Harley Davidson VRSC series.

The Harley Davidson  V-ROD. It's Japanese ilk will leave it eating their dust, the power they produce overshadows its own, and would not be as sharp in corners too. But, honestly, we all want one. This is the bike that appeals more to the heart than the brain. The length of the bike, the uncomfortable riding position to which the human anatomy is unknown- all this causes tremors in your brain. But then again, its your heart that you listen to, your brain-deaf. But beautiful it isn't. Its menacing, in your face and full of aggression. On the drag strip though, it will leave bikes like the gixxer 1000, yamaha R-series bikes and the fireblade in its smoke. Its main competition is the all powerful Yamaha VMAX and the humongous Triumph Rocket III.

This bike is actually a revolution at Harley's. A manufacturer known for their Electra Glides and softails,
the V-ROD is a distinct motorcycle in its portfolio. Its sporty character is quite different from what is prevalent at Harley Davidson (not counting the iconic Sportster family, of course).

VRSC Models

VRSCA V-Rod

Model years: 2002–2006. This was the original V-Rod. The first V-Rod was equipped with the 1,130 cubic centimetres (69 cu in) Revolution Engine, producing a claimed 115 horsepower (86 kW) at the crank. The V-Rod featured 49 mm forks and a 180 mm rear tire, with solid disc wheels. The VRSCAs were all factory equipped with 3.7 US gallons (14 l; 3.1 imp gal) fuel tanks. In 2006 the VRSCA was equipped with Brembo Brakes. The VRSCA was only offered with forward controls.

VRSCAW V-Rod

2008 105th Anniversary Edition VRSCAW V-Rod.

Model years: 2007–2010. The VRSCAW V-Rod is the successor to the VRSCA. First Produced in 2007, it is essentially a VRSCA with a new frame to accommodate the 240 mm rear tire and five gallon gas tank that came standard. The aluminum bodywork of the VRSCA only made it onto a few early-production VRSCAW models, but was quickly dropped. With these changes the VRSCAW is a claimed 37 pounds (17 kg) heavier than its predecessor. For the first production year the power-plant remained an unchanged 1,130 cubic centimetres (69 cu in) Revolution engine. The VRSCAW is only offered with forward controls. The combination of increased weight, and a 240 mm rear tire with no power increase made the 2007 VRSCAW the slowest production VSRC produced

In 2008 the VRSCAW V-Rod's Revolution was boosted from 1,130 cc to 1,250 cubic centimetres (76 cu in), producing a claimed 84 pound force-feet (114 N·m) @ 7,000 rpm, and peak power of 123 horsepower (92 kW) at the crankshaft, a slipper-clutch was also added, as was an ABS option. For the 2009 model year the VRSCAW replaced the VRSCD, which was dropped from the line, as the "base model" for the VRSC family, as such the MSRP was dropped almost US$2,000 to $14,999.

VRSCB V-Rod.

VRSCB V-Rod

Model years: 2004–2005. The VRSCB V-Rod had limited two year run. It was mechanically identical to the VRSCA, the cosmetic differences included a black frame, polished aluminum and black powder-coated engine, and a slightly different clamshell, instrument housing and handlebars. The VRSCB was only offered with forward controls.

VRSCD Night Rod.

VRSCD Night Rod

Model years: 2006–2008. The Night Rod was introduced in 2006 as the “new hot rod-inspired motorcycle” built around the Revolution engine. The Night Rod featured Mid-mount controls, supplemented by highway-pegs. Straight-shot mufflers helped the Revolution Engine to produce a claimed 120 horsepower (89 kW) at the crank. The Night Rod featured a black frame, black and chrome engine, Brembo Brakes, slotted aluminum disk wheels, and a color-matched fairing.

In 2008 the VRSCD Night Rod's Revolution was boosted from 1,130 to 1,250 cubic centimetres (69 to 76 cu in), producing a claimed 85 pound force-feet (115 N·m) @ 7,000 rpm, and peak power of 125 horsepower (93 kW) at the crank, a slipper-clutch was also added, as was an ABS option. For the 2008 model year, the VRSCD was the only remaining VRSC model to still feature a 180 mm rear tire or mid-pegs. 2008 would also be the final year of production for the VRSCD Night Rod.

Night Rod Special

VRSCDX Night Rod Special

Model years: 2007–Present. The VRSCDX is marketed as the factory made custom version of the standard Night Rod and is also part of Harley-Davidson's "Dark Custom" series. In addition to a 240 mm wide rear tire, most of the chrome components of the VRSCD were replaced with black. The wheels were replaced by black slotted disk wheels, with dark orange pin striping. The Straight shot dual exhaust produced a claimed 120 horsepower (89 kW) at the crank. A 5 gallon tank was standard. The DX also features prominent racing stripes. In 2008 the VRSCDX Night Rod Special's Revolution was boosted from 1,130 to 1,250 cubic centimetres (69 to 76 cu in), producing claimed torque of 85 pound force-feet (115 N·m) @ 7,000 rpm, and peak power of 125 horsepower (93 kW) at the crank, a slipper-clutch was also added, as was an ABS option.

