What's the big deal with the V-Rod???

[knewsom]

OK, so I just did some reading about HD's widely famed V-Rod.... and I realized something.

....109 HP at the rear wheel??? There are XS11's with more HP than that! PLUS we get better overall mileage, have bigger fuel tanks, and comfier seats!

...not to mention that our bikes are THIRTY YEARS OLD, and a mere fraction of the price.

Ok, so I just had to put things in perspective there. The V-Rod might technically be better with its porche engineered engine, french EFI and Italian Ignition, but really, it's only only a LITTTTTLE bit better, and our bikes can be modified to be better anyhow.

[TADracer]

But, its an HD !

I saw a few at the drag races at Houston Raceway Park awhile back. They are nice but I did not think anything was very special about them. Besides, you cant touch one for under $30,000.00!!! Hell, for that kind of cash I could start racing again.

I'll stick with my 79 Special, thank you.

[79XS11F]

The hell with that .. when a motorcycle costs more then the down payment on a NICE home you in OVER your head and not thinking straight.
Rob

[ccogswel]

I have to ask? Has anyone ever noticed that the V-Rod is close to V-MAX. I'd say screw the V-Rod and get a V-MAX! Better style and faster bike. And a whole lot cheaper.

[excess11]

Here is the info I found for the 2006 Harley V-rod. I am not a Harley fan but not all of your info is correct. Info I found is:

The 2006 VRSCA V-Rod redefined the power-cruiser category. Raked way out there, with a 38-degree fork angle, forward controls and pull back welded handlebars, drag-style aluminum disc wheels and chrome slash-cut exhaust, the V-Rod is one unmistakable motorcycle. Dual slash-cut chrome exhaust pipes deliver the sound of a high-performance Revolution V-Twin. Triple-disc, four-piston Brembo brakes and black hand controls are new for 2006. A security system is standard.

Engine:
Type: 60 degree liquid-cooled V-Twin Revolution™

Displacement: 1130cc(69ci)
Bore and Stroke: 100 mm X 72 mm (3.94 in. X 2.84 in.)
Fuel System: Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)

Compression Ratio: 11.3:1

MPG: 47 hwy / 37 city

Drivetrain:
Transmission: 5-speed

Final Drive: belt

Brakes:
Front: Four-piston caliper with dual 11.81 in. x 0.197 in. rotors
Rear: Four-piston caliper with 11.81 in. x 0.276 in. rotor

Suspension:
Front: Wide 49 mm custom fork
Rear: coil-over shocks

Wheels and Tires:

Front: 19 in. machined aluminum smooth disc wheel with 120/70ZR-19 60W radial tire
Rear: 18 in. machined aluminum smooth disc wheel with 180/55ZR-18 74W radial tire
Dimensions:

Length: 93.6 in.
Seat Height: 26.0 in. with 180 pound rider
Rake and Trail: 34.0 degrees / 3.9 in.
Wheelbase: 67.5 in.
Weight: 600 lbs. dry
Fuel Capacity: 3.7 gals.

Miscellaneous:
Colors: Vivid black, black cherry pearl, chopper blue pearl, black pearl, deep cobalt pearl, anodized aluminum, brandy wine sunglow, rich sunglo blue, two-tone chopper blue pearl and brilliant silver pearl, two-tone black cherry pearl and black pearl, two-tone deep cobalt pearl and brilliant silver pearl
Price: $15,995 - $16,695
Warranty: 24 months (unlimited mileage)

[79XS11F]

Originally posted by excess11
Here is the info I found for the 2006 Harley V-rod. I am not a Harley fan but not all of your info is correct. Info I found is:

The 2006 VRSCA V-Rod redefined the power-cruiser category. Raked way out there, with a 38-degree fork angle, forward controls and pull back welded handlebars, drag-style aluminum disc wheels and chrome slash-cut exhaust, the V-Rod is one unmistakable motorcycle. Dual slash-cut chrome exhaust pipes deliver the sound of a high-performance Revolution V-Twin. Triple-disc, four-piston Brembo brakes and black hand controls are new for 2006. A security system is standard.

Engine:
Type: 60 degree liquid-cooled V-Twin Revolution™

Displacement: 1130cc(69ci)
Bore and Stroke: 100 mm X 72 mm (3.94 in. X 2.84 in.)
Fuel System: Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)

Compression Ratio: 11.3:1

MPG: 47 hwy / 37 city

Drivetrain:
Transmission: 5-speed

Final Drive: belt

Brakes:
Front: Four-piston caliper with dual 11.81 in. x 0.197 in. rotors
Rear: Four-piston caliper with 11.81 in. x 0.276 in. rotor

Suspension:
Front: Wide 49 mm custom fork
Rear: coil-over shocks

Wheels and Tires:

Front: 19 in. machined aluminum smooth disc wheel with 120/70ZR-19 60W radial tire
Rear: 18 in. machined aluminum smooth disc wheel with 180/55ZR-18 74W radial tire
Dimensions:

Length: 93.6 in.
Seat Height: 26.0 in. with 180 pound rider
Rake and Trail: 34.0 degrees / 3.9 in.
Wheelbase: 67.5 in.
Weight: 600 lbs. dry
Fuel Capacity: 3.7 gals.

