Ride with Marshall as he goes over things you need to know about the Harley Davidson V-rod. Oh, and he wants us to beg you to subscribe so he could get paid, but we are not going to go so far as to relay his request here.
I have 2003 Anniversary so that’s a 20 year for me, and I didn’t let it sit. I drove the wheels off this thing and it’s been the most reliable motorcycle I’ve ever owned, I’ve been riding for 50 years and I’ve had a lot of motorcycles different kinds. This one’s my favorite. I change the exhaust and got rid of those weirdo mirrors on it other than that it’s stock. I didn’t buy it to put on the shelf because I thought it was special so it now has 70,000 miles on it and many oil changes three or four sets of tires three batteries and it’s flawless still ride it at 67 years old probably be my last bike. Love my V Rod 👍
I also have a 2003 anniversary model which I inherited when my father passed. He bought it brand new. Just wondering, have you ever had to do any engine work or replace the drive belt etc? Thanks
wow, dude! you is the man! I first saw V-Rod in 2001, parked outside the drom (i was a freshman), and i could not believe it was a HD product, i thought it was a NASA Science Project. fast forward 20 years, in my early 40s i saw one rode by, and the sparked a fire in me, went to FB marketplace, saw one 100th Anniversary Edition w/ 16K miles on it, all chromed out (very tastefully though) i just went and bought it, wife find out when the guy came to drop the bike in the driveway 😂 (Another story for another day). This is my second season riding it, and my God what a joy i t has been so far. Best part is the compliments, even best part is the non bike ppl think its a 2023/2024 Model.
Still have my 2006 I bought new. It’s been a great bike. Mine was one that the dealership customized before putting it up for sell. Upgraded wheels, 240 wide tire kit, custom rear fender, custom paint job, larger fuel tank, Screaming Eagle exhaust pipes. etc. I have 4 other bikes, KTM, Kawasaki’s, Suzuki but I will probably never sell the V-Rod.
I have that same 2003 Anniversary V-Rod. 5k miles on it, lol. It fires right up in 2024. 21yrs climate keep. Im looking forward to running it for Willie 👍👍🇺🇸
I owned a 2016 street rod. I’ve since sold it because it was just too uncomfortable driving much more than 50 miles! I too tried different exhaust on it, but found it to be way too loud and a really bad droning noise at highway speeds.😢 Like you mentioned, I lost much of my low end torque With different exhaust on it. With the stock exhaust system, the engine was so lean that driving around 40 mph in 5th gear, it bucked and surged terribly! Addressing my concerns with the dealer, they told me to run the bike in second and third gears all the time at those speeds. I found their suggestion to be unworkable. It was revving so high at these lower speeds It just took away all the fun of cruising. so after riding for a long season in Minnesota, March through mid November I parted ways with the VRod. The look was killer! But as you mentioned the riding 14:01 position and drivability issues, I traded it for a year, newer Dyna. Oh how I wished I could have changed things around and kept the VRod, I just couldn’t do it. Watching your video today brought back a lot of great memories of my bike, but I still think I did the right thing by choosing a different model within the Harley Davidson lineup I really liked your video and will continue to watch you! 👍
Harley-Davidson V-Rods are very exciting!!! The V-rod engine is a works racer machine for the start dash, and a Porsche for high rotation!!! The V-rod engine is a direct descendant of the works machine VR1000!!!! it's an amazing motorcycle👍👍👍👍👍
I have a 2007 v rod this thing scream and is very fast , I like it a lot !!! 5 gal tank does not corner very well but is really fun to ride , I have been riding large bikes for 51 years now .
Very nicely done. I bought a new 2002. Everything you've done I did. Spent many ours on a dyno figuring out the right making for the HD screaming eagle race tuner. I ended up at 127 horses. That's about all I could get to keep the motor safe and bullet proof. Great video. Thanks.
Thank you for this video! I was looking at an 03 with 20k miles and they haven't had the shims done... saved me a very expensive trip to the dealership.
Bought a 2003 V-rod 100th Anni last week with 11K miles. Rode today for the first time. Couldn't help but notice the fuel gauge drop on a short ride. Good info. So far I like the ride. Couldn't pass up the 240 rear wheel set up. Its just what i was looking for.
