Harley test ride - what bike?

[jaskc78]

How bad was it that you wouldn't ride the v-rod? What is the seat height of it?

RhadamYgg

Seat height of the v-rod is 27.1 inches according to HD.com.

[RhadamYgg]

How bad was it that you wouldn't ride the v-rod? What is the seat height of it?

RhadamYgg

The seat height isn't the issue. The seat is pretty low to the ground IMO...it's the forward reach bars and foot controls that give people troubles.

Ahh I understand, I think. Well, probably not until I sit on one.

RhadamYgg

[RhadamYgg]

How bad was it that you wouldn't ride the v-rod? What is the seat height of it?

RhadamYgg

Seat height of the v-rod is 27.1 inches according to HD.com.

Seat height isn't too bad by itself, but I have no idea about the combo with the controls and stuff.

RhadamYgg

[jaskc78]

yeah, there's quite a few of them at the local HD dealership, but i didn't sit on any because they just don't appeal to me. can't get past the looks. i'm superficial, i'm a guy, it happens.

[Locopez]

I got the same thing in the mail....kinda of tossed aside...then a co-worker asked me if I got the same thing. He told that I needed to get down and ride a bike...to get the gift.

So I did...rode a soft tail Rocker.....so coming in the mail a gift card from Shell for free gas!!!!! wooohoooo......

[koji52]

Here you go Dean, Nightrod Special rental review:

In a single word: amaaaazing. After about 17 hours on this thing between yesterday and today, I am in love with the bike and it'll probably (close to definately) be my next bike (hopefully in December/January time).

Pros (in my eyes):

Power - unending amounts of power with this bike. In gears 2-5 this bike pulls hard from bottom to rev limiter...First gear was a bit mild, which made this bike's power very manageable. Since it was a rental, I felt free to open up the throttle and let it fly. 2nd gear gets you up over 60 easily. Yesterday I rode with three other guys through some northeastern PA roads so I wasn't able to really let it go. However, this morning we woke up and rode to the shore at around 8 so traffic was low and the roads were open on I195, so I was able to get it to 110 mph before I chickened out and slowed down. It pulled strong to 110 and could've gone much higher I think. I've read that guys have had it up to 150 but I definately don't have the balls to do that. Bottom line though, the power band is wide and but manageable.

Looks - you probably already know the bike may be one of the most bada$$ looking Harley's out there so not much to say here. The blacked out style and fat rear tire take the cake. Needless to say, I got looks everywhere I went. I love the way it looks.

Controls - clutch is reeeeaaal easy to pull and shifting is smooth. The typical HD clunky tranny is not present on the NRS and it's super easy to find neutral. I cannot say enough about the breaks. They had great stopping power (especially compared to the XL or Bob). ABS made sure they never locked up and I put that to the test a few times. They're too sensitive for a new rider but for someone with a bit of experience, they are great.

Ride - the bike runs so smoothly. There's virtually no vibration in the bars, which is much different than what I'm used to. The seating position has gotten much criticism due to the "clammed" position you are put in but I rode around 17 hours in it and my back, legs and butt are fine. The only pain i did get was in my right shoulder. With the hunched over position I think you end up supporting your head through the wind resistance with your traps. With regular riding, I think I could get used to this. Also, the seat height is 25" from the ground (that's up to around my knee, for reference) and was absolutely sweet. I 100% enjoyed the low seating and clammed up positioning. That's the kind of position I prefer. Probably not for everyone though. Since I was able to last a while on the bike and not feel real pain, the saddle is something that deserves to be mentioned as well. It's a bit soft, but supports the body well. Suspension was nice (my xl is terrible at this).

I got my girlfriend on the back last night after my day out. As expected, the bike can pull both our weights effortlessly. The suspension held strong and didn't bottom out either. The only thing i have against two up on the NRS is the foot peg placement. The right passenger peg is right above the exhaust and is tiny. I could see a passenger resting the heel of his/her foot on the exhaust and melting rubber. Also, she said the seat wasn't comfy.

Overall costruction - Solid. The bike is very well put together. The balance of this bike is phenomenal. Center of gravity is low and the fat tire probably helps a bit when coming to a stop.

