Hello friend — hope you are doing well. Today I want to talk about one legendary bike, Harley-Davidson V-Rod. I will write in simple English, like a normal rider telling you what I think. Let’s explore what makes V-Rod special, and why many people still talk about it with respect — even though it is no longer produced new for India.
What is V-Rod — a quick intro
The Harley-Davidson V-Rod (or V ROD / VRSC) was a motorcycle from Harley‑Davidson, made between 2002 and 2017. It was not like the old school Harleys with air-cooled engines. Instead, V-Rod brought something different: a liquid-cooled V-twin engine and more modern engineering. Because of this, people often call V-Rod a “muscle bike” rather than a classic cruiser.
Brother, this bike was a bold attempt by Harley to merge classic Harley feel with serious performance — and I think they pulled it off quite well.
Engine and Performance — the heart of V-Rod
Let’s talk about what’s under the tank (or well — under the seat, more on that later).
- V-Rod in its later versions came with a 1247 cc liquid-cooled Revolution V-Twin engine.
- It produces around 115 bhp (or 115 PS) and 111 Nm torque.
- Fuel tank capacity was about 18.9 litres.
- Official mileage figures hovered around 18 km per litre (though in real world it depends on riding style).
Friend, do you know it’s very special that Harley used liquid-cooling and higher revving engine for a cruiser? Traditional Harleys usually had slower revving, air-cooled engines. V-Rod’s engine gave good punch, enough to feel the power if you open the throttle.
On the road, because of that engine and torque, V-Rod was much more powerful and faster than most classic cruisers. For someone who wants a mix of cruiser comfort and performance, this bike was a rare breed.
Design, Looks and Riding Feel
Now let’s talk about what the Harley-Davidson V-Rod looked like — in my opinion, this is where the bike truly became something special.
V-Rod didn’t look like a typical bulky old-school Harley cruiser. Instead:
- It had a long wheelbase, fat rear tyre, low-slung stance and muscular frame — giving a “drag-bike meets cruiser” vibe.
- The fuel tank was actually placed under the seat, while above where normal tank sits, there was a cover for airbox/coolant — unusual but it gave the bike a custom-built, mean look.
- The overall look was aggressive, modern, and heavy — more like a “power cruiser / muscle bike” than a laid-back cruiser.
Brother, imagine riding such a beast on open road — it doesn’t just look powerful, it feels powerful. I think that’s why many riders loved V-Rod: you get Harley’s presence, but with a sporty twist.
Riding posture was kind of stretched out: forward feet pegs, drag-style handlebars; this gives a sort of “chest-forward, ready to fly” feeling — good for straight roads and highways more than tight city corners.
Why V-Rod was different for Harley and what it meant
Let me tell you, Harley-Davidson V-Rod stands out among all Harleys, and why people still remember it.
- First-ever street-ready Harley with overhead-camshaft + liquid-cooling — breaking from traditional Harley designs.
- It was designed with help from engineers outside typical Harley circle (some European influence), to deliver real performance — not just cruiser-style torque.
- Because of its distinctive “muscle-cruiser” identity, it attracted riders who wanted something beyond “cruiser comfort” — something with attitude, power and speed.
Do you know it’s very special that a brand like Harley — often associated with slow, heavy cruisers — tried this mix of style and performance? For many, V-Rod represented a new possibility: a Harley that didn’t sacrifice speed for looks.
What changed: Discontinuation and legacy
But friend, Harley-Davidson V-Rod is not in production anymore. The line stopped in 2017. In India, the last recorded ex-showroom price was roughly ₹ 22.03 lakh. Because it is discontinued, you won’t get a brand-new V-Rod from the showroom — but many riders who own one often treat it more like a collectable, a “dream-bike type.”
Still, because of its unique identity — mix of Harley heritage and muscle-bike performance — V-Rod remains a cult favourite. People who love big, powerful bikes often admire V-Rod, even if they ride something else.
Some trade-offs: What you should know
I don’t want to hide that Harley-Davidson V-Rod had some trade-offs — as every bike does.
- Because of its heavy weight (nearly 290–300 kg range) and long wheelbase, V-Rod feels best on straight roads — not ideal for tight turns or slow city traffic.
- Fuel efficiency is modest (around 18 kmpl), so for daily city commute it may be expensive.
- Storage space and practicality are low — V-Rod was never made for touring with luggage; it’s more about style and ride-feel.
So friend, if you are thinking of owning V-Rod — you should love big bikes, powerful engines, and don’t mind compromises on practicality.
My personal “from-rider” take
If I imagine myself riding through the highway with the roar of a Harley-Davidson V-Rod engine, I get a sense of power and identity. For me, V-Rod was never just a bike — it was a statement. It said: “I like performance, I like bold style, and I ride to feel alive.”
Maybe it’s not for daily city commuting in our town (traffic, potholes, fuel cost), but for weekend rides, long open roads — I think there’s nothing like it.
The fact that V-Rod tried to change what a “Harley” could be — that boldness, that experiment — deserves respect.
Final thoughts
In short — Harley-Davidson V-Rod is a special kind of bike: part cruiser, part muscle-bike, full of attitude. It may not be perfect, not the most practical for everyday use, but if you appreciate power, style and the rumble of a strong V-twin, it’s hard to ignore what V-Rod gave to biker world.
FAQs
1. What makes the Harley-Davidson V-Rod so famous?
The V-Rod became popular because it didn’t behave like a normal Harley. It had a liquid-cooled engine, sharp design, and strong performance. Riders loved it for its bold “muscle-bike” feel.
2. Can I buy a new Harley-Davidson V-Rod today?
No friend, Harley has stopped making the V-Rod. You can only find it in the used bike market now.
3. What was its price earlier in India?
The last known price was around ₹22 lakh ex-showroom.
In our town, the on-road used to come close to ₹24–25 lakh, depending on taxes and insurance.
4. Is the V-Rod good for highway trips?
Yes, it’s great on open roads. The bike feels stable, powerful, and smooth. But on very long rides, the stretched seating can feel a bit tiring.
5. Is it easy to ride in traffic?
Not really, brother. It’s heavy, long, and takes effort in tight spaces. City traffic isn’t its comfort zone.
6. What colours did it come in?
Different models came in shades like Black, Red, Silver, Orange, and some chrome-focused editions.
7. Is maintaining a V-Rod expensive?
Yes, it is. Parts and service cost more than regular bikes. Since it’s discontinued, finding some parts can take a little time.
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