2006 night rod special was the last year of color choice paint. After that they’re all black and at some point after 06 was the forward controls. Thanks for the post!
Iam in the uk and looking at buying an early bike , is there certain things to look out for on these bikes ? Have you had any issues with yours . Thanks.
The VRod is a work of art, designed to be washed and displayed in the garage or driveway, and occasionally ridden to bike night at your local entertainment venue, where you display it, stand by it, and look cool. I’ve put money on 2 at my Harley dealer and chickened out both times.
Thanks for all the info and accurate review, Marshall. I'm thinking of buying one with 19 k miles, and it seems like the shim adjustment hadn't been done. Do any of you guys know how much will cost? Thanks
I had 97 Fatboy, now 03 VRSCA for 12yrs, both w/ Solid wheels. Also have 05 Road Rod w/ Cycle Visions kit installed from Factory, paint etc.. Rather be pushed on low wheels, rather than top like on the Road Rod. But seriously I have to be doing 85+ to pay attention to Wind. OTHER than when passing large trucks/rv, but thats any vehicle light enough. Love both my VRods, Son in law had to get one after sucking my fumes.... Peace
Yep, like you said, trucks (and being between a semi and concrete barrier) are the biggest problem with the solid rims. That situation put me in a death wobble two weeks ago. I can handle the wind other times. I call her the Silver Surfer, because she's all over the lane on a windy day. Our Interstate in Northern Colorado moves at 85mph until you hit the major cities.
A perfect story of the realities of tuning, how most loud pipes just add noise and often subtract power. There's a lot to be said for leaving a bike stock and being happy with it.
I'm going to respectfully disagree. Just adding loud pipes without doing anything else, yes totally agree. All bikes come lean from the factory to meet EPA requirements, so its a benefit to dump the stock pipes, free up the intake and have a proper tune on a dyno.
@@dickjohnson7845 Yes technically you are right. However, there are social reasons why the law restricts emissions and noise. Why do we need to create more air pollution and noise annoyance? I'd say if you want more power then just buy a bigger bike to start with. Like who needs more power than a standard rocket 3 or H2?
@@jamesrindley6215 Well this is a too each there own thing. Why do people need SUV’s in California? Why do people need a 60” TV? I guarantee if you ask a group of motorcyclists at least 90% would say they have modified their bikes. Funny you mention a Rocket 3. I have a 16’ Roadster that’s not stock. Free flow exhaust, ramair and a hot tune. Dyno’d +30hp over stock. Why? Because ai can. I could go full mental at take it to 240hp, but that’s not what I want. I could care less about social nonsense.
Thanks for the V Rod info,Marshall. Lot of love/ hate info out there about this bike, bit hard to know who or what to believe. Regardless of any minor design issues I find that it feels and handles much like a smaller thoughtfully engineered bike that is as comfortable as, say , the 2012 Fatbob with a Sundowner seat. Thanks too for the gasoline guage/ actual mileage discrepancy info, time for a bit of research on that issue. Also feels unusual scooting along at 110klms/ hr with the tacho needling 4000 rpm compared to the wallowing 92 Dynaglide's reading of around 2500 at the same speed. Over all its a pleasure to ride and can only appreciate in value over time. Cheers from sunny Australia
I think the problems with the fuel gauge relate to the odd shape of the tank. It is hourglass shaped. So a full tank seems to empty slowly at first, then it speeds up as the float travels down the pickup tube thru the narrow middle section, then slows again toward the fat bottom of the tank. Early models also had a flaw in the fuel sock at the bottom of the pickup tube that had a freely floating plastic disc that could block the flow of fuel into the pickup.
The fuel gauge has always worked perfectly on my 2006 that I bought new and still have. There is a metal strip in the tank that people say to pull out of the tank and clean with scotch Brite pad if I remember correctly.
I've had an 03 vrod with a scratch built turbo system on it since 2009. 156rwhp112tq. 9psi. Bone stock engine injectors and fuel pump. Been beating the shit out of it for over a decade. They are rock solid bikes. Run amsoil.
