V-Rod - Your Thoughts? - Harley Forum

Buzz Kanter · #1 11-17-2007, 05:47 PM

I've been hearing and reading about how terrible a bike the V-Rod is. And I've been reading how great a bike it is.

So what do you think - does the V-Rod "Revolution" engine platform have a great future or a poor one?

Please vote and comment if you wish.

I happen to like the sportier V-Rod models, but don't personally care for it with the forward controls. But that's just my opinion.

#2 11-17-2007, 06:33 PM

When some other publications did a shoot-out with the V-Rod against other bikes the V-Rod came up short. The Suzuki M109 had more power and speed. If the V-rod has to be so heavy, it should have more cubic inches and really have more power. If it's water cooled, it could be made bigger and meaner than it is. It's sort of half ass the way it is now IMO. I like the idea, just not the execution.

humpbackbob · #3 11-18-2007, 01:49 AM

I believe the poll was on the future of the Revolution engine platform, and I wholeheartedly believe that a water cooled engine is the way that the MoCo will, and must proceed if they are to remain competitive. I am not sure that the "Sport Cruiser" market is neccessarily right for the company with the V-Rod series (down to two models?).The competition is too tough, but feel that the technology will be incorporated into the classic, nostalgic soul of the product.

Majicbringer · #4 11-18-2007, 09:13 AM

I like that I have a choice or water-cooled or air-cooled, and that the body styles are radically different. It keeps the MoCo from being another "onee size fits all" company.

Mr. Deluxe · #5 11-18-2007, 04:58 PM

I know of several "hardcores" who'd never ride anything but an air-cooled. Myself, I luv the Deluxe and everything I've done to it, but I would write a check pretty quick for a bagger w/ the Revo (tweaked up a bit of course) in it.

FWIW, there's a few guys I know who swear that the V-rod is a test-bed/beta project for the Revo with the suits understanding that the days of the air-cooled are numbered. From my perspective, the MoCo certainly has the pockets to do something like that, but I don't see the development of the motor progressing the way I think it could.

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jmk713 · #6 11-18-2007, 05:36 PM

Eventually HD will use liquid cooling more and more I'm afraid.
Personally; I don't like:
#1 The price
#2 The low gas mileage
#3 The seating position
#4 The seat(s) itself
#5 The weight
Would I consider buying one??? In a word, NO.

humpbackbob · #7 11-18-2007, 07:09 PM

If I were considering a Sport Bike most of the reasons given by jmk are why I would look seriously at a V-Rod. The gas and weight are not an issue for me. After all, I ride Harley's so WTF. The seat or rather the riding hight are attractive to me. All them others have 32"-34" seat hights. I do not fit them. Prices this year have plummeted at my Dealer. He was offering 07's for under $12K OTR. Base model admittedly. They go plenty quick enough for me, and have more accessesories available for personalization. I like em.

texan321 · #8 11-19-2007, 04:51 PM

Having ridden with a few of them - they leave me standing in their dust. I like the bikes but I kinda agree - they are a start but need to be made with more power and sportier. I wouldn't have one but I do think this is the way to MOTO Co is going to go......
I do like to watch Andrew Hines race his - man he is quick!

Majicbringer · #9 11-21-2007, 12:58 AM

I've only had two issues with VRODs: The seating on them makes you sit in a "C" shape, which sucks on the long haul and in turns; and the pegs on the more agressive seating postion, like the NightRod - Does anyone's foot actually fit on the pedal and the heel heat guard?

DesertSpeed · #10 11-27-2007, 01:14 AM

Maybe I can adress a few noted issues:

1. Priced BETWEEN the Dynas and Softies.
2. 49mpg measured over 191 miles at 80mph from Benson AZ to Phoenix with my wife on the back. Terrible.
3. Sorry, you'll have to narrow that down. Which model don't you like?
4. I liked the stock Night Rod seat. My wife didn't like the Night Rod passenger touring pillion. Now we have a Sundowner and a custom sissy bar from Ginz Choppers.
5. 625 pounds being pulled around by 120 ponies and 80 ft/lbs of torque. Admittedly the newer moels are a bit heavier.

We have had the Night Rod for just over a year now. After four years of searching for the right two-up day tripper and over-night cruiser, the Night Rod found us. Yes the 109 is a hair quicker in the 1/4, but they don't try to follow us in the twisties. Admittedly most sport bikes over 650cc can out run most V-rods. When you're sitting at the light and realize that 60mph is just a tad over 3 seconds away, you naturally develop an "evil grin".
Most V-rodders love being different. We enjoy our bikes. After all the jokes are done, we still enjoy the ride.
Let the bashing begin! I can take it.

(Yes the ball of my foot is on the peg and my heel is on the guard. I'm 6'2". I really apreciate the Night Rod's highway pegs also. They are stock on the VRSCD.)