Background
This model has quite a long history, since the first V-Rod was released back in 2002. As soon as the new Harley was introduced to the general public, a lot of criticism flew towards the V-Rod model. One part of the brand’s fans considered it almost perfect, while the other completely refused to accept the new motorcycle. The reason for this controversy was the new engine, which was now equipped with water cooling. In honor of this, the new engine received an exclusive name - “Revolution”. However, the most dissatisfied were the avid fans of the Harley Davidson brand, who were supporters of the classic design of the motorcycle. The rest of the two-wheeled enthusiasts found the installation of water cooling on the new Harley Davidson V Rod quite successful.
Over several years of active work, several modifications were made to this model, each of which revealed the motorcycle and its appearance from a slightly different perspective. In addition, after some time everyone came to terms with the new cooling system, since, following the Harleys, manufacturers from other companies began installing water cooling in their motorcycles. It turned out that the Harley Davidson V Rod became one of the first motorcycles to receive the new product.
FAQ
- How does a 240mm roller perform in corners? Is the motorcycle trying to roll over on its side? Such a wide rear tire makes maneuvering at low speed a little difficult, but not at all critical.
- What wrenches are needed for maintenance, inch or metric? Both. The Harley V Rod engine is built on the metric system, almost everything else is built on the inch system.
- Is there a big difference between the different modifications? Or is it just the look of the motorcycles basically, the design and everything else? The difference is significant. It consists of engine settings, the location of controls and suspensions with brakes.
Technical features of Harley Davidson V Rod
As for the technical part of this model, there is something to discuss. It’s probably worth starting with the engine, since it has become a kind of highlight in the new Harley. In addition to installing water cooling, the engine received a cylinder camber angle of 60 degrees, as well as an overhead camshaft. In the V-Rod model, engineers decided to make the engine exactly like this for the first time. The fact is that on old Harleys the cylinder angle was 45 degrees, and a lower valve timing mechanism was used. However, this time, Harley Davidson set the task of extracting more power from the engine. Then it was decided to borrow the idea from sports motorcycles, which even then had a cylinder angle of 60 degrees.
By the way, there is a myth among motorcyclists that this engine was developed jointly with, but in fact this is not entirely true. The fact is that the Porsche concern has a department that tests and tests new engines. After development, the engine from the new V Rod was sent there in order to receive proposals for its improvement and refinement.
If we talk specifically about numbers, the V-twin engine of the new Harley Davidson V Rod received two cylinders, which in total produce a volume of 1250 cm3. The motorcycle's power was 119 horsepower, and quite good torque - 113 N/m. The listed characteristics allow you to accelerate the motorcycle to 223 km/h. For a model with a dry weight of almost 300 kg, this is considered a fairly good result. By the way, we were also pleased with the consumption; as the manufacturer assures us, the V-Rod consumes 6.3 liters per 100 km in the combined cycle.
VRSCDX Night Rod Special 2008
The Harley-Davidson VRSCDX Night Rod Special 2008 motorcycle differs from the base model mainly in its finishing: the engine, wheels, frame and many other elements are painted black. In addition, it has a unique muffler shape and a round headlight instead of an oval one. Features of Harley-Davidson VRSCDX Night Rod Special 2008: New 1250 cc liquid-cooled Revolution V-Twin engine Power 125 hp. at 8250 rpm New clutch lever with easier gear shifting Optional ABS system Black engine paint (powder-coated engine with highlighted fins and black covers) Original exhaust system (Brushed Straight-shot Dual exhaust with black end caps and exhaust covers) 240 -mm rear tire Black rear view mirrors, rear shock absorber and controls Black frame Round headlight instead of oval Black 18 and 19 inch wheels with orange lining Original color scheme Seat height 640mm Optional - installation of Smart Security System
Material details
- Model VRSCDX/A Night Rod Special 2008
- Brand Harley-Davidson
- Country of origin USA
- Model year 2008
- Motorcycle class Cruiser
- Engine type Harley-Davidson Revolution, 60° V-Twin
- Number of cylinders 2
- Number of measures 4
- Ignition / Starting Electronic / Electric starter
- Engine capacity, cm3 1,250
- Compression ratio 11.3:1
- DOHC gas distribution system
- Valves per cylinder 4
- Cooling system Liquid
- Cylinder diameter and piston stroke, mm 105 x 72
