Harley-Davidson VRSC
Encyclopedia
The Harley-Davidson VRSC (V-Twin Racing Street Custom) family of cruiser motorcycles
was introduced in 2001 in a single model called the V-Rod. The V-Rod was developed by Harley-Davidson
to compete against Japanese and American muscle bikes. The "V-Rod" made use of the Revolution engine, developed jointly with Porsche
that, for the first time in Harley public production history, features overhead cams, and liquid cooling. The V-Rod is visually distinct from other Harley-Davidson motorcycles. It can be easily identified by the 60-degree V-twin engine, the radiator and the hydroformed
frame members that support the round-topped air cleaner cover. A distinct difference between the V-Rod and all other Harley production motorcycles, is the location of the fuel tank. The fuel tank on the V-Rod is located underneath the seat, placing the driver on top of it, rather than the usual frontal placement, the "tank" in this place is simple dressing, hiding the frame. Loosely based on the VR-1000 superbike, it continues to be a platform around which Harley-Davidson builds drag-racing competition machines. All VRSC models are produced at Harley-Davidson's Vehicle and Powertrain Operations facility in Blue Springs- Kansas City, Missouri.
This was the original V-Rod. The first V-Rod was equipped with the 1130 cc Revolution Engine, producing a claimed 115 hp at the crank. The V-Rod featured 49 mm forks and a 180 mm rear tire, with solid disc wheels. The VRSCAs were all factory equipped with 3.7 gallons (14 l) fuel tanks. In 2006 the VRSCA was equipped with Brembo Brakes. The VRSCA was only offered with forward controls.
Model years: 2007–2010.
The VRSCAW V-Rod is the successor to the VRSCA. First Produced in 2007, it is essentially a VRSCA with a new frame to accommodate the 240 mm rear tire and five gallon gas tank that came standard. The aluminum bodywork of the VRSCA only made it onto a few early-production VRSCAW models, but was quickly dropped. With these changes the VRSCAW a claimed 37 lb (16.8 kg) heavier than its predecessor. For the first production year the power-plant remained an unchanged 1130 cc Revolution engine. The VRSCAW is only offered with forward controls. The combination of increased weight, and a 240 mm rear tire with no power increase made the 2007 VRSCAW the slowest production VSRC produced
In 2008 the VRSCAW V-Rod's Revolution was boosted from 1,130 cc to 1250 cc, producing a claimed 84 ft.lbf @ 7,000 rpm, and peak power of 123 hp at the crank, a slipper-clutch was also added, as was an ABS option. For the 2009 model year the VRSCAW replaced the VRSCD, which was dropped from the line, as the "base model" for the VRSC family, as such the MSRP was dropped almost US$2,000 to $14,999.
The VRSCB V-Rod had limited two year run. It was mechanically identical to the VRSCA, the cosmetic differences included a black frame, polished aluminum and black powder-coated engine, and a slightly different clamshell, instrument housing and handlebars. The VRSCB was only offered with forward controls.
The Night Rod was introduced in 2006 as the “new hot rod-inspired motorcycle” built around the Revolution engine. The Night Rod featured Mid-mount controls, supplemented by highway-pegs. Straight-shot mufflers, helping the Revolution Engine to produce a claimed 120 hp at the crank. The Night Rod featured a black frame, black and chrome engine, Brembo Brakes, slotted aluminum disk wheels, and a color-matched fairing.
In 2008 the VRSCD Night Rod's Revolution was boosted from 1130 cc to 1250 cc, producing a claimed 85 ft.lbf @ 7,000 rpm, and peak power of 125 hp at the crank, a slipper-clutch was also added, as was an ABS option. For the 2008 model year, the VRSCD was the only remaining VRSC model to still feature a 180 mm rear tire or mid-pegs. 2008 would also be the final year of production for the VRSCD Night Rod.
