Hey people,
I am riding an 05' sporty 1200c and am looking to maybe upgrade to a larger bike next year. I've been reading some good reports on the new street rod. Anyone have one and would like to give me some input ? Thanks.

Wheeler

 

they look good!

 

I don't have a Street Rod, I have a V-Rod, but I did ride a Street Rod. Love the V-Rod, and think the Street Rod is great also. If you are looking for a sporty bike and like to go fast, and like to get the bike low in corners, the Street Rod is your bike. The balance, handling, acceleration, braking etc etc. are terrific. You gotta ride one. Once you do, you will be hooked.

 

I've not ridden either Vrod or Street Rod, but I will say this: To me, the Street Rod is a huge step for the Motor Company to take, and I'd really like to see it become a big seller. It's only a small matter of moving pegs, fitting Brembo brakes up front, etc but it's appealing to an entirely different set of riders. In sitting it, it feels just right to me - like HD's take on the Ducati Monster or Triumph Speed Triple. I'm stoked just to have it as part of the American Motorcycle landscape - it's way cool.

BTW, here's a road test link from Down Under that I found on the Street Rod: Street Rod test

 

Before I bought my '05 FXDXI I took a nice long ride on a Street Rod.

Quick, powerful and well balanced.....IMHO best handling bike Harley has built.

I'm nearly 57 and my hands and wrists are pretty trashed from the war and playing football, the riding position flat wore my hands and wrists out fast. Same problem I have with Ducati Monsters.

If I was younger I prolly would have bought the Street Rod but the FXDX Sport just "fit" this old man alot better.

Street Rod is not popular where I live, the one dealer that had a good stock of them was recently selling them for 13.5k + tax.

I think the target market for the Street Rod has a bit of a problem with the price when they can buy a faster, lighter Japanese naked bike for a lot less money.

Ride safe.

Crow

 

Hey Wheeler, if you're enjoying the 4-cams, you'll really enjoy the S' Rod.

I had an unfortunate test ride...now I can't wait to put one in the garage and on the road. The first few miles on a new bike are just not that impressive; you can't get a feel for the motor or the suspension. I had to do laps around the parking lot to get it loosened up enough to take it on the road and the first ten minutes were akward---getting used to braking and accelerating in traffic, using the turn signals, watching the tach and listening.

The S'Rod was solid. The weight was apparent but it was also very smooth. The clutch is hydraulic so it's an easy pull and hooks up immediately. I ride a Ducati 900SSie nearly every day as long as the weather permits and have a '96 Buell S2T as well as a '68 XLCH. The S'Rod reminds of a matured tube frame Buell...very similar riding positions with feet under hips and the reach to the bars was also similar. The Rod's engine is a thing of great beauty; enough torque that it behaves at low street speeds and I could feel just a hint that there was something in there ready to really get it on...it's not in my spirit to abuse fine, new machines to the best I can say is that the motor is just starting to wake up at 3000RPM's.

Despite it's heft, the Rod was easy to maneuver around the parking lot and on the roads in the local neighborhood where I was test riding. Considering that the Duc will go basically where ever you point, the S'Rod was willing to try; I was just a bit nervous about cutting too sharp a corner with an expensive new motorcycle just for a test ride.

Once the bike was warmed up and the suspension was starting to work and I was getting a feel for it as a motorcycle, what a delight!

I was ready to trade the Ducati and take it home. Fortunately, the wife is quite fond of the Duc and knows how much I love to ride it and it's taken me anywhere I wanted to go at any pace I cared to set. Is the Duc faster? Does the Duc handle better? Apples and oranges. For me, the measure of the bike is the joy I get from riding and doing simple maintenance. Although, the Duc is quite simple maintenance wise. From looking at the S'Rod, it's going to be really easy to maintain and ride for quite a long time.

The dealer offered me a great price with additional incentives. Plus, it's nice to have a good relationship with a relaible dealer network in the local area. However, I have also been offered the same bike from another dealer at an even better price point with a generous discount on parts and accessories for a year after purchase. Unfortunately, where I live there is a personal property tax and if I bought the bike today I'd still be paying for the whole year...no pro-rating. And, in the Spring, we'll be much better off $$ wise and it makes better sense to wait awhile...but not too long, I may die tomorrow and never have known the joy's offered by the S' Rod!!

Performance wise, my concerns are these:

The front forks are Showa cartridge types; I still haven't received an answer to my question about having them re-valved and re-sprung if needed. (the bike is too new for the aftermarket to get going really strong in addressing any preceived shortcomings.) The rear shocks do have some adjustability but I know there is much room for improvement, especially if the bike is going to be doing any sort of touring duty or two-up riding for any distance or time. Progressive has very nice air adjustable shocks that could make a real handling differnce in a bike with the S'Rods potential for fun in the twisties. But, until I get the bike, and put it on the road and through it's paces, I'll be guessing. It may not even need any suspension improvement...

I gotta tell ya, the black frame and Vivid Black paint did it for me...

 

Personally... I think they are a confused bike... I only like the V-Rod.

Not fond of the mid-mount Nite Rod either, but like the looks otherwise.

 

I just changed from a 1200C Sportster having all the SE stage 2 mods, to a VRSCR in Vivid Black and love it...

[IMG]local://upfiles/17518/885305DDE7514E109B566B75BFC557C2.jpg[/IMG]

 

Hi there, On ebay I will be listing a 2006 Pearl Yellow Street Rod with less than 1900 miles. I will post a link as soon as the auction is listed.