@HotloadsTTV I have ceramic coated turbine housing and dump pipe with heat shields. It doesn't get hot. I've had it on the bike 15 years. People read too much bs online. I've had 2 turbo bike. Neither wer a problem heat wise.
The "other box" in your airbox looks like an HID ballast for the headlight, not part of the ECM. But, after watching this, I do believe I am going to run my 2012 Anniversary topless just to see how it helps.
Hi Marshall, I was only thinking of you yesterday (no, not in that way! lol) Was thinking you must be a few feet under the snow by now, imagine my supprise to see this video and there is only a smattering on the road side. As for your V-rod, is the 2003 more collectable than other V-rods? On a sad note...just before Christmas, some muppet in a van reversed into my Honda Vultus while I was in a shop! His insurance wanted to write it off, but my insurance said no, as it's to rare (750cc version) and they are rebuilding it for me. So nice to hear an insurance company fighting one's corner and doing the right thing by their customer for a change. Hopefully should get it back before the summer. Keep up the video's as I look forward to them, especially the scenic rides up in the mountains. Andy
Hi Andy! We got snow and below freezing temps yesterday. I spent the week with covid, although I can't tell the difference from the same head cold I get every 3rd January. I'm already over it. I'm sorry to hear about the Vultus!! I have an opportunity to review a DN-01, which is very similar to the Vultus!
I doubt the 03 is collectible, but we can pretend it's special! I just really love the anodized aluminum finish. There's only one other bike with that finish that I know of.
I appreciate the review & practical info. Just what I was looking for. I’d like an early say 03 like yours. Windshield like yours only tinted but the solid wheels would have to go. I’d like to make it a 1250 motor topless tuned with an aftermarket performance pipe. Roughly what does the bike weigh? And roughly what would you expect it to conservatively dyno?
When I purchase my 03 V Rod, I had a performance tune put on it, and before the tuneup it made 106 on the Dyno , after the tune it made it made 119 @ at the rear tire it felt like a lot more on the street, at that time it only had 100 miles on it, been that way since. Still have both Dyno sheets, before and after. That I won’t forget, 450 .00 for each session. My still hurts from that one ☝️ and
I have an 07 Night Rod with a 180 rear tire, mid mounted shifter and rear brake,1130 motor and a 5 gallon gas tank. I've been told it can't have a 5 gallon tank but I put 4. 7 gallons in it once when I almost ran out of gas.
Those of us running old inline four cylinder ricers know that swapping valve shims is a PITA, imagine adding dropping the engine down by disassembling the frame to that?
I just never fell for the V Rod. I worked at the H D factory where we machined the heads. It was so complex and everything was metric etc... climate controlled room, it was too costly and eventually stopped making them. The Germans know their stuff though. But to each their own! Ride on!
Do you know anything about the 2008 vrscd street rod that was painted, bud lite colors that weren't for sale but raffled off at harley davidson events in 08? A parts guy at Adam Smith harley davidson said they were limited production, and mine was # 200 no one knows anything about these bikes. Maybe you do?
I understand that you have your opinion on the Street 500/750 and you’re entitled to it my question have you ever rode one? I owned a 750 that was made Stage 1 & Dyno tuned at 59 RWHP not bad for a bike that was under 500 pounds fully fueled. That bike was a blast to ride. I also have a 2007 VRSCD with mid controls and a 180/55-18 rear tire that is pre stage 1 (tuning & Dyno planned). So far the top speed is 120 mph in 5th at 1/2-3/4 throttle
Hello! Yes, I rode the 750. The engine seemed ok, but loud as if the casing was very thin. The clutch was dangerous, and Nuetral was near impossible to get into. I was going to buy it for my wife, but decided against it. My daughter took her class on the Street 500. Three of us couldn't get the bike into neutral. She had to hold the clutch with both hands while the instructor talked. That was of course a used trainer bike though, desparately in need of maintenance. Meanwhile, another 500 blew its coolant all over the training lot. We didn't see that one again that weekend. I'm glad that you enjoy your 750 though. At the end of the day, all that's really important is having a bike that you love.