Cons

Heat - this bike gets reaaal hot. The exhaust runs by the right foot peg and touching is a no-no. I never touched it but i was also careful not to. In the winter, I ride with my knees to the tank and shiver with the bike (haha). This would burn my calves on the NRS. At stops, the bike eminates a ton of heat so traffic would be a death sentence for some on the NRS.

Handling - Not a giant con, but it definately is much harder to handle than a Fat Bob or my xl. The back end of the bike is sluggish and it takes a bit to push it around a bend or corner. What doesn't help this is the fact that the lean angle is pretty restricted by the pegs. I scraped the left peg once early in the ride and was careful not to do it again. This means slower speeds going into turns, for the most part. Once I knew the limits, it was fine though. Barring the extra effort and limited clearance, this bike is incredibly stable while leaning.

In traffic, the front end is pretty heavy and can be burdensome in slow speed maneuvers. I did have some trouble pulling U-turns at first. This might be becuase of the ridiculous length of the bike and the weight. It was definately not easy to flick around like the XL though. Nothing that a few hours in a parking lot with cones won't fix though.

Other issues perhaps pro or con - The pipes are quiet. Unless youre romping on the bike, wind noise is louder than the exhaust. This can be good or bad, depending on your stance on noise. I think I would throw on some slip on mufflers so I could hear it a little bit. I did feel a bit naked without the traditional Harlye chunky exhaust music but that's a small matter. The gas tank is under the seat, which flips up on one side. I usually fill my bike on the left side, this bike you fill from the right because of the flipped seat.

Conclusion:
Absolutely incredible fun to ride. At 11:00 this morning, I turned in the keys and jumped on the XL, which just had a new front tire installed. While easier to handle, I am probably six inches higher and my arms aren't nearly as stretched as the NRS had me. I've felt the power of the NRS and the XL's 883 just doesn't cut it anymore. While I love my bike, I am addicted to the NRS and will probably be trading in for it. I contemplated having both, but unfortunately I just don't think i'd ride the sporty if i had the NRS.

Bottom line, I hate to say this Dean, ya missed out on the Night Rod. The ride is an experience on its own with this bike and it just fits me like a glove...my suggestion, get leg implants or wear some platform shoes and get on it. Just kidding, of course. It's an absolutely amazing machine though with a gigantic price tag. Hopefully I can pick up a leftover 09 model at the end of this year or beginning of the next.

Now, back to daydreaming of the day i pick one up for myself.

[squirts]

Koji52, sounds like you had a great weekend! Ironic that even though the Vrod is an all new design with much advanced technology over "traditional" Harleys it shares many of the same "issues" as its more traditional family: Excessive heat and "clunkiness"at lower speeds. Like you, the blacked out look, wide tire and low, mean stance is a definite draw to me. Thanks for the run down. Once you get that critter in YOUR garage be sure to snap some pix (and put down your address) so guys like me can come knockin' for a ride. =) Squirts

[koji52]

Sure thing man...it's the only thing I've thought about all day and i'm fighting the urge just to go and trade in for one. The problem is that I am apartment living right now so I really should buy a house with a garage first, then fill it with toys. Decisions decisions...great bike though. I DEFINATELY recommend you go try it out with either a test ride or a rental...

I'm starting to think I just tortured myself with it. haha

[jaskc78]

Now, back to daydreaming of the day i pick one up for myself.

i feel your pain. i stopped by the local HD dealer on my way back into town today. i wanted so badly to just buy one and make do on a minimal budget til the pay raises start rolling in.

damn my financial conscience. and yeah, it'll just make it that much nicer when i do get it, blah blah blah.

[dean owens]

dang short legs.

i once saw a show on little people (i like documentaries). in this show they had one guy who was having surgery where they were breaking his legs and arms and having him wear these braces on the outside to hold it all together while the bones would grow back together. this was done to make him taller.

i think i'll look into this so i can ride a v-rod.

it's too bad they can't do something about that exhaust and bring the controls a few inches closer. i'd really like them if they were in a standard position.