The latest addition to Harley-Davidson's VRSC family mates the low saddle height and raked-out frame of the V-Rod with the pumped-up 120-horsepower motor and exhaust system of the Street Rod roadster and then rolls in some detail touches all its own. The complete test is available in the October 2005 issue of Motorcycle Cruiser magazine. Here are some initial impressions from our first rides on the bike.
The Night Rod offers both mid-set rider pegs and highway pegs as well as that little fairing. To seal the deal, it asks less of your wallet than previous Harley Rod series motorcycles, although the entire VRSC series enjoys a $1000 price reduction this year.
Combine the V-Rod's solid handling, formidable performance and strong brakes (now Brembos), each of which ranks at or near the top of the range for performance cruisers, and you have an impressive motorcycle, one that will easily leave the those tubby mega twins reeling in its wake. It's even good-looking if our sample, which included the $495 chrome engine package, is any measure. In fact, it's the best-looking of the V-Rod series, and as well as the most affordable.
A stylishly stripped-down dresser, the Street Glide appearance bargain rear suspension, a smoked mini -wind deflector, and Tri-line LED lighting at the basal of the rear fender for a low, angular profile. A acceptable “bat wing” allowance holds a 40-watt Advanced Audio System by Harman/Kardon. A stretched, chrome ammunition catchbasin animate and Streamliner footboards, anchor pedal and commuter pegs accomplishment the custom treatment. Newly restyled Black Slotted Disc casting aluminum auto are absolute to the Street Glide. A new low-mount authorization bracket locates the bowl beneath the appendage lamp, with new LED illumination.
