Test "drive"?
Test Drove a 2012 night rod
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Road Master
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 821
Likes: 0
From: Evangeline Parish Louisiana
Test Drove a 2012 night rod
Have always loved the way they looked and the idea of a rippin fast HD, this has always appealed to me. Well, test drove one at Renegade today and I have to say it does have its nice points but I prefer my Wide Glide.
First impressions, looks good, diggin the fat rear tire and flat black paint with orange stripes.
As expected, the RPM's have to be picked up in order to feel any power but when the power kicks in it is solid but low end torque sux. Make no mistake this is a fast bike when the RPM's pick up.
Weirdest thing for me was the seating position, not uncomfortable but just way different than what I am used to. I could get used to it
The extra wide rear tire takes extra effort to make sharp turns at slow speeds but did not cause an issue.
All in all I would still love to have one but it would have to be a Second Bike...
Tomorrow I test drive a Road glide custom
First impressions, looks good, diggin the fat rear tire and flat black paint with orange stripes.
As expected, the RPM's have to be picked up in order to feel any power but when the power kicks in it is solid but low end torque sux. Make no mistake this is a fast bike when the RPM's pick up.
Weirdest thing for me was the seating position, not uncomfortable but just way different than what I am used to. I could get used to it
The extra wide rear tire takes extra effort to make sharp turns at slow speeds but did not cause an issue.
All in all I would still love to have one but it would have to be a Second Bike...
Tomorrow I test drive a Road glide custom
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,427
Likes: 2
From: Smack Dab in the Middle of Louisiana
Did ya say hey to the guy from swamp people? I was asked if I was gonna go on the ride out to Tunks with them, and I would have, except I have some side projects I'm working on.
Been thinking about going out tomorrow and test ride a softtail deluxe, I wish they still had the springers myself.
Been thinking about going out tomorrow and test ride a softtail deluxe, I wish they still had the springers myself.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,739
Likes: 10
From: Suffolk, England
I've been thinking about getting a VROD Muscle for a while now. Love the power and looks. Having had a couple of test rides now, I too liked some stuff but not some other things.
Its a performance bike that could be made to work in the bends too but that's buggered straight away by having forwards. You just can't throw your weight about with forwards the way you need to; you are planted to the seat and you can't apply extra weight on one side of the bike like you want to.
The low-rev power and lumpiness can be sorted out, apparently. But it does mean new exhaust, top off the A/C and a fueling solution, i.e. stage-1. This was an big expense I thought could be avoided on such a powerful bike, but no, HD still want their 'taxes'.
Then there's that its not much of an all-rounder like a Dyna. Touring on one is possible but the luggage options and space are limited. Squeezing a pillion on too reduces this further.
I'll probably still get one over this winter but I'm disappointed how much I'm going to have to do to it to make it useable.
Its a performance bike that could be made to work in the bends too but that's buggered straight away by having forwards. You just can't throw your weight about with forwards the way you need to; you are planted to the seat and you can't apply extra weight on one side of the bike like you want to.
The low-rev power and lumpiness can be sorted out, apparently. But it does mean new exhaust, top off the A/C and a fueling solution, i.e. stage-1. This was an big expense I thought could be avoided on such a powerful bike, but no, HD still want their 'taxes'.
Then there's that its not much of an all-rounder like a Dyna. Touring on one is possible but the luggage options and space are limited. Squeezing a pillion on too reduces this further.
I'll probably still get one over this winter but I'm disappointed how much I'm going to have to do to it to make it useable.
Its a performance bike that could be made to work in the bends too but that's buggered straight away by having forwards. You just can't throw your weight about with forwards the way you need to; you are planted to the seat and you can't apply extra weight on one side of the bike like you want to.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,739
Likes: 10
From: Suffolk, England
How about being able to do both and have proper control?
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 862
Likes: 3
From: East Tennessee
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Touche, lol.
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 13,402
Likes: 941
From: Illinois
I came, I saw, I bought.
Feed WOT from a stop and you'll be gone quicker that any other stock HD.
Push hard counter steering in a quick turn and you'll out corner any other HD also. Even a XR1200.
Feed WOT from a stop and you'll be gone quicker that any other stock HD.
Push hard counter steering in a quick turn and you'll out corner any other HD also. Even a XR1200.
Last edited by lh4x4; Oct 15, 2011 at 08:11 PM.
Supporter
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,714
Likes: 650
From: San Ramon, Ca
That is a mean lookin' machine. They really handle that well?
I've only ridden the 1st ones (with the solid disc wheels)
I wasn't used to it though. Coming off a Heritage, it was strange.
F-ng fast though!!!!
I've only ridden the 1st ones (with the solid disc wheels)
I wasn't used to it though. Coming off a Heritage, it was strange.
F-ng fast though!!!!