HARLEY-DAVIDSON V-Rod (2003-2004) Specs, Performance & Photos

In 2003, the American maker released the Harley-Davidson V-Rod, a cruiser motorcycle known as a muscle bike due to its high-power output. The V-Rod was part of a street custom series in Harley-Davidson's range, comprising cruisers manufactured from 1999 to 2017.

The VRSC was first introduced in 2001 as a single model named the V-Rod, developed to compete against other Japanese and American muscle bikes. The bike was powered by a Revolution engine developed by Porsche Engineering in association with several engineers from Harley.

The 2003 Harley-Davidson V-Rod was fitted with a raked-out fork on the front, a pulled-back handlebar for a more relaxed, laid-back riding position, a low seat, disc wheels, a silver-finished aluminum frame, and a two-into-two chromed, slash-cut exhaust system.

The bike took its power from a Revolution 1,130cc four-stroke V-twin liquid-cooled engine with a fuel injection system, delivering 115 hp at 8,500 rpm and 100 Nm (74 lb-ft) torque at 7,000 rpm.

The full disc wheels were fitted with two 300 mm discs with four-piston calipers on the front and a single 300 mm disc with a four-piston caliper on the rear, delivering excellent stopping power.

As for suspension, the bike packed a 49 mm telescopic fork on the front with 100 mm wheel travel and two adjustable shock absorber on the rear, providing excellent suspension performance and handling.