I test drove a new 2014 V-Rod Muscle today...

[Bminder]

I'm not a Harley fan, but I've always liked the looks and the story of the Harley V-Rod bikes.
So today I stopped in to my local Harley dealer and they let me test drive a '14 V-Rod Muscle model.
All I can say is... WOW! It was awesome! I loved it loved it loved it!  The sound, the vibrations, the power, the seating position, the styling, the big fat rear tire, the way the brake light is under the curve of the fender...  I liked how it handled, it felt pretty flickable for a big heavy cruiser, I liked seeing the front tire out in front of me. 
I want one.
About $16,500.  I'm starting a fund that you can donate to.

[Pat Conlon]

I like them too.
I haven't ridden this model, but I did get a ride on the early '02 model and was pleasantly surprised with the top end pull.
However, the VRod handling and specifically the lack of ground clearance was not my cup of tea.
Although my thoughts at the time were positive. Good for HD for looking ahead and teaming with Porsche to develop a (more) modern engine. Now if they would only give the bike some better handling it would stand a chance against Yamaha's mighty Vmax.

I remember thinking back then that it will only be a matter of time until HD corrects the suspension design. I mean come on, who makes a bike in the 21st century with a rear wheel travel of 2.5 inches?

Last I checked, the Vmax is still the bike to beat in the power cruiser category.
The lovely howl of that V4 when the secondaries open, is music. The Vmax is no slouch, it hooks up and goes...

[Bminder]

I think the first Vrods only had 2.5 inches of rear suspension travel, but it was redesigned a couple years later and now has 4 inches.

I don't know if I mentioned this earlier, but I really, really liked it!

.

[charleygofast]

I like the V-Rods too. Buddy of mine  has a 07 and its awesome. The local dealer just set up a Street 750 and 500 for demo rides, weather permitting I'm going to check those out this week. My son in law has a 86 V-Max that hasnt run in 10 years. we're gonna bring her back to life this winter... another project, this makes 4 this winter. at least I wont be bored.                                                                                                                                                                                                        Charley.

[gumby302ho]

 Biggest complaint I ever heard was the size of the fuel tank, always thirsty and could not go to far! Small peanuts for what its designed for! Bike in question was the first generation of v rod. Harley purist don't take to kindly to them. I would love to test ride one to feel the V in the rod.  

[TexasDave]

For many years over 50% of Harleys sold internationally were VRods. They don't seem to hold their value in this country as well as standard Harleys though. Dave

[movenon]

For many years over 50% of Harleys sold internationally were VRods. They don't seem to hold their value in this country as well as standard Harleys though. Dave

From time to time I see one for what I call a pretty reasonable price.  But my knowledge of them is limited to what I see in the pictures. Visually I like them.
George

[Bminder]

For many years over 50% of Harleys sold internationally were VRods. They don't seem to hold their value in this country as well as standard Harleys though. Dave

All the used Vrods I see here for sale in the Front Range are holding their value pretty well. 
Where do you see them cheaper? I'll fly out  and drove one home!

[Bminder]

Biggest complaint I ever heard was the size of the fuel tank, always thirsty and could not go to far! Small peanuts for what its designed for! Bike in question was the first generation of v rod. Harley purist don't take to kindly to them. I would love to test ride one to feel the V in the rod.  

The newer Vrods have 5 gallon tanks, I'm not sure what year they started to.

[giantkiller]

My buddy has a night rod (all black). Had intake, exhaust, and tuner put on. With a dyno tune. Wow what a difference over stock.
Rolling along about 20-25 twist the throttle and spin the tire off. 

Too bad the only time that will happen is when I ride it. He will never use it.

He had it done for looks and sound of the exhaust. The shop he had put the exhaust on wouldn't do it if he didn't do the rest.

Glad they did.

[mikedastonfj1100]

I'm not a Harley fan, but I've always liked the looks and the story of the Harley V-Rod bikes.
So today I stopped in to my local Harley dealer and they let me test drive a '14 V-Rod Muscle model.
All I can say is... WOW! It was awesome! I loved it loved it loved it!  The sound, the vibrations, the power, the seating position, the styling, the big fat rear tire, the way the brake light is under the curve of the fender...  I liked how it handled, it felt pretty flickable for a big heavy cruiser, I liked seeing the front tire out in front of me. 
I want one.
About $16,500.  I'm starting a fund that you can donate to.

u should check out the Honda rune:-).... talk about some real muscle... to bad they quit making them though:-(

[Bminder]

.
I would love a Rune, but it would Rune my bank account.
.

[airheadPete]

Hey, Bminder, did you like the V-Rod???
I'm anti-leather-pirate for the most part, but the V-Rod I like! (Finally, something not stuck in the 1950's!)
It looks like lots of fun, Porsche design and not obese and all; but life's too short, it won't make the cut in the time available vs. everything else I'd like to get my mitts on.
Now, if you had a KTM 990 Adventure....

[Bminder]

Hey, Bminder, did you like the V-Rod???

Yes, I loved it. Would you like to contribute to my Vrod fund?

[motohorseman]

I like them too.
I haven't ridden this model, but I did get a ride on the early '02 model and was pleasantly surprised with the top end pull.
However, the VRod handling and specifically the lack of ground clearance was not my cup of tea.
Although my thoughts at the time were positive. Good for HD for looking ahead and teaming with Porsche to develop a (more) modern engine. Now if they would only give the bike some better handling it would stand a chance against Yamaha's mighty Vmax.

I remember thinking back then that it will only be a matter of time until HD corrects the suspension design. I mean come on, who makes a bike in the 21st century with a rear wheel travel of 2.5 inches?

Last I checked, the Vmax is still the bike to beat in the power cruiser category.
The lovely howl of that V4 when the secondaries open, is music. The Vmax is no slouch, it hooks up and goes...

And Yamaha (Star) has lowered the price of the VMax, it's basically the same as the Harley Muscle and you get so much more of everything.

I've ridden the 2nd Generation VMax twice, and it's got power that must be experienced, and it handled far better than it had any right too.

How many Harley's do you see - and how many VMax's?

If you want to be one of the herd, the choice is obvious.

Harley is offering incredible financing right now, I think they are running scared of what Indian is going to do to sales.

And Harley resale value is far from where it was, but buy what your heart tells you too, not your wallet.....