- Power, kW/hp @ rpm 90.2 / 123 @ 8,250
- Torque, Nm @ rpm 115 @ 7,000
- Carburetor (Qty x Type) Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
- Exhaust gas cleaning Fuel Economy7 ESPFI
- Consumption, l/100 km 5.6-7
- Fuel tank volume, l 18.9
- Main gear ratio 117/64
- 1st gear 11.752
- 2nd gear 7.898
- 3rd gear 6.322
- 4th gear 5.459
- 5th gear 4.889
- Number of gears 5
- Front suspension Fork 49mm
- Front suspension travel 102
- Rear suspension travel 102
- Front brakes Disc, 2×300mm, 4-piston caliper
- Rear brakes Disc, 1×300mm, 4-piston caliper
- Drive Belt, 72/28
- Wheelbase, mm 1,715
- Seat height, mm 668
- Ground clearance, mm 106
- Front wheels 3 x 19
- Rear wheels 8 x 18
- Front tires 120/70ZR-19 60W Dunlop Harley-DavidsonSeries
- Rear tires 240/40R-18 79V Dunlop Harley-Davidson Series
- Length, mm 2397
- Width, mm 878
- Height, mm 1155
- Fork angle, ° 34
- Front fork offset, mm 114.3
- Dry weight, kg 292
- Number of seats 2
- Generator, W 489
- Battery 12V/19Ah
- Price 835,000 rubles
- Available colors Black Denim/Vivid Black, Vivid Black/Pewter Pearl (new), Vivid Black/Mirage Orange Pearl (new)
Wheelbase
Separately, I would like to talk about the wheels of the V Rod model. From the factory, the motorcycle is sold with a 19-inch front disc and an 18-inch rear disc. Most likely, this was done more to give the appearance of the motorcycle a little brutality, since the rear tire is 240 millimeters wide. This size, by the way, allows you to feel the motorcycle better, and when riding the bike gets fairly good grip on the road. But here it’s immediately worth noting that factory tires are not suitable for racing, even at the entry level. It’s better to move around on it calmly, sometimes twisting the throttle, since it’s pointless to do this from the start - the wheel just spins and the tires wear off. This model has quite a lot of potential, but in order to fully realize it you will have to install quite expensive tires intended for racing.
Pleasant advantages of this model
The new Harley Davidson V Rod is somewhat different from previous motorcycles. The first thing that is very important for buyers is the presence of modifications. The modern V-Rod has two.
Night Rod Special
This modification is distinguished by an exclusive dark color and the absence of chrome surfaces. The motorcycle has a very aggressive and intimidating appearance, as well as increased torque.
V Rod Muscle
In appearance, this is a simpler model, although compared to the Night Rod, it costs a little more. In fact, these two modifications are distinguished only by their appearance. In the Muscle version we have the opportunity to choose our own color, and we also get chrome elements as standard. The Night Rod version has neither of these, which is why it received the additional word “Special”.
Another nice feature is the presence of the ABS system. Moreover, it is available even in the simplest configuration of the V Rod model. You can also note the exclusive look and new engine.
Who is the Harley Davidson V Rod made for?
Motorcycles from Harley Davidson are very bulky and heavy equipment, equipped with a powerful power unit. The whole essence of the V Rod model is revealed in its appearance - wide wheels, huge engine, exhaust system. All this suggests that such a vehicle should be driven by a strong man who can handle great power and heavy machinery. This is true. Even pressing the brake pedal requires a lot of force.
If you are a lover of high speeds, sonorous engine rumble and comfort, then the Harley Davidson V Rod is definitely for you. The motorcycle gives a huge amount of positive emotions and it is worth saying that it is really worth the money.
Advantages and disadvantages
Any V-Rod is significantly different from other Harley Davidsons. This is where both its strengths and weaknesses come from.
Advantages
- Crazy acceleration dynamics. The motorcycle has so much torque that the asphalt under its rear wheel rolls up.
- High reliability. The Harley Davidson V-Rod does not have the disadvantages common to many American motorcycles, such as irritating vibrations, excess weight and low reliability of individual components.
- Low saddle height. Thanks to this, physically handling the bike is easy even for not the strongest motorcyclist. The center of mass shifted down also makes its contribution.
- Abundance of tuning and spare parts. You can buy anything you want, and in dozens of variations for each position.
Flaws
- High speed engine. Cruiser enthusiasts are used to having torque available at low revs, but the V Rod needs to be revved up to keep it moving dynamically.
- Compact sizes. This may not be regarded as a negative, but many bikers find the seating position on the V Rod too cramped, with their legs tucked under them.
- A small gas tank coupled with high fuel consumption. You will have to stop by the gas station often.
- Lack of 6th gear in the gearbox. The main reason for the dissatisfaction of most owners.
