Let’s explore Harley Davidson V-Rods! The Harley-Davidson V-Rod is the unique motorcycle that combines the performance of a sport bike with the style of a cruiser. The V-Rod is also equipped with a number of performance features, including a six-speed transmission, a slipper clutch, and a fully adjustable suspension.
The Harley-Davidson V-Rod was first introduced in 2001 and was quickly praised for its unique design and performance. The V-Rod is powered by a 1250cc Revolution V-twin engine that is water-cooled and has four valves per cylinder. The engine is mated to a six-speed transmission and a slipper clutch. The V-Rod also has a fully adjustable suspension and dual Brembo disc brakes.
Define Harley Davidson V Rods
Harley-Davidson V-Rods are a line of performance motorcycles produced by Harley-Davidson from 1999 to 2017. They are powered by a unique water-cooled 60-degree V-twin engine that was developed in collaboration with Porsche. V-Rods are known for their muscular styling, high performance, and relatively light weight.
The V-Rod Revolution engine was designed to produce high horsepower and torque, while still retaining the low-end grunt that Harley-Davidson riders are known for. The engine is equipped with overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, and electronic fuel injection. It produces a peak of 125 horsepower at 8,250 rpm and 85 foot-pounds of torque at 6,500 rpm.
Types of Harley V Rods
VRSCX V Rod Harley Davidson
A total of 1,400 of these motorcycles were built by Harley Davidson in 2007. With a five gallon gas tank and 240 mm rear tires, this Harley Davidson tribute bike was meant to be a tribute to another Harley Davidson V Rod, the Screaming Eagle. In this type of bike, speed was its main objective, not long term.
- Powered by a 1250cc Screamin’ Eagle Revolution V-Twin engine
- Produces 123 horsepower and 86 lb-ft of torque
- Features a race-style silver and orange paint scheme with a prominent Screamin’ Eagle logo on the gas tank
The following table provides additional information on the VRSCX V Rod:
| Specification | Value |
| Engine displacement | 1250cc |
| Engine type | Screamin’ Eagle Revolution V-Twin |
| Horsepower | 123 hp |
| Torque | 86 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 6-speed |
| Clutch | Slipper |
| Suspension | Fully adjustable |
| Brakes | Dual Brembo disc brakes |
| Weight | 599 lbs (dry) |
Harley Davidson Eagle CVO V Rod
2005 was the sole reason for manufacturing Eagle CVO bike. Despite a few notable exceptions, it was very similar to most Harley Davidson V Rod motorcycles. In addition, it was painted in custom colors and incorporated a lot more chrome. Motorcycle riders fell in love with it almost immediately, making it an almost instant success.
- Powered by a 1250cc Revolution V-twin engine with 125 horsepower and 85 foot-pounds of torque.
- Equipped with a six-speed transmission, slipper clutch, and fully adjustable suspension.
- Features premium finishes and components, including a custom paint job, chrome wheels, and CVO badging.
The following table provides additional information on the Eagle CVO V Rod:
| Feature | Specification |
| Engine | 1250cc Revolution V-Twin |
| Horsepower | 125 hp |
| Torque | 85 ft-lbs |
| Transmission | 6-speed |
| Brakes | Dual Brembo disc brakes |
| Weight | 600 lbs |
| Fuel Capacity | 5 gallons |
| Seat Height | 30 inches |
| Wheelbase | 62 inches |
Night Rod Special Harley Davidson
The Harley Davidson Night Rod is very similar to this bike, except for one very important difference. The Night Rod Special was fully blacked out in every way, which is precisely why it is called that. The Harley Davidson Night Rod was another V Rod produced by Harley Davidson that stood out from other V Rods of its time.
As a result, they turned around and created this little gem that was something completely new. Even though Harley Davidson has not manufactured it since 2018, but it is still one of their most sought-after motorcycles. The Harley-Davidson Night Rod Special is a great choice for riders who are looking for a powerful, stylish, and comfortable cruiser motorcycle.
- The Harley-Davidson Night Rod Special is a blacked-out version of the V-Rod with a lowered suspension and a drag-inspired rear end.
- The Night Rod Special has a unique styling that sets it apart from other Harley-Davidson motorcycles.
- The Night Rod Special is a powerful motorcycle that is capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in under 3 seconds.
- The Night Rod Special is also a comfortable motorcycle to ride, thanks to its fully adjustable suspension and ergonomic riding position.
The following table provides additional information on the Night Rod Special:
| Feature | Specification |
| Engine | 1250cc Revolution V-twin |
| Transmission | Six-speed |
| Brakes | Dual Brembo disc brakes |
| Suspension | Fully adjustable |
| Weight | 664 pounds |
| Wheelbase | 63.0 inches |
| Seat height | 26.5 inches |
| Fuel tank capacity | 5.0 gallons |
VRCSB V Rod Harley Davidson
There is virtually no difference between this bike and another V Rod made by the company, the VRCSA. In spite of this, there were some things about it that made it stand out. The paint scheme can be finished in black powder coat, the handlebars can be changed, and the frame can be made of black. From an aesthetic standpoint, its highly polished aluminum features stood out against its otherwise entirely black color, making it a sight to behold.
