HARLEY-DAVIDSON Night Rod Special (2012-2013) Specs, Performance & Photos

The Harley-Davidson Night Rod Special was a cruiser motorcycle part of the VRSC series in Harley-Davidson's range. The VRSC range of cruiser machines was manufactured from 1999 to 2017, comprising models with different designations and appearances.

The V-Rods were often referred to as muscle bikes due to their powerful engine and were the first motorcycles made by Harley-Davidson that packed liquid-cooled engines with overhead camshafts.

In 2012, the American manufacturer launched the Harley-Davidson Night Rod Special, a unique motorcycle derived from the standard Night Rod. The 2012 machine came with several modifications.

Some new highlights of the 2012 model included split five-spoke aluminum wheels with orange pinstripes, a flush-mounted taillight, a pulled-back handlebar with controls closer to the rider, forward-mounted footpegs, a black speed screen visor, and much more.

The bike's dark design was complemented by many black components, including the front fork, air box cover, fenders, swingarm, frame, wheels, and black powder-coated engine with black head covers and polished cooling fins.

The 2012 Harley-Davidson Night Rod Special was powered by a 1,247cc V-twin liquid-cooled Revolution engine with an electronic fuel injection system, boasting 125 hp with a peak force at 8,250 rpm and 115 Nm (85 lb-ft) torque at 7,000 rpm.

The base price for the 2012 machine was $15,299 when it was released, and in 2023, the bike was for sale with a retail price of $8,240.