Thinking of a new Vrod

[twister]

I'm thinking of buying a new Vrod and I could use some help with the decision. I take a few vacations during the summer, and I think its do able on this bike. I haven't owned anything but sport bikes for the last 20yrs.,am looking forward to trying a cruiser style bike,any help is appreciated,Dave.

[SLK50]

Nothing depreciates faster than a V-Rod.
Make sure you'll absolutely love it for the
long haul before you buy because if it turns
out to be a fling it will cost you dearly
should you decide to unload it in a year or two.
I strongly suggest shopping for a clean, low miles
used one before considering new.

[falconati]

Seem like decent bikes (though the saddles were never comfortable for me, personally); however maybe one of the bagger models would be better for touring?  Have you been to an HD dealership to sit on them?  HD is good about test rides, so you should be able to figure out which one feels best to you before you buy.  In terms of reliability, I wouldn't see any major issues.

[Dan K]

On a trip to Florida, I rented one with forward controls (they didn't have the one with mid-controls available) and I turned around about a mile away to trade for another bike.  I was planning on riding for the next 8 hours, and there was no way that was going to happen on that V-Rod.  Maybe if it had mid-controls...

I second the recommendation to buy a used one, there should be plenty of nice ones available.  Great engine, handled like a pig, maybe ok as a highway cruiser if it has mid-controls.

[veefer800canuck]

Didn't they make a Vrod with somewhat "sporting" intentions awhile back?

Steeper rake on the forks, not so laid out riding position, etc?

If I had to consider one, that's the one I'd look at.

[veefer800canuck]

Found it! 2006-2007 "Street Rod"

VRSCR: Street Rod

Model years: 2006–2007. The Street Rod was marketed as the “roadster-inspired” member of the VRSC line. The Street Rod was the first VRSC to ever feature inverted forks made by Showa, with a steep rake and Brembo supplied brakes. It also featured the highest seat height at 30 inches (76 cm) of any VRSC model. The Street Rod also claimed the greatest lean angle at 40°, over the 32° lean of the other VRSC models. The Street Rod came equipped solely with mid-mounted controls. The Street Rod would be the first to feature the 5 gallon tank in the 2006 year model, that would become standard for the line in 2007.

[veefer800canuck]

http://m.motorcyclistonline.com/firstrides/2006_harley_davidson_vrscr_street_rod/

[Zixxerpilot]

Just don't ever drop it. Parking lot tipover usually results in a new frame! They pegs snap off and they can't be fixed. Poor design at it's best.

Otherwise,  the bike isn't terrible,  but if you want a Harley there are far better ones to buy.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using Tapatalk 2

[twister]

I was thinking about the Vrod because it wasn't such a big change going to the standard Harley. The Vrod has better performance,better handling,better looking. There are too many things I like better about it. Thanks for all the info you given me,I'll have to take another look at the Victory HammerS.

[Carbonero]

I'm thinking of buying a new Vrod and I could use some help with the decision. I take a few vacations during the summer, and I think its do able on this bike. I haven't owned anything but sport bikes for the last 20yrs.,am looking forward to trying a cruiser style bike,any help is appreciated,Dave.

The biggest drawback of the bike for touring is the tiny fuel tank and horrible gas mileage. I'd pick something else if touring is your goal.

[twister]

The bike has a 5 gallon fuel tank, it should be all right. Looking at the Vrods, is there any difference between the Nightrod and the Muscle? Thanks for your help,Dave.

[Carbonero]

The bike has a 5 gallon fuel tank, it should be all right. Looking at the Vrods, is there any difference between the Nightrod and the Muscle? Thanks for your help,Dave.

No, it really won't be alright... At the very, very best, they get 35mpg when babied. Don't believe the paperwork on them. They're pretty awful in terms of MPG.

The Dyna would be a much better mount - with far, far more options in HD and aftermarket catalogs - for touring.

