It’s time to challenge the senses and the status quo. The newest offering from Harley-Davidson is poised to trounce all previous conceptions of a Harley-Davidson custom and custom cruiser in general. It is a statement drenched in pure American motive muscle, erupting in an unleashing of performance deeply rooted in Harley-Davidson’s passion for raw power and decades of racing heritage. It’s a bold new beginning, combining aggressive energy with pure Harley-Davidson style. This is the first member of a new family of performance cruiser motorcycles, a new breed of Harley-Davidson power cruisers. This is the V-Rod.

So Powerful, the Earth Revolves Around It
Overlook the long, lean lines of the aluminised V-Rod for a moment and listen to the explosion emanating from its soul. The new aptly named Revolution engine represents a stunning industry first, by combining a host of cutting edge technical features including water-cooling, 60 degree V-Twin geometry, dual overhead cams in four-valve heads and rare earth magnetic alternator technology with dramatic motorcycle-as-art styling that could only have come from Harley-Davidson.

An offspring from the VR-1000 Superbike race program and developed by Harley-Davidson’s Powertrain Engineering team in conjunction with Porsche engineering in Stuttgart, the Revolution motor spins its one-piece forged crankshaft with side-by-side rods featuring automotive style full pressure bearing journals. Displacing 1130cc, the Revolution pounds out an impressive 115hp (98hp in selected markets) at 8,250 rpm, and an earth moving 74 lb-ft of torque at 7000 rpm.

Achieving such performance was the goal of the Revolution, and reaching that goal demanded innovation and the use of cutting edge and new technologies. Dual overhead cams driven by hydraulically tensioned chains deliver incredibly accurate valve train performance and drive the high flow four-valve heads. Feeding the need is an electronic sequential port fuel-injection, as forged pistons draw fuel charge and air through a new downdraft air intake system. High-energy plug top ignition coils initiate combustion.

Cooling the Revolution is Harley-Davidson’s first application of a water-cooled engine available for retail. The highly efficient system delivers optimum t emperature control without sacrificing styling. Such attention to style detail isevident by a form friendly, yet functional radiator and unique water pump placement. Aiding the system are twin cooling fans, which further ensure the consistent high performance capabilities of the V-Rod.

A combination of rubber mounting and an internal counter balancer isolates the Revolution motor from the frame and delivers silky smooth power to an all new transmission. The 5-speed transmission utilizes a combination of spur and helical gears to deliver smooth, short-throw shifting, with minimal mechanical noise and incredible durability. A wet sump oil pump means there’s no external tank and a new rare earth magnet alternator generates high amps from a small, neat package. Finally, a stylised 2-1-2 big bore exhaust system features large volume capacity for optimized performance while still meeting noise requirements and delivering a distinct sound customers will love and onlookers will covet.

Raw Perimeter Appeal
As the rumble of high performance mechanical muscle strikes a chord within your soul, the flowing lines of the V-Rod offer an enthralling sensation to your sense of sight. A new silver dipped perimeter frame, a first for Harley-Davidson, delivers an uncompromising level of chassis rigidity and flowing styling unlike any motorcycle in the world. As with any Harley-Davidson motorcycle styling was a key element when developing the V-Rod and the exotic bends of the frame are achieved through a hydroformed process. The new frame spans a gargantuan 67.5" (1713 mm) wheelbase and is slung low via a 34¥ rake and 38¥ fork angle, all of which serves up an optimal balance of high and low speed stability. The dimensions and geometry belie the surprisingly agile handling of the V-Rod.

Anodized aluminum body panels exemplify the V-Rod’s breakthrough styling. In a world of plastics and composites, the V-Rod uses the definitive material of quality and customization … pure metal. Aside from a look unlike any other, the aluminum panels weigh 50% less than steel, yet match its performance. Side panels, front and rear fenders, chain guard and air cleaner cover (which sits where you would normally expect to see the fuel tank), glow with a raw metallic silver sheen, the perfect compliment to the powder coat platinum finish found elsewhere. Combined iith polished aluminium solid disc wheels, the whole effect makes the V-Rod appear as if machined from solid billet metal.

The fuel cell of the V-Rod its below its seat. A benefit of this is that it keeps mass down low but the driving reason was performance: the gaping twin downdraft induction stacks and large capacity air cleaner sit directly above the centre of the V-Twin Revolution engine, where you would normally expect to find a fuel tank. This enables optimum direct air flow to the motor.

Leading the flowing aerodynamic lines is a new reflector optic headlamp. Styled as if formed by speed itself, the powerful dual bulb headlamp slices the night with a beam of light, which is perfectly focused and provides outstanding visibility. Such category defining styling cues are made more evident with the new integrated instrumentation clamshell, which features speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge and warning lights. The instrumentation system also incorporates a start-up self-diagnostic check and multiple trip and fuel level settings.

Performance Beyond the Twist
Melded into the stark lines of the V-Rod, performance can be found at every corner. Massive 49mm front forks are paired with a new one-piece, polished cast aluminum swingarm. Both deliver uncompromising rigidity and ride characteristics. Braided brake lines are coupled to unique floating dual front rotors and single rear rotor, with four piston calipers applied to each. Such braking capabilities speak volumes in terms of the sheer raw performance of the V-Rod.

Other V-Rod firsts for Harley include a new hydraulic actuated clutch, which enables consistent, smooth gear changes, and an Automatic Compression Release (ACR) which enables reliable easy starts.

This motorcycle represents the first in a new family of performance cruisers and clearly reaffirms that Harley-Davidson is at the leading edge of custom styling and engineering. This ground-breaking motorcycle is very different by design, but still pure Harley-Davidson by nature. It defines the new breed of performance custom. V-Rod has arrived.