V-Rod and the direction it should have gone
#23
07-19-2011, 03:05 PM
Tourer
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Hershey, Pennsylvania
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I think I am in the minority here, but I actually believe the opposite of most.
My personal opinion is that Harley's Vrod is too heavy to compete with it's metric counterparts. I believe they should marry the revolution engine to a lighter body style (like a Buell type) and go head to head with the the sport and sport cruiser/touring bikes like the Concourse.
I rode a friends 2005 V-Rod. Great bike, really nimble at speed. It just needs to shed a few pounds and get a total sporty re- design.
Now that said, I also don't think it is a bad idea to put that engine in a true Harley touring bike. I rode a 2011 Street Glide with a 103 engine in 94 degree heat this last week. Wow, was I cooking.
My personal opinion is that Harley's Vrod is too heavy to compete with it's metric counterparts. I believe they should marry the revolution engine to a lighter body style (like a Buell type) and go head to head with the the sport and sport cruiser/touring bikes like the Concourse.
I rode a friends 2005 V-Rod. Great bike, really nimble at speed. It just needs to shed a few pounds and get a total sporty re- design.
Now that said, I also don't think it is a bad idea to put that engine in a true Harley touring bike. I rode a 2011 Street Glide with a 103 engine in 94 degree heat this last week. Wow, was I cooking.
#24
07-19-2011, 03:59 PM
Had an '05
Had an '05 Rod - really liked it and really hated it. Went like a bat outa hell at high RPM's but had virtually zero torque and that was a huge disappointment. Mine had the lousy 3 gallon gas tank - maybe 100 miles at the most if I was good (which I wasn't most of the time). Too long - didn't corner worth a darn. So - sold it for a SERK (which I don't regret a bit) but have been waiting for the MoCo to up the torque and put the waterhead in a Dyna - I'd be first in line!
#25
07-19-2011, 07:29 PM
I rode a VRod for awhile in 09. I did like the fact that it ran cooler than my bike, especially since it was August. It is fast but lacks torque, if they made the engine about 200cc larger and geared it for a little more torque, and sold a touring model along with the regular touring line, I think they would sell a few, I might be tempted.
Another downside for me was mpg I never got more than 32mpg - but I was "in it" all the time
#26
07-19-2011, 07:48 PM
The obvious thing is to stick a VRod engine in a tourer. But IMO they need a ground up total redesign taking into account future emission requirements, reliability, weight, comfort, suspension/handling, heat (radiator location), styling (maybe this should be the main consideration for many), gas mileage (Revolution fails here) and improved power delivery.
#29
07-19-2011, 08:03 PM
Seasoned HDF Member
If they put the revolution engine into a frame that was dyna sized with a similar riding position, that would most likely be my next bike.
As things stand now, I'm not ever going to buy a bike with a TC96 engine in it. And I don't think I will buy a vrod, based on the riding position. I am feeling my age and don't think I would want to do more than 200 miles in a day in that position. But if they put a revolution type engine, or something else that was properly cooled, into a larger upright position frame, I likely would not be considering Triumph and Victory for my next bike.
As things stand now, I'm not ever going to buy a bike with a TC96 engine in it. And I don't think I will buy a vrod, based on the riding position. I am feeling my age and don't think I would want to do more than 200 miles in a day in that position. But if they put a revolution type engine, or something else that was properly cooled, into a larger upright position frame, I likely would not be considering Triumph and Victory for my next bike.
buh bye
#30
07-19-2011, 08:29 PM
Outstanding HDF Member
H-D NightRod Special
Weight:
• As Shipped 643 lbs. (292.0 kg)
• In Running Order 676 lbs. (307.0 kg)
HP: 125
Torque: 85ft/lb @ 7000rpm
Yamaha VMAX
Weight: 683 lbs (running order)
HP: 165 @ 9,100rpm
Torque: 104.68 ft-lb @ 6,500 rpm
The Yamaha's numbers were measured on a dyno at the rear wheel by motorcycle-usa.com. Meaning it puts out more to the crank and the VROD puts out less to the wheels.
Triumph Rocket III Roadster
Weight: 807lbs
HP: 146bhp @ 5,750 rpm
Torque: 163 ft.lbs @ 2,750 rpm
Triumph is measured at the crank. If you think for a second that the Vrod is going to beat out any of the muscle cruisers in it's category you're sadly mistaken. Plus the Rocket III is actually a capable tourer.