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GoodRev · 03-18-2008, 06:10 PM

Ok I am looking to possibly buy a VRSC Harley. I've always been more of a sport bike guy, but I really like the look and idea of the vrsc bikes...and who doesn't want a Harley at some point right? Here's my question...I really like the look of the night rod special VRSCDX, moreso than just about any bike I have seen recently. What I am not sure about is the front mounted controls. I am not sure how uncomfortable they will be in the long run. Also, the wider rear tire and lower rear suspension, combined with those front controls seem as though they would make in-town driving a little trickier, and this is my first non-ricer bike...so I'm just not sure. The regular night rod VRSCD on the other hand, has a narrower rear tire, and slightly more comfortable looking suspension, as well as mid controls, and folding front pegs so I can stretch if I want.
But, the VRSCD is not as exotic looking, and not as visually appealing to me. It is still a pretty sweet looking bike, and performance-wise, they are close to being the same bike. I am just not sure if a few months after I buy the VRSCD, I will wish I had the special. I know its my judgement call in the end, but riding comparisons between the two are impossible to find....any opinions would be greatly appreciated.

The_AirHawk · 03-18-2008, 09:32 PM

Beauty is only a Black rattle-can away........

longride · 03-19-2008, 04:56 AM

Since I rode both the standard V-Rod and the Night Rod for months, and tested them for MO, I can answer your question. The V-Rod in any form is a decently comfortable bike. It has a really nice powerband, and handles well within its limits and is even better with the 5 gallon tank and the Brembos that the ones I rode didn't have. My Advice? Get the Night Rod Special. You can change the controls if you don't like them, but you will get used to them pretty quickly even if they aren't your cup of tea. There are mid mount kits for any V-Rod, and I think you can even use the parts off the Night Rod to convert if you had the notion. I dig that Night Rod Special too, and that is the one I would buy, and it can be easily modified to fit you the way you like.

GoodRev · 03-19-2008, 05:40 AM

and that...is exactly what I wanted to hear. I simply hadn't found anyone who had been on the bikes. The weather has been lousy anywhere near a test ride day,(damn seattle) and I really, really, REALLY love the way that night rod special looks. I know looks aren't everything...but I saw a special, and am immediately looking to get off a ducati and on a harley.
CBR600rr->ducati 749->R1->ducati 999 has been my path...but honestly, just seeing that bike once started me thinking. I've always been into american muscle on 4 wheels, my last 4 cars have been camaros and vettes, but I am honestly ready for a more comfortable bike...with good power, and less trouble.

longride · 03-19-2008, 05:54 AM

Take a test ride and I think you will be hooked. Remember, it doesn't handle like a sport bike, but it isn't terrible like a lot of cruisers. The power is more than enough to keep you interested, and the brakes will be literally one-finger strong.

Buzglyd · 03-19-2008, 06:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by longride

Take a test ride and I think you will be hooked. Remember, it doesn't handle like a sport bike, but it isn't terrible like a lot of cruisers. The power is more than enough to keep you interested, and the brakes will be literally one-finger strong.

You forgot to tell him that H-D's website has some great route planning and time management tools!

I've ridden all the Rods as well and I'd love to have either in my garage.

longride · 03-19-2008, 06:32 AM

"You forgot to tell him that H-D's website has some great route planning and time management tools!"

Looks like another guy that doesn't know 'jack shyt' about IBA style riding. You bums are all over the place!

The_AirHawk · 03-19-2008, 07:42 AM

So yer sayin' he should use Hi-Temp BBQ paint on the cylinders and headers?

pushrod · 03-19-2008, 08:21 AM

The BBQ paint worked great on my FXR!

LR, how is the fuel range on the bikes with the "bigger" tank? The only time I rode with a guy on a V-Rod, he had to stop as often as the guys on P-nut tanked Sporty's.

I'm trying to picture getting off a 999 and climbing on a V-Rod. That first corner is gonna be interesting...

sarnali2 · 03-19-2008, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pushrod

I'm trying to picture getting off a 999 and climbing on a V-Rod. That first corner is gonna be interesting...

That's a steep learning curve alright, when I went back to Harley after 20 years of sporty bikes I took a few corners on the frame instead of the wheels before I adjusted my riding style. I still get bit once in awhile, specially if I ride the Suzuki for a week then jump on the Dyna...

I would get the Special, that's a nice lookin' bike, I'd love to have one.

