Photo: Harley-Davidson
Harley-Davidson wowed the public last week with the biggest change in its history by unveiling a redesigned, re-engineered Softail lineup and by discontinuing the Dyna series as most of its DNA was conjoined with the former class. However, few noticed that there is another important change for 2018. The V-Rod power cruiser is nowhere to be found on the list...
The V-Rod’s ample frame, large engine, and those exposed double shocks at the back technically make it a Dyna, so it somehow makes sense that it’s gone from the list, at least for the moment. But then, killing such a special model doesn’t do any good if you ask us, especially now when Harley-Davidson needs to orient to a more younger and diverse market.
This unique power-cruiser came to life in 2001, being developed to compete against Japanese and American muscle bikes. The machine was opposite to what the company usually built along its long history.
For example, the Revolution engine it used was developed in conjunction with Porsche and was based on the VR-1000 Superbike. It was still a V engine, but the cylinders were angled at 60 degrees, it was water cooled, and it used double overhead cams.
The bike's low slung profile was obtained through a big rake up front, a hydroformed frame, and the repositioning of the fuel tank under the seat. The rounded metal thing imitating a standard gas tank was, in fact, a cover for the airbox, which, again, wasn’t mounted on the side of the engine like on traditional H-D bikes.
Along the years, the V-Rod received Brembo brakes, a modified tail section to accommodate a wider tire, larger engine, blacked out frame, slipper clutch, ABS, and even new versions like the Night Rod Special, V-Rod Muscle, or Street Rod.
Although not being one of the most popular models in the company’s history, the V-Rod was held in production for over sixteen years. It managed to make its own fanbase, with riders who wouldn’t want anything else from the Milwaukee based company’s stable, considering the other models outdated nor attractive enough.
We shouldn’t lose hope, though, Harley-Davidson needs a special bike like the V-Rod in its lineup, something to be pitted against the likes of the Ducati XDiavel for example.
This unique power-cruiser came to life in 2001, being developed to compete against Japanese and American muscle bikes. The machine was opposite to what the company usually built along its long history.
For example, the Revolution engine it used was developed in conjunction with Porsche and was based on the VR-1000 Superbike. It was still a V engine, but the cylinders were angled at 60 degrees, it was water cooled, and it used double overhead cams.
The bike's low slung profile was obtained through a big rake up front, a hydroformed frame, and the repositioning of the fuel tank under the seat. The rounded metal thing imitating a standard gas tank was, in fact, a cover for the airbox, which, again, wasn’t mounted on the side of the engine like on traditional H-D bikes.
Along the years, the V-Rod received Brembo brakes, a modified tail section to accommodate a wider tire, larger engine, blacked out frame, slipper clutch, ABS, and even new versions like the Night Rod Special, V-Rod Muscle, or Street Rod.
Although not being one of the most popular models in the company’s history, the V-Rod was held in production for over sixteen years. It managed to make its own fanbase, with riders who wouldn’t want anything else from the Milwaukee based company’s stable, considering the other models outdated nor attractive enough.
We shouldn’t lose hope, though, Harley-Davidson needs a special bike like the V-Rod in its lineup, something to be pitted against the likes of the Ducati XDiavel for example.
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