Rabid Hedgehog's Review of the 2015 Harley Davidson Night Rod Special
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Sometimes you just need a second chance.
Specs on the 2015 Harley Night Rod Special
MSRP $16849.00
1250CC Liquid Cooled 60 Degree V-Twin
125HP and 87 Ft-lbs of Torque
Combined MPG 37
5 Gallon gas Tank
25.6 inch seat
666 Lbs Wet
Bike from Iron Nation Harley Davidson located at 3433 N Broadway, Edmond, OK 73013
www.ironnationhd.com
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This IS THE BIKE for me now!...have been a Superbike rider all my life but I’ve looked into this for my elderly years of motorcycling and a Vivid Black Night Rod does it for me !!..a perfect blend of both worlds!!
So I’ll be a proud owner soon!!..🏍💨Can’t wait!!...☝🏾to grip those handlebars and twist the throttle!!!..👍🏾
I have the 2016 Night Rod Special, and you’re Right: it’s an Absolute DREAM!!!
I agree to all your saying, I have ridden many different motorcycles, old motorcycles and new ones. Also from different brands. I recently also got a night rod special, but what a machine. It has everything you could wish for. Speed, appearance, sound, etc. I'm sure this bike will be in my possession for a long time☺
I have the 2016 NRS and absolutely love it. I thought the same about the 240 rear tire and was happily surprised at how well it handled in the mountains. Much more nimble than I ever expected. It moves pretty well too. Surprised my son on his R1 when I opened it up to 8500rpms and floating gears! 😁😁
Great, honest review! One of the best yet. I used to say, never gonna buy a Harley and to prove it, I test road a 2012 Night Rod a few years ago. I passed the dealership for a second ride and they could hear me Ya-hooing all the way down the road.
I have been dreaming and saving my pennies since and just when I was ready to buy there appeared the Muscle. So now I have a 2016 V-Rod Muscle and just can't get enough of riding it. Powerful, very easy to maintain and it handles great.
This is a bike that can seriously change several peoples mind for sure. Congrats on the purchase and RSMF.
I own a 2016 night rod special, and love it. The first v-rod i rode, had a Kleeman supercharger. It was a beast.
There is a guy in this city with a turbo system on a 2013 and he can clear 200mph easy
Thanks for the review. I'd gone out and test ridden the 48 and a Dyna Fat Bob, and came away from those experiences somewhat disappointed. I was looking to get something bigger and meaner than my plucky little Honda NM4, but just couldn't get there with what I saw on those test rides. Honestly I wrote HD off at that point, then I happened to see a few reviews of this bike, yours included and gave one a shot. What a difference. Everything I wanted, nothing I didn't. Deposit down, they're finding me the 2016 gold/green version now, can't wait for it to get here. Great review, it really was a turning point that had me give HD a second look.
+Xzygy Awesome I hope you enjoy it! I actually got rid of my Fat Bob after this ride because of the way it rode.
I also own a 2015 Nightrod, and I absolute love it!! I have owned different motorcycles in my life such as Ducati, R1's, R6 and other cruisers, and by far the Vrod is the best !
It is comfortable and quick and for the rider it's just a nice bike.
Rest in peace Vrod we love you.
Indeed, or may she be resurrected once more, faster, stronger, better.
Just bought the same year, same color bike. Absolutely love it, especially with the Tab pipes and stage 1. Such a fun bike and fantastic handling even with the 240 rear tire
Unless in a parking lot going parking lot speeds, that is the only time it seems to say hello, but when in motion on the open road they handle so well. Just need mid sets.
Amazing review bro, this is the best night rod review i have ever cane across i have been watching all reviews and after this review i walked into the harly showroom and got me my night rod 2016. I am young too and i have been only riding sport bikes and as you said if it wasnt for this bike and the advances they made i would never buy a harley. I wish harley can start making more of those great choices. Thanks again bro. Great work. ✌️
Thank you for the support! I am hoping with the dealers conference on going this week there will be more good news besides just the Milwaukee 8 engine. Maybe a full out touring Night Rod or something.
Good review! The other traditional HD's dont vibrate your teeth off or anything else for that matter. I have a mildly modded 09 Night Train and it is smooth. Thanks for the post and ride safe!
