Wife wants a V-Rod. Point me in the right direction

commander112 · #1 02-24-2008, 07:13 AM

She has been riding a 07 XL1200L Low with forward controls. I have sat on V-Rods and find the reach to the bars uncomfortable with forward controls. We are both smaller people (5'6"). What model should would be most comfortable under these conditions. Also, I seem to like the look of the fluted pipes. Which models have these? Too early and lazyto really search around. Perhaps you V-Rod experts could just point me in the right direction. Thanks in advance.

Mark

Vrod Mike · #2 02-24-2008, 09:52 AM

Given your height and the fact that you already stated that the forward controls were uncomfortable I would go with the D. It has mid controls so you won't have to stretch your legs at all. I'm not sure what you mean by fluted pipes?

commander112 · #3 02-24-2008, 10:07 AM

Quote:

ORIGINAL: Vrod Mike

I'm not sure what you mean by fluted pipes?

I'm referring to the pipes that have a slight curve and open up larger at the end. Perhaps the term "trumpet" makes more sense. I see some models with straight pipes.

Mark

dead eye · #4 02-24-2008, 10:26 AM

I have VRSCD with the mid controls, you still have the forward foot pegs. If you buy a used 06 VRSCD you should get a good price. I think the pipes you are talking about are off a VRSCSE

Chrome Sweet Chrome · #5 02-24-2008, 10:28 AM

You are then referring to the stock pipes. They trumpet open at the ends. Usually the first thing to go when time to start doing mods. I prefer the forward controls but that's why they make different models. Some prefer the mid or more sport bike position. I am just partial to the A models due to the fact that I like chrome and forward controls.

DesertSpeed · #6 02-24-2008, 10:53 AM

The D "Night Rod"is by far the most versatile V-rod, but difficult to find in the US. The seat is also very low and there is even an optional lower seat. It has mids and highway pegs. Handling is spectaular with the 180 rear tire.I've had riders as short as 5' even sit on my Night Rod and like the feel of it. One gal traded her Fatboy for a D after sitting on my bike just once.
The pipes you are refering to are jokinglycalled the Nike pipes. They stock on the A, AW and B. They cost you 5hp.
The DX is the lowest V-rod but has forward controls and almost drag bars. I'm 6'2" and don't care for the riding position. Then again, I don't like forward controls anyway.
The R "Street Rod" is the tallest V-rod and the best handling due to the reduced rake. The bike is tall, even for me. However, if I were to buy a second V-rod it would be the R.
The A, AW and B are pretty much all the same bike, forward controls and a bit of a reach to the bars. They have the pipes you like. I believe the X and the SE are A based bikes, they just have the 1250 engine that is now stock for all 08 V-rods.
To sum it all up, it sounds like you are looking for a D.

socalmoe · #7 02-24-2008, 01:22 PM

Big decision, wait and see if there is a place where you can rent one or a demo day. I did a demo ride, which was enough to convince me that a night rod was not what I wanted, I ride a lot and wanted more confort, take your time and look around, good low milage V-rods can be had for a fair $$$$$$$$$.
Good luck and ride safe!

commander112 · #8 02-24-2008, 03:21 PM

Thanks for all the help. We talked about renting first and plan on doing so once the weather breaks here.

Mark

NEFXDXT · #9 02-24-2008, 03:34 PM

All I have to say is I LOVE the look of the V-Rod. In the fall I started to look for my next bike to replace my already too small for me Nightster, a friend and I rode 1 of each family of bike at ademo event at our local dealership. The V-Rod with forward controls was the only bike in the line up that I didn't like, in facthalfway through the 15 min ride I wanted off of it because it just didn't fit or feel right.

My Fat bob with mids will be here next month.

sewerat · #10 02-24-2008, 04:41 PM

I see you are from MI, if you are not too far away from Windsor Thunder Road will be having a demo day on Apr19 and they will have a couple V-rods that you can take out and test ride. as long as it's not raining.