VRSC Models V-Rod, Street Rod, Night Rod and Night Rod Special

V Rod Handling

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Old Aug 9, 2008 | 08:07 PM
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Default V Rod Handling

How well the V Rod Handle?

I have never rode a V Rod I was wonding how well it cornered compared to a sportser?
 
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Old Aug 9, 2008 | 10:25 PM
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It will out handle a Sportster easily with comparable riders. It's much better balanced then the Sportster is and corners as well as any power cruiser on the market.
 
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Old Aug 10, 2008 | 01:53 AM
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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.
 
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Old Aug 10, 2008 | 08:41 PM
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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.
 
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Old Aug 11, 2008 | 11:26 PM
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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.
 
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Old Sep 1, 2008 | 03:06 PM
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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.
 
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Old Sep 2, 2008 | 05:54 AM
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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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Old Sep 2, 2008 | 11:10 AM
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Originally Posted by brendajm
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.
DX is lowest... but changing the shocks on any of them is pretty easy...


07s are the slowest...
 
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Old Sep 2, 2008 | 09:39 PM
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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.
 
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Old Sep 3, 2008 | 05:41 AM
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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.
 
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