I have this exact bike, except mine is the 2016. The Night Rod is one of the best power cruisers made, hands down.
It was indeed. Hoping the new 1250 engine will find its way into a replacement soon.
I've always wanted one of these. my wife gave me the ok so just waiting now. I'm so excited hopefully around the Xmas.
Best Christmas gift you'll ever have :)
Ive got a 09 nightrod special and I love it
Driving to the closed Harley dealership was a nice touch. I'm going to get one of these Harleys.
You will indeed enjoy it.
You will love it. A bit hard to find but they are out there. I've only seen one other NRS in my state and and the larger grip rides I've done (2000+ bikes). I go to car/bike shows and it gets ALOT of attention there and on the streets.
Great Review! I have the 2012 and I LOVE it! Your spot on with the handling and power - the more you ride it the more you discover that the bike doesn't limit what you want to do, you just learn how to talk to it better. I haven't modified mine either but am thinking about some V and H competition with the sound reduction baffles to avoid too much attention. Are you thinking of any mods?
I like this bike. I wonder if you can get a set of rear set foot pegs set up for it?
Wow man amazing video , I've been watching a lot of reviews about this bike because I will buy it but by far this is the best one and totally agreed with what you said at the end of the video!!
Thank you! The sad part to learn after this though is that for the US market this is the last year for the bike (2017 MY), so I hope they are doing something to resurrect it. I know with the Diavel and some of the other power cruisers out there that Harley has a market to keep this one in play. I am hoping they are making a chassis for the street that can handle what was called the Destroyer engine that was capable of 165HP. That would be fun.
Good review, I think im convinced on picking one up.
I agreed every bit of your thought. I bought a night rod 2016, got used to it straight away. easy turn and feel lighter than my CBR1000 when moving in out my garage. Considered i'm only 165cm and 65 kg. I test ride the sportster 48 like the seating position but not enough power. Did'nt get to test the night rod because my legs didn't reach the forward pecs I bought it anyway and changed to reach seat before pickup. OMG never look back. I love it.
Awesome glad you enjoy!
Bought a new '16 Muscle back in June. I absolutely LOVE the bike. Rock solid, head turner, faster than necessary! V Rod is the best bike ever made by H-D in my opinion. So needless to say I'm devastated that H-D is discontinuing V-Rod after next month (Oct. 2016). I know in a few years or so when I want a new and/or improved one, they won't be there :(.
Just picked up a 2014 Night Rod Special last week and I agree with you on every point. A very smooth bike and definitely rides better than my '08 Nightster did even with air shocks in the rear. My only gripe is the late clutch lever engagement that you mentioned. Other than that, a very refined bike and loves to rev.
Pulls like an untamed bull out of the gates too. As I called it later, sure there are Japanese bikes that are the scalpel of precision but sometimes you just need to bring the machete.
I ride a 2013 Nightrod.... you can feel the weight under 20 mph, over that speed this is a fun bike for country roads, suspension is great, tracks well under 100mph.
it look very cool in black!
nice balance look and perf!
Great review. I purchased a used 2016 a few weeks ago. Waiting for it to arrive. I purchases it out of state. Can't wait to hit the road.
You're going to love it for sure! Have you had your chance yet!?
Got the bike a week and a half ago. I got a killer deal. Bike has59 miles on it. apparently a guy purchased it brand new, brought it home and his was was so pissed off, he had to bring it back. since it was titled, it became "used". So I got it for the price of an older bike with a few thousand miles on it. The thing is phenomenal. Instant throttle response, very comfortable, great breaks. I'm actually a new rider and this is my first bike. I've been practicing slow speed maneuvers just about every day. Last couple days I went for a few rides. It's really hard to come home. It's just too much fun and the bike is just awesome!!!!
My wife's not crazy about it either, but I told the dealer if anything gets sent back, it'l be her:)
Thanks again for the great reviews and vlogs!
Bob
great review! Bought mine in 2011. love my 2012 night rod special. Have to say that harley finally got it right with the rims and paint and love the devil is involve with the weight, lol.
I always make a joke that it is 667...even though I know what it really is lol.
One correction is that the V-rod engine is not solid mounted as stated. The v-rod from 2002 on always was rubber mounted along with the counter balance
Thanks!
These reviews are awesome! Subbed!
Thanks!!!
