Author Topic: New Harley (Read 4235 times)

pastorp · « **on:** October 22, 2011, 05:33:39 AM »

Greeting everyone from the frozen north..

We are in Anchorage on vacation, so I visited the local harley shop yesterday afternoon. Walked in the front door and saw a whole row of odd looking bikes. Salesman was really pushing them, called them Vrods. He seemed to think they were the greatest thing since sliced bread. I didn't like their looks. He said, ride one & you'll love it.

What you guys think about the new V rod, not sure on spelling ?

Regards,

GRIMJIM · « **Reply #1 on:** October 22, 2011, 05:52:20 AM »

Never rode one. Not my style. They are going after the sport bike kids. They are no match for the jap bikes though without a lot of work.

buck460XVR · « **Reply #2 on:** October 22, 2011, 08:03:21 AM »

They need to put that engine(Revolution) in a bagger. BTW....the V-Rod was first introduced in 2001.

keith44 · « **Reply #3 on:** October 22, 2011, 10:46:07 PM »

A stock V-Rod is faster, handles better, and revs higher than the standard Harley offerings. The overhead cam, liquid cooled engine design were an attempt to increase stock performance and still meet EPA noise standards, both now and in the future. The higher revving engine does not make the low rpm torque of the air cooled push rod engine Harley's, but by being able to rev to higher rpm's and having a power band biased more toward high rpm horsepower, the V-Rod is faster, and some what quicker. I ride a Vulcan, my 903 cc (55 cubic inches) bike is faster than even the V-Rod (in stock form), and handles better than any of the air cooled bikes (better lean angles, better steering geometry, and a more comfortable saddle). The V-Rod does not have the after-market support of other Harleys, nor the more popular Metric bikes.

The choice is yours, a good bike is a good bike. A great bike is the one in your own garage.

myronman3 · « **Reply #4 on:** October 23, 2011, 05:42:58 AM »

erik buell was the orginal designer of the engine, but the suits at harley kept making changes to his design until it became too heavy for him to use.
if you want to see some really impressive bikes, look at buells. the ulysis, lightning, and firebolt (the firebolt has an extreme sportbike riding position...a little too much for me). erik has big news coming november 1st; which i assume is the announcement of his new line of bikes.

Flash · « **Reply #5 on:** October 25, 2011, 01:58:16 PM »

Never cared for the VRod. It's just non-typical, if you ask me. A 900 Vulcan beat a VRod? Naaaaa, but here's one that will and has.

Swampman · « **Reply #6 on:** October 25, 2011, 02:59:06 PM »

I don't like the V-Rod, I'd as soon have a Honda.

hillbill · « **Reply #7 on:** October 25, 2011, 05:19:16 PM »

ive never rode them but been around them a lot. the guys that have them love them.around a 100 hp at the rear wheel stock.silky smooth and ive not heard of a lot of inherent probs.i dont think resale is good on them as ive seen a lot of them for sale so cheap ive almost jumped on them. but then do i really need more bikes?if i was looking for a new harley i would consider them for sure if thats your cup of tea.talk to the guys that ride them and see what they say?im a electra glide guy but dont think i aint thought about them.

keith44 · « **Reply #8 on:** October 26, 2011, 08:42:42 AM »

The one V-Rod I out ran was ridden by a rather large fellow, while I weigh in at a buck fifty. The local Harley riders all seem to think (and ride like) you can't lean a bike at all. As to top speeds I've had my 900 to 110 mph, and runs the 1/4 mile 12.8.

hillbill · « **Reply #9 on:** October 26, 2011, 04:21:16 PM »

Quote from: keith44 on October 26, 2011, 08:42:42 AM

The one V-Rod I out ran was ridden by a rather large fellow, while I weigh in at a buck fifty. The local Harley riders all seem to think (and ride like) you can't lean a bike at all. As to top speeds I've had my 900 to 110 mph, and runs the 1/4 mile 12.8.

thats a fast 900 for sure.but its acutally all about power to weight ratio. and you could be a better rider too. when i was young i rode with a guy who could outrun me and we could swap bikes and he could still outrun me.course i was 20 and he was 50 or so.that taught me alot

keith44 · « **Reply #10 on:** October 26, 2011, 06:47:32 PM »

very good hillbill,
in this case the V-Rod rider (and other Harley riders I work with) are what the rest of the riders call fair weather riders or posers. Some of us ride nearly year round, have and keep our bikes fine tuned and running at peak performance, and take advantage of any advanced riding classes available. The posers might put 1,000 miles a year on their bikes, my '09 900 has 19,xxx on the clock. I bought it in July of '09 with 1.7 miles on it.

