V Rod Handling
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: Hawaii
Wow, I haven't posted here in a long time!
Anyway, I have ridden both bikes (I have a V-Rod and my dad has a Sportster). The V-Rod definitely out handles the Sportsters. However, I do drag my pipes when cornering hard and fast. Btw, I happen to like Sportsters so this is not a bashing, just an observation.
Anyway, I have ridden both bikes (I have a V-Rod and my dad has a Sportster). The V-Rod definitely out handles the Sportsters. However, I do drag my pipes when cornering hard and fast. Btw, I happen to like Sportsters so this is not a bashing, just an observation.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 421
Likes: 0
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
I just sold my 04 1200 Custom and picked up an 05 A. The V-Rod does handle better than the Sporty feels lighter to me, also a lower center of gravity. I just love the power of the V-Rod, and the riding position is great.
Novice
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From:
Just my opinion.
I own a Night Rod Special and a Nightster. I don't think either one out handles the other. I've ridden both on mountain winding roads as well as around town. They handle differently is all. Unlike the previous posters, I actually prefer the Nightster's handling characteristics. I'm 5'11", 175lbs.
I own a Night Rod Special and a Nightster. I don't think either one out handles the other. I've ridden both on mountain winding roads as well as around town. They handle differently is all. Unlike the previous posters, I actually prefer the Nightster's handling characteristics. I'm 5'11", 175lbs.
Account Suspended
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 898
Likes: 1
CC, you would notice a difference. The DX has the lowest ground clearance of all the V-rods. To have the looks of the 240 rear tire, you also lose a little bit in the handling department.
The R is best handling V-rod, hands down.
The D, B and A if I'm not mistaken all had over 5" ground clearance and came with 180 tires.
Now the AW and F have less than 5" (4.9" I think) and have 240 tires.
The DX comes in at 4.1" ground clearance and has always had a 240.
It all depends on how you want to ride as to which bike you get.
The R is best handling V-rod, hands down.
The D, B and A if I'm not mistaken all had over 5" ground clearance and came with 180 tires.
Now the AW and F have less than 5" (4.9" I think) and have 240 tires.
The DX comes in at 4.1" ground clearance and has always had a 240.
It all depends on how you want to ride as to which bike you get.
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
I am looking to move from a sportster to a vrod. I like the way it looks and the way it feels when I sit on it. I have not had a chance to ride one yet though. I am looking to get a used one. I am looking for the lowest one to the ground, I am thinking I should be looking for the dx after reading the previous post? I love my sportster but after 3 years I just one something that I might be able to do more than 150 miles on it without feeling pain after and every single bump.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Nuevo México, Los Estados Unidos de América
I am looking to move from a sportster to a vrod. I like the way it looks and the way it feels when I sit on it. I have not had a chance to ride one yet though. I am looking to get a used one. I am looking for the lowest one to the ground, I am thinking I should be looking for the dx after reading the previous post? I love my sportster but after 3 years I just one something that I might be able to do more than 150 miles on it without feeling pain after and every single bump.
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Account Suspended
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 898
Likes: 1
Dammit, the one thing I forgot: Only the D and the R have mid controls. The D also has highway pegs. Yes, I am biased. The D is the best of the V-rods. That's why we have one. The D hits the Interstate or the mountain twisties with equal aplomb. As far as I'm concerned, the Night Rod redefined the word "cruiser".
As for comfort, I doubt the DX is what you want. Forward controls and drag bars do not go together. I made it through one 20 minute test ride, barely.
As for comfort, I doubt the DX is what you want. Forward controls and drag bars do not go together. I made it through one 20 minute test ride, barely.
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
Thanks for the input. So you think the D is the better choice? I was leaning towards forward controls as I have mids now and thought athat the forwards would be more comfortable, but maybe not. The highway pegs would be nice though. I am only about 5'5 so maybe mids would be better. I am looking at some used ones now. I am not really worried about speed, i just want a nice looking ride and that I can keep up with others on rides.