Thanks for the excellent review Matt. This is my favorite model. I think the demand can be maintained if they add to it. When the VROD first came out in Europe, there was a waiting list to purchase one. But, performance bike enthusiasts are always looking for the latest upgrades or modifications and with the exception of a larger displacement engine, the slipper clutch, and different colors, there hasn't been many significant changes. When I say changes, I am not talking about overhauling the entire bike, that would be foolish. This is a high quality motorcycle. I was thinking more along the lines of adding a turbo or supercharger. The VROD is a tangible answer to critics of Harley Davidson who say they are low technology and sluggish. This is a genuine power cruiser. I know the VROD did not go over too well with traditional Harley Davidson customers but it did bring in many people who would have not have bought a traditional Harley Davidson. By the way, I saw the VROD on a dynamotor and it toped one hundred and fifty miles per hour. The thinking behind producing the VROD was to offer sport bike performance without having to have herniated disc back surgery by eliminating the crouching position of sport bikes. Hopefully, we will see the VROD reemerge in the near future.
Matt Laidlaw I remember when I first saw the v-rod, it was on the documentary. I thought ...man I would like to have 1 of those. Years later I'm watching the first episode of Blade the tv series and Sticky Fingers from the onyx who played Blade comes riding through some under ground hallways of a stadium killing vampires on a night rod special. I thought then this will be my first HD and finally in 2014 it was. I'd still be riding it if that guy didn't make that left. I hope HD is pulling the line to do a revamp like they did the road glide.
Telace Johnson nice man. Movie product placement works! Haha. That's cool though man. Yea, watch next year they will make a small variation on the bike just like the road Glide in 2010
@@mopar21 same here. I may purchase a used model. I have always wanted a cruiser but the others are very ugly. I like the XDiavel, but, the reliability issues with Ducati are a concern.
Harley should pay you for making these videos - other dealers couldn't careless about doing things like this. You have singled handedly promoted Harley for the past few years.
posted top speed is 144. Some riders have been clocked at 146. Not sure if that is drag or chip limited. With over 100 rear wheel HP and over 9000 redline it should be closer to 160
Matt, love your reviews. I just purchased this bike about 2 months ago. It's actually my first bike. Most folks told me I was nuts to purchase this thing right out of the MSF class but I simply fell in love with it. The first time my butt hit the seat, I was hooked. I practiced slow speed maneuvers turns, hard breaking, all that stuff. Long story short, I have absolutely no problems turning or handling the bike. High speed, as you mentioned, is very stable and yeah, sooooo addicting. I ride this thing almost every day, commute to work, run errands or just to get away from kids driving me nuts, whatever. Always gathers a crowd when I stop for gas. But, like cars, I can't just have one, so keep the reviews coming. You've already given me some options for my next bike:-)
Hey Bob, that sounds amazing and after 4 years of your comment I am so interested to know on how you know feel about the night rod 4 years after. I am actually also so in love with the night rod and when I do get my Motorcycle License there is no other Bike that catches my interest that much. There where people telling me that (bc of the Engine being from Porsche) it is not a real Harley feeling and overall it is a 'very uncomfortable bike'. Everyone keeps giving me critics on that bike so I'm so confused on what to do. Should I go after my dream Bike? Or should I maybe take a look at other bikes and try to forget the night rod? Maybe I should consider a Road glide. I just wish the night rod didn't have that many critics bc from the optics it's my absolute DREAM BIKE.
Thanks for all your efforts to inform us interested Buyers of the HD Night Rod Special!! I love the bike and despite it’s flawed issues ie;..Fuel Milage & handling deal ,..it IS the Motorcycle for me now!...(..up in age and done with knee dragging)...Sports Bike days are over!..and this model V-Rod fits the bill for my future enjoyment of riding. The model is now defunct but there’s years of them to choose from and Harley Davidson must come correct I’m sure to keep servicing them for more years to come!!..☝🏾 Can’t wait to get mine this Summer! 🏍💨😁
Even thou I’m watching at this video 3 years later, it has a lot of useful information about the VROD that I’m just about to get, already payed for it, exchanged my Forty Eight of course, with some extra MXN Pesos, right, I’m a Mexican HD enthusiast and after learning how to ride a bike (1 year + with my 48) I liked a lot VROD since first time I saw it, beautiful, the fact of Porsche being part of the design of the engine is something very appealing, so, next week I’ll have it God’s will. Thanks for this great video
My friend Took his father's 100th anniversary edition V-Rod out a few times, and reported to me once...(this was back in 04/05? mind you) that a Michigan State Trooper Pulled him over for doing 147MPH. cop walked right past him; squated down and spent a solid 5 minutes checking out the bike...Told him to slow the F- down and have a nice day.