The VRSCDX is marketed as the factory made custom version of the standard Night Rod and is also part of Harley-Davidson's "Dark Custom" series. In addition to a 240 mm wide rear tire, most of the chrome components of the VRSCD were replaced with black. The wheels were replaced by black slotted disk wheels, with dark orange pin striping. The Straight shot dual exhaust produced a claimed 120 hp at the crank. A 5 gallon tank was standard. The DX also features prominent racing stripes. In 2008 the VRSCDX Night Rod Special's Revolution was boosted from 1130 cc to 1250 cc, producing claimed torque of 85 ft.lbf @ 7,000 rpm, and peak power of 125 hp at the crank, a slipper-clutch was also added, as was an ABS option.
For the 2012 model year, Harley-Davidson launched a tenth anniversary version of the Night Rod Special. Key features include a straight-shot exhaust with dual, chrome slash-cut mufflers and chrome exhaust shield; split five-spoke cast aluminum wheels with diamond cut highlights; pullback handlebar with polished finish; inverted front forks in silver and polished finishes; stylized, chrome speed screen visor; graphics, including V-Rod 10th anniversary emblem; and chrome powertrain with platinum crankcase and heads.
The V-Rod Muscle was introduced in the summer of 2008 at the Harley-Davidson dealer show in Las Vegas for the 2009 production model year. In promoting the Muscle, Harley partnered with American fashion model Marisa Miller
for an advertising campaign aimed at younger, urbane riders. It would be one of only three VRSC models for 2009. Like the other two models, the Muscle features the 1250 cc Revolution Engine, a 240 mm wide rear tire, 5 gallons (18.9 l) fuel tank, slipper clutch and forward controls. Departing from the other models in the VRSC lineup, the Muscle features straight shot dual exhausts, with a crossover, one on each side of the bike. This is a significant stylistic departure from the 2>1>2 exhaust found on all other VRSC models. Additionally, the Muscle features a unique air-box with mock-up air-rams like those found on many American pony and muscle cars. Early rumors around the VRSCF speculated that the F might stand for Forced Induction, however, in the production version of the bike the air-rams are purely cosmetic. There is no official word from Harley-Davidson as to what, if anything, the F in the VRSCF designation stands stands for. The VRSCF also features a chopped rear fender with integrated turn signals, and a side-mounted license plate. As well as turn signals integrated into the rear-view mirrors; a first as a stock feature on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. The VRSCF puts out at the crank a claimed 86 ft·lbf (116.6 N·m) of torque at 6,500 rpm, which is slightly more torque than the other VRSC models, at a slightly lower engine speeds. Claimed peak crank horsepower is down slightly from the Night Rod Special, at 122 hp at 500 rpm lower engine speed.
In 2005 Harley Davidson's Custom Vehicle Operations
produced their first V-Rod. The dimensions were identical to the VRSCA at the time, but the VRSCSE featured extra chrome, custom paint, and not the typical "clamshell" found on other VRSC models. Mechanically the VRSCSE was boosted by a 1,250 cc Revolution Engine, with CNC ported heads.
The VRSCSE2 was the first V-Rod or VRSC model to feature a 240 mm rear tire. It also featured the Screamin' Eagle 1,250 cc Revolution Engine.
The Street Rod was marketed as the “roadster-inspired” member of the VRSC line. The Street Rod was the first VRSC to ever feature inverted forks and a steep rake. It also featured the highest seat height at 30 inches (76.2 cm) of any VRSC model. The Street Rod also claimed the greatest lean angle at 40°, over the 32° lean of the other VRSC models. The Street Rod came equipped solely with mid-mounted controls. The Street Rod would be the first to feature the 5 gallon tank in the 2006 year model, that would become standard for the line in 2007.
Harley Davidson put out the VRSCX as a Screamin' Eagle Tribute bike in honor of the Harley V-Rod's second consecutive NHRA Championship. The VRSCX had the same dimensions as the 2007 VRSCAW, featuring the 240 mm rear tire, 5 gallon gas tank, and forward controls. However, the VRSCX also featured a tribute paint job reminiscent of the pro stock V-Rod, a smoked drag-visor windshield, as well as the 1,250 cc Screamin' Eagle Revolution Engine.
