TIPS MODIFY ALL STYLE MOTORCYCLE: The Harley-Davidson V-Rod

Harley Davidson has introduced a new member of the V-Rod family, the V-Rod Muscle. The look is new with somewhat angular bodywork and exhaust pipes that exit on both sides of the bike.

The Revolution engine in the V-Rod is excellent but The Motor Company seems to be having a problem coming up with the right combination to attract a large numbers of buyers to the platform. I have a hunch they'll get it right, eventually, maybe the Muscle will do it, maybe not. Time will tell.

From Harley Davidson:
With sculpted bodywork stretched taut over a powerful new physique, the 2009 VRSCF V-Rod Muscle rides its way onto the Power Cruiser scene with a broad-shouldered presence. Gaping air scoops, sweeping side-pipe exhaust and a huge rear tire spinning under a clean, clipped fender speak to a contemporary, urban sense of style and performance. The Muscle pushes the Harley-Davidson V-Rod platform into a new turf, where it aims to hold its ground.

VRSC Key Features

1250cc Revolution V-Twin: Standard on all 2009 VRSC models, the 60-degree Revolution 1250cc V-Twin is liquid-cooled and features Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI), dual overhead cams, four-valve heads, and a five-speed transmission. The engine is rubber-mounted in a hydroformed steel perimeter frame. A shell covers the large-volume airbox located over the engine. A five-gallon fuel tank is located below the seat on all VRSC models. The engine is tuned to produce up to 125 hp at 8250 rpm and up to 85 ft-lbs. of torque at 7000 rpm.

Optional ABS: Each VRSC model is available with optional, factory-installed Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS). Designed to work in conjunction with high-performance Brembo triple-disc brakes, this is the most advanced braking system offered on any power cruiser. ABS is designed to help the rider maintain control during braking events, especially those that happen in less-than-optimal conditions. The components of the Harley-Davidson ABS have been designed and packaged to be virtually invisible, preserving the uncluttered styling of the area around the wheels. Unlike many motorcycle ABS, Harley-Davidson ABS is not a linked system, meaning the rider maintains full, independent control of both front and rear brakes.

On the Road

Fire up the V-Rod Muscle’s V-twin, and its exhaust note lives up to its name. The sound is mean and snarly, with an edge that’s a bit more polished than the typical staccato Harley burble. The shifter clicks nicely into gear, and twisting the throttle produces serious pull from the torquey V-twin.

If you have enough space to exercise the engine, there’s a nice rush of power with a bump in the torque curve at around 5,500 rpm. Redline is at 9,000 rpm, and the engine’s flexibility and powerband make it easy to speed- good for whipping through the city, bad for those trying to preserve their driving record.

When it comes to handling, the V-Rod Muscle is a mixed bag. On the one hand, the suspension firmness coupled with the low center of gravity produces responsive dynamics and a feeling of connectedness with the road. But on the other hand, the bike’s long wheelbase and relatively low clearance can make aggressive turning a bit challenging. It was easy to joust through rush-hour traffic along LA's crowded Wilshire Boulevard, but it took a bit more attention to maneuver the V-Rod Muscle on twisty canyon roads.

But the V-Rod Muscle is surprisingly nimble considering its weight, and actually fun to thread through traffic. And just as impressive as the engine’s tremendous torque is the ability of the brakes to bring the Muscle to a stop, with skid-free deceleration offering confidence-inspiring braking. Die hards may disdain ABS, but it won’t be too long before anti-locks become a normal part of the motorcycle landscape.

New V-Rod Muscle
The wide, angular air-box cover and chopped tail section look as solid and smooth as billet and give the new V-Rod Muscle lines that are clean and powerful. The size of the massive 240 mm rear tire is accentuated by the new broad, clipped and clean rear fender. The combination stop/tail/turn LED light is tucked under the edge of the rear fender, and the side-mount license plate leaves the fender surface smooth and uncluttered. Front-end styling balances the rear, with a trimmed fender that’s blacked out behind satin-finished inverted forks and LED turn signals integrated into the mirror stems. The radiator shrouds are restyled and color-matched to the rest of the bodywork, while the new airbox side covers incorporate air scoop inlets covered with woven wire mesh. The silver five-spoke cast aluminum front and rear wheels are a new design for the V-Rod line.

A new deep seat holds the rider firmly in place against the thrust of the Revolution V-Twin engine. The Muscle features forward foot controls, and a new handlebar with internal wiring. The handlebar is 1.5-inch cast aluminum with tubular steel ends and integrated risers. Bold polished forged aluminum triple clamps secure the inverted forks and frame the distinctive V-Rod teardrop reflector optic headlamp, housed in a satin black bucket.

The long profile of a 34-degree fork rake is stretched visually by new “sidepipe” dual exhausts in satin chrome with fat, turn-out mufflers exiting behind the rear axle. The V-Rod Muscle is available in Vivid Black, Brilliant Silver, Dark Blue Denim and Red Hot Sunglo.