Oh and the 12.8 in the quarter might be fudged by a tenth or two

guzzijohn · « **Reply #11 on:** October 27, 2011, 06:39:27 AM »

I test rode a V-Rod back in 2004? I think. Did about a 20 mile combo highway and in town.
Likes:
Like the motor. Good top end rush. Quite smooth.
Transmission. Shifted very smooth and easy.
Clutch. Nice feel and not too stiff.
Good brakes.
Nice engine sound, especially over 5K rpm.

Dislikes:
Seating postion. I was becoming uncomfortable after about 15 minutes.
Seat itself not very comfortable.
Handling. Very stable in a straight line. Felt like it wanted to fall into the lean on curves instead of a smooth transition.
As far as H-D costs, fairly good value IMHO.
GuzziJohn

hillbill · « **Reply #12 on:** November 02, 2011, 01:04:06 PM »

ive seen several very nice lower mileage vrods at very nice prices in the last 6 months. 10k seems like it would buy yu a very nice pristine one with lower miles on it.of course yu could also get a nice older evo glide of some sort also for the same price if you prefer those. life is too short to not have a harley of some sort.

Flash · « **Reply #13 on:** November 03, 2011, 04:23:00 AM »

Quote from: keith44 on October 26, 2011, 08:42:42 AM

The one V-Rod I out ran was ridden by a rather large fellow, while I weigh in at a buck fifty. The local Harley riders all seem to think (and ride like) you can't lean a bike at all. As to top speeds I've had my 900 to 110 mph, and runs the 1/4 mile 12.8.

It's not the riders who can't or won't lean into turns on their Harley's, it's the tires and the ground clearance that won't allow them. When you take a tight turn, the shocks compress, whether you know it or not. That puts the pipes in contact with the blacktop and the possibility of ruining $1,000 in exhaust. The tire tread on a Harley, with factory tires, isn't conducive to taking tight turns due to the absence sidewall tread.
The VRod weighs about the same as your Vulcan 900 with almost 50% more horsepower, displacement and touque and performs in the low 11's from the factory.

S.B. · « **Reply #14 on:** December 11, 2011, 05:37:43 AM »

Quote from: myronman3 on October 23, 2011, 05:42:58 AM

erik buell was the orginal designer of the engine, but the suits at harley kept making changes to his design until it became too heavy for him to use.
if you want to see some really impressive bikes, look at buells. the ulysis, lightning, and firebolt (the firebolt has an extreme sportbike riding position...a little too much for me). erik has big news coming november 1st; which i assume is the announcement of his new line of bikes.

While Buell was instrumental in their design, according to print Porshe colaborated in the designed of this mill. I don't personally have a problem with them. To me "If they ride, they're OK with me". However, the "two dogs mating" riding position of these bikes is NOT for me. First vehicle I ever owned was a British motorcycle, and been more miles than I can count since. I prefer the more classic look Harleys. My ride is an old '95 Wide Glide with an evo mill.
Steve

ironball · « **Reply #15 on:** December 31, 2011, 02:17:33 PM »

Why would anyone want to buy a Harley that looks like a Jap bike? If you just want performance, buy the Jap bike and save some money. Me, I'll stick with both my Sportsters, 1983 XLS (Roadster) and 2006 883 re-jugged to 1200. Classic Harley looks, and reasonable performance. That 2006 with Progressive shocks and fork kit corners harder than I care to.

myronman3 · « **Reply #16 on:** January 01, 2012, 05:25:45 PM »

Quote from: ironball on December 31, 2011, 02:17:33 PM

Why would anyone want to buy a Harley that looks like a Jap bike? If you just want performance, buy the Jap bike and save some money. Me, I'll stick with both my Sportsters, 1983 XLS (Roadster) and 2006 883 re-jugged to 1200. Classic Harley looks, and reasonable performance. That 2006 with Progressive shocks and fork kit corners harder than I care to.

because it isnt a harley, it is a buell. and it will eat those sportsters for breakfast without even breathing heavy. it goes up and down the hills and around the corners here with total ease....i would have to rev the hell out of my engine and work my transmission HARD to even just get up the hills here. i go up them now and it doesnt really matter what gear i am in. it is like butter.

