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V-Rod market

Started by tomcat64, October 28, 2010, 02:33:14 PM

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tomcat64

i guess part of the reason i'm posting this is to see if anybody actually looks at the v-rod section, so here is my question... i work at a HD dealership and i am also the owner of a 2003 V-rod, the problem is we can't sell them to save our lives, hell i just ordered my first one in 2 years, and the used ones we have had sit forever, no matter the price. don't get me wrong, i love our v-rod and my wife and i ride it often, but  damnn,, they just don't sell, so what should i be doing to market these bikes and make them worth while to stock?? otherwise i really thinkj HD will drop them soon..

t-c

dirty jim

Yes T-C, I read this,  you're not alone. I have no idea, local dealer recently sold a "new" 05 SE V-ROD. He had two! Maybe the MOCO should make them 45 degree ,air cooled twins. I also love my 03.

Reddog74usa

I have heard a few riders say they thought the idea of a V-rod bagger. Who knows it might be worth a shot.
RIDE IT LIKE YA STOLE IT

gryphon

Honestly, I think the only way HD is gonna be able to market those things is if they can interest younger riders. Most of them don't already have a preset idea of what a harley is. They look fast just sitting there and should definately get you laid if you're young and wild. They need to be maketed as a "bad boys bike". And that means that young riders or "wanna be" riders need to feel welcome when they come into the dealership to look and dream. They can't be run off like kids in a candy store reading the comic books. The dealerships cannot continue to be run like a stuffy "old man's club".  Most of the guys who own harleys these days bought them as a fashion statement and, like most fashions, it's coming to an end. Harley did a great job of convincing guys that buying a Harley made them a biker (kind of like owning a rope makes you a mountain climber). Now they need to make young guys think that they will be the baddest kid on the block if they own a V-ROD.

loudnlow

well fellas, i dont have a vrod, but id love to have one.  and i dont even need the moco to tell me how much of a badass id be if i had one.  I wouldnt get rid of my harley chop, but it would be nice to have something new.  Part of harley's problem is the perception that its an old mans bike.  Im 29 and I have friends that say they arent old enough for a harley yet.  That being said, im not old enough for a road sofa yet either.  Unless the "younger" crowd grew up in the harley circle its kind of hard to get into it.  I had a yamaha and a honda before i bought a wrecked sportster as my first harley.  (def couldn't affford a new one, and still couldnt)  They almost price themselves out of the younger customers.  but also the generation under me just really dont seem passionate about anything.  I would have killed for a harley when i was younger but instead i saved some cash bought a wreck and fixed it myself.  most of the younger generation (including mine) just dont have the same drive that previous ones have had.

I agree about the dealerships alienating people.  They say hi and then ask for your credit.  You sort of get an evil eye for just lookin.  Not to mention the attitude that you sometimes get from others because your handbuilt custom harley gets more attention than his $40,000 chrome trailer queen.  I go in, get what i have to get, talk to some of the pretty girls an get out.  Sooner or later they get it, hopefully, no new customers, no harley.  Sorry to rant, but yea, i def want a vrod.  :teeth:

76shuvlinoff

 Along gryphons line of thinking....

A guy I work with laid out BIG bucks for an 06 SE V-rod he bought it new in 07. Pretty bike, lots of stripper glitter and I would bet with the right rider it probably goes like a greased bat.  Honestly for this fella it was just butt jewelry, it might have 2500 miles on it today. He was looking to pedal it off then found out what the resale was. I think he'll be keeping it. I'm not knocking the bike I don't see any bike as an investment. This same fella bought a shovel during the last big H-D rush and he was in way over his head very quickly, 10 years and it logged 3000 miles but he had every trinket made and the biggest damn H-D barbed wire tat I have ever seen. I think the V-Rod was his anti-shovel, righteously so but now he's whimpering about that too.
I wouldn't mind a V-rod in the stable myself but age wise I'm a lot closer to that old mans road sofa....
Critics are men who watch a battle from a high place, then come down and shoot the survivors.
 - Ernest Hemingway

China twin 88

I see more and more in China.. but not from the local dealer... they seem to come in through Hong Kong bought used in other countries...
LMMC/LAMF

pddredduece

I used to ride sport bikes till November 2005, wife talked me into a Deuce. It's ok with a built 95" motor, I miss my Yamaha R1. I guess the last speeding ticket I got on the R1 did it 128 in a 50 zone. Sure would like a SE VRod in my garage!