VRSCB V-Rod is a unique and stylish cruiser that offers raw power and performance. It is a great choice for riders who are looking for a motorcycle that stands out from the crowd.
- Raw, polished components
- Black frame, black components, graphics, and instrumentation housing
- Triple disc brakes
- 180mm rear tire
The following table provides additional information on the VRSCB V-Rod:
| Feature | Specification |
| Engine | 1131cc Revolution V-twin |
| Horsepower | 115 hp |
| Torque | 85 ft-lbs |
| Transmission | 6-speed |
| Frame | Hydro-Formed double loop |
| Suspension | Front: 49mm fork, Rear: Adjustable monoshock |
| Brakes | Front: Dual Brembo disc brakes, Rear: Single Brembo disc brake |
| Tires | Front: 120/70ZR17, Rear: 180/70ZR17 |
VRSCA V Rod Harley Davidson
In essence, this was the bike that sparked the development of so many other V Rods. As one of Harley Davidson’s earlier muscle motorcycles, it was manufactured between 2002 and 2006. An engine that has 155 horsepower and brakes that are almost as fast as it goes is a bike that can go fast and stop almost as fast. In comparison to all of the other Harley Davidson V Rods that followed, it certainly set the bar high.
Every time, the company managed to set a higher bar due to their willingness to take on the challenge. The VRSCA V-Rod was a unique motorcycle for Harley-Davidson, and it remains a popular choice among riders today. It is a powerful and stylish motorcycle that offers a unique riding experience.
- Liquid-cooled 60° V-twin engine
- Overhead camshafts
- Four valves per cylinder
- Six-speed transmission
- Slipper clutch
The following table provides additional information on the VRSCA V Rod:
| Feature | Specification |
| Engine | 1131cc Revolution V-twin |
| Power | 115 hp at 8,250 rpm |
| Torque | 88 ft-lbs at 6,300 rpm |
| Transmission | Six-speed |
| Clutch | Slipper |
| Brakes | Dual Brembo disc brakes |
| Suspension | Fully adjustable |
| Wheelbase | 67.5 inches |
VRXSE V Rod Destroyer Harley Davidson
There is no doubt that this is among the most impressive motorcycles ever made. The bike was primarily designed for racing, and was a drag bike in its purest form. Whenever you hit the throttle, it could generate almost two G’s, which was incredible. Because of that speed, many race tracks banned the bike because it was considered too dangerous.
The VRXSE V Rod Destroyer, introduced by Harley-Davidson in 2006, stands as an exceptional drag racing motorcycle, holding the title of the fastest Harley-Davidson bike ever manufactured, boasting an impressive top speed of approximately 144mph.
- The heart of the VRXSE V Rod Destroyer is a robust 1300cc water-cooled V-twin engine. This powerhouse is equipped with a stroker crankshaft and high-compression pistons, delivering an impressive 165 horsepower.
- Designed for optimal performance, the bike features a reinforced racing transmission, complemented by a multi-stage lock-up clutch, a programmable shift light, and a two-stage launch control system.
- To enhance the bike’s power, Harley-Davidson initiated modifications to the V-Rod’s stock 1,131cc V-twin engine. This involved a 3 mm increase in bore, paired with a Screamin’ Eagle 105 mm stroke.
The following table provides additional information on the VRXSE V Rod Destroyer:
| Feature | Specification |
| Engine | 1300cc V-twin |
| Power | 165 horsepower |
| Transmission | Racing transmission with a multi-stage lock-up clutch |
| Launch Control | Two-stage launch control |
| Bore | Increased by 3 mm |
| Stroke | Screamin’ Eagle 105 mm stroke |
VRSCR Street V Rod Harley Davidson
Upon its introduction in 2006, Harley Davidson used Brembo brakes for the first time for better control, along with inverted forks. A shocking fact about the bike is that it was only manufactured for the 2006 and 2007 model years. It is still a highly sought after and well loved motorcycle despite that fact. The VRSCR Street V Rod is a stripped-down version of the V-Rod, with a more aggressive riding position and a focus on performance.
- Lightweight aluminum frame: The Street V Rod has an aluminum frame that is significantly lighter than the steel frame used on the standard V-Rod. This makes the Street V Rod more agile and easier to handle.
- Inverted front fork: The Street V Rod has an inverted front fork that provides improved suspension performance and front-end feedback.
- Rear monoshock suspension: The Street V Rod has a rear monoshock suspension that is adjustable for preload and rebound. This allows the rider to fine-tune the suspension for their riding style and road conditions.