Miscellaneous:
Colors: Vivid black, black cherry pearl, chopper blue pearl, black pearl, deep cobalt pearl, anodized aluminum, brandy wine sunglow, rich sunglo blue, two-tone chopper blue pearl and brilliant silver pearl, two-tone black cherry pearl and black pearl, two-tone deep cobalt pearl and brilliant silver pearl
Price: $15,995 - $16,695
Warranty: 24 months (unlimited mileage)

Well at that price it's a little more attractive to say the least and there are some nice trick parts included. I would however not expect to see any of them up here in Canada selling at anywhere near the "suggested" selling price. I like Harley's and most bikes for that matter but i don't like the image that Harley has become so closely attached too.
Rob

[Czekus21]

If I put what it cost to buy a V-Rod into MIYAMI, There's not a V-Rod that will keep up.
I check out the V-Rod and tried one on. I didn't like how it handled and didn't like the styling. It would take along time to get in the habit of put gas in were the air box is supposed to be.
Granted, Harley finally came out with a fast production bike, but at a price not every rider can afford.

Ok, so I just had to put things in perspective there. The V-Rod might technically be better with its porche engineered engine, french EFI and Italian Ignition,

American made????

[fredintoon]

Melting?

OK, knock off the $5,000 surcharge for the H-D badges and the price ain't out of line for a big shiny new bike. Consider the enviro-nonsense new bikes are forced to comply with and the performance is quite reasonable.
No H-D I've ever heard of actually cornered or stopped too well so consider that a traditional feature.
But the looks? That'll make a strong man's stomach heave. Did they leave the original stylist's wax model outside in the sun to melt & sag or what?
Fred Hill, S'toon.
BTW the motorcycle exhibit at the Reynolds Transport Museum in Wanuskawin Alberta closes on the 17th of September. Your very last chance to (amongst the other wonders) sit on the Honda Rune they have bolted to the floor.
Now there's a machine that really takes extreme styling way over the top.
F.

[knewsom]

ahhh, the honda rune.... another bike that my XS totally whoops.




a fraction of the cost, more HP, and a classic to boot.

gotta love it.

Anyone know why Yamaha bailed on the straight four engine configuration and went to the V-4? was it for improved head cooling? Or so they could add that switchover valve to allow one cylinder to breathe out of two carbs above 6.5k RPM?

[strom]

vrod? german design, japanese parts (open up the engine a bit, made in japan all over) and HD sticker. Probbably made in taiwan. Still works better than evo harleys. A bit more boring I suppose. But gotta watch your legs, they come pretty close to the pipes.
Rune.... dont make me laugh.... they took a nice classic cruiser and made it look "better". Cant even put a tank bag on that thing.

LP

[Special Ed]

Hey Knewsom!

Check yer PMs dude. I sent you an invite to our local Highland Games. They're comin' up soon. Get back to me Lad!
E.Liberty

[MAXIMAN]

The big deal with the V-Rod is it's really a pretty mean bike for a cruiser.

It's common knowledge this bike will turn low 11's in the 1/4 mile...something a stock Eleven can not pull off.

In light of that I had a guy on a V-Rod pull up next to me at a redlight a few months ago when I was on Zeus (my '79 SF). He kinda rev'd his motor like he wanted something...then something very humorous happened. He looked down at those 4 ominous chome pipes jutting cocky from the front of the engine. He promptly turned ona side street.

I have no doubt if he could ride at all he would've taken the "old god". Maybe he bowed out of respect.

In closing...another Dan Hodges story...

Dan was out cruising on Atilla last summer. If you don't know it Dan's Atilla is an '81 SH with an overbore...cams...ported head...supertrapp...etc is making around 100 at the rear wheel.

Some yahoo on a V-Rod tried to pass hm on the highway. Dan tells me he beat the guy and pulled away...but it wasn't a blowout. He said the V-Rod almost caught him. And for a Harley that is pretty impressive. But then Dan's bike is NOT stock.

Make no mistake...the V-Rod is a formidable foe. Tit for Tat a stock V-Rod with equally skilled riders will dust a stock Eleven.

[Geezer]

For the kind of money it takes to get into a V-Rod, I'd rather come home with a new 1300 Yamaha and use the rest of the money to get a new garage...

Geezer

[excess11]

Harley/Buell

From what I understand, Harley/Buell is basicaly just assembled in America with parts from just about every country in the world. Japan, Tiawan, Austria, Italy are just a few of the countries that are parts suppliers for Harley/Buell. The idea of Harley being the American bike, Buy American you rice burner is what you hear from the Harley croud. When their bike has as much foreign parts as it does American. Honda has produced many models of its bikes in America but gets no recognition for it. The Goldwing is made in America and is exported to Japan.

Honda of America Mfg., Inc,
Marysville Motorcycle Plant
Marysville, Ohio
Gold Wing 1800
Valkyrie Rune
VTX 1300/1800
Shadow 1100
1.3-liter/1.8-liter V twin engines (VTX)
1.8-liter 6 cylinder engines (Gold Wing & Rune)

Honda's first U.S. production facility, the Marysville Motorcycle Plant remains the only facility in the world to produce Honda's top-of-the-line touring motorcycle - the Gold Wing - and the industry's most powerful V-twin cruiser - the VTX1800. The plant has produced more than 2 million motorcycles and ATVs, with its products exported to 43 countries, including Japan. The flexible plant added motorcycle engine assembly in January 2000.

[MAXIMAN]

It's not just Honda. Kawasaki's Concours plant is in Lincoln, NB.

True that Harley uses more parts from foriegn locales than previous. But then they had to in order to get their reliabilty ratings up.

The bigger question is: Did it work?