03-18-2008, 06:10 PM	#1
GoodRev Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 3	VRSCD or VRSCDX Ok I am looking to possibly buy a VRSC Harley. I've always been more of a sport bike guy, but I really like the look and idea of the vrsc bikes...and who doesn't want a Harley at some point right? Here's my question...I really like the look of the night rod special VRSCDX, moreso than just about any bike I have seen recently. What I am not sure about is the front mounted controls. I am not sure how uncomfortable they will be in the long run. Also, the wider rear tire and lower rear suspension, combined with those front controls seem as though they would make in-town driving a little trickier, and this is my first non-ricer bike...so I'm just not sure. The regular night rod VRSCD on the other hand, has a narrower rear tire, and slightly more comfortable looking suspension, as well as mid controls, and folding front pegs so I can stretch if I want. But, the VRSCD is not as exotic looking, and not as visually appealing to me. It is still a pretty sweet looking bike, and performance-wise, they are close to being the same bike. I am just not sure if a few months after I buy the VRSCD, I will wish I had the special. I know its my judgement call in the end, but riding comparisons between the two are impossible to find....any opinions would be greatly appreciated.

03-18-2008, 09:32 PM	#2
The_AirHawk Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Leanin' Tower O' P-P-P-P-POWAAAAAAAAA!!!! Posts: 11,423	Beauty is only a Black rattle-can away........ __________________ *Parfois, on fait pas semblant* Sometimes, it's not pretend Oderint Dum Metuant Let them hate so long as they fear политики предпочитают безоружных крестьян Politicians Prefer Unarmed Peasants Nothing to see here, Citizen. Move along now...

03-19-2008, 04:56 AM	#3
longride Super Duper Mod Man Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Anywhere they let me Posts: 10,484	Since I rode both the standard V-Rod and the Night Rod for months, and tested them for MO, I can answer your question. The V-Rod in any form is a decently comfortable bike. It has a really nice powerband, and handles well within its limits and is even better with the 5 gallon tank and the Brembos that the ones I rode didn't have. My Advice? Get the Night Rod Special. You can change the controls if you don't like them, but you will get used to them pretty quickly even if they aren't your cup of tea. There are mid mount kits for any V-Rod, and I think you can even use the parts off the Night Rod to convert if you had the notion. I dig that Night Rod Special too, and that is the one I would buy, and it can be easily modified to fit you the way you like. __________________ I'm a knucklehead

03-19-2008, 05:54 AM	#5
longride Super Duper Mod Man Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Anywhere they let me Posts: 10,484	Take a test ride and I think you will be hooked. Remember, it doesn't handle like a sport bike, but it isn't terrible like a lot of cruisers. The power is more than enough to keep you interested, and the brakes will be literally one-finger strong. __________________ I'm a knucklehead

03-19-2008, 06:32 AM	#7
longride Super Duper Mod Man Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Anywhere they let me Posts: 10,484	"You forgot to tell him that H-D's website has some great route planning and time management tools!" Looks like another guy that doesn't know 'jack shyt' about IBA style riding. You bums are all over the place! __________________ I'm a knucklehead

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03-19-2008, 05:40 AM	#4
GoodRev Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 3	and that...is exactly what I wanted to hear. I simply hadn't found anyone who had been on the bikes. The weather has been lousy anywhere near a test ride day,(damn seattle) and I really, really, REALLY love the way that night rod special looks. I know looks aren't everything...but I saw a special, and am immediately looking to get off a ducati and on a harley. CBR600rr->ducati 749->R1->ducati 999 has been my path...but honestly, just seeing that bike once started me thinking. I've always been into american muscle on 4 wheels, my last 4 cars have been camaros and vettes, but I am honestly ready for a more comfortable bike...with good power, and less trouble.

03-19-2008, 07:42 AM	#8
The_AirHawk Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Leanin' Tower O' P-P-P-P-POWAAAAAAAAA!!!! Posts: 11,423	So yer sayin' he should use Hi-Temp BBQ paint on the cylinders and headers? __________________ *Parfois, on fait pas semblant* Sometimes, it's not pretend Oderint Dum Metuant Let them hate so long as they fear политики предпочитают безоружных крестьян Politicians Prefer Unarmed Peasants Nothing to see here, Citizen. Move along now...

03-19-2008, 08:21 AM	#9
pushrod Founding Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Baja 'Bama Posts: 3,635	The BBQ paint worked great on my FXR! LR, how is the fuel range on the bikes with the "bigger" tank? The only time I rode with a guy on a V-Rod, he had to stop as often as the guys on P-nut tanked Sporty's. I'm trying to picture getting off a 999 and climbing on a V-Rod. That first corner is gonna be interesting... __________________ You would not understand, this is not how I am... I have become - Comfortably Numb.