I used to ride a CBR-600 F3 (miss that bike!!) and the V-rod that I test rode a couple years ago when I was riding my CBR still. The V-rod was SMOOOOOTH!

I will have one some day! Loved the ride. Power just comes on. I wish that they had a 6 speed though, but with the high (for a HD) revving motor doesn't really "need" it.

Main reason that I didnt buy one in December when I picked up my Wide Glide as a second bike is that I know I am not mature enough to keep the speed down on it. I hit triple digits daily on the two I have now... would be easier on a V-Rod.

 

If you've never ridden a bike with a "clamshell" riding position: feet forward, bars forward, your torso folded in half at the waist, be absolutely sure you take a test ride, and a long enough test ride to get a good feel for the riding position.

If you like it, that's a good price.

If I were going to buy a V-Rod, I'd be looking at an '06-'07 VRSCR Street Rod. Mid controls, and a real sleeper if you like to ride the twisties.

 

So true. The VRSCR is a very competent bike set up the way it is from the factory. Mids, higher ride height, stiff front end with the inverted forks, 5 gallon tank and Brembo brakes.

 

Several years ago I read a review of the Street Rod written by a longtime sport bike rider. He said the Vrod's competence and fun factor absolutely blew him away.

I've had the itch ever since.

 

I like the R way more than the XR1200 I had.

 

Really?!? How so? The XR1200 has always been on my fantasy garage list.

 

The R is more stable, faster, better handling and more comfortable. Below was the worked over XR I had. Bought it new and had it for a year. Even with a tuner the low rev limit was a pain in the butt. Some folks absolutely love 'em. I was not one of them. It's not all it's cracked up to be especially with the tank swelling issue that H-D refused to correct. That's why you can find so many with almost no miles in them.

 

Interesting. Thanks for the insight.

 

Hmm, you say you rode sportbikes-well, as nice a bike as the VRSC is, it's NOT a sportbike. The "clamshell" riding position with forward controls makes aggressive cornering impossible, and the lean angle is a measly 32 degrees (my Fireblade has a lean angle of 51 degrees, not that I've ever had it over that far LOL!), just a degree or two more than a Dyna.

For the record, at a recent track day there was someone there riding his modified XR1200 who p!$$ed all over me on my (rented) BMW S1000RR. I was impressed, to say the least.

The V-Rods forte is fast and straight, perfect for riding on Floridas Interstates. But for me, the V-Rod brings to mind Jacques Cousteau's comment about mermaids: "They are beautiful, but when you want a fish, you have a woman, and when you want a woman, you have a fish."

 

I agree if you are talking a forward control VRSC. The R is better suited for more aggressive cornering. I agree, while it is no where near the abilities of my 954RR it still can hold its own. Especially for the heft it carries around.