It was introduced for the new V-Rod line in 2001 for the 2002 model year, starting with the single VRSCA (V-Twin Racing Street Custom) model.
A 1,250 cc Screamin' Eagle version of the Revolution engine was made available for 2005, and was present thereafter in a single production model from 2005 to 2007. In 2008, the 1,250 cc Revolution Engine became standard for the entire VRSC line. Harley-Davidson claims 123 hp at the crank for the 2008 VRSCAW model. The VRXSE Destroyer is equipped with a stroker (75 mm crank) Screamin’ Eagle 1300 cc Revolution Engine, producing over 165 hp.
Cruiser (motorcycle)
Cruiser is the term for motorcycles that mimic the design style of American machines from the 1930s to the early 1960s, including those made by Harley-Davidson, Indian, Excelsior and Henderson. The market for models evocative of the early cruisers has grown to embrace 60 percent of the U.S...
was introduced in 2001 in a single model called the V-Rod. The V-Rod was developed by Harley-Davidson
Harley-Davidson
Harley-Davidson , often abbreviated H-D or Harley, is an American motorcycle manufacturer. Founded in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, during the first decade of the 20th century, it was one of two major American motorcycle manufacturers to survive the Great Depression...
to compete against Japanese and American muscle bikes. The "V-Rod" made use of the Revolution engine, developed jointly with Porsche
Porsche
Porsche Automobil Holding SE, usually shortened to Porsche SE a Societas Europaea or European Public Company, is a German based holding company with investments in the automotive industry....
that, for the first time in Harley public production history, features overhead cams, and liquid cooling. The V-Rod is visually distinct from other Harley-Davidson motorcycles. It can be easily identified by the 60-degree V-twin engine, the radiator and the hydroformed
Hydroforming
Hydroforming is a cost-effective way of shaping malleable metals such as aluminum or brass into lightweight, structurally stiff and strong pieces. One of the largest applications of hydroforming is the automotive industry, which makes use of the complex shapes possible by hydroforming to produce...
frame members that support the round-topped air cleaner cover. A distinct difference between the V-Rod and all other Harley production motorcycles, is the location of the fuel tank. The fuel tank on the V-Rod is located underneath the seat, placing the driver on top of it, rather than the usual frontal placement, the "tank" in this place is simple dressing, hiding the frame. Loosely based on the VR-1000 superbike, it continues to be a platform around which Harley-Davidson builds drag-racing competition machines. All VRSC models are produced at Harley-Davidson's Vehicle and Powertrain Operations facility in Blue Springs- Kansas City, Missouri.
VRSCA V-Rod
Model years: 2002–2006.This was the original V-Rod. The first V-Rod was equipped with the 1130 cc Revolution Engine, producing a claimed 115 hp at the crank. The V-Rod featured 49 mm forks and a 180 mm rear tire, with solid disc wheels. The VRSCAs were all factory equipped with 3.7 gallons (14 l) fuel tanks. In 2006 the VRSCA was equipped with Brembo Brakes. The VRSCA was only offered with forward controls.
VRSCAW V-Rod
The VRSCAW V-Rod is the successor to the VRSCA. First Produced in 2007, it is essentially a VRSCA with a new frame to accommodate the 240 mm rear tire and five gallon gas tank that came standard. The aluminum bodywork of the VRSCA only made it onto a few early-production VRSCAW models, but was quickly dropped. With these changes the VRSCAW a claimed 37 lb (16.8 kg) heavier than its predecessor. For the first production year the power-plant remained an unchanged 1130 cc Revolution engine. The VRSCAW is only offered with forward controls. The combination of increased weight, and a 240 mm rear tire with no power increase made the 2007 VRSCAW the slowest production VSRC produced
In 2008 the VRSCAW V-Rod's Revolution was boosted from 1,130 cc to 1250 cc, producing a claimed 84 ft.lbf @ 7,000 rpm, and peak power of 123 hp at the crank, a slipper-clutch was also added, as was an ABS option. For the 2009 model year the VRSCAW replaced the VRSCD, which was dropped from the line, as the "base model" for the VRSC family, as such the MSRP was dropped almost US$2,000 to $14,999.
