Any thoughts on the 'rod as a touring bike? What would it take to make it into a long-range road hog? New seat, obviously (esp for two-up, which I will be most of the time) - I'm leaning toward the Mustang - and some decent hard saddlebags (Corbin?) and a windshield. Or am I totally out to lunch? Should I redirect my energies toward my second choice, a Road King Classic?
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I actually got a chance to sit on one at Las Vegas Harley Davidson, and they are NICE! Everything on it looks like it came from the factory that way; and unlike an Electra Glide or Road King, the Road Rod feels light as a feather, with it's extremely low center of gravity. If that's out of your budget range, I've found a pair of saddlebags, sport wind deflector, and luggage rack bag worked just fine on mine for a decent trip, esoecially if you're riding solo.
Drawbacks? The damn V-Rod's dinky 3.7 gallon gas tank, and mid 30's gas mileage. Really limits you for long trips. The day they fix that problem, I'll definetly own one again.
Fester,
I started a thread over in the "general chat" area with this very same question about 4 or 5 weeks ago...got 50 responses and some pretty good arguments for and against a V-Rod touring bike. I happen to be for it as the idea of a liquid cooled 100+ horsepower motor appeals to me. Some mentioned the lack of torque but I'm not so sure that would be a problem.
Other than that, like Tux said, the gas tank would have to be enlarged so we wouldn't have to be looking for a gas station every 125 miles. Some large lockable bags and good wind deflection would be a must...maybe a stereo also.
For you personally, no you are not out to lunch...I've seen a few Rods with bags, large windshield, bigger seat etc. and they are pretty sharp. One guy in my neck of the woods has had a couple that he decked out to make it "tourable" and he has been very happy.
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Official member of the 99% club.
It is possible. Not the best touring platform (fuel range, wind protection, etc.) but I know of V-Rod riders riding them all over the country, with 40,000 and 50,000 miles on the odom.
I just got back from Biketoberfest and Corbin had a Street Rod set up for touring with Beatle bags and a Corbin faring. the bike was set up really nice for touring with the Street Rod you get a 5 gallon tank and better suspention. That's the way to go and I may get a one and set it up that way. It's a good looking funtional bike.
Look if the Sportster guys can throw on hard bags, windshields and passing lamps any V-Rod owner can tour just as easily. If you really think about it, the V-Rod platform is the ideal for touring. That Revolution motor has tons of hp that our 88tc's just can't match.
With stricter emissions, I suspect HD will go to the Revolution motor for all it's models. It's only a matter of time.
I waited as long as I could for such a bike -- gave up -- sold my Supergilde and bought a RKC. It seems Harley could build an all new touring bike around the V-rod power plant. As for torque, the motor is the same basic size as the BMW touring bikes. For that matter, I can't think of a touring bike other than the Goldwing with much more engine size than around 1200 cc. One would think Harley could make the same motor bigger to develop more torque if needed. It's easier with a liguid cooled motor than one with just fins for cooling. I've never checked the torque specs. on comparsion with others in its class. The only V-rod I ever tested seemed to be geared too tall in first gear, but with proper gearing in a heavier bagger bike, Harley could step into the serious liquid cooled touring bike world.
If Harley had done this by 2004 I'd be riding one. Don't get me wrong -- with over 18000 miles on my RKC, I'm not feeling like Fred Flintstone on a dinosaur yet.
Much as I like my V-rod, I've gotta say that it falls short in the touring category. Sure, there are bolt-ons that make it more of a cruiser - but they make it less of a V-rod. I went that route; bought bags, a windshield, comfy Sundowner seat, sissybar & pad, etc. My bike looked hideous. I just stripped it all back down to the streetfighter that it was made to be & ordered a Road King Custom for touring & 2-up riding duties w/ my wife.
If touring is important to you, Harley makes better bikes for the job than the V-rod. If short jaunts are your thing, Harley doesn't make a funner bike than the V-rod.
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2006 FLHRSI Road King Custom
2002 VRSCA V-rod
Touring V-rod?
