Top 2015 Harley-Davidson 10th Anniversary Edition V-Rod Review |
worthwhile updates aimed at improving rider comfort and handling.
The 2012 Harley-Davidson 10th Anniversary Edition V-Rod in its silver color scheme gives big props to the original V-Rod. |
Top 2015 Harley-Davidson 10th Anniversary Edition V-Rod Review |
New, friendlier rider ergos are a big welcome. The new V-Rod doesn’t put the rider into the stretched-out clamshell position like earlier generation V-Rods.
A new inverted, cartridge-style fork – a la the V-Rod Muscle – provides good damping for a smooth ride, and a 2.0-degree reduction in rake (36 to 34 degrees) tightens up handling. In addition to friendlier rider ergos, an all-new set of wheels gets top billing. Chopping 4.8 lbs from the front wheel and 3.8 lbs from the rear, the new Split 5-Spoke cast aluminum wheels are a whopping 8.6 lbs lighter in total than the previous models’ wheels. One of the best ways to improve a motorcycle’s handling and improve suspension performance is to lighten the wheels. Mission accomplished here.Other updates include a more tapered tail-section design with a new flush-mount LED taillight and integrated stop-turn-taillights similar to those on some of the Dark Custom models like the Nightster.
The Night Rod Special shares updates with the 10th Anniversary V-Rod. According to Harley, more Night Rod Specials are sold overseas than in the U.S. |
Improved indeed
If the V-Rod’s appearance doesn’t signal to you this is a Harley beast unlike any other, then its engine most certainly will set it apart from the rest of the H-D family.
For the birth of the V-Rod in 2002, Harley turned to renowned German sports car maker, Porsche, for assistance with engine design, and drew inspiration from the powerplant in the Harley VR1000 superbike. Going where no other production Harley Twin has gone before, the 2002 V-Rod was powered by an 1130cc liquid-cooled 60-degree V-Twin with overhead cams and dubbed the Revolution engine. The first-generation Revolution engine claimed 115 hp at 8250 rpm.
Top 2015 Harley-Davidson 10th Anniversary Edition V-Rod Review |
If you’ve ridden a recent model-year V-Rod, then straddling either the 2012 Anniversary or Night Rod Special is a familiar experience since the 26.7-inch seat height is unchanged. However, reaching for the handlebar and footpegs reveals the controls on the new ‘Rods are significantly closer than on previous V-Rods. The overall sensation is a more compact rider triangle with nowhere near the clamshell posture previous models folded the rider into.
The saddle’s deep dishing and rear hump hold you securely as you wick up the power in the smooth liquid-cooled Harley, the billet-aluminum-looking engine accelerating eagerly all the way to its 9000-rpm rev limit. Equally as impressive as the engine are the strong-biting Brembo front calipers. Anti-lock brakes are part of the $1195 Security Package.
The V-Rod is perfectly at home on wandering, winding roads. |
The limiting factor to spirited riding is the V-Rod’s stingy lean angle. Get too aggressive and you’ll start scrapin’ sooner than you’d like. With so much riding performance potential, increased lean angle clearance would make a worthwhile improvement in future V-Rods.
In addition to an improved front-end and more accommodating ergonomics, the V-Rods also received a fresh tail section design that’s sleeker than before and now includes a flush-mount LED taillight. |
The V-Rod was, and still is, a polarizing motorcycle. Traditionalists disliked the move to a foreign influence in engine design, while a new generation of Harley fans has embraced the performance-driven qualities so readily apparent in V-Rods.
For those loyal V-Rod fans we say, go experience the thoughtful ergo and performance enhancing updates to the 10th Anniversary V-Rod and Night Rod Special – we’re certain you’ll love ‘em. To the V-Rod’s detractors we say, go experience the thoughtful ergo and performance enhancing updates to the 10th Anniversary V-Rod and Night Rod Special – we’re certain you’ll love ‘em.
Changes to the 2012 V-Rod are excellent improvements, and should make V-Rod fans happy. It wouldn’t surprise us to see the day when Harley issues a 20th Anniversary Edition V-Rod. |
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