Great honest review, awesome video. I have the same year 2015 vrod night rod special with the red strips and I love it I changed the exhaust and holy cow! it’s like you waking up a beast, awesome bike. it’s my first bike and you learn how to talk to it the more you ride it. Money well spent!😅😎
Same here. Never been a Harley fan and will never be. But I love v-rod. Best looking Harley IMHO. Its good I can get it for cheap.
Great video! I’m looking into one of these!
I had a brand new 2015 Night Rod Special traded her in for a Breakout before i even picked it up lol because i did not like the friction zone location (right at the end of the clutch travel).
Well said at the end and I feel like you’re right especially now that they don’t make these anymore and victory being closed for good. Looking at getting the 2012 version of this even though I had no interest in Harley before.
Great review! I'm considering this along with the Diavel and XDiavel in the cruiser segment. I'm also considering the Speed Triple RS and Monster 797 in the naked segment.
All very tough to choose from that is for sure. Good luck on your choice!
Great great review! Harley should hire you? You make me want to go buy this bike. Looks fun! Keep the vlogs coming and Ride Safe
+HarleyDayRider Thanks! I am just happy to do this again! The first video was bad... lol
Praise praise praise, thanks man. I just bought an 09 night rod a week ago and I’m still waiting for the weather to clear up so I can ride it, it’s my first Harley and I was very nervous to pull the trigger on this...but you have confirmed my decision. I feel so much better and I’m so excited to ride my v rod when the weather clears up...today is March 1
Have you got that shot?
Rabid Hedgehog I’m sorry I don’t know what you mean by “got that shot”
Just checking to see if you had the chance to ride. Kind of a slang term sorry :)
Rabid Hedgehog thanks for the clarification, unfortunately I haven’t. I live in Canada and probably won’t get a chance until April at the earliest
Also I noticed that whatever that piece is on the left side of the engine, it is constantly digging into my knee which I think will be very annoying when changing gears. Can you tell me what it is and if anything can be done to minimize its size?
Awesome review mate
Those final thought? Totally with you bro!!!
The good news to those few of us that look for good engineering and can care less about group belonging is that both of these (HD & BMW flops) are probably super affordable in the used bike market.
Sort of kind of. Some are starting to climb in value since they are being seen the way they should now that they are gone.
Did/will you try the Triumph Bonneville T120 or Thruxton R T120 2016?
Great video. 👍
the thing with the diavel tho is that it's much more like a sport tourer than a cruiser even tho it's marketed as a power cruiser. As far as I recall, it's got a thin seat and mid controls. I sat on one and it felt similar to my GSX-S. Naked bikes like that are comfortable but for long hauls and such..they still pale in comparison to the comfy seats and forward controls of a cruiser. So I'd WAYYY rather a night rod for good fun power but comfort and coasting ability on long trips.
The Suzuki looks like a fridge. The vrod is a piece of art. I had one and am getting another one
I want one but I want a bike that sounds beastly. But I love the look of this one,could you swap exhaust to something that gives it a heavy Harley sound?
Like any bike you can, and mines a v&h stright throw and man it sound loud and deep, beastie sound
This bike sounds better than any other Harley out there. Runs better more reliable and it's fast!
I have a TAB exhaust on my Nightrod, bad ass sound.
Beautiful bike wish i was young enough to own one.
It was fun for sure.
Loved demoing the Nightrod. It felt so modern compared to their other bikes. Brakes-brilliant, engine-sublime, suspension-comfy and compliant.
I disagree about the steering. Yes wagging the handlebars at 20 mph may be no big deal, but the faster you ride the harder it gets to steer and the more it wants to keep trying to go straight.
While like you, I didn't notice heat from the engine, my legs are short and my right one ran way close to the exhaust. And that thing was smokin hot.
In terms of turning it's not a sport bike, but compared to other Harleys and even some standards it can carve a corner very nicely. Have you rode with forward controls before? Sometimes coming from mid or sport style mount to this messes with balance at first, but once mastered you can get through corners at a good clip.
I owned a Yami Warrior. It steered much lighter than the Nightrod. Had great brakes too. The engine was a tractor compared to the Nightrod though.
I am not a big fan of forward pegs though. Not that forward anyway. I ended up putting floorboards on the Warrior. Dangling heels and wind trying to splay me out like a gynecologist ain't my thang.
