Thinking of getting a v rod.Anybody who has or had one please chime in I need opinions.Also looking for opinions from anyone with saddle time thanks
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Anybody own a v rod?
- Thread starter matt123
- Start date
It's sort of a strange duck. Fairly powerful for a cruiser, but also heavy. Geometry is so-so, combined with that weight makes it not very nimble. Seriously under braked. On the other hand, it's a pretty fun ride... for a while. I found it seriously uncomfortable after an hour or so, you mileage may vary. If you are dead set on Harley but want a bit more performance, it might be a good pick for you. If you are looking further afield but sold on a so-called power cruiser, there a several options that easily arguably better. Triumph has a couple, the t-bird is better balanced and the rocket more of a beast (than the v-rod). Ducati Diavel is in a whole different league performance-wise, IMO, but I didn't find it any more comfortable. The M109 isn't built as nicely as any of those, but will out handle the v-rod nicely. Honda's big vtx is boring to me but solid. I'm surely missing another half dozen.Have a look around. The v-rod really isn't a stand out at anything in this crowd, so if you are looking for better balance, build, value for money, performance, the choices are there. On the other hand you might just love it warts or no, in which case buy one and enjoy it.Edit: in case it isn't obvious, I'm not trying to come down on it or Harley here. The bike is a bit of a departure for Harley, which is nice to see, but also a bit of a mixed bag. It's a nice machine though, even if I think there are stronger alternatives....
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Thanks for the heads up.I have to agree with everything you guys are saying.The issue is I really like the looks and am trying to weigh the pros and cons.The Harley dealer is offering me $100 more for my C50C than I paid for it two yrs and 20000km after bought it and doubt I can fined a deal anywhere else that comes close.I was there to see If they would do the valve spec check since Windsor is a dealer dead zone and ended up haggling on this v rod.My bike just turned 23000km and the last offer i got for a trade was $4500 last year at 15000km.The v-rod Im looking at has 4400 miles or 6500km(American bike)....still debating
This will help:
http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/10/10...Performance-Cruiser-Smackdown-Conclusion.aspx
I'd say it's pretty accurate. VROD wins in a lot of categories against it's competitive set. However, it also has some flaws. Just like any bike.
I actually own one, not just ridden one. It's a lot of fun.
Cornering takes getting used to, but is fine. You definitely need to get some saddle time to really push it in the corners. Riding a rental for a few hours/days probably won't do it.
I don't find it that uncomfortable, however I would imagine that depends on your size. I can ride it for hours with no issues.
Oh and anyone who tells you it's not a real Harley? They are the same guys who believe their bike was built in America. This was one of Willy G's pet projects and if a guy whose name is on the bike starts the line? I'd say I'm ok calling it a Harley.
Check out the following site: www.1130cc.com if you'd like more information on your make and model.
I'm also happy to answer any questions you have via PM.
http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/10/10...Performance-Cruiser-Smackdown-Conclusion.aspx
I'd say it's pretty accurate. VROD wins in a lot of categories against it's competitive set. However, it also has some flaws. Just like any bike.
I actually own one, not just ridden one. It's a lot of fun.
Cornering takes getting used to, but is fine. You definitely need to get some saddle time to really push it in the corners. Riding a rental for a few hours/days probably won't do it.
I don't find it that uncomfortable, however I would imagine that depends on your size. I can ride it for hours with no issues.
Oh and anyone who tells you it's not a real Harley? They are the same guys who believe their bike was built in America. This was one of Willy G's pet projects and if a guy whose name is on the bike starts the line? I'd say I'm ok calling it a Harley.
Check out the following site: www.1130cc.com if you'd like more information on your make and model.
I'm also happy to answer any questions you have via PM.
You should come take a look at my v-rod! it's in the for sale section!
rib
Well-known member
I think the V-rod is a german engineered engine? When I think of harley, i think of air cooled, laughable horsepower, loud as **** 1740's technology. And old school bad *** looks (on some bikes)
The v-rod is definetly 21st centruty technology. Everythe bike geometry, layout of components, and water cooled!
I would not say this falls under the 'harley' stereo type. In a good way.
I havent seen one v-rod broke down on the side of the highway
I think the V-rod is a german engineered engine? When I think of harley, i think of air cooled, laughable horsepower, loud as **** 1740's technology. And old school bad *** looks (on some bikes)
The v-rod is definetly 21st centruty technology. Everythe bike geometry, layout of components, and water cooled!
I would not say this falls under the 'harley' stereo type. In a good way.
I havent seen one v-rod broke down on the side of the highway
The german engineering is a bit of a misnomer. While they worked on it jointly with Porsche, it is most certainly based on Harley engineering basic. Harley has actually done a fair amount of work with Porchse over the years. ( Read this all recently, so not all of it stuck.
)The "it's not a real Harley" comment is often used in a very derogatory manner. To the point where much of the Harley crowd ostracizes those on VROD's.
This however, is mostly a US mindset. Canada and the International markets are where the VROD sells. My apologies if I miscontrued your comment. It's not used in that manner for the most part.
