Welcome to ST.N
Guest
. Please
login
or
register
.
Did you miss your
activation email?
January 18, 2021, 10:56:16 am
"No matter what brand you ride, it's all the same wind."
Home
Forums
Photo Gallery
Login
Register
Shop @ MG.C
Shop @ ST.N
Contact
Sport-Touring.Net
»
The Club House
»
Manufacturer Row
»
Harley-Davidson
» Topic:
Finally test rode a V-Rod, and I love it!
Pages: [
1
]
Go Down
Print
Topic: Finally test rode a V-Rod, and I love it! (Read 5460 times)
0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.
motrhead
Travellin' Soul
Reputation 25
Offline
Motorcycles: '03 Guzzi V11 LeMans, '07 Norge, '99 Buell X1 Lightning, FZ750, '84XJ750, RZ350, GL1100 , XT350
GPS: BC, Canada
Miles Typed: 1121
My Photo Gallery
Finally test rode a V-Rod, and I love it!
«
on:
May 15, 2015, 09:01:39 pm »
I did the Harley test drive thing today...been thinking about a "big block" Harley to go with my XLCR Ironhead Sporty, and Buell X1 Lightning. My girlfriend has a new Softtail Slim, and it is very comfortable and smooth, and good handling as far as it leans...I am more interested in lighter weight rather than hidden shocks, so I came to the demo intending to ride a Dyna, which I did. In between the Low Rider and Fat Bob, I jumped on a Night Rod Special. Wow!
What a revelation! The motor is amazing. Smooth, plenty of torque and great top end rush like a sport bike. The brakes are good, and it actually leans over far enough for sporty riding. I'm 5'-9" and it fit me not bad...could have the pegs about an inch closer, but all in all it was comfy and fit me well.
I am thinking that my next purchase could be a V-Rod. I had no idea what I was missing all this time! Let the haters hate all they want...this is the best Harley by a mile!
Logged
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I -
I took the one less travelled by,
and that has made all the difference. -Robert Frost
Sport-Touring
Advertisement
Sponsored Links
Remove Advertisements
Blue is Best
Light is right
Reputation 254
Offline
Motorcycles: 2012 FJR1300 2017 KTM Super Duke GT
GPS: Rio Rancho, NM
Miles Typed: 2543
My Photo Gallery
Blue motorcycles are fastest
Re: Finally test rode a V-Rod, and I love it!
«
Reply #1 on:
May 15, 2015, 09:14:02 pm »
You and I are on the same page related to Harley's best. I will ask if you got it on the freeway and put some miles on? My brother had one and I put some miles on it. Very nice. What's not to like about the motor?! But, and here it comes, I couldn't ride the Vrod doing the type of riding that I do. Heck of a windblast at any speed. The seating position which is OK around town really turns ugly when at speed. Quite a bit of "engineering" on my part would have to be accomplished before I could ride it SPORT/TOURING.
Logged
Past bikes: Dirt- '74 MX360, SC500 x 2, '77 YZ400, '78 YZ400, '83 CR250, '85 CR250, '86 CR250
Street- '74 S3400, H1500, '72 H2750 x 2, '78 GS1000C, GS1000EC x 2, '80 GS1000S, '00 1200 Bandit, '05 FJR1300, '07 ZX14, '16 1250 Bandit
Cricket1
Reputation 35
Offline
Years Contributed: '08, '10
Years Supported: '11
Motorcycles: '15 Yamaha FJ09
GPS: Ohio
Miles Typed: 798
My Photo Gallery
Re: Finally test rode a V-Rod, and I love it!
«
Reply #2 on:
May 15, 2015, 10:51:39 pm »
Motor-
That's great to hear you've found a bike you like. But...I guess low weight (compared to the rest of the biking world) is shall we say... relative?
How much does the V-Rod weigh? 673lbs? I guess compared to a Ultra Touring bike its light, but compared alot of other bikes (non cruiser) tends to be a bit on the porky side.
Nothing wrong with porky, but for pure fun, a lighter weight bike is most of the time more fun.