deathwish

Lots of V rod mistakes were made along the way and maybe nothing will fix them now. It took to long to make them is something other than Silver ( I used to laugh if you went in front of a dealership and moved the bikes around, the rider would get on a different bike and wonder why it wouldn't start). They should have never had a 38 degree rake from the start (it didn't look right to the regular riders or feel right , should have been no more that 34 or 35*.) Anytime a bike is introduced that doesn't have excellent passanger seating you lose 30% of your market (not just with V rods but all aftermarket bikes. Buyer soon sells because thay become useless). Mufflers were so high that bags were hard to mount and the ones the factory offered looked like 2 half helmets glued together. Worthless). Mufflers were so high if you did try to take a passenger thier knees were ski high. Yamaha made the same mistake on the Warrior and wondered why it didn't sell). No torque. Not that it needs to have a bunch but anyone that has ridden a normal V twin can't get the drift of going down the road at 5000 rpm. I could go on and on. I do like the looks of the bagger conversions with the roadglide fairing and hard bags but if HD does that they need to increase the cubic inches and make it more of a torker. Since you work in a dealership you know the customer (99%) just go putt putt putt and never ride very hard so HD needs to remember the customer wants a dog. Only 1 or 2 % ever want to really go fast.

x52gnr

I have a 2009 Muscle which keeps my Ultra company in the garage and I must say its a blast to ride...I got it on the cheap from my dealer as he couldnt give them away...lol. No 2011 v-rods on his sales floor this year... :pop:
2012 Heritage Softail
2008 Gl1800 (Gold Wing) Airbagger

kruser79

I also belong to another forum that deals specifically with VRods. You wouldn't believe the number of people that either had this happen TO them, or saw it happen. It never could have happened to me, I was out to buy my DX, and very little would have deterred me.
But a LOT of the dealerships never knew how to sell the VRSC line...never knew WHO to sell them to! A number of them also didn't feel comfortable talking about a product they weren't familiar with. So they steered potential customers toward the traditional bikes. A move which lost a fair share of sales. Enough to kill a model line? maybe not, but it sure couldn't have helped. The MoCo is going to run itself into the ground because they can't say "No" to the old grizzled Harley rider that "Don't want nuthin' but a air-cooled V-twin". Once they can't make that venerable combination pass EPA's ever-tightening regulations and don't have a engine that can....

What to do, what to do?

dirty jim

I'M NOT SO SURE IT'S "OL' GRIZZLED HARLEY RIDERS" THAT ARE THUMBING THEIR NOSE'S AT THE V-ROD. I'M 56, BOUGHT MINE NEW IN 03, AND I SEE OTHER GUY'S MY AGE OR OLDER ON V-RODS. BUT EVERY "KID" I TALK TO WANTS A FAT BOY. AND MOST OF THEM ARE COMING FROM RICE ROCKETS.

kruser79

I always hate it when people slap a generality down and say "All of them" when blaming some group. And then I went and did it, lol. The wife and I were at a friend's wedding, said friend is a Boozefighter and the wedding was a typical MC wedding, lol.
But at one point the wife asked me what a "knock off" was. I asked her what context it was used in and she told me, "Oh some of those old bikers are gathered around the bike and one of them said "It's a Harley knock off"
Make me mad? Nahhh. I love my DX. I've ridden on every ride with the guys, never gotten sore (actually make it longer than the guys on smaller bikes) or needed the group to stop, and she gets me wherever I want to go...as fast as I care to get there. I ride with a permagrin tattooed on my face.

But it's "those guys" that make it hard to be open minded, lol.

x52gnr

Yeah I know what you mean....When I ride my v-rod no Harley rider will even acknowlege my exhistance unless its some one else on a V-rod, all the sport bike riders give me a thumbs up or nod....When I am on my Ultra its the opposite..... :wtf:
2012 Heritage Softail
2008 Gl1800 (Gold Wing) Airbagger

bcrichard

I've been riding Harleys since 1978, my last three were Evos, I now have an '08 V-Rod and still ride with the same Buds all on their Street Glides and Softails, I like this ride and the way it moves and have not had any negative flack from anyone, in fact this V-Rod has received more positive comments than any bike I have ever owned. I am 72 yrs old and have been riding since 1960.

brunothedog

Quote from: tomcat64 on October 28, 2010, 02:33:14 PM
i guess part of the reason i'm posting this is to see if anybody actually looks at the v-rod section

t-c
Whats to look here for, they're so damn dependable, I have over 80,000 miles on my old B, and more than 35000 on the X model and that it amazes me.
I have done the 1302 mini stroker on the X and I still cant seem to break it.

