6th Jun 2007, 14:40
This ain't your grandfather's Harley for sure...
Riding for over thirty years I bought the VRSCA and experienced what I can only call a reawakening... I've ridden some extreme motorcycles over the years, and what makes this Vrod great, is that at lower rpm it is friendly with plenty of power, but shift down two gears and nail it, and it's like being shot out of a cannon.
At 58 years old I am smiling like a fool as I ride this exciting machine, and every gas stop seems to gather a crowd of people looking at the bike. It's a great ride, I never have been sorry I got this bike, and expect to keep it indefinitely.
5th Jul 2007, 04:28
The V-Rod is simply a great achievement all the way around. It is a true "STREET" bike and it's American - ade in USA with a Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde type power plant, handling and a unique look. The radiator is a non-issue, it's got one - period!
Those who need to criticize are stuck in time, jealous and/or ignorant. The odd thing is all the mouth runnin' comparisons from Japanese riders to 4 cylinder "Sport" bikes. Just that reference alone speaks volumes for Harley. I mean it's a 600+ pound V-twin cruiser vs. a 4-500 pound 4 cyl. sport bike? Who'd of ever thought they'd be nervous?
25th Jul 2007, 20:34
Hey all, I'm thinking of getting one; it's 2003 Anniversary VROD with 5000 on the clock. Any suggestions what to look out for, and what would be a good price for a bike in mint condition?
Cheers
JC.
8th Apr 2008, 08:56
To: american made. Where did your tires come from that are on your american made HD?
23rd Dec 2008, 23:36
Gee guys, I've owned my share of every kinda bike. My past HD's have had Showa forks and Japanese switch gear. And these are the traditional air cooled bikes.
My V-Max's were reliable to a fault. My Kawa's & Zuki's were all fun also.
My 71 HD SS350 was built in Italy!!
My V-Rod and Buell XB12Scg both are great bikes for their intended usages and have "World" sourced parts.
My ol' soft tail & FXLR had enough parts sourced out of the USA to make the "traditional" Harley guys cry. World economy, World parts sourcing, get used to it!!
BTW, read a little about why HD went to Porsche for R&D. It was still a HD engineers bike in the end.
Bottom line, get outside and ride. Makes no difference in what you do it on!!!
12th Mar 2009, 00:11
I have ridden motorcycles since 1975, and the V-Rod I now have is by far the best bike I have ever ridden. It is an absolutely incredible bike.
10th Dec 2009, 07:29
I own an 04 VRSCA - it's my first bike and it's the best thing I've ever done for myself! I've now been riding for 3 years and this bike is an excellent bike to learn and grow on. It's forgiving for the novice, and has power that is unbelievable for the experienced rider.
The only complaint that I have are the solid rims - they look great and normally are a non-issue, but get hit with some crosswind, and brother you better be holding on tight!
Otherwise, I can't say enough positive things about this bike - I'm glad I took the plunge and I'd do it all over again!
13th Nov 2010, 06:40
I have 2 VRODS, an '03 100 year anniv. and an '05 CVO Screamin' Eagle. I love the heck out of them. Great for short rides and comfortable on long rides, but if you are over 5'11", don't think it's for you.
26th Jan 2011, 22:42
I've been riding English and Japanese bikes since the mid-60's. Rode a V-Rod at a dealership not long ago. Seemed like a rock solid 30-year-old Japanese superbike, only heavier, clumsier and slower. Keep trying Harley, you'll catch up with the rest of the world someday.
15th Mar 2015, 04:15
At 61 years old, I have owned almost every brand of bike; lots of Harleys, some Hondas and Yamahas, and my current garage holds a 2005 FJR 1300, a rocket and a 2003 V-Rod Anniversary, picked it up used in 2014 with 12K miles, great ride, smooth, fast, amazing engineering. The V-Rod puts a smile on my face every time I ride it, great ride at 4-5,000 RPM, amazing ride at 7-8,000 RPM. Second and third owners get a great bike at an incredible value. Oh, I'm 6'1" and find it comfortable.
21st May 2007, 11:59
"Bro, it's got a radiator, you sure it's a Harley?"
I'm willing to bet that this guys v-rod is more of a Harley than you've ever owned. Back when Harley was beginning, they were the top of the line in every aspect. Around the 50's-60's they started to lose it and never got it back. Now at least they are showing signs of progress with the v-rod, and can hopefully reclaim their crown as the top of the line with some more progress. The v-rod is indeed the closest thing to a true Harley since the 50's.