(ooops, but then again, in the Harley world- which starts at 600lbs, I guess it is light
)
Logged
We shall defend our island, whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender.
Winston Churchill
Advertisement
motrhead
Travellin' Soul
Reputation 25
Offline
Motorcycles: '03 Guzzi V11 LeMans, '07 Norge, '99 Buell X1 Lightning, FZ750, '84XJ750, RZ350, GL1100 , XT350
GPS: BC, Canada
Miles Typed: 1121
My Photo Gallery
Re: Finally test rode a V-Rod, and I love it!
«
Reply #3 on:
May 16, 2015, 08:38:37 am »
I was on the highway , up to probably 70-75mph at times. I was completely comfortable with the wind blast...much more comfortable than on a lot of bikes I can think of. I was ready to take off across the country on this thing. I was actually laughing out loud at how comfortable and just plain "good" the bike was.
The specs say 662 wet weight. I find it hard to believe. One thing about the non-dresser Harleys: they carry their weight low, and you really don't notice it. AN FJR is a behemoth in comparison. It actually felt lighter than my BUell X1. Non-issue.
I was a hardcore lightweight bike guy when I started riding, but as I get older and ride a LOT more bikes, I find the center of gravity and bike height to be more important (unless you are on an RZ350 diving under someone in a corner...lol).
If no one told me the weight of the V-Rod, I would have guessed closer to 500 pounds. There were some pretty little ladies about half my weight riding pretty much all of the Harleys, and they handled them just fine. These bikes are well balanced.
Logged
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I -
I took the one less travelled by,
and that has made all the difference. -Robert Frost
Blue is Best
Light is right
Reputation 254
Offline
Motorcycles: 2012 FJR1300 2017 KTM Super Duke GT
GPS: Rio Rancho, NM
Miles Typed: 2543
My Photo Gallery
Blue motorcycles are fastest
Re: Finally test rode a V-Rod, and I love it!
«
Reply #4 on:
May 16, 2015, 11:56:49 am »
Motor, I am not trying to be negative at all here. Just a comparison of different points of view to others out there.
My brother owned a first generation VRod. 1136(?) motor with a pipe and tuning. Thing ran great and low on vibration and great everything. I thought to myself that Harley had a winner. But to me it was heavy, making a U turn in a cul de sac was much more difficult than on any bike I had ever ridden. It wanted to "fall" when turning at low speed due to it's extended stance and steering geometry. Maybe the second generation is better.
I met my brother in Texas with my new FJR for a ride. My FJR out torqued his VRod from 60MPH. It got better mileage, had better everything else(handling, brakes, etc), the FJR just felt better and was more comfortable. Plus it was $ thousands less than the Harley.
I categorized the VRod as a niche bike. Not a "one motorcycle only house " type of bike which you certainly are not!
Logged
Past bikes: Dirt- '74 MX360, SC500 x 2, '77 YZ400, '78 YZ400, '83 CR250, '85 CR250, '86 CR250
Street- '74 S3400, H1500, '72 H2750 x 2, '78 GS1000C, GS1000EC x 2, '80 GS1000S, '00 1200 Bandit, '05 FJR1300, '07 ZX14, '16 1250 Bandit
motrhead
Travellin' Soul
Reputation 25
Offline
Motorcycles: '03 Guzzi V11 LeMans, '07 Norge, '99 Buell X1 Lightning, FZ750, '84XJ750, RZ350, GL1100 , XT350
GPS: BC, Canada
Miles Typed: 1121
My Photo Gallery
Re: Finally test rode a V-Rod, and I love it!
«
Reply #5 on:
May 16, 2015, 06:30:03 pm »
That's fair. Yes, I do have the luxury of having choices, but I could see it replacing one of my main bikes, maybe even becoming my main ride. I really liked it, and will be keeping an eye out for a deal on one. No panic, but the Yamaha triple I was thinking about may have to wait. The Night Rod fit me very well! I'm riding the FZ and FJ back to back this week, but I am pretty sure I need a V-Rod first.