Own a Shovel too and only use it when I ride with my daughters.

I can see why people dont consider it a Harley, It breaks the traditional myths that seem to float around.
cheers


burgies08ultra

i have been thinking about a ssmaller bike like the vrod to run around on.. we r moving to ft worth area, and was thinking a water cooled bike would be nice for daily riding...  i need a nice ride cause i have back problems and was wondering how the vrod is in the comfort area?? i have an 08 ultra and would like to know what year vrod is the best for reliability and updated by hd...
any info would be appreciated.. thanks   burgie
2013 road glide,2009 road king

76shuvlinoff

QuoteI can see why people dont consider it a Harley, It breaks the traditional myths that seem to float around.
cheers

The same is said for shovels... and then I go like this >>  :hyst:
Critics are men who watch a battle from a high place, then come down and shoot the survivors.
 - Ernest Hemingway

Bladesmith

The Harley demo truck came to my dealer last week...I finally took my first V-rod ride. I loved it!!  For seat of the pants fun it beat the hell out of my Ultra.  Would I want to own one? Yeah! Will I actually Buy one? No!
If my thought dreams could be seen they'd  put my head in a guillotine.. Dylan

ViennaHog

VRods are very popular in Germany and there are great aftermarket companies that are dedicated to VRod customizations. Sure, the Vrod is not the 'typical' Harley, but it is a good and attractive bike all by itself. The only gripe I have with them is the awkward seating position on most models and the only onewith a half way decent riding position was the 2006 StreetRod which lasted only 1 one year. I think Harley missed out on finding a replacement for the StreetRod at least for the European market.

Eccool

I'm interpreting the original poster's question as, "What can I do to sell them?".  And the answer to that is, of course, absolutely nothing.  I believe that most people know what they want when they walk into the dealership.  And most people go into a Harley dealership looking for a 45 degree, air cooled twin.  And I don't think there's anything that anyone can do to change that. 

War Horse

OK, so I'm one of the old guys, and have riddin many a different bikes, that said, back in '02-'03 , a buddy came to my shop with a new VR, he had his Ultra being serviced and didn't have a way home so he bought one, he told me to take it for a ride, I've known him since we were teenagers.

The bike felt nimble and fast, but the heaviness and steering fight was all I could handle , when he asked what I thought , I just smiled and walked away.

Sorry to say but I think they were doomed from the beginning, let them die out and become a collectable down the road that people will reminisce about.
A clear conscience is the sign of a fuzzy memory

garyajaz

i had one about 2 months.  test rode one and kinda liked it.
good power.  seating was odd to me as well as handeling.
so walked on it.
a  used one came along at very good price.
  i bought it.  i got over the radiator thing by just not looking at  it.
was definetlhy fast enough.  some of my euro friends love them cause of the high speed cruising they can do over there.
after some trips and twistie riding i had enough.  it just did not "fit".  and forward controls on a ""sport"" bike??
gave/sold it to my brother.  he kept it almost a year.  put some different cams in it and heads i believe.
said he only kept it that long cause i practically gave it to him.
he could not get used to it either.  everything was close, but just wrong.  he sold it for a dyna...now he happy.
why they dont sell?  they just not quite "right"
poweer is to the right of what people want . got to keep revs up.
they dont really handle, seating is weird. on and on.
oh well, harley tried.
 
p.s. after i sold it i bought my buell.
it sits weird  but it definetly handles.
maybe if erik was given a shot when v-dog was in development would be a better bike/seller.

Hillside Motorcycle

Just modified an 06 Destroyer here.
Mega-Cycle custom ground cams, headwork.
We've bumped the regular V-Rods up to 1450cc with Falicon cranks/bb kits/cams/heads/t/bodys, etc.
All in all, they seem to be the nicest Honda, Harley ever made.
Scott
Otto Knowbetter sez, "Even a fish wouldn't get caught if he kept his mouth shut"

