High Points
Major powerBest-looking Rod yetErgos for everybodyLow Points
Lever span a stretch for small handsStill priceyFirst Changes
Swap seats for long rides—especially with passengersSPECIFICATIONS
2006 Harley-Davidson VRSCD Night Rod
Designation: VRSCD
Suggested base price: $14,995
Standard color: Black
Extra cost colors: Black Denim, Chopper Blue, Cobalt Blue, Brandywine Sunglo, add $245; Sunglo Blue/Chopper Blue, Black Cherry/Black Pearl, Fire Red/Vivid Black, add $300
Standard warranty: 24 mos., unlimited miles
Recommended service interval: 5000 miles
With many details, such as...
With many details, such as the turn signal bodies and instrument case, already blacked out, the standard black paint bodywork seems natural.
ENGINE & DRIVETRAIN
Type: Liquid-cooled 60-degree tandem V-twin
Valve arrangement: DOHC; 2 intake, 2 exhaust valves
Displacement, bore x stroke: 1130cc, 100 x 72mm
Compression ratio: 11.3:1
Carburetion: EFI
Lubrication: Wet sump, 4.5 qt.
Minimum fuel grade: 92 octane
Transmission: Wet clutch, 5 speeds
Final drive: Belt
CHASSIS
Wet weight: 626 lbs., 00% rear wheel
GVWR: 1022 lbs.
Seat height: 27.1 in.
Wheelbase: 66.9 in.
Overall length: 93.5 in.
Rake/trail: 34o/4.6 in.
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: 2, 4-piston calipers, 11.8-in. discs
Rear brake: 4-piston caliper, 11.8-in. disc
Front suspension: Inverted, 43mm stanchions, 5.0 in. travel
Rear suspension: 2 dampers, 5.0 in. travel, adjustable for spring preload
Fuel capacity: 3.7 gal.
ELECTRICAL & INSTRUMENTATION
Charging output: 439 watts
Battery: 12v, 12 AH
Forward lighting: 55/65-watt headlight, position lights
Taillight: Single bulb
Instruments: Speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, LCD odometer/dual tripmeter/clock/diagnostics; warning lights for high beam, turns signals, neutral, oil pressure, coolant temperature, engine diagnostics, security system
PERFORMANCE
Fuel mileage: 31 to 41 mpg, 34.9 mpg average
Average range: 129 miles
200-yard, top-gear acceleration from 50 mph, terminal speed: 83.3 mph
Quarter-mile acceleration: 11.94 sec., 112.9 mph
Art Friedman: I find it kind of ironic that Harley, which builds the bikes everyone else is trying to emulate, is the one to break out of the air-cooled, pushrod, big-twin mold. But leaving the herd has definitely been rewarding for those of us who have gotten to ride the results. The Harleys for people who don't want Harleys are among the best cruisers out there, and certainly bring the power despite their modest displacement.
The Night Rod gives the best of all previous VR models, adds some spiffy style and even makes these modern Harleys a bit more accessible with a price that's $500 less than other Harley Rods.
Andrew Cherney: With its nocturnal name, I just assumed Harley's new scoot would take the form of a plain, blacked-out V-Rod. The Night Rod is a bit more than an exercise in graphic design—though I'll admit it's the most appealing V-Rod I've seen yet. On the road, my dwarflike digits appreciated the whoa power of Brembo brakes, and somehow, against all logic, the bike felt lighter and more responsive in turns.
Still, I had issues (just ask my therapist). The pipe always seemed to contact my calf when I stabbed my stubby legs down at a stop, and hunting for an efficient position on the midmount pegs/controls proved frustrating at times. The suspension was overly cranky in sharp-edged stuff, but I couldn't complain about the two options for foot placement. Once I nailed the forward pegs, it was all smooth cruising. The Night Rod addresses most of the whines I had about the standard V-Rod and looks good doing it, but I'm hoping there are a few more tweaks in its future.
Jamie Elvidge: You've got to love a V-Rod. Don't you? Really, I do love that line of bikes for their sexy, lean lines and killer engine, and this is perhaps my favorite because of its sporty ergo orientation and visual flow. I'm more comfortable with my feet under me than in front, and it feels like I'm starting on the rear pegs with the Harley's latest Rods, which is good.
But. I've been riding so many of the sleek, new Milwaukee wonders I'm beginning to pine for the real deal. The big charismatic thumpers we all know and love. It's like the guy I was talking with at the gas station said, "I guess that's a Harley, but it's not a Harley." Hmmm. The Night Rod is all Harley to me, but I have to be in the mood for it. A Road King, Fat Boy or Electra Glide? I'm never not in the mood.