2011 Harley Davidson VRSC Model Overview

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The V-Rod or VRSC (acronym for V-twin Racing Street Custom) line of Harley-Davidson motorcycles is unique in some special ways. Based loosely on the drag racer V-1000 superbike, the VRSC was first introduced in 2001. Why are these vehicles different? Three major factors: a liquid-cooled Revolution motor, over-head cams, and gas tank location.

The liquid-cooled Revolution motor was developed jointly with German car maker Porsche. In addition to it being a non-air cooled motor (rare for Harley), the Revolution engine on the VRSC is fuel-injected and has overhead camshafts. Displacement on the Revolution engine is 1250cc's which produces about 84 lbs. ft. of torque and around 120 horsepower. Transmission is a 5-speed and the bike is belt driven.

The gas tank location deserves special mention. Probably the first time the gas tank is not located in front of the rider (unless you want to count long-gone Harley-Davidson golf carts and snowmobiles), the tank is actually beneath the seat. What looks like a gas tank on these bikes is merely decoration. Gas tank capacity is five gallons.

The Harley-Davidson VRSC comes in two varieties for 2011: the Night Rod Special and the V-Rod Muscle.

Night Rod Special

The Harley-Davidson Night Rod Special incorporates the black-on-black color scheme of the factory's Dark Custom models. This means black frame and black/chrome motor. Many of the other parts, which are normally chrome, such as the battery cover, transmission cover, and parts of the exhaust pipes, are also black on this model. The Night Rod Special features a slipper-type clutch, 240mm wide rear tire, and available ABS. Standard on the Harley Night Rod Special are slotted aluminum wheels and Brembo brakes. For 2011, color choices are Black Denim, Sedona Orange, Chrome Yellow or Brilliant Silver Pearl, with matching fairing. MSRP for the Night Rod Special is $14,699.

V-Rod Muscle

The styling on the V-Rod Muscle is unmistakable. The bike features straight, dual exhausts with one crossover; the 1250cc water-cooled Revolution engine; and air scoops that imitate the air vents of muscle car era. The air scoops are non-operational but add greatly to the cosmetics of the bike. Check out the shorty rear fender and the lean aggressive look of this vehicle. Cast aluminum five-spoke wheels add to the attitude. Only solid colors on this Harley bike. Tiny buddy seat -- for a tiny-butt buddy! The great-looking staggered three-gauge instrument cluster is illuminated in red, yellow, and orange. Gauges are mounted on a cast, angled handlebar. Price for the V-Rod Muscle starts at right around $15,000.