Brrrap

Quote from: Hillsidecyclecom on June 20, 2012, 11:54:02 AM
All in all, they seem to be the nicest Honda, Harley ever made.
Scott
:hyst:
82nd ABN INF B.Co.1st 508th '78-81<br />1923rd Comm Group, ATC, Kelly AFB '82-86

hd06myway

The young sport bike crowd isn't going to buy one, they aren't setup for sport riding, and they aren't fast enough to keep up with the speed or handling of a Hyabusa, X14, F6 or F12 kind of bikes.  HD made the same mistake they did with the Buell, it's a bike that neither fits a cruiser or a sport bike, it's an odd ball... I have to laugh when I read these "they need to market to younger rider" comments, I know the kids who ride the rice rockets, the V-Rod is NOT a crotch rocket, nor was the Buell.  Best thing HD could do is make an FXRT type sport tourer out of it, with saddle bags, a small tour trunk, I think that would increase sales.  They sell real well in S. America, but not here in the states.  It would not surprise me to see HD discontinue them, but I have a feeling they have something in mind with that engine and would hate to do that... it's hard to sell a Harley that doesn't look like one.

Rab

I've had my 2010 DX since new after owning a Shovel for 17 years, (missed the whole Evo thing) and there is no way I'd ever get rid of it. Though I've done quite a few mods to it, it's the best bike I've ever owned. 170 HP, cant get that out of a air cooled engine!

easyricer

"All in all, they seem to be the nicest Honda, Harley ever made."

Ok I'm just as guilty as most. A few years ago a young local kid went to Ft Worth Harley and bought a used 03 Vrod. His first stop was in my shop. I was checking the bike out when he said "What can we do to make it sound like a Harley?" I couldn't keep my trap shut and told him to take it back to where he got it from and buy a Harley.
I have a couple of Vrod customers who come in for service once or twice a year. They have done nothing to their bikes other than ride them. I rode one for the first time and had the same statement, "Damned nice HONDA!"
I know that these bikes have failed as far as sales and marketing but I think they are a good look into the future of our beloved Harley Davidson. I think if they would have tied them closer to Buell than they did the FXR, they d have been much more popular.
EASY
Just ride the damned thing!

Nebraskarider1

Been thinking about this one, he lowers the price $500 every 2 weeks,  :smilep:     http://grandisland.craigslist.org/mcy/3195612401.html

tomcat64

well,, i guess i started this thread and now i should update it,, my wife LOVES her 2003 v-rod, rode it to denver and back last summer and neither her or the bike had any problems,, in the last couple of months i have traded in 2 and bought a 2010 off the street, i have all three priced at what i would concider cheap, but yet nobody has even taken a serious look at any of them. we sold 1 new ,,,2012.. "a" last year and still have the 2013 that came in last Aug,, unfortunatly the only way we can get them sold is by selling the at cost or a couple of hundo's over... it's too bad cause i still think it's a hell of bike!!

rbabos

Quote from: tomcat64 on November 12, 2012, 01:25:52 PM
well,, i guess i started this thread and now i should update it,, my wife LOVES her 2003 v-rod, rode it to denver and back last summer and neither her or the bike had any problems,, in the last couple of months i have traded in 2 and bought a 2010 off the street, i have all three priced at what i would concider cheap, but yet nobody has even taken a serious look at any of them. we sold 1 new ,,,2012.. "a" last year and still have the 2013 that came in last Aug,, unfortunatly the only way we can get them sold is by selling the at cost or a couple of hundo's over... it's too bad cause i still think it's a hell of bike!!
Dealer here has sold 2 in the last year, 3 with me included. They only get x number of these and seem to move them eventually. V rods  appeal to lots of people in the metric crowd too but the price keeps them from following through. Big change for me from an fxstc to this and so far no regrets. Aftermark parts, expecially exhaust selection is weak for them unless you like to make a ton of noise. :hyst:
Ron

88b

As Viennahog said they are popular in Germany, see a lot of them at Faak etc. but in England most consider them girls bikes. In fact I know two girls who traded theirs for Softails.
I consider it as HD's only attempt at something new rather than a parts bin new model and they got it so wrong but they won't admit it or spent so much on they can't go back. IMO Harley Davidson is about tradition something the HD bean counters try and ignore . For the V Rod to have succeeded it needed to look more like a Harley and importantly sound like one, so what ever it took it had to be a 45 degree motor . Many have seen the V Rod baggers etc. Todd from THP drew why don't HD just give him some cash and sell them, just move the power down the rev range .

rbabos

Autobahn. Try that on a sotail day after day.  :hyst:
Ron

88b

Quote from: rbabos on November 18, 2012, 07:50:26 AM
Autobahn. Try that on a sotail day after day.  :hyst:
Ron
Obviously you haven't , I have and I'd ride a Heritage 5 miles or 500 miles over a V Rod. Most years I ride across Europe but only day 1 and the last few hundred miles home we use the big roads. in France most are payage ( toll roads ) so if you exceed the speed limit at every toll booth there is a police car and your timed ticket is the evidence.
Seven bikes on the last trip 2 Road Kings, 1 Ultra, 1 Road glide, 2 Heritages and 1 V Rod which one broke down ?

who got cold because he had no screen or lowers ? who always needed gas first because of the small tank ?



