My son wants a VROD
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Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 178
Likes: 0
From: Texas
My son wants a VROD
Does anybody have any advice to pass on concerning the VROD? Is it okay for a two hour ride? Problems with? Did you have one and move on to something else? Passenger? Appreciate any feedback I can send his way... Thanks all...
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
I had two VRods before my FLHX. I had a 03 Anniv. and a 06 VRSCSE2 CVO.
VRods are great bikes, get a good bit of attention and a lot faster than your ordinary HD. Two hour rides are uncomfy with the stock seat and no windscreen. Feet start getting cramped from being stretched out straight.
You can make it more comfortable but it's still not a touring bike.
As far as passenger, on the stock seat forget about it, you need a aftermarket seat with a backrest.
0 issues with either one my 03 had 3K on when I sold it and my 06 had 7K and not a single issue.
VRods are great bikes, get a good bit of attention and a lot faster than your ordinary HD. Two hour rides are uncomfy with the stock seat and no windscreen. Feet start getting cramped from being stretched out straight.
You can make it more comfortable but it's still not a touring bike.
As far as passenger, on the stock seat forget about it, you need a aftermarket seat with a backrest.
0 issues with either one my 03 had 3K on when I sold it and my 06 had 7K and not a single issue.
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 610
Likes: 1
From: Oregon Ohio
I had two VRods before my FLHX. I had a 03 Anniv. and a 06 VRSCSE2 CVO.
VRods are great bikes, get a good bit of attention and a lot faster than your ordinary HD. Two hour rides are uncomfy with the stock seat and no windscreen. Feet start getting cramped from being stretched out straight.
You can make it more comfortable but it's still not a touring bike.
As far as passenger, on the stock seat forget about it, you need a aftermarket seat with a backrest.
0 issues with either one my 03 had 3K on when I sold it and my 06 had 7K and not a single issue.
VRods are great bikes, get a good bit of attention and a lot faster than your ordinary HD. Two hour rides are uncomfy with the stock seat and no windscreen. Feet start getting cramped from being stretched out straight.
You can make it more comfortable but it's still not a touring bike.
As far as passenger, on the stock seat forget about it, you need a aftermarket seat with a backrest.
0 issues with either one my 03 had 3K on when I sold it and my 06 had 7K and not a single issue.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,759
Likes: 1
From: Republic of Texas
I rode a friend's Street Rod. It felt very light and fast as all sh*t. I can see why a younger generation would be attracted to the VRSC models. When HD comes out with a VRod powered Road Glide, I'll seriously consider it.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,439
Likes: 884
From: 'Noke, VA
They're really nice bikes, and (for Harleys) fast. I'd have no problem riding 2 hours on one, but I also have no problem riding 8 hours on my Night Train, and the riding position is similar.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,575
Likes: 7
From: Wisconsin
I had an 09 VRSCF (Muscle). It was a fun, fast (think HD made a rocket) bike and it got a lot of attention. It was a great bar hopper but a distance machine it is not. I took it on a 400 mile trip which was not comfortable after about 2 hours. The seat wasn't bad but the suspension was stiff and not really set up for long touring. Passengers aren't touring on a VRSCF, they don't have a back rest...HD makes a butt stop that they call a back rest...it's about 4" tall.
The only area of note is the gas gauge. The v-rods have a squirly gas gauge that is sometimes inaccurate. My v-rod got about 32 mpg with a dyno tuned stage 1 kit added if that makes any difference. The dyno tune needs to be done by someone who knows what they are doing, the v-rods have a tendancy to surge or back fire during cruise conditions if they aren't properly tuned with a stage 1 kit. Other than that they are a rock solid machine.
I traded my 2009 VRSCF on a 2010 Ultra which is better fitted to the type of riding I do (long distance).
If you want a fun bar hopper that gets alot of attention the v-rod is a good choice. If you want a long distance touring bike look elsewhere.
Good luck to your son.
The only area of note is the gas gauge. The v-rods have a squirly gas gauge that is sometimes inaccurate. My v-rod got about 32 mpg with a dyno tuned stage 1 kit added if that makes any difference. The dyno tune needs to be done by someone who knows what they are doing, the v-rods have a tendancy to surge or back fire during cruise conditions if they aren't properly tuned with a stage 1 kit. Other than that they are a rock solid machine.
I traded my 2009 VRSCF on a 2010 Ultra which is better fitted to the type of riding I do (long distance).
If you want a fun bar hopper that gets alot of attention the v-rod is a good choice. If you want a long distance touring bike look elsewhere.
Good luck to your son.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 148
Likes: 0
From: T-Town, AZ
I have an 04 with a turbo, 21,000 miles with the turbo, 36,000 on the bike. I have done some long days on it with no problems. My dad use to have two, and at the age of 57 he rode from AZ to Minnesota in three days. Like anything it depends on the person. There is no comparison between it and my 09 street glide, if I did not have to carry stuff, I would choose the V rod every time.
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Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 647
Likes: 5
From: Snohomish WA
My 25 year old son has a 2008 Vrod he loves it, I have a 2008 SG .We took a 2 week ride from Seattle to LA and back last summer. I told him to get a windshield and HWY pegs before the trip but he didn't listen . He wasf ine he didn't complain at all I think he didn't want to hear I told you so.He didn't have any back problems and could ride all day but then again he is only 25.
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Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 690
Likes: 0
From: NYC
Had a 2002 Vrod with a stock seat. I've ridden to Laconia (8hrs), Americade (8hrs in the rain, 4hrs normally). I've done numerous 200mi + days on it & have always been fine. When I did those long trips I ALWAYS had a windshield on. I've never had any issues, mechanically, either.
They're a blast to ride. Just make sure he doesn't ride over his head & your son should be just fine on it.
As far as a passenger??? We'll, that was my only issue with it. It's fine for small trips but it'll get uncomfortable after an hour or so for both of them. It's tight.
I moved up to a Street Glide because I was tired of putting on my earphones, attaching my windshield (hate the windshield on a Vrod) & strapping on a bag.
Good luck to him.
They're a blast to ride. Just make sure he doesn't ride over his head & your son should be just fine on it.
As far as a passenger??? We'll, that was my only issue with it. It's fine for small trips but it'll get uncomfortable after an hour or so for both of them. It's tight.
I moved up to a Street Glide because I was tired of putting on my earphones, attaching my windshield (hate the windshield on a Vrod) & strapping on a bag.
Good luck to him.
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 739
Likes: 0
From: Americus, GA
My buddy has one and makes the 4hr ride to Panama City FL twice a year with me and has no complaints. I had a Rocker C before my street glide and it was fine for that trip also. Now, making the trip on my SG is much better!!