VRSCB V-Rod
Model years: 2004–2005.The VRSCB V-Rod had limited two year run. It was mechanically identical to the VRSCA, the cosmetic differences included a black frame, polished aluminum and black powder-coated engine, and a slightly different clamshell, instrument housing and handlebars. The VRSCB was only offered with forward controls.
VRSCD Night Rod
Model years: 2006–2008.The Night Rod was introduced in 2006 as the “new hot rod-inspired motorcycle” built around the Revolution engine. The Night Rod featured Mid-mount controls, supplemented by highway-pegs. Straight-shot mufflers, helping the Revolution Engine to produce a claimed 120 hp at the crank. The Night Rod featured a black frame, black and chrome engine, Brembo Brakes, slotted aluminum disk wheels, and a color-matched fairing.
In 2008 the VRSCD Night Rod's Revolution was boosted from 1130 cc to 1250 cc, producing a claimed 85 ft.lbf @ 7,000 rpm, and peak power of 125 hp at the crank, a slipper-clutch was also added, as was an ABS option. For the 2008 model year, the VRSCD was the only remaining VRSC model to still feature a 180 mm rear tire or mid-pegs. 2008 would also be the final year of production for the VRSCD Night Rod.
VRSCDX Night Rod Special
Model years: 2007–Present.The VRSCDX is marketed as the factory made custom version of the standard Night Rod and is also part of Harley-Davidson's "Dark Custom" series. In addition to a 240 mm wide rear tire, most of the chrome components of the VRSCD were replaced with black. The wheels were replaced by black slotted disk wheels, with dark orange pin striping. The Straight shot dual exhaust produced a claimed 120 hp at the crank. A 5 gallon tank was standard. The DX also features prominent racing stripes. In 2008 the VRSCDX Night Rod Special's Revolution was boosted from 1130 cc to 1250 cc, producing claimed torque of 85 ft.lbf @ 7,000 rpm, and peak power of 125 hp at the crank, a slipper-clutch was also added, as was an ABS option.
For the 2012 model year, Harley-Davidson launched a tenth anniversary version of the Night Rod Special. Key features include a straight-shot exhaust with dual, chrome slash-cut mufflers and chrome exhaust shield; split five-spoke cast aluminum wheels with diamond cut highlights; pullback handlebar with polished finish; inverted front forks in silver and polished finishes; stylized, chrome speed screen visor; graphics, including V-Rod 10th anniversary emblem; and chrome powertrain with platinum crankcase and heads.
VRSCF V-Rod Muscle
Model years: 2009–Present.The V-Rod Muscle was introduced in the summer of 2008 at the Harley-Davidson dealer show in Las Vegas for the 2009 production model year. In promoting the Muscle, Harley partnered with American fashion model Marisa Miller
Marisa Miller
Marisa Lee Miller is an American model best known for her appearances in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issues and her work for lingerie retailer Victoria's Secret. After a stint shooting with photographer Mario Testino for fashion magazines like Vogue, Miller began working for both companies in...
for an advertising campaign aimed at younger, urbane riders. It would be one of only three VRSC models for 2009. Like the other two models, the Muscle features the 1250 cc Revolution Engine, a 240 mm wide rear tire, 5 gallons (18.9 l) fuel tank, slipper clutch and forward controls. Departing from the other models in the VRSC lineup, the Muscle features straight shot dual exhausts, with a crossover, one on each side of the bike. This is a significant stylistic departure from the 2>1>2 exhaust found on all other VRSC models. Additionally, the Muscle features a unique air-box with mock-up air-rams like those found on many American pony and muscle cars. Early rumors around the VRSCF speculated that the F might stand for Forced Induction, however, in the production version of the bike the air-rams are purely cosmetic. There is no official word from Harley-Davidson as to what, if anything, the F in the VRSCF designation stands stands for. The VRSCF also features a chopped rear fender with integrated turn signals, and a side-mounted license plate. As well as turn signals integrated into the rear-view mirrors; a first as a stock feature on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. The VRSCF puts out at the crank a claimed 86 ft·lbf (116.6 N·m) of torque at 6,500 rpm, which is slightly more torque than the other VRSC models, at a slightly lower engine speeds. Claimed peak crank horsepower is down slightly from the Night Rod Special, at 122 hp at 500 rpm lower engine speed.
