So what are the Rods really like?

[JohnT]

I'm looking to buy another Harley later this summer, all being well and am likely to buy a Dyna of some sort (Had a brand new 06 Street Bob for a year, now riding a 1200 Sportie, my second.).

However...

There is something about these VRSCs...

I have been tempted to look a little closer at a Street Rod because of all the great reviews, but I don't know why Harley stopped making them.

Yes I know that if I'm looking for a traditional Harley a VRSC is not that. But some good general advice on VRods and all the variants would be welcome. Street Rods especially, since they seem very well priced used with very low mileages in most cases.

JohnT

[harleyshrew]

cannot really help you other than I took a V-rod out at the NEC last year and apart from lacking the torque of my Dyna it handled like a dream. Bit quiet for my liking though.

[DickDastardly]

Well, was stayin' at friends in Clevedon (North Somerset) last week, and popped into 'Riders' Bristol, for a foot-rest rubber last week. Got talkin to a chap, who had a 'Night-Rod' and was thinking of 'chopping it in' for a 2008 'Street Bob'

He said he couln't get on with his 'Night Rod', "oh I said, have you had it long?"......................."Yes"....... he said........"3 weeks"

I walked away

[Baff]

Originally Posted by harleyshrew

cannot really help you other than I took a V-rod out at the NEC last year and apart from lacking the torque of my Dyna it handled like a dream. Bit quiet for my liking though.

Like shrew, I took one out for a ride at the NEC, but the year before last. I have to say I was mightily impressed. Very straight power band all through the rev range, nice & torquey, went round what few twisty bits we were taken along very well.

For me, it was not the Harley I was after at the time, but if I was looking for a bike now, having Monster already, I'd certainly consider it.

Baff

[thewhoosh]

Originally Posted by JohnT

I'm looking to buy another Harley later this summer, all being well and am likely to buy a Dyna of some sort (Had a brand new 06 Street Bob for a year, now riding a 1200 Sportie, my second.).

However...

There is something about these VRSCs...

I have been tempted to look a little closer at a Street Rod because of all the great reviews, but I don't know why Harley stopped making them.

Yes I know that if I'm looking for a traditional Harley a VRSC is not that. But some good general advice on VRods and all the variants would be welcome. Street Rods especially, since they seem very well priced used with very low mileages in most cases.

JohnT

I tried the V-Rod, Street rod and Night rod in 2006 and for me the Night rod won hands down the others for me had things that I was not happy about.
I won't be swopping it till they bring out another rod with the controls in the mid position.

for all information regarding rods check out 1130cc.com: The #1 Harley Davidson V-Rod Forum

[Back in black]

Ask anybody with a Night Rod Special and they will tell you its just about the best bike they have ridden. It accelerates like a jap bike, it has got good brakes and stick an aftermarket exhaust on it and it sounds mean as hell.

[Dave_Scott]

Originally Posted by Back in black

Ask anybody with a Night Rod Special and they will tell you its just about the best bike they have ridden. It accelerates like a jap bike, it has got good brakes and stick an aftermarket exhaust on it and it sounds mean as hell.

I agree i've got a 08 Night rod for the weekend,

Only complaint is the sound it makes

Originally Posted by Back in black

Ask anybody with a Night Rod Special and they will tell you its just about the best bike they have ridden. It accelerates like a jap bike, it has got good brakes and stick an aftermarket exhaust on it and it sounds mean as hell.

Couldn't agree more - I have the V&H Indy exhaust on mine and every time I ride it I'm playing the helicopter scene from Apocalypse Now in my head

Steve

[vrod]

Hi,
My first posting and I feel this is one I can contribute to!
I rented a few Harleys in the States, a Night Train, Deuce and a Fat Boy. The Night Train was brilliant, it had the looks, the sound but being used to sports bikes the performance and breaking felt like it could be better.
That made me look at the V-Rod, it handled better as the front wasn't so light and had a decent front tyre, but lacked the sound and I wasn't a lover of the chrome.
When I saw the Night Rod Special I just had to have one - so what's it like:
Sound - you have to change the pipes, no drilling will ever make it sound decent. It gives more 'rasp' than the air cooled, has a NASCAR roar when opened up. Its not that its not as nice as the air cooled, just different.
Performance - not quite as much torque as it has less cc than its big brothers but it has more than enough torque to keep anyone happy. If you do drop it a gear the performance it is excellent, it will keep up with all but the best of the sports bikes to 100 then you have had it. Will pull 140 but its like wearing a parachute and you can't hang on for long but by then you have proved your point.
Handling - For normal A roads its great, the front is well planted but you need to lean to get it to go over. Once you learn to throw it into the corners you can keep up with anything else until the roundabouts. The ground clearance is not that good, the peg goes down easily, lift your foot for a bit more but then ease off as you know the exhaust and radiator covers will go next.
Brakes - The new models have Bromo's and they are excellent, although you can easilly lock the front wheel if you panic. Compared to any other H-D model they are the main reason you should buy a Rod.
Image - So what are the Rods really like? - thats the bit that is so different than anything else, get used to being different, and get used to alot of attention. Maybee its because I have a 260 rear and the NRS with all black just doesn't look like your average Harley but people will stop you and ask what it is, every time you get fuel at least one person will want to have a chat. Sports bike riders will be curious as it has a 0-60 reputation to live up to, air cooled owners will either embrace you or you'll get the 'its not a real Harley' comment, so be prepared to not fit into any camp other than the V-Rod one.
As for car drivers, they are the best bit, as they all just seem to get out the way. They drive in the gutter for you to overtake as thay can hear it behind then follow you trying to see what it is. You get brand new 911 turbo and merc owners giving the 'thumbs up' as you overtake them, when you do it on a sports bike you usually get the finger.
Bottom line - Owning a Rod is excellent, you feel great riding it as it sounds good (although different) brakes well, handles, and you can cruise with it all day then when you need to overtake it will smoke almost anything else on the road in a straight line.

[Stephen]

I took a Rod for the day while the dealer was working on my Fat boy.
Ifound it comfortable quick and easy to go above motorways limits.
I also found the brakes where excellent with the exception of a delay on the fronts,it seemed as if you have to wait a few seconds befor they would work other than this it would be a good second hd but not a replacement for my FATBOY . I was glad to have the FB back