thinking about a v-rod need some input.
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Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
thinking about a v-rod need some input.
Hey:
I have a rigid ironhead. I'm thinking about buying another bike for more highway and city riding.
I'm a very low tech person. But I like the idea of a water cool motor for city riding.
I'm looking at night rods. I was wondering if there was any special maintenance involved in owing a v-rod. like Valved adjustments? How many miles before they need to be rebuilt?
Are any years better than other. There doesn't seem to be many used ones forsale and they cost just as much as new ones.
Thanks
I have a rigid ironhead. I'm thinking about buying another bike for more highway and city riding.
I'm a very low tech person. But I like the idea of a water cool motor for city riding.
I'm looking at night rods. I was wondering if there was any special maintenance involved in owing a v-rod. like Valved adjustments? How many miles before they need to be rebuilt?
Are any years better than other. There doesn't seem to be many used ones forsale and they cost just as much as new ones.
Thanks
Supporter
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,434
Likes: 292
From: Earth
Valve adjustments are at 15K intervals. Most don't need it till over 20k on average that I have heard. The motors are pretty bullet proof and don't require as much maintenance as the air cooled motors. No clutch adjustments (hydraulic), no primary adjustments, engine oil only. Coolant changed at 20K. No biggie's.
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 76
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Check out ebay and 1130cc.com for used V-Rods. As far as years go, in 08 they were all upgraded to 1250cc engine, slipper clutch, brembo brakes, 5 gallon gas tank, and wider frame. Some of the changes were available on prior years, but 08 is when every model got everything.
The engines are bulletproof, change the oil every 5k, adjust the valves every 15k, ride it like you stole it.
The engines are bulletproof, change the oil every 5k, adjust the valves every 15k, ride it like you stole it.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 330
Likes: 109
From: Humble, Texas
Ive got over 25,000 miles on mine now and STILL havent adjusted the valves....I Know, sounds crazy but I just havent had it done. The engine is a gem and I've ridden mine to Sturgis and back from Texas, so touring or more accurately flying across the states is possible. I LOVE my V-Rod and wouldn't trade it for anything right now. Recently added a fairing to block the wind from my chest and shoulders and I am pretty certain this is the best handling bike I have ever owned (all 6 harleys).
I ahve seen some very good prices for V's this summer and it seems very easy to get one at 10K, which I think is a steal. There is NO OTHER bike like it on the road and the stupid grin you will have when riding is ridonkulous. Check out 1130cc.com if you wanna empty your checkbook, savings, and 401k after you have the rod....you will find it's as addictive as any drug on the planet.
I ahve seen some very good prices for V's this summer and it seems very easy to get one at 10K, which I think is a steal. There is NO OTHER bike like it on the road and the stupid grin you will have when riding is ridonkulous. Check out 1130cc.com if you wanna empty your checkbook, savings, and 401k after you have the rod....you will find it's as addictive as any drug on the planet.
Just bought a new 2010 VROD smoothest running Harley, I have owned. as stated in other posts the 08's and above are much improved. If you crack the throttle you had better be hanging on tight. It has more power that the 1584 Harleys do. As noted only one lubricant hole. I have heard that some anti-corrosion additive in the coolant may be helpful. They come with an alleged lifetime coolant. Mine has ABS have not tested it yet but from all accounts in a panic stop it might save your butt. The Black Ice Pearl is a great color. It changes based on the light hitting it. Going to turn it into a tourer.
4th Gear
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Pickerington, OH
I know a guy out here in CA that uses his '03 as a daily commuter. He has over 150k miles without any issues other than routine maintenance. +1 on coolant anti-corrosive additives.
My '07AW has 22k miles and zero issues that were not self inflicted. I change the oil (Amsoil) at 7500 miles, check tire pressures regularly, and just ride the the crap out of it.
My '07AW has 22k miles and zero issues that were not self inflicted. I change the oil (Amsoil) at 7500 miles, check tire pressures regularly, and just ride the the crap out of it.
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Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 156
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From: Shawnee OK
How do you feel they are "MUCH IMPROVED". I hate the fat frame and have owned three different V's. Yours doesn't have ANYTHING mine doesn't have except for the ABS. I have ABS on my RK and not real sure I like it! Thinking about removing it.
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Advanced
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
"Much improved" would be a five gallon gas tank, Brembo brakes, slipper clutch, 1250cc engine, and relocated ignition switch. Those are all improvements.
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
From: Bakersfield, CA
The R is probably closest to the perfect V-ROD, and can be retrofitted with the slipper clutch. Its already got the five gallons, with better lean angles than any other V-ROD and without the fat rear.
I love my Night Rod Special, but if the Street Rod was still around I would likely have bought one instead.
I love my Night Rod Special, but if the Street Rod was still around I would likely have bought one instead.