Harley-Davidson V-Rod is not a “freak,” but a full-fledged power cruiser

Harley-Davidson motorcycles are a true legend. There are no other bikes that are equally popular. Not everyone knows what Harley looks like, but when they hear the name of the brand, they will immediately remember that this is an American motorcycle.


Two-wheeled enthusiasts know that a classic Harley-Davidson should be a cruiser. Plus, it has a large-volume V-twin engine, structurally ancient, air-cooled. As a last resort, there is a radiator, but an oil one.


And one day, at the turn of the 20th and 21st centuries, it appears - the Harley-Davidson V-Rod. A motorcycle that looks like a custom bike from cool DIYers, but with a liquid-cooled engine. We will tell you about this model today.

History

Harley-Davidson has been counting on fans for many years and has been in no hurry to modernize its bikes. Why, if they were already bought?

While inferior to Japanese motorcycles in a number of technical characteristics, they also had advantages:

✅ No plastic
✅ Legendary name
✅ Reliable and simple V-twin engine

But the army of fans was not getting any younger. There were fewer and fewer of them, and new clients were in no hurry to choose a “real iron bike.” It seemed to them too primitive compared to Japanese models.


Manufacturers from the Land of the Rising Sun have found a new theme. They flooded the US market with power cruiser style motorcycles, pretty much ruining Harley-Davidson sales. After all, they now have production models that look like converted choppers. And even with motors from sportbikes.

And in 2001, the V-Rod debuted. In addition to the provocative and non-standard design for the brand’s models, it also receives a new liquid-cooled motor.


Critics were hostile to the new model. What's it like to make a Harley-Davidson with a liquid-cooled engine? This is an encroachment on something sacred!


However, the “knight’s move” was successful. The V-Rod brought in a lot of new customers. It turned out to be so stylish and provocative that even sports bike lovers began to switch to Harley-Davidson.

Modifications

The very first in the line was the VRSCA V-Rod. The motorcycle was produced from 2002 to 2006. Engine capacity is 1,13 liters with a power of 115 hp. With. And immediately a challenge to fans of the brand - alloy wheels.

The VRSCB V-Rod was produced for only two years - from 2004 to 2005. It differed slightly in appearance, receiving:

✅ Black frame and engine
✅ Polished aluminum instead of chrome
✅ Changed dashboard
✅ Different steering wheel

This modification was positioned as “hooligan”.

The Harley-Davidson VRSCR Street Rod was produced from 2006 to 2007. The first in the line received an inverted Showa fork and Brembo brakes. Fuel tank 19 liters.


This modification was developed primarily for Europe, hence all the bells and whistles. After all, the local market is spoiled by modern Japanese motorcycles. Just the status of a legend is not enough for him.


The VRSCAW V-Rod was produced from 2007 to 2010. It is considered the heaviest and slowest motorcycle in the series.

The Night Rod Special and Muscle models produced the most. These motorcycles were produced from 2007 to 2017. In addition, Harley-Davidson periodically pleased with the release of special and anniversary series:

✅ VRSCSE Screamin' Eagle CVO V-Rod
✅ VRSCSE2 Screamin' Eagle CVO V-Rod
✅ VRSCX V-Rod

Of particular note is the VRXSE V-Rod Destroyer. Originally built for drag racing, the prototype attracted the attention of customers. As a result, 646 motorcycles were manufactured. Only 21 of them were used for sporting events, the rest were sold by dealers.

Technical features

We will consider the engine using the example of a modern version with a volume of 1,25 liters. The weaker power unit is essentially no different - this is the same Revolution.


The engine turned out to be very atypical for Harley-Davidson - with a sporty character, despite the fact that it is a V-twin. Acceleration to 100 km/h is about 3,5 seconds. These are almost the performance of a sportbike. By the way, the “evil” six hundred V-Rod quickly bypasses at the start.


The standard tires on the motorcycle are frankly road tires; they are not enough for a powerful engine - they periodically slip if you do not carefully unscrew the throttle. It’s easy to find something more “toothy” on the front, but finding a wide rear cylinder is a big problem.

The exhaust system looks massive and stylish. They fit harmoniously into the appearance of the bike. It immediately seems that this motorcycle with huge V-twin “pots” will roar and gurgle angrily, as befits a real Harley.


But don’t forget that there is liquid cooling here. Therefore, the characteristic roar of the “air vent” is not here. The Harley-Davidson V-Rod sounds modest. And the newer it is, the quieter it is. Thanks to modern environmental standards and catalysts.

However, for those who like to excite the surroundings with the roar of engines, there is always tuning of mufflers. There you can choose any sound you like. If you simply install branded “cans”, the power will not increase. But when the flow is direct, it’s a completely different matter. The main thing is that the last option does not interfere with the motorcyclist himself, otherwise even on relatively long trips he may get a headache.

Comfort

Overall, the bike is strange. On the one hand, this is a cruiser. It should be comfortable for leisurely trips into the sunset. But if you consider that this is a power cruiser, then you need to understand that in any case there is something from a sportbike.


And the first thing I don’t like is the landing. It is heavily leaned forward, that is, towards the steering wheel. Accordingly, the driver must have powerful back muscles, otherwise it will ache after the first hundred kilometers. However, this will still happen, it’s just that with developed muscles it’s easier to cope with the inconvenience.


But you definitely won’t envy the passenger. There is a place for it, but it cannot be called comfortable. And even though it is wide, it is so hard that any pothole makes the second number swear or scream in pain. It depends on whether there is a friend or a girl.

If the driver sharply unscrews the gas handle, the passenger may be thrown from the seat. So, if you plan to travel with someone periodically, you need a backrest. It is a tuning element.

The Harley-Davidson V-Rod rides interestingly. Up to four thousand revs it behaves like a classic power cruiser. The traction is felt, there is a pickup, but all this is not like a sport bike. But from 4 to 9 thousand revolutions this huge motorcycle rips noticeably - just look, it will get rid of its careless rider.


But he is masculine in the full sense - that is, he requires strength to keep himself in check. And it allows you to play around - if you have the appropriate skill, it’s easy to drift.

And finally, fuel consumption. Of course, this is far from what Harley-Davidson owners care about. They are buying a “style icon”. Nevertheless, in the city the motorcycle does not exceed 10 liters per 100 km, no matter how aggressively you drive it.

To sum it up, the V-Rod is definitely not a freak. The motorcycle turned out stylish and memorable. True, you shouldn’t look for universality in it.