HarleyTechTalk

I just got done tuning a 2012 night rod with the fitzgerald cut throat pipe on it and that thing is nice. I was on the dyno thinking about getting one a what I could do to the motor. I think I have the bug but I am 6'5" tall and look stupid on them, but damn they are nice. I built two of them a few years ago (I don't recall what cams and heads they used) and back when I was still in the dealerships I opened my mouth about what a pos they were and the service manager heard me so I at that point became the vrod tech for the next couple years and they are great bikes that are easy to work on imho. Now I need to figure out how to convince my wife that I need another bike in the stable.

Quote from: Just Nick on March 05, 2016, 11:17:00 AM
I just got done tuning a 2012 night rod with the fitzgerald cut throat pipe on it and that thing is nice. I was on the dyno thinking about getting one a what I could do to the motor. I think I have the bug but I am 6'5" tall and look stupid on them, but damn they are nice. I built two of them a few years ago (I don't recall what cams and heads they used) and back when I was still in the dealerships I opened my mouth about what a pos they were and the service manager heard me so I at that point became the vrod tech for the next couple years and they are great bikes that are easy to work on imho. Now I need to figure out how to convince my wife that I need another bike in the stable.

Understand , coming off a big twin myself. Can't help with the wife however.
Ron

Charge people a nickle for looking at your avatar- bike will be paid for in no time!

Robin you need my paypal looks like your into my for a few hundred already. I will be  In no time now great idea. And don't think I don't see you up there Ron I'm counting your looks

Yes, same here. I just sold my 14 SG, with all kinds of of go fast goodies and eye candie. At 63 now I always wanted a Vrod! Looking at 03 now with fat front and rear fenders, the owner did a good job with the cosmetics. The only draw back is the small fuel tank.

Still considering a Night Rod Special, if I can find one at a good price.

Have you guys seen the new Ducati yet?
I'd grab that over a V rod.
Nuthin you have to do to it but slap your butt into the seat.

Quote from: Nowhereman on March 06, 2016, 07:08:05 AM
Have you guys seen the new Ducati yet?
I'd grab that over a V rod.
Nuthin you have to do to it but slap your butt into the seat.

Yes. Not quite the cruiser comfort of how the v rod is layed out but yes as a machine awesome. For insurance purposes the vrod is considered a cruiser so same cost as my softail was.
Ron

Quote from: Mdanehart on March 06, 2016, 06:26:11 AM
Yes, same here. I just sold my 14 SG, with all kinds of of go fast goodies and eye candie. At 63 now I always wanted a Vrod! Looking at 03 now with fat front and rear fenders, the owner did a good job with the cosmetics. The only draw back is the small fuel tank.

Still considering a Night Rod Special, if I can find one at a good price.

While there is an aftermarket 5 gal tank available I'd be looking for 08+ bikes. They come with a 5 gallon standard and the slipper clutch. That clutch is night and day over the early version. Most have been converted by now as it is a retrofit back to the first year. Possibly that 03 has been done already.
If you do get this bike and go with the aftermarket tank beware of belt to tank clearance. Even the new ones alignment being off or a loose belt out of spec can cause a belt rub. Good belt tension and alignment there's no issue with them.
Ron

Thanks Ron,
                   The fuel tank is a concern, it also appears to be a major installation procedure and around 400-500 for the tank and kit. The other concern is locating the batwing or fairing for my likeness.

Quote from: Mdanehart on March 06, 2016, 01:22:22 PM
Thanks Ron,
                   The fuel tank is a concern, it also appears to be a major installation procedure and around 400-500 for the tank and kit. The other concern is locating the batwing or fairing for my likeness.

There are road rod kits out there. One such example of many. I chose the lean and mean and got a ff helmet after not happy on windshield performance for the two I tried. Hard to get shields to work well with these things as upcoming air causes the buffeting. Lowers a must of some form.  While this is a cool looking bike, I doubt the windshield does much being so far away from the rider. As for the cost of bags and such, hell, I could buy new clothes each day on a month long ride and it would still be cheaper.
Ron

Ghost Riders has a Street Glide fairing option and Bullitt version. I will give that chap a phone call. BTW, I like your Road Rod, real nice.

Quote from: Mdanehart on March 06, 2016, 03:46:40 PM
Ghost Riders has a Street Glide fairing option and Bullitt version. I will give that chap a phone call. BTW, I like your Road Rod, real nice.

Not my bike. Just one I found quickly on the net.
Ron

I finally went out and road the night rod I tuned it made 124hp and 82tq if I remember right and that was just with the Fitzgerald cut throat pipe and I tell you one thing that thing is fast I have rode a lot of rod's but this is the first tuned one and "Potty mouth" what a difference that thing moves and is smooth as hell just way to loud for me now a days. I have been hinting to the wife that a vrod might show up after I buy us a house later this year. Now I just need to figure out what I want to do to one once I get it. I might want to go with a blower or turbo since I don't have a bike with one yet.