I have a vrscdx and I love it. My girl rides on it with me but it's not a comfortable bike for going beyond a couple hours. This is the only motorcycle I ever wanted and I'm super happy with it.
Have always liked vrods. I heard this was the last year so I grabbed one of the last ones in California. It's an awesome bike for commuting. So comfortable on the freeway. I still have to test it in the canyons. It corners surprisingly well so far. I immediately replaced the 200 lb stock exhaust with a light weight akrapovic. Sounds so much better. Once you get up in the rev range it really comes alive.
Orale Matt I found a 2013 vrod 2850 miles Want to buy it will parts be available for regular maintenance tire radiators cams and thanks for taking the time to make these great videos God bless you brother
Another excellent video Sir thank you very much i love this bike i signed up on a new 2015 Night Rod back in 2015 but i got cold feet and changed my order to a new to 2016 Harley Breakout because it doesn't sound like a typical air cooled Harley but i really love this bike.
That was a very intense and wonderful review. Bet you get most of the HD customers of the area. Wish our local dealers were at least half as comprehensive as you are. 10/10 kudos to you
I like your vlogs,and most of all your Honesty,you dont sugarcoat the cons and pros and thats what makes you a believable owner,I bought my bike a few years back from your dealership and was always appreciative of the service and hospitality there,keep up your vlogs,I fully enjoy them
I own a wide open 1st gen model,bike is a beast,and they fixed what was needed,extra gear,tighted the rake,and larger fuel tank,resale is really sad,so pick up a great bike at fire sale price.
I really enjoy my '14 Muscle. Put the V&H slip on mufflers in the first week and I swear it's louder than most open piped Twin Cams I hear. Awesome winding that thing out to 9k. Where a Twin Cam is running out of breath, this thing really starts pulling like a monster. For such a hard accelerating bike, the forward controls are a bit of a contradiction of function, but work fine when you're just cruising. Totally agree about the LED lights. This is Harley's high tech cruiser of the future, yet it's the only Harley you just can not get a Daymaker headlight for. I'll be trading mine in for a Ultra Limited later this year, partially because of the "wife won't ride on it" reason. But if I could two bikes, I'd totally love to hold onto my V-Rod.
Awesome review Matt! You actually sold me my Vrod Muscle and I still enjoy the bike to this day. I also bought the new Street Rod after your review. I love the Revolution engine, being a car enthusiast myself. On one hand, I got straight line power of the Vrod, on the other, the nimbleness of the Street Rod. Keep the reviews coming Matt!!!!
Matt I have been watching your videos for quite some time and have to say that I really admire the work you do and the effort you put into your videos. I am particularly impressed with your honesty! You are truly an ambassador for the motor company. I'm Harley for life and will continue to come to you for honest and comprehensive reviews. Thank you for what you do. I and many appreciate your work. If I ever find myself in LA I am definitely coming in to visit!
Such a great bike and it's sad that it never got the appreciation it deserved. Way ahead of it's time and simply one of the best harley's ever. I hope MoCo releases a proper replacement
They stole the front fender from the V-Rod! At least the V-Rod looked and felt more like a Harley Davidson than the Street 750. The Street 750 has less torque and horsepower than the V-ROD. Discontinue the 750 moped and bring back the V-ROD! Talk about going backwards in design and technology with the Street 750! I think HD has mental issues!