I'm not a brand loyal kind of rider and could care less who makes my bikes.I really like the v-rod, the links Myztyk dropped and the other replies are enough for me.The only thing I really dislike about the v-rod is the cornering but then again It's a straight line bike.After signing all the paper work for the test ride I had to follow one of the service guys for the demo and this dude had us hauling threw the corners like we had just robbed a bank.
One thing I have to say about the dealership is that everyone made a point to say they appreciated all makes and types of bikes not just Harley's but of course they were bias which was refreshing.The salesman even called around to other metric dealers to see if he could get me more money for my c50.They were all Queensman at one time i guess.
Anyway I sign tomorrow so here's a peek at my new ride.Thanks again everyone!
The black 2007
http://www.thunderroadharley.com/used.php?family_id=4&model_id=41&used_id=35
One thing I have to say about the dealership is that everyone made a point to say they appreciated all makes and types of bikes not just Harley's but of course they were bias which was refreshing.The salesman even called around to other metric dealers to see if he could get me more money for my c50.They were all Queensman at one time i guess.
Anyway I sign tomorrow so here's a peek at my new ride.Thanks again everyone!
The black 2007
http://www.thunderroadharley.com/used.php?family_id=4&model_id=41&used_id=35
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I'm not a brand loyal kind of rider and could care less who makes my bikes.I really like the v-rod, the links Myztyk dropped and the other replies are enough for me.The only thing I really dislike about the v-rod is the cornering but then again It's a straight line bike.After signing all the paper work for the test ride I had to follow one of the service guys for the demo and this dude had us hauling threw the corners like we had just robbed a bank.
One thing I have to say about the dealership is that everyone made a point to say they appreciated all makes and types of bikes not just Harley's but of course they were bias which was refreshing.The salesman even called around to other metric dealers to see if he could get me more money for my c50.They were all Queensman at one time i guess.
Anyway I signing tomorrow so here's a peek at my new ride.Thanks again everyone!
http://www.thunderroadharley.com/used.php?family_id=4&model_id=41&
One thing I have to say about the dealership is that everyone made a point to say they appreciated all makes and types of bikes not just Harley's but of course they were bias which was refreshing.The salesman even called around to other metric dealers to see if he could get me more money for my c50.They were all Queensman at one time i guess.
Anyway I signing tomorrow so here's a peek at my new ride.Thanks again everyone!
http://www.thunderroadharley.com/used.php?family_id=4&model_id=41&
I have owned one for a year now. There are three different models, the V Rod, Night Rod and Street Rod. I have the Night Rod and as others have said, it has a lot of torque. I enjoy riding it around town but for longer rides like to the cottage (250km one way) it becomes uncomfortable. I am about 5'7" and find I have to stretch a bit for the hand controls which then starts to bother my shoulders/neck area. I'll have to buy reduce reach handlebars to eliminate that. Secondly for longer rides there is a good deal of wind to deal with because of the small fairing around the headlight (Night Rods only) which throws the wind up to the chest/head area so a screen may be in order to reduce the fatigue.
+1 on the screen. Couldn't live without mine. Takes away a little bit from the look of the bike, but long distances are unbearable without it. I actually find my legs get more tired from buffeting than anything else though. Found a pair of chaps really helped with that. I imagine any riding pants would do the same.
Have you tried the reduced reach seat? It supposedly gives you an extra inch and a half and is supposed to be very comfortable to boot. Might be a two birds with one stone solution. Good luck.
I'm not a brand loyal kind of rider and could care less who makes my bikes.I really like the v-rod, the links Myztyk dropped and the other replies are enough for me.The only thing I really dislike about the v-rod is the cornering but then again It's a straight line bike.After signing all the paper work for the test ride I had to follow one of the service guys for the demo and this dude had us hauling threw the corners like we had just robbed a bank.
One thing I have to say about the dealership is that everyone made a point to say they appreciated all makes and types of bikes not just Harley's but of course they were bias which was refreshing.The salesman even called around to other metric dealers to see if he could get me more money for my c50.They were all Queensman at one time i guess.
Anyway I sign tomorrow so here's a peek at my new ride.Thanks again everyone!
The black 2007
http://www.thunderroadharley.com/used.php?family_id=4&model_id=41&used_id=35
You will love it OP. Enjoy your new bike.
Try a V-ROD with the mid-mount foot controls (the NightRod has them) and you won't go back.
I find it's much more comfortable having my feet beneath me instead of riding around like the letter C.
I find it's much more comfortable having my feet beneath me instead of riding around like the letter C.
For the record, I consider the V-Rod to be a genuine Harley and the future of the company. I am waiting for the day they annouce a 103ci V-Rod mill in a Road Glide frame. And up here in Canada, a Harley is classified as a foreign bike - regardless of where it was "assembled"...
Anyway, congrats to the OP on the new bike!
I know you do man!
You're also not one of the people who believes their bike was made in the US. I believe you are thinking of the Street Rod LC. It had mid mount controls.
It does as well, but the Night Rod also came with your choice of mid or forward controls. Google it.
Fair enough. The 06-08 Night Rod did come with mid mounts. The Night Rod Special only came with forwards.
Josh P
Well-known member
Fun bike and looks awesome too. I have a buddy with one for sale on here and the bike always gets compliments.
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