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Harley-Davidson VRSCA V-Rod motorcycle review - Riding

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Harley-Davidson VRSCA V-Rod (2001-current)

Detail	Value
New price	£11,995
Used price range	View Harley Davidson V-ROD bikes for sale to see current asking prices
Engine size	1131cc
Power	115bhp
Top speed	130mph
Insurance group	17

	MCN ratings	Owners' ratings
Overall
Engine
Ride & Handling
Equipment
Quality & Reliability
Value

MCN overall verdict

Harley goes high-tech after decades of just updating their lovable antiques. The Harley-Davidson VRSCA V-Rod was the first of Harley’s VRSC ‘Rod’ family. The Harley-Davidson VRSCA V-Rod's water cooling, loads of power, handling that could embarrass a badly ridden sportsbike and brakes that stop fast were totally novel on a Harley. Diehards refuse to accept them but the Harley-Davidson VRSCA V-Rod's a tempting package.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

More power than a Ducati 916 or early Fireblade and far smoother than Harleys of old. The Harley-Davidson VRSCA V-Rod's injected V-twin is just chuggy enough but pleasingly torquey at low revs. But as the needle sweeps into the top third of the tacho the exhaust note changes and it lays down some serious power. Tuned Harley-Davidson VRSCA V-Rods are competitive on the drag strip – and the long, low styling echoes that.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

The Harley-Davidson VRSCA V-Rod's modern tyres and modern suspension allied to a modern chassis give … wait for it… modern handling. Which is great on left hand bends. Take a right hander at any pace and the exhaust decks out disappointingly soon. It’s a real shame. The Harley-Davidson VRSCA V-Rod's brakes are very capable and the suspension manages to balance sport and comfort nicely.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

Few frills on the standard Harley-Davidson VRSCA V-Rod and a small fuel tank. The riding position’s not like any other bike: The seat’s low, as are the bars, and the pegs extremely far forward. It’s not a comfy position for most people but at least you can dip into the enormous range of accessories, both official and unofficial get the Harley-Davidson VRSCA V-Rod's ergonomics closer to what you need.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

Lots of time’s gone into designing the Harley-Davidson VRSCA V-Rod and there’s no serious glitches in terms of reliability. The finish on the Harley-Davidson VRSCA V-Rod is better than the air cooled Harleys but if you do let it corrode, it’ll not do the second hand value any favours at all – but most Harley-Davidson VRSCA V-Rods are sunny weekend toys not winter sluggers anyway.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

The Harley-Davidson VRSCA V-Rod is savagely pricey when new compared to similar Japanese capacity cruises – but none of them offer the same experience or such power. Running costs aren’t cheap either but few owners do enormous mileages. Depreciation is low. Harley’s own Street Rod is a grand cheaper and arguably a better bike than the Harley-Davidson VRSCA V-Rod. Find a Harley-Davidson V-Rod for sale.

Insurance group: 17

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2001: Original Harley-Davidson VRSCA V-Rod launched.
2006: Harley-Davidson VRSCA V-Rod gets optional 240mm rear tyre.

Harley-Davidson VRSCB V-Rod: launched in 2003 – black frame and rear shocks plus other minor colour changes about £1000 cheaper than the Harley-Davidson VRSCA V-Rod.

Specifications

Top speed	130mph
1/4-mile acceleration	11.5 secs
Power	115bhp
Torque	77ftlb
Weight	275kg
Seat height	660mm
Fuel capacity	14 litres
Average fuel consumption	42mpg
Tank range	130 miles
Insurance group	17

Engine size	1131cc
Engine specification	8v V-twin, 5 gears
Frame	Tubular steel cradle
Front suspension adjustment	None
Rear suspension adjustment	Preload
Front brakes	Twin 300mm discs
Rear brake	300mm disc
Front tyre size	120/70 x 19
Rear tyre size	180/55 x 18

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Owners' Overall Rating (1 review)

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vrscb 04

fazers123

UK

Average rating

Show Details

Overall
Ride and Handling
Equipment
Quality and Reliabilty
Value
Engine

very quick for a cruiser,handles and stops well,strong engine not good value at £12000

27 June 2007