Jump to content

Any Harley V Rod owners?


Chipster
 Share

Recommended Posts

I find myself wanting to ride to and from work and 100 mile round trips occasionally on the bike and the Hayabusa is just not very good for traffic or longer distance. Curious about V rods so figured I'd check and see if anyone has any experience with them.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

The only Harley that Harley snobs love to hate.

 

The liquid-cooled V-Twin was designed by Porsche if I remember correctly. So it explains why it runs smooth and it doesn't leak oil.

 

Your set on the style? Would you consider other brands and styles (non-sport bikes only here).

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I am very picky with bikes. Most bikes I like other than Harleys that aren't sport bikes are custom choppers that are more than I'd want to spend. I do like baggers but again custom and expensive. A buddy has a Rocker C and I like that. I posted on 1130 forums too

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I am very picky with bikes. Most bikes I like other than Harleys that aren't sport bikes are custom choppers that are more than I'd want to spend. I do like baggers but again custom and expensive. A buddy has a Rocker C and I like that. I posted on 1130 forums too

 

The only reason I ask is would you consider like a BMW Adventure bike, or a Honda Goldwing (not joking, one if the most comfortable bikes I've ridden).

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

The only reason I ask is would you consider like a BMW Adventure bike, or a Honda Goldwing (not joking, one if the most comfortable bikes I've ridden).

 

Lol, absolutely no to the gold wing, no matter how comfortable. BMW bikes are nice but no appeal to me. Thanks though

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Lol, absolutely no to the gold wing, no matter how comfortable. BMW bikes are nice but no appeal to me. Thanks though

 

Honda Rune...

 

As a quirky choice, but a fun ride. It moves for being such a hulk.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

To keep the alternate options going, Triumph Speed Triples are awesome. I have one and absolutely love it. It is a much better riding position for comfort on longer rides and visibility in traffic than super sports, and lots of torque so you are almost never in the wrong gear in traffic. It is also has plenty of performance for when the road gets twisty.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I understand where Chipster is coming from.....the VRODs are essentially Harleys for sport bike riders and sports car enthusiasts.

 

When I first discovered them, it seemed too good to be true until I saw how they were viewed amongst Harley purists. Still nothing wrong with having one.

 

Still trying to sort out the ideal Harley in my head...

 

I came across this custom in Melbourne a few years ago and thought it was great.

 

post-1098-1461301443_thumb.jpg

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Had an 06' for 3 1/2 years and loved it. Mine was the satin silver (which was awesome but sucked in a way, as people always assumed it was an 02' or 03' (whatever the first year of them was)).

 

Mine had some nice mods including the large grand tourer windshield with quick connect/disconnect clips and locking canvas bags in the back (also easy to take on/off). Also had a really nice aftermarket seat but I cant remember what brand (might have been a Corbin?).

 

As a life-long sportbike rider, the bike was a major transition for me as I decided to try something new and buy a bike that my Wife would enjoy going for a longer ride down the shore on, infrequent commuting duties, etc. I was urged by several people to try out the VROD as it is seriously QUICK for a big bike, and also has that "sportier" feel to it over the other cruisers in Harley's line-up. I also have always LOVED the look of them, it is one of the best looking cruisers out there IMO.

 

Few things;

 

-Everyone who said that the Harley purists hate them is correct, the diehards definitely rubbed their nose at it. That being said, it is still a Harley and that is NOT the case for the majority (the ones in question were usually lifelong Harley riders in their 50's and 60's with long grey beards and vintage leather vests :icon_mrgreen: ). Lots of other riders loved it.

 

-It is VERY quick for a cruiser, however it is NOT a sportbike. At best it is just an easier compromise. So even though it is quick you WILL miss the speed/performance/turning/and overall "snappiness" of a rocket. I used to feel like mine was fast until I'd go for a ride with my buddy on his R1. Then I was reminded of where I stood in the speed category. What the Rod lacks in speed/performance though, it makes up for in comfort. Like I said, it's a compromise.

 

-Bike sounds GREAT IMO. Some would disagree as its not as loud as other Harleys, but I loved how smooth it sounded. Even with stock pipes.

