Rode my 1st Harley Davidson

marko138 · 10-07-2008, 04:02 PM

...and I must say...I liked it!

I had to go to the dealer today to have a headlight recall done on my bike. So while I waited I decided to take the VRod out for a spin. It was brand new...only 10 miles on it when I pulled out of the parking lot.

Very quiet stock exhaust. The weight wasn't what I expected. Took little effort to get it up off the kick stand. Clutch engages way out at the end of the lever travel....opposite of my Buell.

It was very comfortable with the forward controls. The seat felt GREAT. Nice little pad against the butt to stop you from flying off the back.

Handled MUCH better than I expected. Big 240 rear tire...but it moves plenty well through a corner. I scraped pegs or boot just about every time I leaned over though. Over all not bad for a big cruiser.

Brakes felt nice and solid...ABS is nice...but didn't test it.

Rev's very slow...meaning...I gave it the berries a few times leaving stop signs and it would take off very quickly... I'd look down and it's only pulling 5 grand (red line is 9,000rpm).

I was very impressed with it. I'd buy one if I had the money. Loved it.

Stock photo:

Rider · 10-07-2008, 04:05 PM

Are they using special engine mounts to dampen the vibes or is it typical rattle your teeth out Harley?

marko138 · 10-07-2008, 04:06 PM

Nope...really smooth. Tranny was nice and slick too.

Carolina · 10-07-2008, 04:09 PM

yup my coworker has one. i rode a couple dif models and their fun. couple kaw,zuk,honda cruisers, shit i love everything. The only prob I had I was so scared to lean them because my friends floor boards would scrape even barely turning. I have seen another buddy though lean the shit out of his kaw and take corners pretty fast. If I ever get some loot i'm def buying a cruiser as a second ride they were so much comfy than a sportbike,felt like driving a big ass couch with a lot of power. good review

marko138 · 10-07-2008, 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carolina

yup my coworker has one. i rode a couple dif models and their fun. couple kaw,zuk,honda cruisers, shit i love everything. The only prob I had I was so scared to lean them because my friends floor boards would scrape even barely turning. I have seen another buddy though lean the shit out of his kaw and take corners pretty fast. If I ever get some loot i'm def buying a cruiser as a second ride they were so much comfy than a sportbike,felt like driving a big ass couch with a lot of power. good review

It was fun fast and comfortable. I'd buy one today if I had the cash.

the chi · 10-07-2008, 04:14 PM

there is something to be said about a finely balanced cruiser, sounds like ya had fun!

One question tho, upon returning it they didnt question the scraping of the pegs at all?

marko138 · 10-07-2008, 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Chi

there is something to be said about a finely balanced cruiser, sounds like ya had fun!

One question tho, upon returning it they didnt question the scraping of the pegs at all?

Nope...I told the guy about it half way through the ride....he asked me what I thought at a stop sign.

He was the sales manager...and he was hauling ASS around these corners. I was doing my best to keep up on a bike I didn't know.

(Don't worry...I was in full control.)

the chi · 10-07-2008, 04:18 PM

thats pretty friggin cool! Our local dealers dont typically offer or allow test rides, so I wasnt sure how theyd feel about that kinda thing.

Would never worry about you being in control or not, a few others, maaaybe...

marko138 · 10-07-2008, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Chi

thats pretty friggin cool! Our local dealers dont typically offer or allow test rides, so I wasnt sure how theyd feel about that kinda thing.

Would never worry about you being in control or not, a few others, maaaybe...

This guy could rail on whatever HD he was on. Maybe a night train. He also knew the roads. In fact, when I told him about scraping...he said "thats what the feelers are for!".

ontwo · 10-07-2008, 04:25 PM

That bike is sick

10-07-2008, 04:09 PM	#4
Carolina Says it's time to ride Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: San Diego, CA :) Moto: 2003 honda CBR 954/ 2011 Road King classic Posts: 1,012	yup my coworker has one. i rode a couple dif models and their fun. couple kaw,zuk,honda cruisers, shit i love everything. The only prob I had I was so scared to lean them because my friends floor boards would scrape even barely turning. I have seen another buddy though lean the shit out of his kaw and take corners pretty fast. If I ever get some loot i'm def buying a cruiser as a second ride they were so much comfy than a sportbike,felt like driving a big ass couch with a lot of power. good review __________________ a wise man once said if u wipe ur ass with your hand you'll have a fistfull of shit

10-07-2008, 04:25 PM	#10
ontwo Designated Drinker Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: shitville Moto: 2009 ZX6R Posts: 1,661	That bike is sick __________________

10-07-2008, 04:05 PM	#2
Rider Moto GP Star Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 12,156	Are they using special engine mounts to dampen the vibes or is it typical rattle your teeth out Harley?