Logged
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I -
I took the one less travelled by,
and that has made all the difference. -Robert Frost
Blue is Best
Light is right
Reputation 254
Offline
Motorcycles: 2012 FJR1300 2017 KTM Super Duke GT
GPS: Rio Rancho, NM
Miles Typed: 2543
My Photo Gallery
Blue motorcycles are fastest
Re: Finally test rode a V-Rod, and I love it!
«
Reply #6 on:
May 17, 2015, 10:23:43 am »
Quote from: motrhead on May 16, 2015, 06:30:03 pm
That's fair. Yes, I do have the luxury of having choices, but I could see it replacing one of my main bikes, maybe even becoming my main ride. I really liked it, and will be keeping an eye out for a deal on one. No panic, but the Yamaha triple I was thinking about may have to wait. The Night Rod fit me very well! I'm riding the FZ and FJ back to back this week, but I am pretty sure I need a V-Rod first.
Good for you!! Sounds good.
Can I have your RZ350?
Logged
Past bikes: Dirt- '74 MX360, SC500 x 2, '77 YZ400, '78 YZ400, '83 CR250, '85 CR250, '86 CR250
Street- '74 S3400, H1500, '72 H2750 x 2, '78 GS1000C, GS1000EC x 2, '80 GS1000S, '00 1200 Bandit, '05 FJR1300, '07 ZX14, '16 1250 Bandit
motrhead
Travellin' Soul
Reputation 25
Offline
Motorcycles: '03 Guzzi V11 LeMans, '07 Norge, '99 Buell X1 Lightning, FZ750, '84XJ750, RZ350, GL1100 , XT350
GPS: BC, Canada
Miles Typed: 1121
My Photo Gallery
Re: Finally test rode a V-Rod, and I love it!
«
Reply #7 on:
May 17, 2015, 12:24:29 pm »
No, the RZ is one of the three or four bikes that will be buried with me someday! LOL
Logged
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I -
I took the one less travelled by,
and that has made all the difference. -Robert Frost
Blue is Best
Light is right
Reputation 254
Offline
Motorcycles: 2012 FJR1300 2017 KTM Super Duke GT
GPS: Rio Rancho, NM
Miles Typed: 2543
My Photo Gallery
Blue motorcycles are fastest
Re: Finally test rode a V-Rod, and I love it!
«
Reply #8 on:
May 17, 2015, 02:39:11 pm »
Quote from: motrhead on May 17, 2015, 12:24:29 pm
No, the RZ is one of the three or four bikes that will be buried with me someday! LOL
Fine, you are now off my Christmas list.
Logged
Past bikes: Dirt- '74 MX360, SC500 x 2, '77 YZ400, '78 YZ400, '83 CR250, '85 CR250, '86 CR250
Street- '74 S3400, H1500, '72 H2750 x 2, '78 GS1000C, GS1000EC x 2, '80 GS1000S, '00 1200 Bandit, '05 FJR1300, '07 ZX14, '16 1250 Bandit
motrhead
Travellin' Soul
Reputation 25
Offline
Motorcycles: '03 Guzzi V11 LeMans, '07 Norge, '99 Buell X1 Lightning, FZ750, '84XJ750, RZ350, GL1100 , XT350
GPS: BC, Canada
Miles Typed: 1121
My Photo Gallery
Re: Finally test rode a V-Rod, and I love it!
«
Reply #9 on:
May 17, 2015, 09:27:25 pm »
Quote from: Blue is Best on May 17, 2015, 02:39:11 pm
Fine, you are now off my Christmas list.
Logged
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I -
I took the one less travelled by,
and that has made all the difference. -Robert Frost
veefer800canuck
Nicky Hayden stole my childhood!
Reputation 167
Offline
Years Contributed: '10
GPS: Whitecourt, Alberta, Canada, EH?
Miles Typed: 6790
My Photo Gallery
Re: Finally test rode a V-Rod, and I love it!
