Rent one first before you buy one on impulse.

 

Wow. I don't think you could go more opposite. lol.

A v-rod is a very nice bike, though. I test-rode one a while back and was amazed at how smooth they are. It's seriously like riding on glass. From people I've talked to, they can be excellent tourers (though, not anything like an Ultra) for rides lasting several hours at a time.

The Nightrod is also a very cool looking bike. It's edgy and stylish. Looks a lot better than the basic V-Rod in my opinion.

However, it is so different than an Ultra, or any other Harley for that matter, that you NEED to test-ride one before you commit to buy. As much fun as it was for me to ride it, I couldn't part with my Softail to obtain one. To me, the big-twins are where it's at. If I could have three bikes, though...you better bet the V-Rod would be in my garage!

 

Way different riding position, this is my second V-Rod and the riding position is waaay different from my first it has really short drag bars that will lean you way forward and with the forwards really clamshell you vice that upright dresser style of riding (I call it hooligan riding) definately take about a 10 minute test ride, oh, its fast as ***** BTW

 

The bars are easy to change if you don't like the riding position. A lot of DX guys put sportster bars on theirs. I have a B model that I put the sporty bars on. I also have a RK for longer rides but if I want to go out and have some fun it's the V-Rod hands down. I'm on my third V and like stated above it can be set up for touring. My first one was.

 

I have ridden several Vrods. If you want to ride upright, change the handlebars or put a riser in to raise them up to a comfortable postion for you. Bikes are made for different purposes. Vrod is a street crusier, bit smoother than the foreign crotch rockets, but it is a fast bike, lots of low end power. They can be set up as tourers, and IMHO with good bars, comfortable seat, and if I were doing it some gearing chains a great combination between street/tourer. A multi purpose bike.

PS just bought 2010 VRSC muscle, ABS, Security system black ice pearl, pick it up on Friday.

 

VROD riders are their own breed. I recommend read some forums on 1130.com. I bought my 2006 VRSCR not ever owning a bike. I LOVE it. Test ride a few different ones before you decide. Riding mine over 300 a day gets painful.

 

You have not mentioned what type of riding you are going to be doing or anything about a passenger. Having had both a Vrod and a Ultra, I don't think I could pick two more opposite bikes from the Harley family. The Vrod is a blast to ride, but I didn't think it was very comfortable. The wife hated it even on a short ride. I would say that the Ultra does a better job of fulfilling my current needs. Still a fun bike, but more rounded in its use day to day or on a long trip. You will have to decide what you want and how it will fit in your riding plans!
Good Luck,
Mr_Bill

 

I second the recommendation to rent one. I did, and bought one a few days after. The Night Rod Special is a great bike, extremely smooth and extremely fast. I even use mine for touring.

 

Why not give it a try. Or better yet, you can buy mine! Ha!