VRSCSE: Screamin' Eagle CVO V-Rod
Model years: 2005.In 2005 Harley Davidson's Custom Vehicle Operations
Harley-Davidson CVO
Harley-Davidson CVO motorcycles are a family of models created by Harley-Davidson for the factory custom market...
produced their first V-Rod. The dimensions were identical to the VRSCA at the time, but the VRSCSE featured extra chrome, custom paint, and not the typical "clamshell" found on other VRSC models. Mechanically the VRSCSE was boosted by a 1,250 cc Revolution Engine, with CNC ported heads.
VRSCSE2: Screamin' Eagle CVO V-Rod
Model years: 2006.The VRSCSE2 was the first V-Rod or VRSC model to feature a 240 mm rear tire. It also featured the Screamin' Eagle 1,250 cc Revolution Engine.
VRSCR: Street Rod
Model years: 2006–2007.The Street Rod was marketed as the “roadster-inspired” member of the VRSC line. The Street Rod was the first VRSC to ever feature inverted forks and a steep rake. It also featured the highest seat height at 30 inches (76.2 cm) of any VRSC model. The Street Rod also claimed the greatest lean angle at 40°, over the 32° lean of the other VRSC models. The Street Rod came equipped solely with mid-mounted controls. The Street Rod would be the first to feature the 5 gallon tank in the 2006 year model, that would become standard for the line in 2007.
VRSCX: V-Rod
Model years: 2007.Harley Davidson put out the VRSCX as a Screamin' Eagle Tribute bike in honor of the Harley V-Rod's second consecutive NHRA Championship. The VRSCX had the same dimensions as the 2007 VRSCAW, featuring the 240 mm rear tire, 5 gallon gas tank, and forward controls. However, the VRSCX also featured a tribute paint job reminiscent of the pro stock V-Rod, a smoked drag-visor windshield, as well as the 1,250 cc Screamin' Eagle Revolution Engine.
VRXSE: V-Rod "Destroyer"
In 2007 Harley Davidson Introduced a non-street legal, out of the box drag bike nicknamed the Destroyer. With ET's of 8 to 10 seconds with a decent rider, this bike came with the same engines as others in its family, with the exception of a long stroke flywheel, over-sized valves, dyno tuned velocity stacks, large bore high compression forged pistons, high lift cams, multi stage lock-up clutch, programmable shift light, pneumatic shifter, larger throttle bodies, and much more race equipment.The Revolution engine
The Revolution engine is based on the VR-1000 Superbike race program, developed by Harley-Davidson's Powertrain Engineering team. It is a liquid-cooled, dual-overhead-cam, internally counterbalanced 60 degree V-twin engine with a displacement of 69 cubic inch, producing 115 hp at 8,250 rpm at the crank, with a redline of 9,000 rpm.It was introduced for the new V-Rod line in 2001 for the 2002 model year, starting with the single VRSCA (V-Twin Racing Street Custom) model.
A 1,250 cc Screamin' Eagle version of the Revolution engine was made available for 2005, and was present thereafter in a single production model from 2005 to 2007. In 2008, the 1,250 cc Revolution Engine became standard for the entire VRSC line. Harley-Davidson claims 123 hp at the crank for the 2008 VRSCAW model. The VRXSE Destroyer is equipped with a stroker (75 mm crank) Screamin’ Eagle 1300 cc Revolution Engine, producing over 165 hp.