Love your videos, and as a proud DX owner, I'm especially fond of this one. I was one of those guys who knew nothing about motorcycles you talked about in your video and I was immediately drawn to the V-Rod. My 2014 Nightrod is not only my first Harley, but my first motorcycle of any kind and I learned on it just fine. I have yet to drop it ... on the floor, anyway. I dropped it onto my thigh the first time I tried pulling out of my cul de sac, but I was able to muscle it back up and it has been smooth, and fast, sailing ever since. When I first started looking, Harleys were very nearly inaccessible to me. There were no Street models back then, and Sportsters didn't appeal to me. They appealed to my budget, and their approachability was attractive, but that would not have been enough to bring someone like me into the brand. If not for the V-Rod, I'd probably be trying to kill myself on a Gixxer until my inevitable retirement to a geezer glide. Don't get me wrong, even for younger folks, there's something appealing about a rolling ez chair, but they are ... totally ... inaccessible. So, props to the Motor Company for taking chances, and for reaching out to a new demographic. They owe everything to the Harley faithful, and the purists, but there's room diversity in the stable. As much as some of you may not want to admit it, that diversity is going to become a necessity, so you should probably get used to it, and please stop looking down your noses at anything that's not a 45 degree, air-cooled v-twin that will rattle the teeth out of your skull at a stoplight and doesn't shoot potatoes out of the tailpipe. If it says Harley-Davidson, respect it!
Now this bike really has got some serious road presence, its stunning can't understand why they stopped making it, as it has 2 brake discs on the front wheel like every big Harley should have and the clocks and guages mounted on the bars like all big Harleys should have
Great video as always. Very informative and to the point without fooling around or making some comedy BS sketch. You are very knowledgeable about your products and what you sell and it's always nice to be well informed and also learn a few things from your videos... One thing though with all your videos is I would like to hear more of the bike itself at highway speeds. Either maybe look into the GoPro WindSlayer sock or search RU-vid for other moto vlogger's helmet setup since they usually use an external lapel type mic and route it into their helmet, that way wind does not affect the sound quality of the bike and if they want to they can even talk during the ride and you can understand what they are saying. Keep up the great reviews and look forward to more of your adventure ride videos.
Thank you for the suggestion. It's a fine balance between engine sound and me talking. Maybe I'll just shutup and turn up the volume on the bike during some points in the video. Thank you for the suggestion. My audio is decent but I just turn in way down so you can understand what I'm saying.
Think you are right on that interval but reading the forums it seems rare they go out of spec after 15k service, also quite rare they actually need it at 15k it seems. Bit like the 1450tc chain tensioner thing though, peace of mind! Just a shame about the mpg thing, my carb'd 1450 tc rarely got over 35mpg and i really dont want to get something even worse! Tempted though.
The V-Rod imo is the best, most reliable HD ever and the only HD I would ever buy again, especially with the miserable experience I had with my New in 2010 Fat Bob junk. Imo discontinuing the V-ROD was a big mistake. Now all HD has to offer for transition are bikes that look like mopeds! The V-Rod is something you buy after trading in a Street 750. What is wrong with HD, huge mistakes. First they get rid of Buell and then the V-ROD. I guess they want to go out of business! All HD will be selling soon are T-Shirts! I think there is something like 32 HD motorcycles to chose from now! That is way to many choices and confusing. Keep it simple 8-10 motorcycles to chose from! HD, Discontinue the Street 750 and bring back the V-ROD, or just bring back the V-ROD!
Just wanted to let you know. The only thing that Porsche had to do with this bike is to. Help harley redesign the motor so it could be used on the street Watch the video called. Birth of the vrod
I am partial to the '06 R model: mid sets, less rake, 5gal tank, no fat tire. They are "all" really tough lookin' bikes. Too bad Harley didn't let E. Buell have that motor before Rotax/canning him! Your videos are always well put together, nice job!
I love these bikes really regret trading my 06 Streetrod in. I just watched a documentary where they went into the Vrod manufacturing plant in Arkansas? I think? Must have been from 06 as they were showing the screaming eagle Vrods and other models from that year going through assembly, very interesting. What did HD do with that facility now that the Vrod is gone? Side note. I had an 06 Streetrod and tried to trade it in on a brand new Vrod muscle the local HD dealer didnt want my decent trade (at a steal for them even I ad) and I ended up with a Victory Hammer. A great bike but I always wanted a Vrod. Just turned me off from HD at the time as out of 5 or 6 dealers the only one didn't want my trade was HD and it's their brand bike.
It's a pity Harley didn't keep up with the v-rod family. When this engine came out it was almost cutting-edge technology, a breath of fresh air from Harley's traditional big-bore, under-engineered engines. If harley had kept working on it now it would have two product lines, one for the "harley aficionado" that means essentially the 103- and 107- based bikes, and another family of bikes that would have Harley's look and stile but with modern technology.
