Rode a 2008 Harley VRod today

[doylejj]

Just a 20 minute ride constrained by a group demo setting but fun anyway. The new VRod has a larger engine (1250 cc) and gas tank (5 gal, up from 3.2) and (gasp) ABS brakes. Forward controls will never be my first choice but my R1150R might be a little too rearward. Upright ergos. Absence of windscreen is a little spooky at first since you can't see the front wheel--guess that's also true of the R without a windscreen.

The VRod has about 30 more HP than the R and no doubt proportionally more torgue. Gear shifting is optional after 2nd gear. Very strong pull, quick accelleration but turning takes a little concentration--its not that it can't lean and turn, it just doesn't read your mind like an R and similar bikes.

I have a couple of small cruisers I bought just for the experience. The VRod is clearly a different class of bike--power cruiser, maybe. I can imagine owning one of these someday, maybe trade the little cruisers in.

Anyone else have/ride a VRod? How do you compare it to your Roadster?

[munchmeister]

but turning takes a little concentration--its not that it can't lean and turn, it just doesn't read your mind like an R and similar bikes.

That would cinch it for me as a no purchase. Once you've been through the twisties on a bike that "knows" how to turn... well, anything else is just metal and chrome. Just my opinion, worth exactly $.02.

[yjleesvrr]

I test rode a Street Rod a couple years ago. That Porsche motor runs beautifully, with rich character and pull. From what I read, the Street Rod handles better than the V-Rod, but is no match for the R1150R. I wouldn't mind owning a Street Rod some day, but it's far down on my list of bikes I want to get.

[sjbmw]

They put forward foot controls on the VRod, and ruined it.
Later, they woke up, and made the The Street Rod, with normal pegs.

I was in Gettysburg HD and they had 3 V-Rods for sale, but the Street Rods sell out immediately. Go figure.



Rumor has it Harley wants to change their entire model line to this motor, due to it's performance, and liquid cooling, but are fearful of the old school backlash.

[R4R&R]

Rumor has it Harley wants to change their entire model line to this motor, due to it's performance, and liquid cooling, but are fearful of the old school backlash.

Wow - I'll bet there would be a bunch of backlash. Porsche was heavily involved in the design/development of the V-Rod motors.

I'd bet that BMW would have similar results if they did the same to the R motor.

[Just-Beeming]

I put about 350 miles on a V rod in Arizona one day in 2004...a rental.
It had some things about it I really liked;

Smooth, responsive power.
It felt very 'fresh' compared to the other harleys I had ridden.
Quiet.

I owned a Dyna at the time...riding the v-rod stretched my conciousness. It made me think about other new and exciting bikes to ride...
and wah-lah...a BMW rider was formed.

Things I did not like:
It Cornered like a bus. The forward control forced my posture into an un -natural arc and pushed my backside into the pillion all day. Y'ouch. My tailbone was barking.
Tank had to be filled every 100 miles.

Just-Beeming

[doylejj]

Some very interesting and useful responses. I especially liked the reference to a bike "that knows how to turn".

I guess I come out the same way most of you have--not a bike that would make the top 5 among the alternatives. I am drawn back to that motor, though.

Thanks for the responses.

[Just-Beeming]

I rode a friends 2000; K 1200 RS this weekend. That is what they call the 'flying brick'. I was far more impressed with it than the Harley.
It has some gumption. Corners stiff-er than the R but corners none the less. Acceleration was smooth, possitive and FAN-Dam-tastic. Very fun assertive bike that I would consider.
The V rod....well, it is the best Harley IMHO, but whenyou measure the pros and cons....has too many checkmarks in the con side of the page.

Fun to ride...(as they all are) but not to own.

Just Beeming

[OU812]

Take the V-ROD motor, pit it in a Buell Ulysses's frame, now you have a bike I would like to try.

[garylspolar]

Take the V-ROD motor, pit it in a Buell Ulysses's frame, now you have a bike I would like to try.

No need. Buell has already done better, with Rotax:
http://www.buell.com/en_us/bikes/sportbike/1125r/#


Expect to see this new engine in more models in the coming years.

[OU812]

Nice, but not in the Ulysses's frame.

[mad1150]

OU812, Ves, and I have a mutual friend (Kyle) who works for HD.

He e:mailed me yesterday that he rode the 1125 at a local track (Blackhawk Farms) last Tuesday.

He said "coming out of turn 7 on the front straight I got just over 110, and his exit speed was nothing compared to the pros out there...that power train rocks!"

Being BMW savvy we already know Rotax makes good engines.

So what engine is HD gonna use in the coming years HD, Porche (designed), or Rotax?

If HD switches to Rotax or Porche, to some it will be as bad as the AMF sell-out