I'm not totally anti V Rod they are fun to ride, but so are fat girls and you don't want your friends to see you doing that either  :wink:

rbabos

Sorry, even after the 120ci I will not go back to the big twin. I can ride way further at speed with the rod and feel less beat up at the end. Agree, it is a pig on fuel.
Ron

88b

The guy that owned the SE Ultra in the pic also has a 100 th anniversary V Rod from new says he will never sell. Life would be boring if we all liked exactly the same thing, I don't care what anyone rides Honda Vespa Triumph HD or Victory as long as you enjoy it. I see a Victory Cross Country in my future and that's probably as close to a V Rod bagger as it get at the moment

kristian

Quote from: Hillsidecyclecom on June 20, 2012, 11:54:02 AM
Just modified an 06 Destroyer here.
Mega-Cycle custom ground cams, headwork.
We've bumped the regular V-Rods up to 1450cc with Falicon cranks/bb kits/cams/heads/t/bodys, etc.
All in all, they seem to be the nicest Honda, Harley ever made.
Scott


lol.    funny that we need the germans/japanese to design the engines/parts but make fun of them for being imports,  then drop all there components into a frame and call them our own??  hilarious.   :doh:   :soda:


Kris

Carl 1969

I'd consider giving one a go, as a 2nd bike, but every used one I've seen around here was listed for "new" prices. I'm assuming they sell as well as the ones at the dealer.
Lieber stehend sterben, als kniend leben
Sergeant First Class, US Army, Retired

rbabos

Quote from: Carl 1969 on August 18, 2014, 10:17:39 PM
I'd consider giving one a go, as a 2nd bike, but every used one I've seen around here was listed for "new" prices. I'm assuming they sell as well as the ones at the dealer.
Made the same observation. I kept reading about them not holding resale value but I couldn't find any deals. So close to new prices I just bought new. Dealer here sells all the ones they get. It's a way smaller market but none the less the market is there. Several in my town now.
Ron


clawdog60

I think that engine would work for a properly built adventure touring bike,leaning toward the off road side. That market is pretty hot now,I'm just waiting for Ktm to put cruise control on the adventure R.

chopper

Local guy has an 02 Vrod for sale now. Granted, its a bad time of year to sell. He's asking 5500.
Another guy nearby has an newer one (I forgot the exact year) set up with the Tour Glide fairing and factory hard bags. He's asking 7500.
Got a case of dynamite, I could hold out here all night

Oclaf

Quote from: 88b on November 19, 2012, 11:40:16 AM
Quote from: rbabos on November 18, 2012, 07:50:26 AM
Autobahn. Try that on a sotail day after day.  :hyst:
Ron
Obviously you haven't , I have and I'd ride a Heritage 5 miles or 500 miles over a V Rod. Most years I ride across Europe but only day 1 and the last few hundred miles home we use the big roads. in France most are payage ( toll roads ) so if you exceed the speed limit at every toll booth there is a police car and your timed ticket is the evidence.
Seven bikes on the last trip 2 Road Kings, 1 Ultra, 1 Road glide, 2 Heritages and 1 V Rod which one broke down ?

who got cold because he had no screen or lowers ? who always needed gas first because of the small tank ?



I'm not totally anti V Rod they are fun to ride, but so are fat girls and you don't want your friends to see you doing that either  :wink:

you pay to travel a road and they give you a ticket? F THAT! and no, fat chicks are not fun, in any way shape or form, no more than riding a scooter...that is another myth perpetuated by who I don't know or care to know, just get tired of hearing that.  :banghead:

88b

Oclaf there's a speed limit usually 130 kph which is about 80 mph, it's no different on toll roads in America, I got caught at 122 mph on the Florida Turnpike, state trooper wasn't impressed.

clawdog60

I had an 02 for about a year. Got to show it off @the 03anniversary bash. Power or 0to60 was not impressive and the solid wheels sucked riding in a cross wind. Ol boy in NC asked me what kind of flying machine it was.

harborjohn

Quote from: clawdog60 on October 06, 2014, 01:46:23 PM
I had an 02 for about a year. Got to show it off @the 03anniversary bash. Power or 0to60 was not impressive and the solid wheels sucked riding in a cross wind. Ol boy in NC asked me what kind of flying machine it was.