Love to see Harley drop that engine in something built more like the Low Rider. Add a decent suspension and those glorious Nightrod brakes and they can add me to their waiting list.
Agreed on them actually allowing that engine to find another chassis. I need to find a Warrior to ride to see how it feels. Does it have the 240 rear as well?
No, it only wore a 200. Raider wears a 210 as I recall and even as raked and stretched as it is, it steers pretty light too. It's engine feels a lot more refined than my Warrior. Part of the issue with my Warrior was the aftermarket pipes. Really gave it the Blap Blap sound. The Raider with stock pipes had a more modern sounding growl. It's pipes are pretty gaudy though.
I'll try to check them out against the Night Rod. I feel the handling is fine on it though and it's light to me. But I do come from heavier Harleys. But I have rode a ton of different bikes and I think it stacks up pretty well against several of them.
hey wassaup ? first of all great review. I wanna buy this bike but im so confused in night rod and muscle because blacked out looks nice and the back fender of muscle also looks nice. Don't know what to choose night or muscle :(
The bikes do work pretty much the same and have the same lean angles and feel with the muscle being slightly wider and a little more scalloped seating. It's all aesthetics and personal preference about them from there.
I have an 08 I don't get ride it much at 76 but I'm fixing to get back on the darn thing and enjoy myself. I just have had too much life interference.
I feel you on life interference for sure. Hence video production slow down and everything as job has picked up during this weird time, one would think a slow down, but nope.
Great review! How do you feel about someone buying a Night Rod for their first bike? How much experience would you recommend?
My belief about first bikes is what the rider feels comfortable with. Always be sure to take the MSF or whatever safety course is available to you so you can learn everything about power control and riding and then you will be able to handle most everything that is out there. The Night Rod does handle well and would be alright for a first bike with training first. If you have no experience at all I do recommend something like a Vulcan S or something of that size first.
By far the most awesome review of The Harley Night Rod I've seen. I have seen dozens of them but this was the best.😃. A question that, "How would it be if it's speedometer gets a bit bigger and the handle bar gets thick like the muscle..?"😉
When people make those changes what they do is put the Speedo cluster into the airbox and will increase the dial sizes in there. The Muscle's bars are more of a unique kind of squared off bolted on items while the Night Rod uses a traditional clamp and bar. Some of the conversions look really good.
So you mean that the traditional clamp and bar has been made for this beast..!
And thanks a lot..😗😃😃👍🏻
Great review! How do you feel about someone buying a Night Rod as a first bike? how much experience would you recommend?
JetPlane Valentine little expensive for a first bike but I just bought mine as a second bike and don’t regret one dollar.
I would buy ir for the first Ride if i had Money. I Will have just nota now
I bought a 2003 VRSCA with only 6k on it as my first bike. It has been a year and the bike is great, I put 2k miles on it already. No issues with it, I put it down one time in a parking lot just trying to turn it too much but all that got damaged was the handle cap.
If you are getting this as a first bike, have no worries, go for it.
Nikolay Grigoryev how long did it take to get comfortable with it in general, particularly with cornering. Ive just bought an 07 ( first bike too ).
It took about a month, If you have never ridden a bike before then I suggest you take a safety course. I took it instead of taking a licence test. It really helped me... If you already know how to ride then the bike should be easy, its very stable and you sit low to the ground. Just take it easy turning. Also even with my bikes 280 tire I found that traction when its cold (bellow 50F) is really poor. I guess the tire cant warm up enough...
Congrats man :)
#BringBackTheVrod
How do you think this bike would be for taller riders? 6'2 @ 250. Love this bike but dont want to dwarf it!
I owned this bike for a couple of years and put over 10K on her and I will say you will not dwarf it as I am pretty close in size and weight. The forward mount helps it out with this. The clamshell position does kind of wear on any rider eventually but you will not have to worry too much as the bike will run out of gas in about 150 miles to maybe 160s max.
How does this 2015 model compare to say the 2013 or 2014? I'm interested in getting one that's a couple years old so I can save some cash. I've heard there's differences in the riding position? I've spent a few years on a sport bike, so I'm super concerned about getting something that's comfortable now. (Not on cross country trips...but maybe up to a couple hours long.)