«
Reply #10 on:
May 17, 2015, 11:44:20 pm »
If you're going to get a V-rod, get the VRSCR Street Rod version. Better suspension, geometry, tires and brakes.
Logged
My visited states map:
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a280/veefer800canuck/visitedstatesmap_zps9f9adb24.jpg
Bounce
FJR1300
Reputation 93
Offline
GPS: USA
Miles Typed: leet
My Photo Gallery
Re: Finally test rode a V-Rod, and I love it!
«
Reply #11 on:
May 18, 2015, 08:45:38 am »
Harley could have an industry winner if they put the vrod motor into a sport-touring chassis.
Logged
FJR-Tips.org
IBA #285
1Arm
Reputation 14
Offline
Motorcycles: '07 VFR '09 Versys '11 WR250R '10 VFR1200FD
GPS: Portland OR
Miles Typed: 258
My Photo Gallery
Re: Finally test rode a V-Rod, and I love it!
«
Reply #12 on:
May 18, 2015, 10:02:51 am »
Street Rod for the win. I'd still have it if not totalled in a deer strike.
Logged
Blue is Best
Light is right
Reputation 254
Offline
Motorcycles: 2012 FJR1300 2017 KTM Super Duke GT
GPS: Rio Rancho, NM
Miles Typed: 2543
My Photo Gallery
Blue motorcycles are fastest
Re: Finally test rode a V-Rod, and I love it!
«
Reply #13 on:
May 18, 2015, 10:08:20 am »
Quote from: Bounce on May 18, 2015, 08:45:38 am
Harley could have an industry winner if they put the vrod motor into a sport-touring chassis.
Very good idea. I want to write a letter to Harley and push for your appointment as Vice President of Product Development.
Of course, we all know why Harley would never do that.
Add: Meaning making a sport tourer.
«
Last Edit: May 18, 2015, 10:31:11 am by Blue is Best
»
Logged
Past bikes: Dirt- '74 MX360, SC500 x 2, '77 YZ400, '78 YZ400, '83 CR250, '85 CR250, '86 CR250
Street- '74 S3400, H1500, '72 H2750 x 2, '78 GS1000C, GS1000EC x 2, '80 GS1000S, '00 1200 Bandit, '05 FJR1300, '07 ZX14, '16 1250 Bandit
Blue is Best
Light is right
Reputation 254
Offline
Motorcycles: 2012 FJR1300 2017 KTM Super Duke GT
GPS: Rio Rancho, NM
Miles Typed: 2543
My Photo Gallery
Blue motorcycles are fastest
Re: Finally test rode a V-Rod, and I love it!
«
Reply #14 on:
May 18, 2015, 10:10:08 am »
1arm- I know this must be a sensitive subject for you but I have to ask if you only have one arm due to the deer hit??????????!!!!!!!!!!!
Nice set-up on the your old VRod.
Logged
Past bikes: Dirt- '74 MX360, SC500 x 2, '77 YZ400, '78 YZ400, '83 CR250, '85 CR250, '86 CR250
Street- '74 S3400, H1500, '72 H2750 x 2, '78 GS1000C, GS1000EC x 2, '80 GS1000S, '00 1200 Bandit, '05 FJR1300, '07 ZX14, '16 1250 Bandit
1Arm
Reputation 14
Offline
Motorcycles: '07 VFR '09 Versys '11 WR250R '10 VFR1200FD
GPS: Portland OR
Miles Typed: 258
My Photo Gallery
Re: Finally test rode a V-Rod, and I love it!
«
Reply #15 on:
May 18, 2015, 10:27:00 am »
Quote from: Blue is Best on May 18, 2015, 10:10:08 am
1arm- I know this must be a sensitive subject for you but I have to ask if you only have one arm due to the deer hit??????????!!!!!!!!!!!
Nice set-up on the your old VRod.
Not a sensitive subject at all, I was only a one arm mofo for about a year, mostly back to normal after a few years. I do believe I joined this forum while on the mend and that is why I went with the name, though
Logged
Blue is Best
Light is right
Reputation 254
Offline
Motorcycles: 2012 FJR1300 2017 KTM Super Duke GT
GPS: Rio Rancho, NM
Miles Typed: 2543
My Photo Gallery
Blue motorcycles are fastest
Re: Finally test rode a V-Rod, and I love it!