3.5 sec 0-60 mph is very impressive for a non-sport bike.

clawdog60

2 feels better in the crotch to me. Hell my rk does 3.5 if im on concrete

rbabos

Quote from: clawdog60 on October 07, 2014, 12:43:15 PM
2 feels better in the crotch to me. Hell my rk does 3.5 if im on concrete
What engine. Sure as hell isn't with a stock one.
Ron

clawdog60


harborjohn

Quote from: clawdog60 on October 07, 2014, 12:43:15 PM
2 feels better in the crotch to me. Hell my rk does 3.5 if im on concrete

A RK would need at least 120hp to run under a 3.5 sec 0-60 time.

NikonDoofus

Interesting read, I walked through the dealership on Xmas eve and spotted one out of the corner of my eye. Cant get it out of my mind. '14 but they didn't think they could come down any...I am going to do a test ride first this time.  :slap:
Gary
I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by.

rbabos

Quote from: NikonDoofus on December 26, 2014, 03:19:03 AM
Interesting read, I walked through the dealership on Xmas eve and spotted one out of the corner of my eye. Cant get it out of my mind. '14 but they didn't think they could come down any...I am going to do a test ride first this time.  :slap:
Gary
The stock tune is not a great indicator of how well these engines will run. Keep that in mind if you find below 4k it's somewhat jerky. That goes away with a decent tune and it will chug along nice and smooth in the lower gears and lower rpms. Stock bike will still boogie along quite nicely from 4k to rev limit. That will hook you. :hyst:
Ron

NikonDoofus

Thanks for the info, More just seating position and overall feel. I will put mids on it but I doubt they have one with mids to ride.
Gary
I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by.

citabria

Be sure you take it for good long ride before committing. I bought a new DX in 07, installed a race tuner and thunder header, It ran nice but rode and handled for s****, and had a stupid seating position, I replaced the bars, seat and pegs to make it a little better and replaced the rear shocks with Works shocks (a big help), it also had way too much rake on the front end (I think this has been corrected), fuel mileage is poor and every kid on a 600 will want to race you and WILL beat you. Some people like them (not many). Good luck.

NikonDoofus

Yes I am hoping that will be today, I would like to trade in a bike so I am expecting to get hammered on that. But I am running out of room  :slap:
Gary
Quote from: citabria on December 26, 2014, 12:52:34 PM
Be sure you take it for good long ride before committing. I bought a new DX in 07, installed a race tuner and thunder header, It ran nice but rode and handled for s****, and had a stupid seating position, I replaced the bars, seat and pegs to make it a little better and replaced the rear shocks with Works shocks (a big help), it also had way too much rake on the front end (I think this has been corrected), fuel mileage is poor and every kid on a 600 will want to race you and WILL beat you. Some people like them (not many). Good luck.
I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by.

clawdog60

Need an adventure touring bike off the v-rod platform to replace the xb12x.
Leaning toward the off road side.

brent

I liked the vrod desser style shown in thp

motorhogman

I rented a V-Rod at Laconia NH during bike week several years ago. I ride an FLH but just wanted to try a V Rod..I was so impressed with the smooth power and great handling I seriously thought about buying one. Then the wife wanted to know WTF are you going to do with it,, had my 73 FX sitting registered and insured  and never rode it..  Most all of our rides were all dayers or long weekend, or week or more.. So that shelved the idea of a 3rd bike... Then I hoped for years that they would put that power train in a Dresser and it never happened.. Every one I know that rides is old school.. 30, 40, 50 years and I hate to say it but they are frikkin narrow minded and won't even look at the V rod.. Not sure what HD needs to do for marketing but I like that power train. 
where's the points and condenser ?<br />Tom / aka motor

