Vrods

[mad dog]

Hello there,

I'm new so play nicely please.

So my story is simple (ish). I've got an R6. My girlfriend has a Ducati monster. I swapped my R6 for my mates VROD for an hour. Obvious answer: I wanted her to trade the Ducati for a VROD, so i can steal it for my daily commute, I keep the R6 for track days, and guess what, she said yes!!!

So my questions, aimed at trying to understand what to go for, are:
1. what is the exact difference between the A's, B's, and C's. From what I can tell the A was the original lower bhp 1,130 cc. The B is not now made, and (might have a bigger engine?), and the C is HD's attempt to capitalise on sales by creating 3 variations. I prefer the "custom" seating arrangement, she needs to be able to lift the thing off the stand etc. Which is best and why.
2. New or second hand? No-one likes to waste money. What does the sensible man do. Do any of you lovely unbiased people have anything in your garages that you might want to sell me?
3. What extras do you wish you had/value the most. I tour, like noise, think screens are ugly, but i do want some comfort. I'm lazy so too much chrome is a bad idea. My gut says screaming eagles stage 2, a sissy bar for passangers, removable screen, and spoked wheels (surely those filled in wheels are hell in wind?).
4. Are London dealers a lot more expensive? They seem to be.
5. It seems our friends in the states get a better deal - why cant we import them ourselves to save ?'s?
6. Insurance. We hate paying for it, but need it. How much and from where?
7. Other Harleys seem to depreciate a lot less (when her in doors bought the duke, i wanted her to get an 883 custom. she said no. 2 years on the duke is worth ?2.5k less than what we paid, meanwhile 2nd hand 883's fetch ?500 less than what we would have paid two years ago...). BUT It looks like HD took the salivating UK markets pants down when they released the VROD & prices have really come down. Is it safe to tread into new VROD territory yet?
8. Anything else. As you can see I'm new and know nothing. Any help much appreciated.

Cheers!

 

[Moley]

Re: Vrods

OK - so I'm no expert but simple summary as far as I know is:

1)
A = original V-Rod with silver frame
B = basically the same bike but with black frame (slightly cheaper price)
R = different frame and steering geometry - quite a lot of other differences too, slightly more horsepower, diiferent handling, greater ground clearance, bigger fuel tank, spoked instead of solid wheels, mid mount footpegs, cheapest V-Rod & a "bargain" used
D = "dark" version of A various bits blacked out instead of chromed, mid mount controls + front "highway" pegs, small flycatcher fairing - very new not many around on used market

2) Used - every time. You are right that V-Roda are the fastest depreciating V-Rods on the market. Definitely worth shopping around for a used bike and negotiate hard with the dealers who ahve loads of them and can't shift the buggers!

3) Easy one to start with - you can't really "tour" on a V-Rod unless your idea of touring is stopping every 100 miles to re-fuel. Tank size is tiny and if you ride hard you'll be seeing reserve at 80 miles! (OK so I know Lawnmower has toured his but that's just coz he's an awkward bugger who likes to be contrary!) There are much better pipes out there than Screamin Eagles. Rineharts are my personal fave on a Rod but several to choose from. Import from the States if you can.

4) London dealers are expensive but they all negotiate. I'm not aware of huge price differences on Rods but worth phoning a few regional dealers to see. Well worth watching EBay for low mileage nearly new bikes.

5) Not worth the aggro to import a bike. By the time you've paid shipping, import duties, VAT & had it cleared for use in UK it'll be the same price as a UK model. Very different for parts though.

6) Lots of specialist to choose from. Depends on your current no claims as well. Carole Nash are popular, Harley's own insurance good for some people (especially multi bike and bikes with lots of extras fitted). EBike are aslo good if you ahve decent no claims.

7) Nope - not unless you really want a D "Night Rod" or maybe a full on Screaming Eagle (as they rarely hit the used market). You'll be apying top dollar for a new bike & it'll depreciate like hell.

8) Not a great commuting bike if you're gonna ride in the winter. Think about tank range if commute is long. Try all models before you decide - especially the Street Rod R model, it's a love or loathe for lots of people.

Ok - that's me done for now!

 

[lawnmower]

Re: Vrods

Moley i concur on most of this. especially the bit where i am contrary

i think the a model is the best of the lot. i dont like the street rod it is too upright for me. i fitted some ricks custom wheels brakes and pulley (about 3k) custom paint job and a removeable touring screen sissy bar and qd panniers (not hd) so i can tour but stop every 100 miles. i like it but dont use it much so it is up for sale (currently at Thames Valley HD) if you want to buy it im looking for as much over 10k as i can get. it stands me at close to 18k coz wheni bought it the list was 14k in 2002. never raced or rallied full service history so if you want more details let me know pm (private message) me and i will send you some pics i live near aylesbury but if you want to see it it is in tvhd showroom. i would obviously prefer to deal privately

 

[usabear]

Re: Vrods

My turn, I guess...........

My VRSCA is the best purchase of anything I've ever made in my life! I wouldn't swap it for any other bike - including the "B", "R" and "D"

Ricks has a 5 gallon fuel cell available for all V-Rods, so you can sort that if you wish. I have averaged about 37 mpg (U.S.) over some 19,000 miles on my V-Rod. This equates to about 130 miles per tankfull. If your riding habits are 100 mph all the time, then you will see a fuel stop every hundred miles. The Street Rod comes with a 5 gallon tank, so that issue doesn't arise with the Street Rod.

There's no reserve on any V-Rod, so you'd need to get a realistic sense of exactly what the needle on the fuel guage means.

The solid wheels don't faze me in terms of wind, but IMO they are not good looking.

The "B" is a stripped-down version of the "A". Engine is the same in terms of size, power, etc. Instrumentation is different. And, yes, it is no longer being produced.

If you like noise, the Screaming Eagle pipes won't satisfy - look at Force, Thunder Header, Rinehart, Supertrapp, etc.

Windvest makes a good-looking wind screen, and you can get quick-release ones for the V-Rod from H-D now.

Personally, I don't buy second-hand, as you generally can't effectively guage the prior use/misuse. And this might be more of an issue with a "hot" bike. However, you have available there, Lawnmower's bike. I doubt you could beat his offer, and he's a member of the club. If he says it's good - it's good!

Also keep in mind that, if I understand you correctly, this is your girlfriend's bike we're talking about. It had better suit her, or you'll be in for a great deal of grief!