Your Vrod experience please
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 227
Likes: 2
From: mckinney texas
Your Vrod experience please
I currently ride a 1999 Road King Classic but feel the urge to get something a little more hip and zippy. I've always liked the look of the v-rod but don't know one person who owns one. I have an $8000 budget and there are lots of nice ones on EBay, Craigslist etc. to be bought at that price. First year was 2002? What should I be aware of or any surprises or things to stay away from? Thanks.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,830
Likes: 302
From: Lorain Ohio
agreed 1130cc.com is a great site for all things V rod. Most will say go for an 08 up for the larger 5 gal gas tank an 240 rear tire. I don't know what year they went to the 1250 but I think the 08 would have one. those changes may have started in 07. the muscle model has different styling an seat an bars. the '14 or so models have the offset peg mounts for comfort, I had to change them on my 02. I have an 02 v rod an just got a 05 E glide an the V's aren't great for 2 up, I take my glide anytime I do highway speeds to keep the wind from blasting me.
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 94
Likes: 9
From: Missouri
If you ask my husband he would tell you it's the most uncomfortable SOB out there. After a trip to Arkansas on his night rod he got rid of it and now has a road glide. He did say it was fast and fun, just not meant for long rides. I rode with him on it once, with no backrest, while my bike was getting a new tire, and that was not an enjoyable experience.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,830
Likes: 302
From: Lorain Ohio
I didn't like the bars an pegs that came on the V, after changing the bars an offsetting the pegs an adding a reach seat I like the sitting position but I'm getting too old to be blasted by wind on the highway. I do like the light weight of the V too when maneuvering.
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 477
Likes: 71
From: Flori-Duh
I had a 2011 Night Rod, fun bike but the range is 120 miles at best. It's a nice around town bike, but took a 600 mile trip and it wasn't pleasant. In the 3 years I had it I only put about 2300 miles on it. I agree with the above posts, check out the V-Rod forum, plenty of good info there. I say make it your second bike if you want one.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,161
Likes: 39
From: LOST WAGES
In stock form they suck for long rides. I was very uncomfortable after 400 miles. I added Sundowner Seat and Harley Style ISO adjustable Floorboards and can ride 700-800 miles a day no problem. Cookie Cutter Bikes will not suit everyone. You have to make it fit your comfort level and what you want out of it. Bar Hoppers go for style and not comfort. While long distance riders go for comfort and couldn't give a crap about looks.
Last edited by Hal64hd; Aug 17, 2015 at 02:19 PM.
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Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 632
Likes: 11
From: Wheeling, WV
Now at 62, I have always had an interest in the Vrod, either edition.
I purchased a new Street Glide year ago and the ride is now corrected with a lowered solo seat, extended home brew forward controls, and altered windshield.
The Vrod water cooled engine has me intrigued, but really concerned about leg expansion, (I have 36 inch inseam), and the wind buffeting. Over the years and owning several touring bikes, Softails, and Wide Glides, comfort is now an issue.
By the way, I never venture out more than 125 miles on a ride..
I am trying to find some time in my schedule to test drive the VRod, got to scratch that itch..
I purchased a new Street Glide year ago and the ride is now corrected with a lowered solo seat, extended home brew forward controls, and altered windshield.
The Vrod water cooled engine has me intrigued, but really concerned about leg expansion, (I have 36 inch inseam), and the wind buffeting. Over the years and owning several touring bikes, Softails, and Wide Glides, comfort is now an issue.
By the way, I never venture out more than 125 miles on a ride..
I am trying to find some time in my schedule to test drive the VRod, got to scratch that itch..
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,717
Likes: 35
I had a 2012 Night Rod Special. Great bike. I miss it every day. I had several other bikes so this one was basically an around town fun bike. I could ride it 500 to 600 miles with no problem other than stopping for fuel every 130 miles. I would suggest a 2008 and up with the larger fuel tank. I traded mine in on a Harley Davidson F150 truck for my wife. I miss that bike every day and look forward to buying another one someday.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,161
Likes: 39
From: LOST WAGES
I had a 2012 Night Rod Special. Great bike. I miss it every day. I had several other bikes so this one was basically an around town fun bike. I could ride it 500 to 600 miles with no problem other than stopping for fuel every 130 miles. I would suggest a 2008 and up with the larger fuel tank. I traded mine in on a Harley Davidson F150 truck for my wife. I miss that bike every day and look forward to buying another one someday.
Last edited by Hal64hd; Aug 17, 2015 at 02:45 PM.