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Are V-Rods a pariah?

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    Are V-Rods a pariah?

    I have never owned a Harley. I used to enjoy reading about them in Cycle World magazine when I was a teen back in the 70's. The company has a colorful and interesting history. I used to wonder why Harley refused to join the modern technological revolution and make motorcycles that can perform on a par with the iron coming out of Japan. Fast forward twenty five years and along comes the V-Rod. I don't know all the ins and outs and specs, but it seems to be a leap forward in design tech for Harley. From looking at the Ebay auctions the V-Rod seems to be about as desireable as a Sportster. What gives? The only assumptions I can draw is that people who want a Harley or a Harley clone/copy want an inferior, outdated and underperforming engine design. It seems that the majority do embrace fuel injection however. The V-Rod is the only Harley I have ever considered buying. I guess I am just different. Is there any hope I will ever understand the Phenom that is Harley?

    #2
    I really have no input on your actual question, but when I read your post its just reminds me of that " Harley Commercial " ......
    1950's technology at 2010 prices.
    Holy Crap that commercial is a gut buster....I know someone clever on here will post it.
    Sorry, not trying to derail your thread

    Comment


      #3
      Originally posted by loud et View Post
      I really have no input on your actual question, but when I read your post its just reminds me of that " Harley Commercial " ......
      1950's technology at 2010 prices.
      Holy Crap that commercial is a gut buster....I know someone clever on here will post it.
      Sorry, not trying to derail your thread
      Yeah, I've seen it. The sad part is, it's about 99% accurate.

      Comment


        #4
        Here is one for ya Brownford...best of both worlds.....it was 1500 last week.

        1950's technology with smooth GS powertrain. lol

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          #5
          Read an interview with Willy where he stated the V-rod is a good seller in certain non-USA markets. Many traditionalists don't like them, but the over seas guys don't have the same hang ups.
          Ed

          To measure is to know.

          Mikuni O-ring Kits For Sale...https://www.thegsresources.com/_foru...ts#post1703182

          Top Newbie Mistakes thread...http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum...d.php?t=171846

          Carb rebuild tutorial...https://gsarchive.bwringer.com/mtsac...d_Tutorial.pdf

          KZ750E Rebuild Thread...http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum...0-Resurrection

          Comment


            #6
            For the price of the Vrod, you can get a few years older Vmax that looks similar (better imo), faster, more reliable, etc. So, I don't know why anyone would bother besides fan boys. The Night Rod edition is pretty cool though.

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              #7
              don't know much about vrods except that i spanked one at the drags with my 79 gs1000l. the guy was definitely new and it was a close race but c'mon the things cost $15k. if they're supposed to be fast (and that's what i'd expect with such a mucho macho name) a gixxer 600 would be faster at half the price.
              2002 bmw r1150gs 1978 gs1000E skunk les pew 1979 gs1000L dragbike
              82 gs1100L probably the next project
              1980 gs1000G the ugly 1978 gs750E need any parts?
              https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=m_m2oYJkx1A
              1978 gs1000E skunk #2 RLAP

              Comment


                #8
                HD should have given that engine to Eric Buel and let him build a bike around it. Then they would have had a modern motorcycle. The V rod wastes that excellent motor putting in in a goofy cruiseresque motorcycle with forward controls. Just my take on it.
                sigpic2002 KLR650 Ugly but fun!
                2001 KLR650 too pretty to get dirty

                Life is a balancing act, enjoy every day, "later" will come sooner than you think. Denying yourself joy now betting you will have health and money to enjoy life later is a bad bet.

                Where I've been Riding


                Comment


                  #9
                  I've had 2 and they are extremely solid bikes. If I could own another bike I'd have a V again. People either love them or hate them.

                  Comment


                    #10
                    A V-rod is probably the only Harley I ever think of owning.
                    De-stinking Penelope http://thegsresources.com/_forum/sho...d.php?t=179245

                    http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum...35#post1625535

                    Comment


                      #11
                      If you want one, buy one.
                      sigpic Too old, too many bikes, too many cars, too many things

                      Comment


                        #12
                        The hardcore purists on each side hate them...either it should be another FLH THC METH or it should be a pure sport bike and nothing in between is acceptable
                        MY BIKES..1977 GS 750 B, 1978 GS 1000 C (X2)
                        1978 GS 1000 E, 1979 GS 1000 S, 1973 Yamaha TX 750, 1977 Kawasaki KZ 650B1, 1975 Honda GL1000 Goldwing, 1983 CB 650SC Nighthawk, 1972 Honda CB 350K4, 74 Honda CB550

                        NEVER SNEAK UP ON A SLEEPING DOG..NOT EVEN YOUR OWN.


                        I would rather trust my bike to a "QUACK" that KNOWS how to fix it rather than a book worm that THINKS HE KNOWS how to fix it.

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                          #13
                          I suppose HD built the V-Rod to branch out a little and test the market for something other than a big air cooled V twin. I wish they would reach a lot farther and build an inline four - but that will never happen.

                          I'm just not into the cruiser air cooled V-twin thing. But if I had to buy an HD, I would go with the V-Rod because it's different being a water pumper. But, if HD did make something with an inline four, I would definitely give them a look first because given a choice, I would prefer to buy something built here to support the home team.

                          Comment


                            #14
                            The V-Rod is a bit of an outcast. Like Chuck said, the HD 'purists' don't like it because it is water-cooled and non-traditional. It's chassis and geometry is all wrong for it to be a serious sporting bike, and so the hardcore sport riders don't care for it.

                            The people that DO like it however tend to be the fans of big metric muscle cruisers. Things like the Suzuki M109 or the Triumph Rocket 3 or V-Max. Bikes designed to haul ass in a straight line.

                            Personally I think the V-Rod looks pretty good for a Harley, still would rather have an XR1200 though.

                            EDIT: Would rather have my GS and the 13K I'd have saved, than either Harley.

                            Comment


                              #15


                              De-stinking Penelope http://thegsresources.com/_forum/sho...d.php?t=179245

                              http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum...35#post1625535

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