Ten years after Porsche helped Harley revolutionise its range with the liquid-cooled, high-revving V-Rod "drag" street bike, the Milwaukee manufacturer has released anniversary models.
All 2011 V-Rods now feature 10th anniversary badges, while a special Anniversary edition comes in brilliant silver pearl paint to rekindle the original's aluminium bodywork.
The biggest changes are on the Anniversary and the Night Rod Special with modifications that make it a much more relaxed and enjoyable riding experience that will suit a greater range of riders.
VALUE
At $25,995 for the Night Rod Special and $26,495 for the Anniversary model and the Muscle they are not cheap when compared with the Japanese power cruisers. But don't tell a Harley lover that. The badge, the sound and the image have an intrinsic value and tradition that counts in these circles.
TECHNOLOGY
A few years ago Harley bored out the pistons of the rubber-mounted Revolution V-twin to increase capacity from 1130cc to 1247cc with an increase in torque to 111Nm.
But the engine has largely remained unchanged from the original which was developed jointly with Porsche over a decade ago.
It's a higher revving unit than the 103cu (1690cc) engines found in most of Harley's other bikes, with a limit of 9000rpm instead of 6200rpm and a 100km/h cruise at 3500rpm in top (fifth) gear which is 1000 revs higher than the loping cadence of the 103 in sixth gear. The Anniversary and Night Rod Special also now feature an LED taillight.
DESIGN
This is where most of the updates have occurred, but they are more than just cosmetic; they also effect the feel and handling. The tail is tapered and tidier, the forks are now upside down like the Muscle and steeper raked, the wheels are lighter, the seat is lower (675mm, but 705mm on the Muscle) and more dish shaped, the handlebars are 75mm closer and the foot pegs are slightly higher and closer.
It is difficult to pick the changes until you sit on it. The reach to the bars is easier and the foot controls feel more convenient as well as slightly improving cornering clearance. Paintwork on the blacked-out Night Rod Special remains matte black with two orange highlights and stripes down the tank Iike a venomous redback spider. The Anniversary gets dual, chromed slash-cut mufflers.
SAFETY
All V-Rods now come with ABS which is a smooth and effective system with enormous stopping power. The rear brake can feel a little spongy, but the front Brembo system is dynamic with plenty of feel and just a small amount of fork dive. They also come with a slipper clutch to prevent rear-wheel lock-up on hurried downshifts.
RIDING
I rode the Night Rod Special around the fast sweepers of Margaret River in Western Australia during the recent 21st annual HOG Rally. So few changes have made such an enormous difference to the riding experience. The rider feels more in control, more comfortable and less like a windsock at high speed.
Shorter riders will appreciate the changes, but tall riders should also like the new position as it doesn't cramp the rider at all. The steeper fork rake, upside down forks with their lighter spring weight and the lighter front wheel give it a more responsive and flickable feel for sharper turn-in.
No long does the rider have to fight that enormous 240mm rear "car" tyre which wants to stand the bike up. Yet it tracks true through a corner and retains high-speed stability.
VERDICT
Some say a liquid-cooled and high-revving bike is not a real Harley, but they are missing out on a rare treat. The power and spirit of this bike are addictive and test riders should be wary of being hooked at first ride.
Harley-Davidson V-Rod (VRSCDX & VRSCDF)
Prices: $25,995 (Night Rod Special), $26,495 (10th Anniversary and Muscle)
Warranty: 2yr, unlimited km, roadside assist
Service: 1600/8000km
Engine: 1247cc V-twin, 111Nm
Transmission: 5-speed, belt drive
Fuel: 6.3L/100km, 19.9L tank
Dimensions: 2440mm (L), 890mm (W), 675mm (Seat), 115mm (Clearance), 1705mm (WB)
Tyres: 120/70 ZR19; 240/40 R18
Weight: 302kg
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