Which engine size is best?

[Whiskey]

Looking at getting a replacement for my current bike and am comtemplating geting a vrsc. Looking around there are some fairly good prices on 08 vrsct and vrscd machines. The only real difference I can see between these and a vrscaw, other than a few £k is the engine size. Does the bigger engine make much difference?

[JohnT]

Take a look at 1130cc.com: The #1 Harley Davidson V-Rod Forum website. There are good forums and you're likely to get your question answered.

JohnT

[Mark-Bursledon]

All v-rods models have same engine size dependant on year 02-07 (1130cc) and 08-09 (1250cc)

Personally I would say increase engine size gives only a slight power increase and is off set against a weight gain and not as much as your going to get from normal mods (i.e. fuel manager, pipes and filter).

[grbrown]

Originally Posted by Mark-Bursledon

Personally I would say increase engine size gives only a slight power increase and is off set against a weight gain and not as much as your going to get from normal mods (i.e. fuel manager, pipes and filter).

Larger size is also a way of offsetting increased legislation that steals away performance, such as lower exhaust emmissions and noise levels. 'Big' Harley twins when I first started riding them were 1,200cc, but are now 1,550, or in SE form 1,650. In what seems the relatively short life of the twincam it has been beefed up from 1,450 to 1,550cc, an increase similar to the Revolution motor.

[vrod]

I don't believe the engine size makes enough difference to make it the only deciding factor. Yes, the 1250 fitted to the 08 models has slightly more torque, but on this size engine you won't notice a huge difference.

I would consider some of the other different bits - if you want ABS you have to go with the 08's and get where it was fitted as an option. The 08's also have the slipper clutch making it lighter to operate.

Which model/colour do you want?, if you want a DX in denim the colour is the same for the 07's and 08's but if you want vivid black paintwork it has denim stripes for 07 models and orange or silver for the 08's.

The voltage regulator was moved from the 'normal' top of the radiator on the 07 to the bottom behind the front wheel. Many 08 owners have complained it gets bashed with stones and looks shabby.

Getting the right deal on the right bike may be the deciding factor. Loads of info on 1130cc.

[Tony Cross]

Later models have a bigger fuel tank which is a move in the right direction.

[vrod]

Originally Posted by Tony Cross

Later models have a bigger fuel tank which is a move in the right direction.

Anything pre 07 has the smaller tank, 07's with 1130cc do have larger tanks as do the 1250cc 08's.
Many pre 07 owners found the tank so small that you can get an aftermarket one to fit.