Discontinuing the VROD???
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 2,046
Likes: 314
From: Denver CO
I don't disagree, however the current plan is not working. They are trying with the 500/750, and this is a good start. But these are far from sporty. Buell was a very good direction, but again, did not sell well.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 2,132
Likes: 773
From: Earth
I might have to change my stance on this.....The V-Rod might actually be a Harley.
It's poorly designed, it's too low, it's too long, it handles like a truck and it's overpriced.
It was a good idea that went horribly wrong (thanks to Willie G. and his moronic styling ideas)
It's poorly designed, it's too low, it's too long, it handles like a truck and it's overpriced.
It was a good idea that went horribly wrong (thanks to Willie G. and his moronic styling ideas)
As usual, its problem stemmed from the fact Harley prioritized styling over everything else, and the end result was a bike even the company seemed little interested in.
Harley goes to a great deal of trouble to cultivate its image and market its products. And a big part of the problem for the V-Rod was that Harley never really showed any interest in properly marketing it, so many Harley enthusiasts treat it as some kind of red haired, bastard step-child.
If you want a sport bike, the V-Rod is a bad choice. If you want a cruiser, the V-Rod is a bad choice. If you want a power cruiser, the XDiavel makes the V-Rod seem like a bad joke.
Harley-Davidson desperately needs to evolve. But instead the old guys who run the company seem intent on doubling down on the same old same old because it's the only thing they're capable of.
Last edited by DM426; Oct 25, 2016 at 12:24 PM.
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 714
Likes: 120
There is not a single V Rod part on that bike. It is purpose built race bike not available for sale to the general public using completely custom parts.
That said, the stock VRod is a pretty fast bike, capable of an 11 second quarter mile, and the VRod Destroyer sold several years ago is an off the showroom floor 9 second drag bike (although not street legal).
I would have liked to see a bigger cubed Vrod motor with a more torque friendly cam profile in a bagger. Too bad it's not gonna happen.
I like the Vrod. My buddy has a Vrod and it has run flawlessly for a decade. Fun to ride as the power just builds and builds. Did run hot though.
That said, the stock VRod is a pretty fast bike, capable of an 11 second quarter mile, and the VRod Destroyer sold several years ago is an off the showroom floor 9 second drag bike (although not street legal).
I would have liked to see a bigger cubed Vrod motor with a more torque friendly cam profile in a bagger. Too bad it's not gonna happen.
I like the Vrod. My buddy has a Vrod and it has run flawlessly for a decade. Fun to ride as the power just builds and builds. Did run hot though.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 3,158
Likes: 68
From: Martinsburg, WV
The point is, they haven't done anything with it since then.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 3,158
Likes: 68
From: Martinsburg, WV
And due to the reason it the post below yours. Harley did not market them properly. Dealers weren't interesting in selling them. Buell owners loved them.
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 12,499
Likes: 7,511
From: Edmond, OK
Originally Posted by Village Idiot™
Did.
The point is, they haven't done anything with it since then.
The point is, they haven't done anything with it since then.
I think they messed up with the newer VRODs as they aren't as sleek and nice as the earlier ones. I also agree they could have used that motor and made variants of other types of bikes based on that motor.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 14,228
Likes: 63,969
From: Other Side of the Tracks
It still lets HD compete in (and dominate) the NHRA Pro Stock class, don't it?