+Ryan Beljan 2012+ are pretty much the same except the color options. 2011 and before are different since they have traditional forks vs. inverted and a different saddle and handlebar placement.
thanks
The VROD was designed to be a power cruiser and is engineered to differentiate itself from the more traditional Harley Davidson models. But, the reviewers depiction of the other models is somewhat inaccurate. Vibration has been drastically reduced, the transmissions are smooth and silky, and power is delivered not only in the low but also mid range, which is what you want for highway and longer distance rides. The VROD will deliver high performance right out of the box. But, if you are looking for even more performance, you can always upgrade the VROD just like the other Harley Davidson models. Also, Harley Davidson recently released the 120r engine which will produce one hundred and seventy horsepower and no other motorcycle can compete with Harley Davidson's fit, finish, and overall quality. So, why buy the Japanese bikes which are Harley Davidson clones when you could buy the real thing.
your review is so nice. after watching your review other reviews are not good.
Thank you!
2 things. 1, im in Colorado (im assuming you are as well based on the plates and 2, this is my dream cruiser
Actually Oklahoma :) I hope you get one. This is sadly their last year of production for the US.
Iam from kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and I have v Rod night rod 2015.
As we know Harley Davidson stopped production of V Rod in 2018 .
So the question is:
Will the company provide parts to the bike for the next twenty years without any problems in the future?.
.Thank you so much .
أحمد محمد الغامدي ?Assalam-u Alikum ,r u interested in selling ur bike
@@IM-007
I'm so sorry, I didn't see your comment on my question until today.
Also, my bike is not for sale. very sorry.
Still got it? I'm considering getting me an older vrod myself. I've got a Sportster and a Vulcan 900 but I want something that is comfy to ride but can also give myself whiplash if I so desire haha. Looking at a Concours and a Vmax as well.
I did sell her at 10102 miles from new in 2.5 years. She was comfy, but she likes the gas. The Vmax likes the gas way more, but the Concours might match the Vrod at near 37 MPG. Unless you put your wrist in it, then it'll drop...
Great observation at the end. Harley is so afraid alienating their core that they are losing the future.
+saliston I wish them the best, but they need to make a bolder move into the future. Instead we got a new Sporty called a Roadster.... That looks like the Nightster.... What it should have been... A new 1000+ CC Revolution or Revolution X engine on a new chassis.
+Rabid Hedgehog Is your Roadster the new 2016 model?
+dry509 This is a 2015. The Roadster is actually a 2016 model Sportster with the air cooled Evo. This is a Night Rod liquid cooled Evo.
100%
i personally feel like HD needs to keep it 50/50. 50 percent traditional for the people that want the "harley davidson" experience and 50 percent experimental for people that want innovation from one of the most popular MC company in the world know for quality and customization. the nightrod is my dream bike because it is just that, a hybrid.
There is no telling though if they would be able to do this as emissions continue to become more stringent. When it occurs that everything has to be liquid they at least have this as a backup. I just worry they stay stuck too much in the past that they would not adapt fast enough and we watch this company fade like the original Indian/Triumph/Nortons and others that faded that were once ahead of their time.
Do you think it's a gamble to purchase one? Will HD still service this bike 10 years out?
HD will not sadly and the aftermarket support is non existent. Is it a complete gamble, no, these bikes are reliable and generally only require maintenance like oil changes and tires. They do have leak points like left side cover on the alternator area and the breathing tubes in the air box but gaskets and such seem to carry on for a long time to go. Valve is shim under bucket as well so as long as books have the tolarence listed a decent 3rd party guy could get that done.
Looks like a fat boy is in my future... or an Indian Chief. Thanks for the reply.
Halfway across the globe the competition for Harley is not from Indian Or Victory its from " Throttle by wire " Triumph..
Triumph is picking up here though. And to me that is a good thing.
I love my Night Rod. Videos on my page
I made this one mine after this video :) I'll swing by your page!
oh ...hd makes cam kits for the night rods. should put you above 160hp with the proper tune and exhaust/computer upgrade.
That would make for some giggle power. By that I mean touch throttle, giggle, yank throttle laugh hysterically. I am going to do some work to her mechanically, but I'm leaving it as stock looking as possible for some sleeper fun.
