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Are V-Rods a pariah?

  • Thread starter Thread starter brownford
  • Start date Start date
B

brownford

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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 The only assumptions I can draw is that people who want a Harley or a Harley clone/copy want an inferior, outdated and underperforming engine design.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?
 
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:o
 
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:o

Yeah, I've seen it. The sad part is, it's about 99% accurate.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.;)
 
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.
 
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
 
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.
 
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.
 
vrod_2001.jpg


:D
 
The VROD is the only Harley I would consider owning too. It's just a shame they didn't go ALL OUT and make it faster than what it is. When a GS1000 or GS1100E can beat it at the drag strip, you know you've missed your mark. That episode of Pinks where the GS1100E beats the VROD and takes it home is CLASSIC!
 
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