I have a 2018 Road king and love it, I like the v-rod someone at dealership introduce me to a 2011 v-rod but my question is what's going to happen with v-twin motor since now we have a Milwaukee, I'm not into headaches later because of parts after. What's your opinions rider's?
I have heard of a lot of dealers not supporting bikes older than 10 years in order to keep their service department workload manageable. Something to consider when buying old bikes.
V-Rod , Triumph Hurricane , Bimotas , Dukes , Kawie Mach2 . All welcome in my front room to look at ! The V-Rod is really eye catching , but it is too big for my eleven stone body I reckon . It would probably put me in a ditch within five minutes . Shame , because this one Harley I would love to experience .
I need help. I have a 2003 Harley Davidson V-Road and I lost the keys. Can I start it by wire? I live in the Middle East... Iraq and there is no Harley agent in my country.
Hi, I'm considering buying a 2005 V Rod with about 47 000 Miles. The two issues that concern me motorcycle reliability? And how am I 6,40 if the bike will be uncomfortable on longer trips?
Considering it was the first water-cooled engine for Harley, it's more long-lasting than ANY air-cooled Harley up to the Milwaukee 8. Check the oil regularly, use synthetic, and it should last 120k or so, considering it will be 20 years old in 2025. Harley purists HATED that it was co-designed by Porsche (hey! "The Motor Company" ADMITTED they had no clue whatsoever on water-cooling race engines). However, water-cooling improves longevity, power, and makes summer stop-n-go traffic more bearable! Now as for touring long distance, let me tell you a thing. You have a 3.7 gallon gas tank. If you rip up the road like I do, your fuel light will come on at 70 MILES! That means that I'm getting 35mpg, and my max range before running on fumes would be 129 miles! Now if yours is stock, yo might get better mileage. Mine was tuned so long ago. I carry a small fuel bottle on trips outside the city. After I replace the tires that the Dealer SHOULD HAVE BY LAW (I'm told for safety), I will get it re-tuned, because I put the stock pipes back on it to get more torque.
As far as being 6'4", I can't speak for you, as I'm 5' 10". It would still be comfortable for 6'. I think I have a Sundowner seat on mine, and it is nicely cushy all day with a little back support even.
Runs Amsoil. It will go forever. I have had one with a scratch built turbocharger system since 2009. I beat the shit out of it and i have never had an issue with the bike.
Got Anniversary Edition bike. Have the same issue with extra hot pipes on the right hand side. Bike has "Screaming Eagle" exhaust, but previous owner gave me stock pipes as well. Does it make sense to go back to stock pipes? Thanks!
YES. Willie G and his team experimented a lot to get the backflow right in the exhaust. Putting the stock pipes back on makes the engine run cooler, and you get more low end torque.
If you run the screaming eagle pipes AND had Harley re-flash the ECM it should run just fine. That’s what I did when I bought mine back in 2006. Still have it, still running strong and sounds great with the screaming eagle pipes.
Had a call today about a deal on a 2005 vrod for 5000,,19k miles,,looks brand new,,kept in garage,,one owner,,i presently own a suzuki m109 which is a pwerful beast but is a clunky mess when trying to shift,also has clutch shudder issues,,pretty bike just not smooth as i thought it would be,,ive been told a vrod is similar in ride as a 109,,both need handle bars pulled back,,i did a 2 inch lift on handelbars and it pushed bars back to a very comfortable position,,vrod im being offered is being sold thousands under nada value whicj raises a red flag,,,what issues do the 2005 have
My clutch shudders a bit of I release in the wrong gear. It's a Non-adjustable clutch lever, so please ride before you buy. My clutch release is out there! NADA was 5k a few months ago, but bikes are going up in value like everything else. Some vrods have bars that come back, like mine, but most have them low, like Vrod Muscles. Because they are water cooled, any year of Vrod should last 100k miles with good maintenance.
I have an 06 VRSCR Street Rod and love it. It was the first to have a 5 gallon tank, inverted forks and Brembo brakes. It still has the 180 rear tire which helps it in the handling department. There are companies that actually will custom cut the solid wheels for around $200 a piece for those people who don't like the way that the solids are in the wind.