Yeah I like the stock look but exhaust is a must..loud pipes save lives....the blacked out rims look nice..also powder coating the pegs completes that blacked out look
Love the Night Rod Special and wonder why they have announced 2017 is the last? Seems to me they are going back to "traditional" Harley look and sound. End of a short lived era.
Gary W To be honest it was due to lack of sales. I am learning it will be an international model though, so it will live on overseas.
That's good to hear. Thanks.
Discontinued due to not passing the Europe emission test which is a big market for hd. And they desired not to make it any more. What the European so called ( dirty engine ). All so did you know that the needle changes colour from orange to red as the revs gets higher and orange to red when the fuel gets low
I do! I love that little detail. I think I mentioned it in the follow-up for the bike after having it for 6 months.
What do you think about the HD fatboy? Is it too small for a 6.5 guy like myself?
I have never actually rode one, I have only sat on them... I rode the heritage which is the same chassis and it would work.
But first let's collect some money hehe :) … That's life for a student such as myself. But you know, if you put a side some money every month… Eventually you'll be there :)
That is true man. Save up now and enjoy debt free later.
always. I never want to be in debt. It makes you feel like a slave! Is it difficult for you to ride your bike? Have you ever been involved in a motorbike accident?
I agree with debt for sure. It is not that difficult to ride the Night Rod, it is a very well behaved machine. As for being in an accident, nothing on the street. The one's off-road were not that bad, more like typical trail falls.
yeah I loved the v rod from the time it first came out. But I first fell in love with the night rod when sticky fingers from the group (onyx) played blade in the blade series he road a night rod through a stadium basement killing vampires...after that I had to have 1...after bout 8yrs I finally had 1...unfortunately this guy made left turn from the middle lane and hit me through me off my bike...totaled my beloved...I will get another 1...but I disagree with changing the other bikes...I love the air cooled bikes too...if you changed them harley wouldn't be harley anymore might as well just be honda wouldn't have the famous harley sound us hd fans grew to love...they should just improve on the night rod. Figure out ways to make them better.
Sadly the day is coming that air cooled will be a thing of the past due to emission laws and such that the larger ones will not be able to meet. But at least Harley has something to work with. They do have the dual cooled bikes as well that the heads are cooled. But I would rather Harley make a Revolution powered sport touring type. They showed a sportier chassis in the Live wire and it was well received so I think they could pull it off if they tried.
+Rabid Hedgehog yeah and then when they will start selling and everyone will be looking for 1.
When you consider how little has really been changed on this bike in 15 years, you have to admit they did a pretty damn good job. You may not be able to compare with modern competitor power outputs, but where were they 15 years ago? Too bad Harley won't invest in an update. They would probably screw it up anyway by making it just like all their other bikes.
BL y since they announced it's the last year for this bike I don't believe we'll ever get a chance to see what they will do.
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
It's called a power band...daaa..makes power like a corvette...from stop to infinity..just won't stop
The best one they ever fkin made with the clocks and guages mounted on the bars the safest place and with 2 brake discs on the front wheel like they should all have
How would you rate it as a daily commuter.????? do let me know. Im coming to the US from Pakistan and right now I cant get a car but I can get a bike. So please let me know.
I rate it rather well as a commuter. I actually do use it for work riding and as an errand runner. It has good power to get past traffic. Good handling for the city. The only issue is it is a bit thirsty getting 34 mpg city is and about 40 highway.
Fuel isnt a problem gor me.
I've been riding ever since I was 13 on public roads.
In Pakistan, many people buy the Honda CD70, a 70cc bike for commuting. Its so sluggish that I feel like I'll have grandkids on it.
I bet! 70CCs can barely be considered a bike!
☠🖤🎬📽🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
how tall are you? im thinking about purchasing one
6 ft. I feel this bike is very comfy.
Thanks I might as well give it a test ride for my 5'9 height.
Might fit you better actually.
Harley dropped the ball. 2007 VRSCDX and a Road Glide. Both sold. Should have kept the VROD.
I want this side by side with my warrior.
In a race or collection? :)
@@RabidHedgehog both, amigo.
An all black V-rod! What a beaut of a bike!
That's quite a loud bike! Riding it every day for long hours can reduce your hearing. The rider won't be able to hear noises below 50 decibels. But that's ok. Love the bike ride!
You went all the way to Arkansas on it?
