Harley-Davidson's original power-cruiser bike, the V-Rod SC, was originally introduced in 2002. Thanks to the award-winning design, the bike makes another appearance in 2005, and then proceeds to blow away the competition, both in terms of style and performance. With multiple variants available, there is a V-Rod suited for many tastes, and each bike is bound to impress on both the street and the track.
The potent engine at the heart of the 2005 Harley-Davidson VRSC is the 115-horsepower Revolution engine. This liquid cooled, fuel-injected, 60 degree V-Twin beast boasts dual overhead cams and four-valve heads, along with 1130cc displacement. Unique to the V-Rod is the fuel tank mounted under the seat, instead of the usual top mount forward position of every other bike in the Harley-Davidson lineup. This fuel cell feeds the three electronic sequential port fuel injectors, insuring that the V-Rod never lacks the power that places it ahead of the pack.
The 2005 Harley-Davison VRSC features a five-speed belt driven transmission that gives smooth shifting, and wide open access to the entire powerband, thanks to the multi-plate clutch with diaphragm spring in an oil bath. The final drive of the powertrain is handled by a Kevlar belt, which decreases maintenance requirements by lasting a reported 70,000 miles before needing replacement.
The 49mm front fork of the V-Rod is raked to 38 degrees, giving the bike a similar feel to a chopper, yet the firm spring rate and damping makes the long and low bike feel much tighter and more controllable than one might think. The front and rear six-position adjustable suspension allows for four inches of wheel travel. In true drag bike style, the V-Rod features striking full disc wheels. In front, the 19-inch chrome wheel is wrapped with a 120/70 ZR-19 tire, and a wide 18-inch tire handles the traction in the rear. Stopping duties are handled by 292mm double disc brakes in the front, and a single 292mm disc brake in the rear.
The cockpit of the Harley-Davidson V-Rod is a long and low-slung affair, with a seat height of only 26 inches, and ground clearance of only 5 inches. The two-up leather seat features a flip-up design, allowing access to the fuel tank. The stainless steel low-rise handlebars, combined with forward-mounted footpegs and foot controls, put the rider in a laid-back yet aggressive position.
The instrument panel of the V-Rod features a simple, easy-to-understand design. The electronic speedometer has an odometer and resettable trip-meter with diagnostic capabilities, and solid-state, tell-tale indicator module. There is also a tachometer and dual tripmeter, as well as a useful clock. The round single headlight is a powerful quartz halogen bulb with a 55-watt low beam, and a 65-watt high beam.
The striking looks of the Harley-Davidson V-Rod are highlighted by the brushed aluminum bodywork, and a one-of-a-kind, hydro-formed frame that receives an all-new silver-leaf coating. The mechanical looks of the bike are offset by a choice of one of nine available paint choices. Fans of the V-Rod are likely to remain loyal to this fabulous bike brought to us by Harley-Davidson, with assistance from the engineers from Porsche.