Gorgeous styling and 21st century performance make this the cruiser to match. Now less gaudy than before
Cons
Limited tank range and less comfortable than you might think long distance
Following on from the original V-Rod, the new VRSCB has countless changes in its basic makeup. However, while the same engine, chassis and gearbox are used, the revolutionary VRSC V-Rod now comes dressed in a sexy little black number as the frame.
As soon as I planted my skinny frame into the V-Rod's plush seat I felt at home as I spent most of last year with one as a longtermer and found it a revelation. The engine is superb. The performance (115bhp @ 8250rpm and 74lb.ft @ 7000rpm), gives the impression that there is a much larger lump between your legs.
In reality, Harley has used Porsche's experience to develop the V-Rod engine under the 'less is more' banner. She will rev to 9000, but this is unnecessary unless you feel the need for a quarter mile drag run. Instead, keep between 4 and 6000rpm and she pulls like the proverbial steam train in any gear.
What is clever is that the 'B' is £815 cheaper than the original 'A', but here's the twist: gone are the chrome engine coFollowing on from the original V-Rod, the new VRSCB has countless changes in its basic makeup. However, while the same engine, chassis and gearbox are used, the revolutionary VRSC V-Rod now comes dressed in a sexy little black number as the frame.
As soon as I planted my skinny frame into the V-Rod's plush seat I felt at home as I spent most of last year with one as a longtermer and found it a revelation. The engine is superb. The performance (115bhp @ 8250rpm and 74lb.ft @ 7000rpm), gives the impression that there is a much larger lump between your legs.
In reality, Harley has used Porsche's experience to develop the V-Rod engine under the 'less is more' banner. She will rev to 9000, but this is unnecessary unless you feel the need for a quarter mile drag run. Instead, keep between 4 and 6000rpm and she pulls like the proverbial steam train in any gear.
What is clever is that the 'B' is £815 cheaper than the original 'A', but here's the twist: gone are the chrome engine co
Length (mm)
2377
Tank (litres)
3.7
Dryweight (kg)
271
Seats
2
Seat Height (mm)
688
Suspension Front
Wide 49mm custom fork
Suspension Rear
Polished one piece cast aluminium swing arm
Wheels Front
19 inch cast disc
Wheels Rear
18 inch wide cast disc
Brakes Front
Four piston 292.1 mm disc
Brakes Rear
Four piston 292.1 mm disc
Tank Capacity (litres)
14
Wheelbase (mm)
1715
Ground Clearance (mm)
141
Trail (mm)
99
Chassis
Steel perimeter upper frame with hydroformed main rails and bolt-on lower frame rails, MIG welded