 

 

Overall, its a pretty cool ride. Different, but that's what made it so cool. I'll definitely get another one at some point. I only sold mine because the last year I had it, it spent 99% of its time on the battery tender for the amount of time I found to ride it.

post-424-1461326801.jpg

post-424-1461327149.jpg

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thanks. Speed is definitely very low on the importance list. The busa has a 330 rear too so I'm not doing any wild twisties either. I would probably do a 360 rear on a V-rod. I like the night versions too.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

had one a few years back, it was good for short rides or bar hopping, not very comfortable on long rides (mainly due to the riding position not giving you much wind protection). Nothing like a sport bike, the power was OK, and the cornering was similar to other Harleys that I have owned.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Had the Night Rod SPecial version a few years back and it was pretty cool. Not nimble at all though so not sure it would be a good commuter but great for tooling around. Some of the modded one are sweet, mine was fairly stock.

post-205-1461339343.jpg

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

love the vrod! yes Porsche engineered and a blast to ride! here was my 250whp turbo v-rod in Lambo orange :icon_thumleft:

post-2228-1461331870_thumb.jpg

 

That looks great! We have similar taste! Thanks guys

 

My commute is only 18 miles and mostly straight interstate so nimble isn't a big deal

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Put "Ruckus" on the google image search. :D I dont know anything about bikes but those looks totally goofy and right way wrong. Different than anything.

 

 

edit: I post two for example.

honda-ruckus-jdm-wallpaper-1.jpg

 

honda-ruckus-bagriders-airsociety-stance-bagged-air-ride-suspension-006.jpg

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...
V_Rod_08.jpg

 

Something like this

 

 

^^^^YES!! I was trying to find a pic of a custom one like this of you...You can buy my custom chopper if you want. Sell it pretty cheap. Never ride it anymore. It is a Rigid though. lol.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'll probably try to hold off until cold season again I think. If I buy anything else right now, I have a feeling my family and gf will have an intervention for me.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I find myself wanting to ride to and from work and 100 mile round trips occasionally on the bike and the Hayabusa is just not very good for traffic or longer distance. Curious about V rods so figured I'd check and see if anyone has any experience with them.

 

I own and ride two Vods: 2012 NRS and 2012 10th ANN. They are the nice, reliable and showy bikes. If you would like to ride on city's roads basically that is okay. No more. In addition to that the VROD might be drastically upgraded by yourself for fair price. The HD and aftermarket companies offer lots of improvements for the bike.

Do not hesitate to make a right choice.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I own and ride two Vods: 2012 NRS and 2012 10th ANN. They are the nice, reliable and showy bikes. If you would like to ride on city's roads basically that is okay. No more. In addition to that the VROD might be drastically upgraded by yourself for fair price. The HD and aftermarket companies offer lots of improvements for the bike.

Do not hesitate to make a right choice.

 

Thanks for the feedback! I think it would be best if I hung on to the Busa and got something like a VROD. Definitely going to keep them in mind

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

  • 1 month later...
Thanks for the feedback! I think it would be best if I hung on to the Busa and got something like a VROD. Definitely going to keep them in mind

 

Hey bud. I just saw this post. Funny. I just sold my V Rod Nightrod last week. I bought it last year and rode it twice. It just sat there collecting dust and it pissed me off because it was such a nice bike. Seemed comfy for short rides but pretty sure I would not have wanted to go cross country on it..LOL.. Of course as soon as I saw the guy driving it down the street I regretted selling it but I wanted someone to enjoy it. Too many toys sitting in the garage and not enough time to enjoy them. I bought a YZ 250 last winter and went to ride it for the first time this past weekend. Wouldnt start. Carb is gummed up. Pain in the ass. Boat hasnt even seen the sun yet this summer. I always start the summer out with the best of intentions and every summer its the same thing. Too busy with other stuff. LOL.. Oh well. Maybe next weekend.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I still have the Busa and it's still fun to ride but still the same complaints. I might be moving closer to DC and getting a place with the gf later this year and I definitely have very little desire to be on a sport bike up there with those crazy drivers so I may dump it and hold off on some kind of Harley until spring.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I own and ride two Vods: 2012 NRS and 2012 10th ANN. They are the nice, reliable and showy bikes. If you would like to ride on city's roads basically that is okay. No more. In addition to that the VROD might be drastically upgraded by yourself for fair price. The HD and aftermarket companies offer lots of improvements for the bike.

Do not hesitate to make a right choice.

 

Have you ever considered any of the other sporty non VROD Harleys?

 

 

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...
 Share

×
×
  • Create New...