It's sad this isn't made anymore. Someday soon, I want to get into track racing. I would love to get a performance cruiser to show everyone else that they can be sporty. It looks like the Sportster is about to see the ax for the same reasons: it can't meet Euro regulations. I would love to see a nimble cruiser that can perform. It would be cool to see an engine like this on the Sportster. I have a small crush on the VRod. I wish it was still here to compete with other muscle cruisers. This was a great review.
When this Corona 19 is over I'm trading in my GSXR1000R for it I don't know anything about bikes but my buddy have one of this v rod its sexy I have watched this video repeatedly
I´m ok with that, as long as they keep the wide glide and softail preaty much intact they are sticking to their guts and spirit of the brand. The Vrod can go and retire as a legend and leave space for the baby rod to esploit its full potential. "Harley people" don´t care about HP, we want hot, torquey, shinny loud classic looking piece of beautiful metal. I´ve seen a couple of videos and comments about how harley will "die if they don´t update" using arguments like "oh, the new generation is techy oriented and nerdy", and sure, they are, but HArleys will never be mainstream, harley davidson IS counter culture, there is always a market for the people that wants to "rebel". And kids love motorcycles, nobody grows up dreaming abut gsx or goldwings, everyone wants a harley and the reason is the mechanical appeal: the noise, the minimalism, the shine, the tractor feeling is what atracts kids. Harley is something else and they are not going any where, they are the kings, the better looking bikes are HD, the beauty of the lines will never pass away.
I am one of the new generation, but I am not with the majority in that I like old classic looking stuff. I am aiming at a softail, and hopefully will make it. And part of the reason I like a Harley is that it adds techy stuff that is necessary that adds to the safety and reduces the maintenance of the bike. as long as there are others like me in our 20s Harley will not be going anywhere. I agree with your comment and just ignore the people looking for something else to hate Harley on.
I hate to say it but Harley is as mainstream as mainstream gets. Buying an HD to act like some kind of "rebel" would be like getting a water cup at McDonalds and filling it with soda and calling yourself an international criminal. When I ride my Yamaha R1 to work every morning I pass like 50 Harleys and most days I am literally the only supersport bike. With the exhaust and tune I have on it among other upgrades it is a bad fast law breaking machine. I could have bought a Harley like all of my friends and their friends and uncles and brothers and grandmas but I decided to go against that grain and get a "jap crap" bike instead. I never dreamed of having a big heavy land barge that costs 20 grand as a kid anyways and when I cruise with my HD friends I just have to leave it in first gear which isn't that hard.
Great review as always. Always liked the vrod family of bikes but expensive to run in UK due to poor mpg, highest group for insurance too. That valve clearance cost is a worry too but from what i understand they only really need checking once at about 15k then good for 50k? On the plus side seem to be bullet proof engines so maybe a small price to pay.
Yea you're right. The first service is at 15k miles with valve adjustment. I think it's every 15,000 miles though. I'd have to look it up. The engines are very reliable though. I haven't met a single v-rod owner that has had problems.
I thought the same but I found this dealer online, Ronnie's Harley Davidson that has OEM parts that I've been ordering from. If you plan to keep it, just buy up items and stock your garage shelves.
Hey Matt, Is there anything available to make a V-Rod fit a shorter person? I am 5'7" and test rode one of these once any it just stretched me out to far! Also is the V-Rod the fastest Haley made? I have always thought one of these would make a great second bike. Thanks for another great review . Ride Safe!
hey matt, nice to see you finally doing a review of night rod...now i am from India and have been a big fan of night rod since i first saw it as a 9 year old kid on discovery channel, Willie G. Davidson unveiling it in 1994 i think, anyways now i am a grown man and finally when i could gather enough money to buy the night rod, lo and behold what happens, harley decides to discontinue night rod in India...all my dreams are broken and shattered...there are lots of guys like me in india who want night rod, i hope that through you maybe harley guys come to know that we in india still want night rods....the dealers here in india don't give any satisfactory answer...
Matt Laidlaw come on man "used", that's impossible coz all the night rod owners in india are so passionate about their motorcycles, that even a slight mention of selling their bikes makes their blood boil...is there any way you can export a night rod from your showroom to india...???? I'll pay for the handling and shipping...