«
Reply #16 on:
May 18, 2015, 10:32:32 am »
WOW, that doesn't look good!
Logged
Past bikes: Dirt- '74 MX360, SC500 x 2, '77 YZ400, '78 YZ400, '83 CR250, '85 CR250, '86 CR250
Street- '74 S3400, H1500, '72 H2750 x 2, '78 GS1000C, GS1000EC x 2, '80 GS1000S, '00 1200 Bandit, '05 FJR1300, '07 ZX14, '16 1250 Bandit
1Arm
Reputation 14
Offline
Motorcycles: '07 VFR '09 Versys '11 WR250R '10 VFR1200FD
GPS: Portland OR
Miles Typed: 258
My Photo Gallery
Re: Finally test rode a V-Rod, and I love it!
«
Reply #17 on:
May 18, 2015, 10:40:24 am »
And broke both legs, pretty helpless there for a while. I laugh about it now, my wife just shakes her head every time I ride to this day.
Logged
Pages: [
1
]
Go Up
Print
Sport-Touring.Net
»
The Club House
»
Manufacturer Row
»
Harley-Davidson
» Topic:
Finally test rode a V-Rod, and I love it!
Jump to:
Please select a destination:
-----------------------------
The Open Road
-----------------------------
=> General Sport-Touring Discussion
-----------------------------
The Club House
-----------------------------
=> Pit Row
-----------------------------
The Open Road
-----------------------------
=> Beginner's Garage
=> Motorcycle Polls
-----------------------------
The Marketplace
-----------------------------
=> Bike Tech
-----------------------------
The Tech Zone
-----------------------------
=> Mods & Maintenance
=> Gadgets
=> Gear and Apparel
-----------------------------
The Open Road
-----------------------------
=> Ride Reports
-----------------------------
The Club House
-----------------------------
=> Iron Butt
===> Aprilia
===> BMW
===> Buell
===> Ducati
===> Honda
-----------------------------
Global Positioning
-----------------------------
=> U.S. Region 1
-----------------------------
The Club House
-----------------------------
===> Kawasaki
===> Moto Guzzi
===> Suzuki
===> Triumph
===> Yamaha
-----------------------------
Global Positioning
-----------------------------
=> U.S. Region 2
=> U.S. Region 3
=> U.S. Region 4
=> U.S. Region 5
=> U.S. Region 6
-----------------------------
The Lounge
-----------------------------
=> Off Topic Discussion
-----------------------------
Global Positioning
-----------------------------
=> Canada
=> Europe & U.K.
=> Australia & New Zealand
-----------------------------
The Club House
-----------------------------
===> KTM
===> Harley-Davidson
-----------------------------
The Marketplace
-----------------------------
=> Vendor, Group Buy, Member Offers
=> Bikes Only
=> Non-bike Items
-----------------------------
The Club House
-----------------------------
===> Other
-----------------------------
Administration
-----------------------------
=> Announcements & Rules
-----------------------------
The Open Road
-----------------------------
=> ST.N Rallies/Meets
-----------------------------
The Club House
-----------------------------
=> Dirt Lovers
===> Off Road Ride Reports
-----------------------------
The Open Road
-----------------------------
===> STN National
===> WCRM
===> ESTN
===> Borscht Burn
===> SNOB
-----------------------------
The Lounge
-----------------------------
=> EOE: Experts On Everything
-----------------------------
The Club House
-----------------------------
=> Manufacturer Row
-----------------------------
Sport-Touring.net Vendor Deals
-----------------------------
=> MOTORCYCLEiD
Loading...
Copyright © 2001 - 2013 Sport-Touring.Net.
All rights reserved.
Terms of Use
Copyright
Privacy Policy
Do Not Sell My Data
Manage Consent
SimplePortal 2.3.1 © 2008-2009, SimplePortal