The V-Rod is a nice bike, but it's not the "Harley Experience" if that's what you want. In addition, the only one to come with mid controls stock was the Street Rod. The forward control models are pretty stretched out. I'm 5'6" and I quite literally can not use the rear brake pedal at all on them. The Street Rod was fairly awesome, however.

[FBRR]

You have a lot of BULLSHIT advice! Just what did you expect on a sportbike forum!
I actually owned a VROD and put 17K on it in 1 1/2 years. Purchased out the door for $15K and TRADED it in with 17,000 miles for $13.5.
It was a 2007 with the 240 rear tire. As such it had a wider seat than earlier VRODS. My mileage ran right around 42 to 44 MPG on long rides.
( My Dyna get 48MPG)
The VROD engine is fantasic and had less maintanence than my Kawasaki C14, that I also rode for 18k. Ther Vrod was more comfortable than the C14.
While the Kaw was faster, both were very smooth engines.

As far as the "crap" about footpegs breaking on a tip over, You are far less likely to TIP OVER on a vrod that you can reach the ground far easier than most "tourning" bikes. Secondly, the PEG are attached to the "FRONT frame". Vrod frames are made to be disassembled for valve checks and as such the small "front frame" can be easily replaced if it were EVER EVEN damaged. Which again is NO more likely than any other bike with fold up pegs!!

Go to 1300CC foruma nd read about guys tourning on VRODS!!

[coucours grad]

I second FBR.....I was gonna say go drive one.....You'll either LOVE IT or HATE it.



   And if ya love it it can be made to work.


   The only reason I didnt buy one is the wife wanted the Dyna and I wanted the V-Rod. We settled for a Honda ST1300 on back seat comfort and cornering clearance. You can thrash the Vrod (not like a sport bike) a bit.


   Have you looked at the Victories?

[Carbonero]

You have a lot of BULLSHIT advice! Just what did you expect on a sportbike forum!
I actually owned a VROD and put 17K on it in 1 1/2 years. Purchased out the door for $15K and TRADED it in with 17,000 miles for $13.5.
It was a 2007 with the 240 rear tire. As such it had a wider seat than earlier VRODS. My mileage ran right around 42 to 44 MPG on long rides.
( My Dyna get 48MPG)
The VROD engine is fantasic and had less maintanence than my Kawasaki C14, that I also rode for 18k. Ther Vrod was more comfortable than the C14.
While the Kaw was faster, both were very smooth engines.

As far as the "crap" about footpegs breaking on a tip over, You are far less likely to TIP OVER on a vrod that you can reach the ground far easier than most "tourning" bikes. Secondly, the PEG are attached to the "FRONT frame". Vrod frames are made to be disassembled for valve checks and as such the small "front frame" can be easily replaced if it were EVER EVEN damaged. Which again is NO more likely than any other bike with fold up pegs!!

Go to 1300CC foruma nd read about guys tourning on VRODS!!

You must ride like a little girl.   (lighten up, it's a joke)

I rented one and riding it through a variety of riding styles, I never broke 35mpg. Also, much like any bike, it gets really thirsty the faster you go; it's as aerodynamic as all the other bricks we all ride.

[dan88z]

A good friend of mine has one and he gets low to mid 30's. It's a thirsty bike. He has it set up for touring - fairing, hard bags, comfy seat, and he rides it all over. When we rode to OBX he was stopping for gas around 125 miles. He's also worked the engine some, intake, fuel processor, pipes, so that impacts mpg some.

[Schutzhund]

Hey Twister, I had similar thoughts as you regarding buying a V-Rod.  I did not  purchase one as I am stuck on Honda's for now.  What I will say is that Harley understands ergos are important and every time I go to Indy for the MotoGP they have spent time with me setting up a VRod to fit me up.  I think most bikes can be adjusted ergo wise to fit your needs. So if you like the V-Rod you can adjust it to fit you.  Every bike I have owned irregardless of manufacturer, I have made mods to make the bike more comfortable.   Your limitations will be your imagination and your wallet.  

Good luck in your decision making.

Tom......