rbabos

Quote from: motorhogman on August 19, 2015, 08:02:13 AM
I rented a V-Rod at Laconia NH during bike week several years ago. I ride an FLH but just wanted to try a V Rod..I was so impressed with the smooth power and great handling I seriously thought about buying one. Then the wife wanted to know WTF are you going to do with it,, had my 73 FX sitting registered and insured  and never rode it..  Most all of our rides were all dayers or long weekend, or week or more.. So that shelved the idea of a 3rd bike... Then I hoped for years that they would put that power train in a Dresser and it never happened.. Every one I know that rides is old school.. 30, 40, 50 years and I hate to say it but they are frikkin narrow minded and won't even look at the V rod.. Not sure what HD needs to do for marketing but I like that power train.
I understand. Went from a softail to 2013 v rod and no way would go back. Took one out for a ride back in 2012 and felt to make the softail anywhere near as good as this with brakes and suspension, it was never going to happen. Softail had a 120 as well but the v would smoke it out of the box with warranty. .  Price is the down side of the v rod. Plenty of people like them in the bike community but won't pay what MoCo wants for them. If you thought the one you rode was sweet, get a decent tune and it's freaking awesome. Ole has a 750 shadow so I'm held back in cruise but with a good tune this thing will chug along at 2700 -3k and not miss a beat. No it's not lugging. :banghead:  Stock tune won't do that, which is why they say to run it around 4k and up. Typical excuse for a lame factory tune. Off by myself, usually 4k rpms cruise. I cursed at the softail more then anyone should but the v always ends my day with a smile and I'm not all beat to ratshit from vibration as well.
Basic issue is they are overpriced for metric crowd to branch over to HD  and the the old school guys are stuck in a rut with tradition to make the move. It's a black sheep but I like it. :sheep: :sheep:
Ron

motorhogman

rbabos,   the one I rented had pipes, and tune with a custom paint job.. It went like hell after getting off the road couch and onto that.. Forgot to mention I had test drove a Buell the day before at the HD exhibit at Loudon race track and thought I was going to get a similar ride with the V Rod...Not even close...Had the wife on the back seat and got into 3rd gear a bit and up came the front wheel  as smooth as glass. Very controllable power.. She wasn't to happy  but I was GRINNING :) 
where's the points and condenser ?<br />Tom / aka motor

NikonDoofus

I find myself looking at these yet again. Small lot has a nice 14 muscle that I might be able to swing a decent deal on.
Gary
I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by.

rbabos

Quote from: NikonDoofus on August 20, 2015, 02:53:03 AM
I find myself looking at these yet again. Small lot has a nice 14 muscle that I might be able to swing a decent deal on.
Gary
I know what you mean. Took me over a year until I caved in. :hyst: First bike I rode was stock and stock tune and was alright but the second bike I test rode with a dyno tune , topless and pipe left such an impression I couldn't shake it . This was a 2012 with reduced reach pegs and bars. Prior years I could not ride due to too much clam shell effect on my 5'8" frame. I remember bringing it home and wondering,  :wtf: did I just do and did I make a mistake. Coming up to 3 years on it now and still love it. No regrets at all. If I feel the need to wrench, there's a shovelhead up the road for my grease fix. :hyst:
Ron

clawdog60

Wish I could adapt the vrod engine trans to my road king frame. Then I could at least eliminate all of these unwanted twinkie noises. :wink:

Mdanehart

I have actually considering moving my 14 FLHX for a VRod, always wanted had an interest. Concerned about wind buffeting and leg room for my very long legs.

rbabos

Quote from: Mdanehart on August 20, 2015, 04:51:06 PM
I have actually considering moving my 14 FLHX for a VRod, always wanted had an interest. Concerned about wind buffeting and leg room for my very long legs.
I would ride one to be sure. They are not for everyone. Long legs might be a problem since from 2012 they moved the pegs back for us short ass people. Mind you, I believe the mounts can be rotated 180, then they are extended pegs. The Muscle has a longer reach, as it comes.  I could never get a windshield to work to give smooth air. Went to full face. No buffeting at all with that.
Ron

cig

Rifle makes a taller windshield and fork air deflectors for the F. I get no buffeting on mine with that combo. I've got nothing but calm air around my face even in triple digit speeds.    :baby:
cig 
Alton, Illinois

rbabos

Quote from: cig on August 21, 2015, 04:20:20 AM
Rifle makes a taller windshield and fork air deflectors for the F. I get no buffeting on mine with that combo. I've got nothing but calm air around my face even in triple digit speeds.    :baby:
I've not tried that one, but yes they need to be tall. That much I discovered. Fork deflectors, now that's a bonus and a definite requirement on them due to all the roundness around the air box lid.
Ron

jimbohand

I believe  the vrod is not quite fast enough, they need to offer a turbo edition, from the factory.

rbabos

Quote from: jimbohand on October 28, 2015, 04:43:19 AM
I believe  the vrod is not quite fast enough, they need to offer a turbo edition, from the factory.
Trask. :wink:
Ron

sfmichael

Which model has the most 'normal' seating position? I'm only 5-10/11 and legs are not long. Ron I know what you mean about "clamshell" seating position and that's why these have never appealed to me.