Same bike I ride. Super Fast. Handles great in the mountains where I live. Blows away std pushrod Harleys - I have a few of those too. No issues. Does NOT leak.
I also had an ‘06 for several years. What struck me about it was just how friggen heavy those solid wheels were. You could run lighter wheels and pick up a lot of performance. I never had an issue with them in the wind though. Also, you’ll end up dropping that key right between the two pipes. It’s tricky to get out and the FOB will be all melty when you do. Ask me how I know 😅
When I bought new tires, I added a 200 to the rear that was as big as I could go to keep the tire from rubbing the belt didn’t seem to much difference but it it’s a lot more rubber on the road little more straight line traction
@@timculpepper4939 I should have thought of that! The tires on it from the dealership were 11 years old and lumpy, so I expected more stability from new ones. No so much.
I should go back and watch this video, but I'm not sure what you mean? My phone has no RPM app. That would require a sensor on the bike that broadcasts the data. I have a speedometer app though.
I got it from the internet, but I don't remember where. It was not Amazon or Ebay. Regardless, I don't recommend it. It doesn't fit well, and it makes more buffeting than riding without it. I took it off since.
@@ridingwithmarshall My 03 anniversary came of the windshield, but I quickly took it off still have it, I drove with it on for a couple of weeks before I took it off. It did help keep the wind off, but it was summer time, so that was it for me and and I never put it back on sense, but it was a factory windshield, very nice.
I'm in Florida. . Had. Starter relay stud shear. Exhaust studs needed chasing.cheap chrome on rear shocks and hand grips rusting. Aluminum Cam plugs deteriorating. . Otherwise built like a champion. '05
A custom 5 gallon tank won't fit in my current bike without moving the ignition box and some other mods. The Harley 5 gallon tank certainly won't fit without a frame modification. The tire change was part of the history lesson I read on it, not my conclusion. It's possible that Harley went with a bigger tire to help it track better, because mine is all over the lane compared to all my other bikes. The slightest cross wind on the solid rims floats the bike.
@@chrissmith7669 Yes, and if you get pinched between a semi and concrete barriers in the Interstate, the wind vertices throw me into a death- wobble. Happened last week. I had to slow down to 60 to make the shimmy manageable.
@@ridingwithmarshall I haven’t experienced that yet, but everybody has told me that the solid wheels can be bothersome in a cross wind then some pretty good winds. It seemed like it was trying to push the bottom of the bike to the side rather than the top like it usually is when you get in the wind, but it was very manageable.
@@ridingwithmarshall If you 'only' watch the documentary, you have to read between the lines and also look at the history of the VR1000. Buell/Roush had more to do with the engine development than either HD or Porsche; but the documentary focuses a lot on the frame and other challenges they had, after a decade of development on the revolution. Twice in the documentary they talk about "completely scrapping the design" and they don't say it verbally, but these are redesigns that Erik came up with in collaboration with cosworth (they recommended you feed as much air as possible to make power in a 4v design, which is why the V-ROD and most Buell models have an airbox in lieu of a fuel tank). The documentary was created during the time where Buell/Harley had already fallen out and were legally feuding, etc and I don't even recall any mention of cosworth, Erik, all the work done at Roush racing, etc. They dig in to the partnership with porsche because it sounds cool, but ultimately they had porsche modify and street-adapt the VR-1000 cooling system for the v-rod, because porsche had experience in moving from air-cooled to water-cooled performance engines already and HD didn't know anything about water cooling. If you can find historic info / documentaries on the VR1000 race program and even the history of Erik Buell you can start to piece together the huge effort/team it took to make the v-rod a reality. Ultimately the entire machine was built around the engine and the specifications that Erik came up with -- and like every other harley, the 'final touches' and overall style/feel came from Willie G. Harley will never give Erik the credit he is due, but anything cool or advanced or modern (or good) in HD came from something Erik touched.
@@sn0fx Thank you. I'm really not surprised that they would bury Erik. HD has always had a sneaking underhanded feel, all the way through the purchasing process to the consumer.
