So what is the Street Rod-sporting cruiser or stylish naked bike? If you like it, we don't think it actually matters. Roadster will do just fine as a description. It should fulfill its purpose-to attract new customers whose heads wouldn't be turned by current Harleys-quite nicely. And those drawn to its V-Rod flair, rational ergonomics and sporting capability-and who can manage the $17,000 buy-in-will probably be pleased by Harley's turn away from Main Street.
Specifications
2006 H-D VRSCR Street Rod
Suggested base price: $16,495
Standard colors: Black
Extra-cost colors: Black cherry, blue, orange, yellow, add $245
Standard warranty: 24 months, unlimited miles
Recommended service interval: 5000 miles
Engine & Drivetrain
Type: Liquid-cooled, 60-degree tandem V-twin
Valve arrangement: DOHC, two intake valves, two exhaust valves
Displacement, bore x stroke: 1130cc, 100mm x 72mm
Compression ratio: 11.3:1
Carburetion: EFI
Lubrication: Wet sump, 4.5 quarts
Minimum fuel grade: 92 octane
Transmission: Wet clutch, five speeds
Final drive: Belt
Chassis
Wheels: Cast alloy, 19 x 3.0 in. front, 18 x 5.5 in rear
Front tire: 120/70ZR-19 Dunlop D207F
Rear tire: 180/55ZR-18 Dunlop D407
Front brake: Two, four-piston calipers, 11.8 in. discs
Rear brake: Four-piston caliper, 11.8 in. disc
Front suspension: 43mm inverted fork, 5.0 in. travel
Rear suspension: Two dampers, 5.0 in. travel, adjustable for spring preload
Fuel capacity: 5.0 gal.
Wet weight: 651 lbs.
GVWR: 1060 lbs.
Seat height: 31.0 inches
Wheelbase: 66.8 in.
Overall length: 93.7 in.
Trail: 4.3 in.
Rake: 32 deg.
Electrical & Instrumentation
Charging output: 439 watts
Battery: 12v, 12 AH
Forward lighting: 55/60-watt headlight, position lights
Taillight: Single bulb
Instruments: Speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, LCD odometer/dual tripmeter; warning lights for high beam, turn signals, neutral, oil pressure, coolant temperature, engine diagnostics, security system
Performance
Fuel mileage: 31 to 40 mpg, 35.3 mpg average
Average range: 177 miles 200-yard, top-gear acceleration from 50 mph,
terminal speed: 83.0 mph
Quarter-mile acceleration: 11.94 sec. @ 112.9 mph
High Points
*Harley style meets real handling
*Riding position more rational than
V-Rod's
*Lots of power
*Brakes to match
Low Points
*Passengers need seats, too
*Hand levers best suited to large hands
*Heavier than V-Rod
First Changes
*A real seat for passengers
Riding Positions
Harley has finally created a bike for people who are attracted to Harleyness but want a bigger portion of function in terms of handling and comfort. Here is a Harley without all the compromises mandated by low seat heights so you can enjoy real suspension travel, cornering clearance and a roomier motorcycle. And even if you don't consider it a cruiser, it will be a bike you can customize like one because Harley already has an extensive Street Rod accessory line, and it will grow.
If you are attracted to the Street Rod, you'll probably do best to wait several months to get one. Some dealers charged more than $30,000 for their first V-Rods during the initial surge of demand. But because it wasn't a mainstream model, you can now find dealers who discount them from the MSRP. Wait awhile and you might even get a great bike at a price that's as rational as it is.-Art Friedman
Futuristic, groundbreaking design saddled with Jurassic-era ergonomics-that was my beef with the V-Rod back in 2001. I'd ridden the thing from L.A. to Sturgis, and even though I gushed over the brilliant engine characteristics, my spinal column was crying uncle thanks to the torturously jacked-up footpegs. Someone heard my yelps, though, and those disparate elements have been synced up in the new Street Rod. A taller, better-positioned saddle, pulled-in front end and added shock travel add up to sprightly, more responsive steering and better-controlled bump absorption. I'm still not nuts about the porky exhaust poking my lower right leg at stops, and I'm not even sure it qualifies as a cruiser, but I'll take those bitchin' Brembos anytime.-Andrew Cherney