Ron what are the vrod guys doing to these bikes that is not naturally aspirated and what kind of power are they running. 

Quote from: Just Nick on March 08, 2016, 09:10:31 AM
I finally went out and road the night rod I tuned it made 124hp and 82tq if I remember right and that was just with the Fitzgerald cut throat pipe and I tell you one thing that thing is fast I have rode a lot of rod's but this is the first tuned one and "Potty mouth" what a difference that thing moves and is smooth as hell just way to loud for me now a days. I have been hinting to the wife that a vrod might show up after I buy us a house later this year. Now I just need to figure out what I want to do to one once I get it. I might want to go with a blower or turbo since I don't have a bike with one yet.

Ron what are the vrod guys doing to these bikes that is not naturally aspirated and what kind of power are they running.

First off , good numbers you have there and that will bring a smile for sure.
Most go with the trask turbo running a small 6psi boost. Most come in around 165 hp. Obviously 8psi will give you 175-180 range. Engine life and reliability remains in the 165 range. Past that a crank girdle , pinning the mains as well as going with ARP studs should be considered as well as valve springs at higher boosts. TTS has a supercharger also but between the two the turbo is the direction I'd take. All bugs pretty much worked out.  Engine runs stock until boost is called upon then hang on. Piston change might be required for full time SC use. Haven't researched that one too much.
Got one guy running 23 psi with a turbo and will break the tire loose at 60 mph. He ain't right in the head. He blows it up a lot and likes to push the limits on everything.
Yup, down side of the Revolution is it has a loud exhaust tone. Test rode one with a V&H indy pipe and with the exhaust exiting below my right ear, it drove me nuts cruising at 4k rpms. I run Fatshots with 12 disc per can. Just the right noise for me.
Ron

So running 6 pounds of boost is ok for street use and longevity?

Quote from: Mdanehart on March 08, 2016, 12:53:53 PM
So running 6 pounds of boost is ok for street use and longevity?

Yes. There seems to be no issues running 6 psi with the turbo. Keep in mind this is not full time boost but only when the throttle hand dictates it. Cruising it's still basically stock.
Ron

I'd like to see a Vrod w/ FXDP fairings and bags.

I impulse purchased a V rod back in 03 being 6'5" I just couldn't get comfortable on it so I sold it after a few months but I have always loved them, the wife is riding a 1200 XL now but a v rod will be her next bike

Quote from: speed limit on April 11, 2016, 07:50:32 AM
I impulse purchased a V rod back in 03 being 6'5" I just couldn't get comfortable on it so I sold it after a few months but I have always loved them, the wife is riding a 1200 XL now but a v rod will be her next bike

Not a good idea. Meals won't get cooked and laundry will pile up because she will always be out riding it.
Ron

Quote from: rbabos on April 11, 2016, 08:27:54 AM

Quote from: speed limit on April 11, 2016, 07:50:32 AM
I impulse purchased a V rod back in 03 being 6'5" I just couldn't get comfortable on it so I sold it after a few months but I have always loved them, the wife is riding a 1200 XL now but a v rod will be her next bike

Not a good idea. Meals won't get cooked and laundry will pile up because she will always be out riding it.
Ron

I didn't think she would outgrow the sportster so fast and didn't know used Vrods could be had for 5k or she would be on one now one thing about hind sight its always 20/20

Quote from: speed limit on April 12, 2016, 07:51:57 AM

Quote from: rbabos on April 11, 2016, 08:27:54 AM

Quote from: speed limit on April 11, 2016, 07:50:32 AM
I impulse purchased a V rod back in 03 being 6'5" I just couldn't get comfortable on it so I sold it after a few months but I have always loved them, the wife is riding a 1200 XL now but a v rod will be her next bike

Not a good idea. Meals won't get cooked and laundry will pile up because she will always be out riding it.
Ron

I didn't think she would outgrow the sportster so fast and didn't know used Vrods could be had for 5k or she would be on one now one thing about hind sight its always 20/20

I'd make sure to look for one from 08 and up. 5 gal tank and slipper clutch both nice to have. I'd be leary of any 5k v rod unless you know it's history. Around here a 5k v rod would be a basket case with parts missing.
Ron

While it would totally change the bike characteristics, how about a custom frame? Long and lean for a chopper look or something for with mid controls for bombin' the corners. I like the engine but not the way the bike fits me.

Quote from: CVOThunder on April 27, 2016, 05:33:51 AM
While it would totally change the bike characteristics, how about a custom frame? Long and lean for a chopper look or something for with mid controls for bombin' the corners. I like the engine but not the way the bike fits me.

That would be Sacrilege.
Ron

Oh I don't know Ron. Some might consider it an improvement.


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-JW

I too looked at vrod's, in about 2005. But I have too much leg length for them. 36" to 37" Jean's inseam. Didn't see any way to get comfortable on one.


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