The following table provides additional information on the VRSCR Street V Rod:
| Feature | Specification |
| Engine | Revolution V-Twin |
| Displacement | 1130cc |
| Bore and stroke | 98.4mm x 72mm |
| Compression ratio | 11.5:1 |
| Fuel system | Electronic fuel injection |
| Ignition | Electronic ignition |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
VRSCF V Rod Muscle Harley Davidson
This model was manufactured by Harley Davidson until 2017 when production ended. Harley Davidson’s side mirrors were the first to incorporate turn signals. Nevertheless, the fact that it was capable of generating enormous amounts of power made it irresistible to motorcycle riders. The engine generated 86 foot pounds of torque when spinning at 6,500 RPM.
At 122 miles per hour, the bike reached the fastest speed you will ever experience, which is more than enough to get your adrenaline pumping. It is powered by a 1250 cc Revolution V-Twin engine and features a number of unique features, including a single-sided swingarm, a drag-style rear fender, and a low, muscular stance.
- Single-sided swingarm: The single-sided swingarm gives the V Rod Muscle a clean and distinctive look. It also reduces unsprung weight, which improves handling.
- Drag-style rear fender: The drag-style rear fender is long and low, giving the V Rod Muscle a sleek and aggressive profile.
- Low, muscular stance: The V Rod Muscle has a low seat height and a long wheelbase, which gives it a stable and planted feel on the road.
The following table provides additional information on the VRSCF V Rod Muscle:
| Feature | Specification |
| Engine | Liquid-cooled, 1,247 cc (76.1 cu in) Revolution V-twin |
| Horsepower | 122 hp (91 kW) at 8,250 rpm |
| Torque | 117 Nm (86 lb-ft) at 6,500 rpm |
| Transmission | Five-speed manual |
| Final drive | High-performance carbon fiber belt drive |
VRSCD Night Rod Harley Davidson
In its two year production run, this bike was only available between 2006 and 2008. As a result of its unique engine, the Revolution engine, the motorcycle generated a lot of buzz at that time. This bike was reverse engineered by focusing first on the engine, then fitting everything else around it, rather than building the bike and then fitting the engine into it.
The VRSCD Night Rod is one of the most popular Harley V Rod models, known for its sleek design and powerful performance.
- Blacked-out styling
- Mid controls
- Straight-shot mufflers
- Color-matched fairing
- Brembo brakes
- Slotted aluminum disk wheels
The following table provides additional information on the VRSCD Night Rod:
| Feature | Specification |
| Engine | Revolution V-Twin |
| Displacement | 1250 cc |
| Bore and Stroke | 108 mm x 89 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 |
| Fuel System | Electronic fuel injection |
| Ignition | Electronic ignition |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
VRSCAW V Rod Harley Davidson
It also has a lot of similarities with the VRCSA, which was manufactured from 2007 to 2010. As with Harley-Davidson’s VRCSA, it used aluminum bodywork similar to that used on the VRCSA. Many people welcomed the appearance of this body style on this particular motorcycle after they saw it on a similar bike that was eventually dropped in recent years.
VRSCAW V Rod is a powerful and stylish motorcycle that offers a unique riding experience. It is a perfect choice for riders who are looking for a muscle cruiser with a modern twist.
- Single-sided swingarm
- Undermount exhaust system
- Dual headlights
- Digital instrumentation
- Air-cooled engine
The following table provides additional information on the VRSCAW V Rod:
| Feature | Specification |
| Engine | Revolution V-Twin |
| Displacement | 1130cc |
| Bore and Stroke | 98mm x 72mm |
| Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 |
| Fuel System | Electronic Fuel Injection |
| Ignition | Electronic Ignition |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Cruise Drive |
Why Harley Davidson withdrew V rods from bikes after 2018
Despite its unique features and performance, the V-Rod was never a commercial success for Harley-Davidson. Sales of the bike declined steadily in the years leading up to its discontinuation, and production costs were high. Harley-Davidson also decided to focus on its core touring and cruiser models, which are more profitable for the company.
Whether the V Rod will be revived in the future is unknown, but Harley Davidson’s new 2018 model lineup does not include it, which means it will no longer be available. Among Harley Davidson’s most unique motorcycles, the V Rod is not compliant with Europe’s current standards. In addition, the bike’s sales have declined in recent years, which prompted the Harley Davidson to halt production.
Wrapping it Up
There is a fatal flaw to the V Rod & it’s variation in quality. Several of the features are brilliant, like the noise, the panel removal system that requires no tools, or the dust shield on the radiator. Some of the designs are just plain daft, such as mixing imperial and metric sockets on the same fittings and not having a water temperature gauge. There is no doubt that it is a flawed genius, but it does capture the essence of what motorcycling is all about.
You would not want to be without the V Rod, like an eccentric best friend who isn’t entirely predictable. While V Rod production ceased in 2017, the bikes remain popular among riders who appreciate their performance, style, and exclusivity. If you are looking for a powerful and stylish muscle bike, a Harley Davidson V Rod is the perfect choice for you.