Shame they're getting rid of them. I really wanted to luv it. The clutch, suspension, engine, and brakes are about as good as anything out there. I luv the look and it has decent ground clearance too. The exhaust placement just roasted my right leg though. A de-cat/map might help that? Would also love to see them go back to a 180 tire. I think the "fat ass" trend is what's run it's course. If the idea is to win people who like sportier bikes over to cruisers, the heavy steering is like putting vinegar in the wine. Would also like to see a slim/sporty floorboard option. For us short of leg types, the feet forward ride is much more comfortable over time with a little heel support.
Seriously dude this is such a cool bike. I so want 1. What's the difference between this and the mustle one? Also sure the engine is a bit whiny and not so condusive to rebbing it and doing all the classic 90s harly toys stuff but meh I can deal with that for having a epic bike.
Harley's sales on this bike would have increased if they had relocated the shift and brake pedals towards the back, like a true sports bike. Also with a 280 as standard rear tire
Mid controls I can understand, but it is considered a sporty cruiser. Rear probably could be smaller, but they are going for the muscle aesthetics as that's their number one concern is looks.
This HARLEY is a beast its stunning and is one of the safest ever made down to the 2 brake discs on the front wheel that every big heavy Harley should have then the clocks and guages are mounted on the bars where they should all be its the safest place as ylur not taking your eyes off the road every time you neeed to look at them like the very unsafe tank mounted ones cant understand why these 2 safety issues are not a Euro 5 compliant safety issue fail
What is the height requirements for this bike? Which bike handles better, is quicker out of the gate, has the lower center of gravity and more lean angle vrod or low rider S? I do ride the canyons from time. If I get a HD it will be one or the other. Great video. Thanks.
Indeed excellent review...good work! It's the first time that I hear anyone actually voice the hp of the V-Rod, it is difficult to find motorcycle testing websites that actually provide the information, it's almost like it's illegal to publish the hp figure loll...but I found a couple of sites that publish figures of 115hp/77ft-lbs torque for the 1100 v-rod and 122hp/86ft-lbs torque for the 1250 v-rod.
I'm worried about buying this in the future, I mean, I'm still 16 year old boy, with a Height of 5'5, I'm worried like, at what height should I have first to ride a night rod ._.
Don't tread on me because they try to do more with that bike then just flat track. They released the XG as a training bike and a “new to Harley Davidson” entry bike.
As a request I just wanted to ask u a question The harley davidson v rod night rod 2017 is 17500+ dollars plus without any customization right.! N You See these supercharge v rod bikes on the streets fully Customized So customizing again would kick up to many dollars I mean u know if u can give me a plus no like 7000 dollar more or less than that...
HI Sorry to keep bugging you as I'm trying to get an answer (if you already did, sorry): can someone who's 5'6 with a 30" inseam fit on a Harley Davidson Roadster (and can the suspension of the Roadster be altered to fit someone with my specs?)? Originally, I wanted an Iron 883, but the Roadster looked more exciting and something I would like in the long term due to its nimbleness that would seem more fun rather than a cruiser (in my opinion, of course); or do you really recommend that not only do I get an Iron 883, but let alone definitely start out on an iron 883 in order for me to develop a much stronger foundation when it comes to learning motorcycle skills? Thank you so much Matt!
@@MattLaidlaw well, ive been to the bronx many times... If harley put the bronx on 2 wheels and threw an Italian meatball grinder with it, I would consider purchasing 1.... 😆
Matt will you please open a dealership in North of Perth Australia we need an honest dealership - dealing with the local stealership service department is like dealing with the devil himself!!! They gave us a brand new Harley Breakout with no rear brake fluid and when my husband went to confront them about it instead of fixing the problems they charged us for rear master cylinder as well as brake fluid :( they refused to give us our bike back unless i pay. Oh by the way my husband bought like 6 brand new Harleys off them the past 3 years and this is how they treat us :( We dont even service our bikes there anymore - we had to hire a mobile service to service all our Harleys.
Hi Matt and ALL, I am new into this bike world, what do you think? can I start with this bike exactly or is too extreme to ride for the first serious bike? what kind of petrol consumption per 60miles we have it here for average driving style? thanks a lot :)
Another too quality video ! Question. It would appear that Harley has chosen to keep the cable actuated throttle cables? Typical for a manufacturer to cut costs as the model loses its steam in sales and begins to leave the market.