Here is my final thought. What the reviewer and others don't understand is that Harley Davidson's are modern bikes. They do a great job hiding that technology in a classic design to appeal to their core riders. I do agree that the fact that Harley Davidson has such loyal customers can be limiting in terms of producing different products. But, there is no question that Harley Davidson has the capability of designing whatever they wish at a very high level and the VROD, Street, and Live wire are great examples of this. As for Indian and Victory, Indian went out of business in 1950, there is a reason for that. Since then, Harley Davidson has endured some pretty difficult times. But, they came roaring back and are up front, where they belong. Despite Victory's big numbers, they lack the overall quality of a Harley Davidson. Regardless of all the chatter, stick with Harley Davidson and watch Indian and Victory from your rear view mirror and fading fast.
I do understand that Harley is not the same company that it was way back when. I have owned all engine types of Harley in the modern era, Evo, Twin Cam, Revolution, and Revolution X. I have even rode Harleys with Shovel Heads and the Iron Head Sportsters. I understand that they have packed in tech like cylinder deactivation while sitting still to help with heat on the riders and dual cooled engines where the head is cooled on the larger touring bikes. But they are still stuck. The Evo is a product of the late 80s for the Sporty with an update to EFI in 2007. The Twin Cam is 18 years old and counting right now and really is not that much better than the original released 88 versions. Even the Revolution is 15 now even and with a small change to displacement only gained 10 more HP from it's original version as well. Yes in theory Victory has not had a new engine except for displacement upgrades in the same amount of time as Harley, but gear drive is better than chain in terms of primary design and that alone is well ahead of Harley. But you're right. Watch my videos on Victory and you'll see I do not like their quality. They are not well put together and they do not hold the attention to detail as the Harley does, or even their stablemate Indian. But right now Indian has the edge. Harley lags in HP and engine tech at this time and even folks at our local Harley dealers will admit to it. We cannot allow a company to die because they have to stay loyal to their perceived dynamic of people. I understand that Harley has come a long way since 1903, but they can do so much more and for now they are standing still. And that is what I am trying to point out. I want THREE great US bike makers. I want three amazing products that our country can be proud that we produce here on our shores. Right now Harley is spiraling down in sales, and Polaris and others are picking up whay they have dropped. It is obviously not just me who believes that Harley is indeed in trouble. Right now I own this very Harley. It was my dream to own it for a long time and I made that dream come to life. But I look at the past and the others I have owned and realize that they are very much stuck in the past when everyone else is moving forward. But I so desperately want to be that kid in my teens again looking at the V-rod series and saying, "One day I will own you," about another Harley... But for now that is not happening, and that is depressing.
Do you think a 5'4 guy could ride it ?
That should not be too much an issue. If the bike was a little more narrow my wife who is 5'2" would be able to. She is not quite able to clear the exhaust on the right side. But she can reach controls and such okay. I would just sit on one and see how it fits to be sure you like it.
+Rabid Hedgehog thanks a lot for that piece of information I feel a bit relaxed now btw loved your review its actually a great quality review hope you do further reviews on cruisers forever and of course I did subscribe :)
+Abu Musa Thank you! I plan on continuing for as long as I am able and someone is willing to let me ride.
There are kits to move the controls specifically for the Nightrod, and kits to move the seat to a more comfortable position and the bike is already pretty low, so they've considered is short inseam guys.
I am looking to move mine to mid-mount actually.
Is a 4 valve per cylinder and thats = much less vibration, higher revs, max power on high revs . I don´t think is a whole Porsche engine but I bet Porsche design the heads of it.
Harley actually sent their people to Germany for Porsche engineering to help them build this thing and even ran the 500 hour Düsseldorf Test on this engine, the only motorcycle engine to complete it. So even if Porsche didn't have 100% engineering on it, it's still impressive.
What's the price for this beast....?🇵🇰
In US dollars it is about $17,500. The model is no longer made for our market however.
What do you mean by this
......?
Can it be ridden in Pakistan....?
why dont you people warm up engine before shooting on the road?
because its 2017 not 1970
@@matthewparks8984 😂🤣🤣🤣👍😅😆😆😆
Most reviews l see guys wearing a full face helmet and sounds like a deep sea diver breathing. Im not all shook up but its my observation
This was a bit of an older setup, but you are right as we have to pretty much have the mic either right in front of our mouths and noses or shoved in a cheek pad where it is not heard well. The new setup I have is using a digital recording device separate from the cams and it seems to make it more vibrant. That can be heard on the M90 video.
