Like most "old-schooler" riders, I remember having second thoughts about what the Company was thinking when they introduced the VRSC.
I first started riding when I'd "borrow" my uncle's motorcycle when he was out-of town for extended periods-of-time back in the mid-70's, and fell in love with the sport. I bought my first new sportster in 1980 and would never have imagined a model like the V Rod being made. Many of the long term HD riders still have no idea of how this bike handles on the road, the gearing of the Revolution motor or that it's included in the cruiser-class. Taking this bike out for a test-ride is FREE at the local HD Dealership, yet rarely does the "old-schooler" take advantage of this offer.
In mid-February I did. But before taking out the V-Rod, I took out a 2011 Super Glide, because I've admired them for years but what a disappointment compared to my preconceived notion of what it would be. Besides, I preferred a bigger motor. I remember my new Fatbob from years back and loved that bike, but had that during my 20's. The day I got it home from the dealership my buddy held the bike while I sledge-hammered the baffles out of the pipes with a weight-lifting bar. Flames shot two-feet from them when riding it hard and the bike went-on to beat the track-speed record in the stock class at the Daytona Speedway in '82'.
The night between these two test rides had me reconsidering what I really wanted in a motorcycle, and none of the new model bikes from the showroom floor stood out in my mind. Taking the V Rod out for the test ride was doing what I do best, going against the majority opinion, even against my own in this particular instance. This bike re-introduced me to the riding experience in a way that I can't remember having since my first motorcycle ride, and I barely slept that night from wanting to get right-back on it.
Maybe the overall design of the V Rod reminds people of a 'Sport-bike' and the sound unfamiliar when compared with the push-rod motor. (IMHO) In today's market, the V Rod exceeds all competition designs, and is rightfully boasted this way. My Night Rod Special currently has under 800 miles on it, and I haven't been this excited about a motorcycle in 30 years.
I'll be leaving the Philly area for the Grand Canyon in Mid-May and can't wait to hit those roads. Yesterday while out riding I wound up on a beautiful stretch of roadway and opened up the bike a little. I backed-off of the throttle when I hit 120+ miles-per-hour while still in third-gear. Why would I feel the need to explain to anyone why I choose this bike? If you consider yourself an HD fan, extend your respect for this model...nothing on the showroom floor compares.
chiachio
I first started riding when I'd "borrow" my uncle's motorcycle when he was out-of town for extended periods-of-time back in the mid-70's, and fell in love with the sport. I bought my first new sportster in 1980 and would never have imagined a model like the V Rod being made. Many of the long term HD riders still have no idea of how this bike handles on the road, the gearing of the Revolution motor or that it's included in the cruiser-class. Taking this bike out for a test-ride is FREE at the local HD Dealership, yet rarely does the "old-schooler" take advantage of this offer.
In mid-February I did. But before taking out the V-Rod, I took out a 2011 Super Glide, because I've admired them for years but what a disappointment compared to my preconceived notion of what it would be. Besides, I preferred a bigger motor. I remember my new Fatbob from years back and loved that bike, but had that during my 20's. The day I got it home from the dealership my buddy held the bike while I sledge-hammered the baffles out of the pipes with a weight-lifting bar. Flames shot two-feet from them when riding it hard and the bike went-on to beat the track-speed record in the stock class at the Daytona Speedway in '82'.
The night between these two test rides had me reconsidering what I really wanted in a motorcycle, and none of the new model bikes from the showroom floor stood out in my mind. Taking the V Rod out for the test ride was doing what I do best, going against the majority opinion, even against my own in this particular instance. This bike re-introduced me to the riding experience in a way that I can't remember having since my first motorcycle ride, and I barely slept that night from wanting to get right-back on it.
Maybe the overall design of the V Rod reminds people of a 'Sport-bike' and the sound unfamiliar when compared with the push-rod motor. (IMHO) In today's market, the V Rod exceeds all competition designs, and is rightfully boasted this way. My Night Rod Special currently has under 800 miles on it, and I haven't been this excited about a motorcycle in 30 years.
I'll be leaving the Philly area for the Grand Canyon in Mid-May and can't wait to hit those roads. Yesterday while out riding I wound up on a beautiful stretch of roadway and opened up the bike a little. I backed-off of the throttle when I hit 120+ miles-per-hour while still in third-gear. Why would I feel the need to explain to anyone why I choose this bike? If you consider yourself an HD fan, extend your respect for this model...nothing on the showroom floor compares.
chiachio