hello, i am considering purchasing a screamin eagle v-rod as a second bike...to replace a sold sport bike. I have heard that the heat from the motor burns your leg. I know a lot of pros on this bike, what would be a few "cons". I am 6' tall, 225 lbs and currently ride a 05 heritage. I figured this is the group to ask! Thanks in advance-

 

Hmmmmmm... thats a new one !

 

I ride an 06 Night Rod; I burnt my right calf twice on the exhust but have no porblem with engine heat. Leather chaps work good.


Tbone

 

Have never heard about heat being an issue. Wouldn't mind if it was since I ride year round high in the Rockies and wouldn't mind feeling a little warmth down there .

The tank range isn't great... maybe ~120 miles. There are better bikes for long distant travel (Though some take these V-Rods far), but other than the preceding can't think of any issues with the bike. Have had one for almost four fun years. Reliable, a head turning thing, stunning looks and performance.

 

thanks!

 

Yes, heat is a problem from the exhaust, not the motor. It doesn't run any hotter than your Softail. I only notice the pipe heaat wean I turn my foot sideways on the peg for long distances. I'm 5'7"

 

Had to get off the computer earlier--

The exhaust heat isn't that bad, and there are things that you can do to take care of it. Some people wrap their pipes, some just deal with it. When my feet are straight on the pegs, I don't even notice. I have taken trips over 400 miles (I know, far less than most) and have never been uncomfortable with the heat that the pipes do have, even when my feet are sideways.

If this is going to be a second bike, then the fuel capacity may not ever be a problem. Like sfarson said, it is the only problem I have noticed, but he seems to be getting better milage, because I'm tapped at 110. That's probably due to the fact that I have no baffles, so my fuel requirements have increased.

It is a very fast Harley-Davidson, (the best looking one in my opinion) and the trade-offs are well worth the problems. If this is a "fun" bike for you, and you intend to keep the Softail, I doubt you will have to deal with the few shortcomings the VRSC's have.

 

I do not experience any heat problems. I am also 6' tall and occasionally ride it wearing shorts. (I know bad idea) I have riden Deuces, Low Riders, and Road Kings and see no difference in heat from the engine or exhaust. Sometimes on hot days, when the fan kicks on at a stop you will feel a lot of hot air, but it is not a problem.

I have had the bike for a year. Have almost 5,000 miles on it and just love it. It has plenty of power, handles great and is a head turner. Fuel range is my biggest complaint. If I am "catting" around town, my range is about 100 miles on a tank, on long distances, I can go 130 on a tank. Still not great but the bike is worth this short coming. IMHO.

 

I have an 05 SE. This model has forward controls so your right lower leg does get hot. It's tolerable for me (I'm 5-8) with over the ankle leather boots but without them, it's too much to take. I have a friend who recently rode it (he's shorter than me) and he burned his leg. You'll probably be ok with your height.

I also have an ultra classic so I tend to compare and I shouldn't. The V-rod is a fantastic machine for short rides. I know some ride it long distances but I've never been comfortable with much over 200 miles in a day. The small fuel tank and the larger motor of the SE make for frequent stops (I also have a hard time keeping off the throttle) but I tend to need them anyway. I really enjoy this bike for ripping around (going through the gears with a thrill like no other) and riding through the curves of the mountians but in my opinion, it's not a long riding road bike. If you roll along at about 15 miles an hour and drop the clutch, it is going to either spin the back wheel or lift the front tire off the ground depending on the traction available. Either way, you need to be ready to grab second gear as fast as you can.

I've also had a problem with it leaking oil. The drips come from where the oil filter marries up to the oil filter housing but I've had it into HD three times and they say they can't find the source of the leak (yes, they have replaced the filter). I think I'm about ready to hone in on it as it leaked 8 ounces on my last ride (250 miles). The previous check and fill was 8 ounces in 900 miles. So, it's getting worse and I hope to find the source soon. HD has also told me (I've spent some serious time talking to the technicians about my oil leak) that they are seeing multiple SE models in with leaking head gaskets. Not big blows but small leaks (which I imagine would get worse with time if it wern't fixed). So far, mine has been ok and thankfully it is still under warrenty.

As a second bike to a touring or longer mileage road bike, I'd recommend getting one. It's a one of a kind ripping machine!

Brad