Porsche engine.
I would be embarrassed. I mean great review but dude you are on Night Rod and people are passing you. You can let lose you know. Not saying top speed but always obeying speed limit on bike like that insulting.
It's okay, I play better to be safe than sorry and this was not my bike at the time, nor broke in so I did not want to thrash something someone allowed me to borrow. I did end up buying this bike and put over 10000 miles on her in two years, and trust me there were times and places where top end was met.
god its so fucking expensive though...this is an old mans priced bike marketed towards a younger audience that wants the smoother faster expereience. fricken awful. I want this so bad but ill never be able to get one until i am a middle aged man but then i might look funny on a vrod. makes me sad.
I was able to cut a good deal on it is the only reason I made the change. Partially because someone wanted my Fat Bob more than me, and partially because the dealer wanted this one gone since it was a 2015 leftover. You maybe able to find a good one on the used market for a good price though. Especially aim for the 2012+ when they went to inverted forks. Not very many people ride these things for very long before putting it on the market these days, and if it's at a non-Harley shop they might be willing to cut you a deal to get it off their show room.
+Rabid Hedgehog why would people not be riding it long before getting rid of it is there noticeable problems with the vrod?
+guitarman0365 It's not anything wrong with the Night Rod. It's just the industry itself. People don't ride as much as they thought they would and they sit and then they decide to sell or trade. Happens to tons of other bikes too.
From most of your comments about the other Harleys it appears you don't really ride them at all. No modern Harley "vibrates your teeth off". The way you were riding the V-Rod in the video is completely off from how it's designed to be ridden, and is probably why you don't think it has as much power as the other bikes you mentioned...ya gotta get into it and stop shifting so soon....wind that baby out!
Anyways, there are plenty of good reviews from folks who know how to ride one of these and actually know a few valid facts about modern Harleys and not the rehashed out sayings from 20yrs ago. Nice try, but move along.
Good sir I do know a thing or two about Harley Davidson, I have owned Dynas, Sportys, a random Street 750 I won at a bike night, and now that very Night Rod in the video. I have also rode everything in their modern line trike down, yes there are some, especially the Dyna and Sportster line that are very vibe heavy. I had to replace giblets inside all my control surfaces on my Fat Bob multiple times because the vibes were so bad it loosened or broke the plastic (replaced with metal) bits that held the levers in check, knocked some snap rings out that held down the pivots, and so on and so forth. Always had to tighten the Sporty mirrors cause vibes loosened them... so yes they have models that still do. The Night Rod's power is near the same as it has been since 2001, that was my gripe about it. Ducati has since released the Diavel, which I have rode and it's not just cheek to seat sensation, on paper it has more torque by 9 ft lbs, and more horsepower by near 35 horses, so yes it does have more power no matter how I ride the Night Rod. The Triumph also has more horses by a factor of 25 and more torque by a factor of 30... so once more even if I punch it it will not hold on to their speed and ability. Yes I know how to ride this Night Rod, I embarrass sport bikes at the line and through the quarter up to near litre class since I have more low end power, I'm not going to ride it drag strip style for a review. I know the 1st goes to between 40 and 50 before limiter, I know 2nd goes to just over 60, 3rd goes to near 90, 4th to 115 and 5th carries you to 145 max... so yes I know about Harleys and I will actually still own them. But I am pointing out the faults in hopes this company makes changes to stay long into the future.
short shifts make it boring, I like to enjoy each gear.
And holding up traffic :) lol
+Emmanuel with this bike you won't exactly hold up traffic holding onto the gear, well unless the police cruiser behind you gets in the other people's way. These reviews are generally done with bikes that are not mine so I try to respect them and not thrash them, so shifting faster keeps engine revs down and me from being stupid. On the flip side there are times I do shift shorter as well to maintain fuel economy. Then there are times where it's hit just shy of the limiter and blast the heck out of there.
Sorry for the slam....I was "in a mood". I know you have a lot of experience riding bikes and I respect your opinion and right to say what you feel about the bike.
No worries man.