10 Best V-rod Modifications

Ripe For Modifications

The V-Rod model lineup that has featured the awesome "Revolution" engine is considered to be Harley-Davidson's best performance machine. While the curtain will soon be closing on the V-Rod after 16 years of production, these motorcycles will surely be enjoyed for years to come. As with any Harley model, there are a number of great mods that can be done on V-Rods to enhance their aesthetics and further improve their already great performance.

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Air Filter

One of the best ways to make more horsepower is to get additional airflow into the engine is with a new air filter. The OEM V-Rod air filter uses a throwaway paper element that is more restrictive than aftermarket oiled-cotton or dry microfiber filters. High-flow air filters are available from a number of different manufacturers, including Harley-Davidson themselves, that fit into the stock filter location for a simple install. Similarly, there are various filter options for those who want to ditch the stock airbox altogether as seen above. The best part is that these filters can be cleaned regularly for a lifetime of use.

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Topless Airbox

If you are going to install a high-flow air filter for the sake of performance, it is worth considering a "topless" or "semi-topless" airbox mod. The stock airbox lid draws air in from a small 1.5" tube that hampers the engine's ability to breath. Numerous owners have successfully run their bike with the airbox lid removed to free up an additional 4-5 horsepower. Similarly, many have modded the airbox lid with large cutouts in order flow additional air over the stock setup. With the V-Rod using a large airbox cover in place of a traditional gas tank, this free mod can still keep water and debris out of the airbox even in the worst of conditions.

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Exhaust

The first modification that just about any Harley owner makes to their bike is the exhaust system and the V-Rod is no different. Similar to the idea of swapping in a new air filter, changing exhaust components help scavenge the exhaust from the combustion chambers more effectively, thus resulting in improved performance. Additionally, a full system or even slip-on mufflers really bring out the great sound of the Revolution engine that is choked back by the stock setup. Lastly, exhaust mods enhance the look of the bike, so this mod is basically a win-win-win. That said, it is worth investing in an EFI tuner to supply additional fuel to the bike if swapping exhausts as they tend to cause the bike to run quite lean, especially in the 3,000-4,000 rpm range.

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EFI Tuning

As previously mentioned, an EFI tuner is all but mandatory when allowing more air into and out of the engine with air filter and exhaust mods, but they can also improve performance on a stock bike. The V-Rod runs quite lean from the factory in order to meet emissions standards, so it is easy to understand how changing the EFI mapping to add more fuel and/or alter ignition timing can improve performance and rideability. There are a number of options available from companies such as Dynojet, Techlusion, and Fuel Moto that can easily be installed to give your bike a bit more pep.

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Airbox Cover (Tank)

The aesthetics of the V-Rod can be greatly altered with an aftermarket airbox cover. Unlike traditional Harley models, V-Rods have their fuel tanks located under the seat, so what looks like the bike's fuel tank is actually a simple cover for the airbox. Several companies offer a variety of airbox cover options with some being sharp and angular, others having airbox ram-air scoops, and even options with provisions for gauges mounted into the cover. In general, a new cover is a relatively inexpensive and easy way to give your bike that custom look.

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Signal Relocation, Mirrors, & Taillight

The V-Rod is a sleek, sexy bike, but the factory signals, mirrors, taillight, and license plate mounting setup leave most owners wanting. Many folks opt for a tidy tail or fender eliminator kit to get rid of the unsightly mount that positions the rear turn signals and license plate down and away from the rear fender. Integrated taillights are hugely popular because they pack the functions of the turn signal, taillight, and brake light all into one unit for a clean appearance. There are seemingly endless options for the front turn signals as well as mirrors that are often significantly smaller and more stylish than the factory pieces and can be placed anywhere to your liking on the front of the bike. These simple touches can make big visual improvements.

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Suspension

Depending on which V-Rod model you own, the type of riding you do, and the look you are trying to achieve, altering suspension components can make for drastic changes. If looking for a sporty ride to match that of the engine's character, something like a set of Progressive's 444 shocks and fork spring kit can help to achieve that sport-oriented handling. If looking to cruise with traditional suspension, but at a lower ride height, numerous lowering kits are available to easily lower the front and rear of the bike to varying degrees. The most expensive option to drop your bike as low as it can go is an adjustable air-ride kit that does away with the coil spring shocks in favor of air-controlled units. Matching front air-ride systems are not as widespread but are typically custom made specifically for the V-Rod by a few specialists in order to meet the owner's needs.

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Seats

Being that motorcycles are meant to be ridden, the ride can often be ruined by a subpar seat. While the factory unit is quite nice compared to many other models motorcycles, there is still room for improvement on both the comfort and aesthetics end of things. Seats are available in varying profiles, lower ride heights, and in assorted materials and stitching designs that are nice for your viewing pleasure as well as comforting your buns.

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Controls

Foot controls complete the comfort trifecta on the V-Rod. Some shorter folks find the reach of the stock controls to be a bit too far away to comfortably ride, so there are reduced reach foot control kits available to bring them closer towards the rider. Similarly, there are foot control kits that further extend the position of the forward controls away from the rider by several inches for those who like to stretch out on long cruises. The VRSCR and VRSCD were the only two models that featured a more sport-oriented mid-control system from the factory, but a number of owners have successfully swapped these components onto their bikes without much fuss. Foot controls come in a variety of styles and materials that can be coordinated with the rest of the bike's motif.

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Bars

Handlebars can make the single greatest alteration in rider positioning than any other modification. Choosing a set of bars is largely influenced by the type of riding you do, so it is important to not only consider the look of the bars you want but how they will affect the way the bike rides. V-Rods tend to look great with a set of drag bars as they give the bike a low profile appearance. However, some like a bit of rise with a touch of a pull-back in the name of comfort. Handlebars are an item of taste, so it is not surprising that we have seen ape hangers fitted to V-Rods in the past.

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For help with your maintenance and repair projects, please visit our how-to section right here in the forum.