike with a quicker engine.....Hasn't been changed since released - How many years has it it been? Dunno, I'm old........

[LakeCleElum]

Originally Posted by Grog

I almost bought a street rod
.I just don't think i could sit on it for long especially with mo after mrket seats or bags made for it anymore. There r 2u brand new 06 street rods at Columbia HD in Vancouver, Wa. Should be able to buy for less than $9k. Tires r old

Columbia in Vancouver is a great dealer. I bought a new '86 Concours from them in 1988. I saved a few thousand dollars....

[ShakinJoe]

If you are thinking about buying one, rent one first. The riding position for me on this bike numbed my legs horribly . Thank God the gas tank was so small I had to stop very often for fuel and needed to stretch.

[rattlsnak]

The Night Rod (flat black), is probably the only HD i would ever own.

[HardDrive]

I like the look of some of the 'Nightster' Sportsters.

[Chocaholic]

Owned one for about a year. Ultimately, it's a bike that isn't particularly good at anything. Not fast compared to, well, fast bikes, not comfortable compared to many cruisers or tourers, too heavy and long to handle well, no luggage capacity, and the list goes on. It looks decent, but that's about it. Heck, it doesn't even sound good.

[KFC911]

Originally Posted by HardDrive

I like the look of some of the 'Nightster' Sportsters.

+1...that's a great looking "girl's bike"

[MotoSook]

Guy who rents from me has a Screaming Eagle version with a bunch of aftermarket add-ons. He wants $13k and offered it up as a down payment during a rent to own discussion. I declined.

The thing just looks odd and uncomfortable. Plenty of other good used Harleys out there for less money.

[azasadny]

I was told by an employee of Harley Davidson, back in March 2007, that the VRod had many parts that were engineered or manufactured in Germany. When anyone gave me trouble about owning a Porsche 911 when I was in St Augustine and Daytona Beach during Bike Week, he would step up and defend me by telling each HD guy exactly how much of their "US made" motorcycle really wasn't ... and it shut them right up.

[Noah930]

Moses has one, IIRC.

[Moses]

Love, love, LOVE my V-Rod. What can I say? It's fast, fun and it's been reliable. And every day when I look at it, it still looks like a work of art to me. Having said that, I'm going to have to sell it to make room for an SUV because I'm buying a house in Trukee. I'll take lots of pictures before she goes. Maybe even cry a little. =)

Moses has one, IIRC.

[BernieP]

I am 5'7" 145, the only time I rode one I found the seating position very uncomfortable. Ride one for a while before you buy.

Bernie P

[pirahna]

I used to have a Nite Rod. It was a fun bike for shorter rides but the small gas tank really sucked for long rides. The handling was ok except mine had a aftermarket exhaust on it that would scrape if I pushed it hard. I would not by another one.

[rattlsnak]

Too funny. Saw one a little while ago. And this guy was packing heat!!