 For the 2012 model year, Harley-Davidson launched a tenth anniversary version of the Night Rod Special. Key features include a straight-shot exhaust with dual, chrome slash-cut mufflers and chrome exhaust shield; split five-spoke cast aluminum wheels with diamond cut highlights; pullback handlebar with polished finish; inverted front forks in silver and polished finishes; stylized, chrome speed screen visor; graphics, including V-Rod 10th anniversary emblem; and chrome powertrain with platinum crankcase and heads.

VRSCF V-Rod Muscle

Model years: 2009–Present. The V-Rod Muscle was introduced in the summer of 2008 at the Harley-Davidson dealer show in Las Vegas for the 2009 production model year. In promoting the Muscle, Harley partnered with American fashion model Marisa Miller for an advertising campaign aimed at younger, urban riders. It would be one of only three VRSC models for 2009. Like the other two models, the Muscle features the 1,250 cubic centimetres (76 cu in) Revolution Engine, a 240 mm wide rear tire, 5 US gallons (19 l; 4.2 imp gal) fuel tank, slipper clutch and forward controls. Departing from the other models in the VRSC lineup, the Muscle features straight shot dual exhausts, with a crossover, one on each side of the bike. This is a significant stylistic departure from the 2>1>2 exhaust found on all other VRSC models. Additionally, the Muscle features a unique air-box with mock-up air-rams like those found on many American pony and muscle cars. Early rumors around the VRSCF speculated that the F might stand for Forced Induction, however, in the production version of the bike the air-rams are purely cosmetic. There is no official word from Harley-Davidson as to what, if anything, the F in the VRSCF designation stands stands for. The VRSCF also features a chopped rear fender with integrated turn signals, and a side-mounted license plate. As well as turn signals integrated into the rear-view mirrors; a first as a stock feature on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. The VRSCF puts out at the crank a claimed 86 pound force-feet (117 N·m) of torque at 6,500 rpm, which is slightly more torque than the other VRSC models, at a slightly lower engine speeds. Claimed peak crank horsepower is down slightly from the Night Rod Special, at 122 horsepower (91 kW) at 500 rpm lower engine speed.

VRSCSE: Screamin' Eagle CVO V-Rod

Model years: 2005. In 2005 Harley Davidson's Custom Vehicle Operations produced their first V-Rod. The dimensions were identical to the VRSCA at the time, but the VRSCSE featured extra chrome, custom paint, and not the typical "clamshell" found on other VRSC models. Mechanically the VRSCSE was boosted by a 1,250 cc Revolution Engine, with CNC ported heads.

VRSCSE2: Screamin' Eagle CVO V-Rod

Model years: 2006. The VRSCSE2 was the first V-Rod or VRSC model to feature a 240 mm rear tire. It also featured the Screamin' Eagle 1,250 cc Revolution Engine.

VRSCR: Street Rod

Model years: 2006–2007. The Street Rod was marketed as the “roadster-inspired” member of the VRSC line. The Street Rod was the first VRSC to ever feature inverted forks made by Showa, with a steep rake and Brembo supplied brakes. It also featured the highest seat height at 30 inches (76 cm) of any VRSC model. The Street Rod also claimed the greatest lean angle at 40°, over the 32° lean of the other VRSC models. The Street Rod came equipped solely with mid-mounted controls. The Street Rod would be the first to feature the 5 gallon tank in the 2006 year model, that would become standard for the line in 2007.

VRSCX: V-Rod

Model years: 2007. Harley Davidson put out the VRSCX as a Screamin' Eagle Tribute bike in honor of the Harley V-Rod's second consecutive NHRA Championship. The VRSCX had the same dimensions as the 2007 VRSCAW, featuring the 240 mm rear tire, 5 gallon gas tank, and forward controls. However, the VRSCX also featured a tribute paint job reminiscent of the pro stock V-Rod, a smoked drag-visor windshield, as well as the 1,250 cc Screamin' Eagle Revolution Engine.

VRXSE: V-Rod "Destroyer"

In 2007 Harley Davidson Introduced a non-street legal, out of the box drag bike nicknamed the Destroyer. With ET's of 8 to 10 seconds with a decent rider, this bike came with the same engines as others in its family, with the exception of a long stroke flywheel, over-sized valves, dyno tuned velocity stacks, large bore high compression forged pistons, high lift cams, multi stage lock-up clutch, programmable shift light, pneumatic shifter, larger throttle bodies, and much more race equipment.

The Revolution engine

The Revolution engine is based on the VR-1000 Superbike race program, developed by Harley-Davidson's Powertrain Engineering team. It is a liquid-cooled, dual-overhead-cam, internally counterbalanced 60 degree V-twin engine with a displacement of 69 cubic inches (1,130 cc), producing 115 horsepower (86 kW) at 8,250 rpm at the crank, with a redline of 9,000 rpm. It was introduced for the new V-Rod line in 2001 for the 2002 model year, starting with the single VRSCA (V-Twin Racing Street Custom) model.

A 1,250 cc Screamin' Eagle version of the Revolution engine was made available for 2005, and was present thereafter in a single production model from 2005 to 2007. In 2008, the 1,250 cc Revolution Engine became standard for the entire VRSC line. Harley-Davidson claims 123 horsepower (92 kW) at the crank for the 2008 VRSCAW model. The VRXSE Destroyer is equipped with a stroker (75 mm crank) Screamin’ Eagle 1,300 cubic centimetres (79 cu in) Revolution Engine, producing over 165 horsepower (123 kW).