S.B. · « **Reply #17 on:** January 02, 2012, 07:29:45 AM »

Quote from: myronman3
[/quote

i go up them now and it doesnt really matter what gear i am in. it is like butter.

Whom are you trying to fool, "Doesn't matter what gear I'm in?"
Steve

Spanky · « **Reply #18 on:** January 02, 2012, 02:19:39 PM »

I was glad to see Erik Buell get away from Harley. His bikes are innovative, modern world class sportbikes and I hope he makes millions with his new venture.
Those idiots at HD are too worried about maintaining the "old school image" to come up with anything new and exciting. Buell was too good for them IMO.

Spanky

S.B. · « **Reply #19 on:** January 02, 2012, 02:51:54 PM »

Spanky, yes I'm happy with old world HDs, of course I am old world myself. I don't have a problem with new stuff why do you have a problem with my old stuff?
Steve

Spanky · « **Reply #20 on:** January 02, 2012, 07:40:24 PM »

I don't have any problem with the old stuff. I ride a '74 Bonneville.

Of course the folks at Triumph have seen fit to update and improve and push the envelope with their bikes. They still have their "classic" models but they are just part of the lineup. Harley just seems content to sit on their laurels and trudge along making minor improvements here and there. I just think they could do alot more with their resources. Buell has shown what can be done with hot rodded Harley parts so why won't the factory boys do it themselves? Seems to me that they're afraid to ruffle the feathers of the current crop of "bikers".

Spanky

Swampman · « **Reply #21 on:** January 02, 2012, 11:49:27 PM »

I like Buells but I wouldn't own a V-Rod. A Buell is just a restyled Sportster and they aren't very fast but they are still old school.

Spanky · « **Reply #22 on:** January 03, 2012, 01:42:56 AM »

I'm not a big fan of the V-Rod's looks. That engine in an XR styled Harley would be nice. I'd also like to see an Sportster powertrain based, adventure style bike. Long travel suspension, large fuel capacity, mini fairing, etc... wait a minute... I think I just described the Buell Ulysses.

Spanky

Cheesehead · « **Reply #23 on:** January 03, 2012, 03:59:20 AM »

Buells have very little in common with any Sportster, except with some, the share a similar engine block.

Cheese

buck460XVR · « **Reply #24 on:** January 03, 2012, 02:18:49 PM »

I rode a Buell S3T Thunderbolt for 2200 miles out to, during and back from Sturgis in 2000. There is also a M2 Cyclone in my garage that my son rides. They' re nice bikes, but they are not the cross country cruisers of Harley fame. Bikes are like guns, we all have our favorite flavors. We should not trash others because their taste does not mirror ours, but appreciate what we have in common. If your knees are in the breeze, it don't matter what your ass is sittin' on.

Cheesehead · « **Reply #25 on:** January 03, 2012, 02:39:59 PM »

http://www.topspeed.com/motorcycles/motorcycle-reviews/buell/2010-buell-1125cr-ar78515.html

Did some one say Buells are not fast? And they are much like a Sportster?

Cheese

Swampman · « **Reply #26 on:** January 03, 2012, 02:41:31 PM »

I'm still right. The are basically Sportsters and they aren't fast. Similar Jap bikes will eat them up and spit them out.

Cheesehead · « **Reply #27 on:** January 03, 2012, 02:50:56 PM »

Quote from: Swampman on January 03, 2012, 02:41:31 PM

I'm still right. The are basically Sportsters and they aren't fast. Similar Jap bikes will eat them up and spit them out.

You are still wrong, 175 mph + is fast and the 1125CR has NOTHING in common with any Sportster.

Cheese

Swampman · « **Reply #28 on:** January 03, 2012, 03:12:43 PM »

I didn't realize they went to a foreign made engine on that model. Sadly being made in the US was the only thing Buell had going for it. Like I said, similar Jap bikes are quite a bit faster and they get there much faster.

myronman3 · « **Reply #29 on:** January 03, 2012, 03:17:42 PM »

s.b. and swampman....you both are dead nuts wrong. the 1125 r and cr use an entirely different engine. and the xb's, externally the engines look the same. internally, they are a different beast. it is PAINFULLY obvious neither of you two know what you are talking about regarding buells.
how many buells have either of you rode and worked one? that is what i thought.