I like the look (although some years/models have an exhaust system that's laughable) and I can definitely appreciate the engineering and potent engine. But the bike needs to be comfortable before I can justify one. I have a Deuce for day trips (bar hopper if you will) so the VRod would have to be all day comfortable.

And cheap  :smiled:
Colorado Springs, CO.

build it

February 05, 2016, 08:35:12 AM #70 Last Edit: February 05, 2016, 08:40:38 AM by build it
Anyone make a mid peg or rear set type deal? That'd be sweet.


**Harley makes a set of mids that look good.

Now, if they turned, or could be made to turn this would be my next bike for sure. Sure ain't light weight either.
Get the principles down first, they'll never change.

hd06myway

the V-Rod suffered from the same thing the Beull did, it was an odd ball in terms of category.  Like the Beull before it, the V-Rod was NOT a sport bike.... nor was it, like the Beull, a Cruiser either... that's the problem.... yea both bikes were "faster" than the traditional Harley's but neither was what a "sport bike" rider wanted, they're are other real pedigree sport bikes out there, including the EBR 1190RX & SX (Eric Beull) which Beull designed and built after Harley dropped him.  at 185hp and 101 lbs ft tq. Harley would have been better off keeping EB and let him design and build a real sport bike, not a massaged Sportster which only competed against itself.... much like the V-Rod. 

If Harley was smart... they'd take that V-Rod motor put it in a completely new designed bike, TO GO HEAD TO HEAD with the Indian Scout, who's motor is almost identical in spec's & power output as the Vrod, and brand it as the all-new 21st Century Sportster!

Hal64hd

Quote from: hd06myway on October 13, 2017, 11:19:27 AM
the V-Rod suffered from the same thing the Buell did, it was an odd ball in terms of category.  Like the Buell before it, the V-Rod was NOT a sport bike.... nor was it, like the Buell, a Cruiser either... that's the problem.... yea both bikes were "faster" than the traditional Harley's but neither was what a "sport bike" rider wanted, they're are other real pedigree sport bikes out there, including the EBR 1190RX & SX (Erik Buell) which Buell designed and built after Harley dropped him.  at 185hp and 101 lbs ft tq. Harley would have been better off keeping EB and let him design and build a real sport bike, not a massaged Sportster which only competed against itself.... much like the V-Rod. 

If Harley was smart... they'd take that V-Rod motor put it in a completely new designed bike, TO GO HEAD TO HEAD with the Indian Scout, who's motor is almost identical in spec's & power output as the Vrod, and brand it as the all-new 21st Century Sportster!

Fixed it for ya. It's Erik not Eric, and Buell not Beull

Panzer

That a boy Hal......... :up:   :hyst:
Everyone wants to change the world but, no one wants to change the toilet paper.

Hossamania

While I don't disagree with a new frame and going after the Scout, I think part of the issue is that the motor is bigger and taller, probably heavier, leading to packaging problems in a smaller frame. I think that's what lead to the non-traditional ergonomics of the V-Rod that many could not get past.
I also heard that the motor would not pass euro 4 emissions, and that also lead to its end. Not positive on that, though. I also heard that about the Victory motor.
If the government gives you everything you want,
it can take away everything you have.

rbabos

Quote from: Hossamania on October 14, 2017, 06:17:10 AM
While I don't disagree with a new frame and going after the Scout, I think part of the issue is that the motor is bigger and taller, probably heavier, leading to packaging problems in a smaller frame. I think that's what lead to the non-traditional ergonomics of the V-Rod that many could not get past.
I also heard that the motor would not pass euro 4 emissions, and that also lead to its end. Not positive on that, though. I also heard that about the Victory motor.
Probably the most likely reason for dropping the line since overseas was the main market for the v rod. Emissions testing in euro is getting really tough now. True, the Revolution is one big heavy bitch, say compared to the Scout engine or Ducati where every nook and cranny has been sculptured out to save weight.
Ron

To The Max

Gee , a lot of the younger guys love them over here , they are all crying that they won't be made any more. personally they don't suit me but I don't mind riding them every now and then. Hey you ccould box them up and send them over here.