HARLEY-DAVIDSON NIGHT ROD SPECIAL (2017-Present) Specs, Performance & Photos

In 2017, the American motorcycle manufacturer launched the Harley-Davidson Night Rod Special, a cruiser motorcycle with a darkened appearance and massive performance characteristics.

The bike was first released in 2007 as a custom machine derived from the standard Night Rod that debuted in 2006 as a new hot rod-inspired machine manufactured around the renowned Revolution engine.

The Harley-Davidson Night Rod Special was part of the VRSC series that debuted in 1999. The V-Rods were the first motorcycles manufactured by Harley-Davidson that featured a liquid-cooled engine with overhead camshafts. They were often called muscle bikes due to their power output.

At the heart of the 2017 Harley-Davidson Night Rod Special lays a 1.247cc four-stroke liquid-cooled V-twin engine with excellent performance capabilities, delivering 125 hp with a maximum peak force at 8,250 rpm and 115 Nm (85 lb-ft) torque at 7,000 rpm.

The sinister-looking machine was fitted with black-finished components, including the front fork, air box cover, exhaust pipes with brushed mufflers and black caps, fenders, frame, and the engine with polished cooling fins.

On every model, the fuel tank was under the seat, while in the usual tank location was a cover for the air box and liquid cooling filling cap. The 2017 model received new color options and several unique features.

In 2017, when it was launched, the bike had an MSRP of $17,849; in 2023, it was for sale with a price ranging between $12,000 to $13.000.