2011 Harley Davidson VRSC Model Overview
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.