HARLEY-DAVIDSON Night Rod Special (2008-2009) Specs, Performance & Photos

The Night Rod Special was a cruiser motorcycle made by Harley-Davidson, derived from the original VRSC model. The bike was marketed as a factory-made custom version of the standard Night Rod and was part of the Dark Custom series in Harley-Davidson's range.

In 2008, the American maker released the Harley-Davidson Night Rod Special, a bike that featured a 240 mm rear tire, and most of the chromed accents were replaced by black paint. Also, the bike rolled on black slotted wheels with dark orange pinstripes.

The 2008 machine came with an increased displacement from 1,130cc to 1,247cc, delivering slightly more power and torque. In addition, the bike featured a slipper clutch and an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) as an option.

The 1,245cc four-stroke liquid-cooled engine, with an electronically controlled fuel injection system, delivered an output power of 125 hp with maximum strength at 8,250 rpm and 115 Nm (85 lb-ft) torque at 7,000 rpm.

In the braking department, the bike packed two 300 mm discs with four-piston calipers on the front wheel and a 300 mm disc with a four-piston caliper on the rear wheel, providing excellent stopping power.

As for suspension, the bike featured a 49 mm telescopic fork on the front with 100 mm wheel travel and dual spring preload-adjustable shock absorbers on the rear with 70 mm wheel travel.

The 2008 Harley-Davidson Night Road Special had an MSRP of $16,795 when it was new and sold for $6,125 as used in 2023.