No wonder many riders don't know what to make of the new V-Rod from Harley-Davidson: The engine was designed in Germany by Porsche and it has the first water-cooled engine in Harley-Davidson's 99-year history.
The V-Rod doesn't look like any other Harley.
But it is the quickest and fastest production model the company has ever built, capable of reaching 97km an hour in 3.5 seconds and 161kph in a little over 8 seconds. Its top speed is just under 225kph
All other Harley models are powered by 45-degree V-twin air-cooled engines with camshafts in the block; the new V-Rod has an 1,130cc, 60-degree engine with double overhead cams and four valves for each cylinder.
It produces 115HP at 8,500 rpm, the most of any Harley. It will sell for about US$16,995.
The long rear swingarm and twin shock absorbers give a decent cruising ride -- there isn't excessive travel and it's not sloppy. The V-Rod has a very long 171cm wheelbase, and it handles better than other Harleys because it is so much lighter.
Still, handling remains slow and heavy. The triple-disc brakes on the 272km V-Rod are the best on any Harley I have ever used, period. The thin, narrow seat is comfortable for a short-to-medium cruise.
The best thing about the V-Rod is that it is only 26 inches off the ground, so it will accommodate a wide range of riders.
The handlebars are neither too wide nor too far back, with a hydraulic reservoir on either side, but working the stiff clutch quickly tires the left hand.
The brake and clutch levers have no adjustments for riders with smaller hands.
The rubber handgrips themselves are too hard and too smooth, especially when riding barehanded in hot weather, when they tend to get sweaty and slippery.
The foot shifter and rear brake pedal are set too far forward, with a slender footpeg on each side, There is no other place to put your feet, so the riding position gets uncomfortable quickly. There is no place to lock a helmet to the bike, either.
Ergonomic issues aside, riding the V-Rod is like being saddled up on a silvery mechanical Secretariat while all other Harley riders are on Clydesdales. The bike is perfect for a fast ride on gently curving byways and open roads. With its dazzling new lines, the V-Rod even commands attention when it's stopped at an intersection.
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