With the impending release of the new Harley models due in a week, I am always amazed at what gossip the internet can breed. While there is always speculation about new models, upgrades, colors, etc., the fact is that nobody knows what the Factory will come up with next. While the internet buzz has been rampant about the discontinuation of the Road Glide, many are speculating the creation of a water-cooled bagger in its place. As many have claimed for years, the Factory does try to keep it’s ear to the street to find which direction the public would like for it to go. I found this bike recently and was amazed at the level of detail, originality, and overall fit and finish of it’s build. Let’s hope the Factory is listening.
I contacted the owner through an online forum, 1130cc.com. While the V-Rod has since upgraded its engine to 1250cc, the website was created when the engine was the original 1130cc. I found this Road Rod, and had to find out more about the bike. Here’s the owner’s description of his newest baby.
Pat wrote:” The bike is amazing and surpasses all of my previous expectations of what a motorcycle should do. I've been riding for 34 years off and on. I purchased my first V-Rod in 2004 and they have definitely been my passion ever since. Joining an online Forum called 1130cc.com has certainly added value to my ownership experience since. Living on the Prairies of Canada there's not a lot of V-Rod expertise and I've certainly learned and applied quite a bit since becoming an active member of the Forum. Hopefully since joining I've been able to give back to new V-Rod owners as much as I've received since joining.
This particular bike started out as an orange stock 2004 VRSCB which was sold by the local dealer and the new owner backed out of the sale. As a result of this the bike could not be resold as new and was for sale at the local dealership for quite some time. One day I took an advertisement from Cycle Visions to the owner of the dealership and a while later he ordered and converted the bike to a Road Rod but only took it part way. Once again the bike sat in his used room, neglected, with a bald back tire about an inch of dust on it and a dead battery, like a red headed step child. I repeatedly tried to buy the bike from him and after a few years he finally and begrudgingly relented and sold me the bike.
Right then and there the evolution started. I put new tires on it had it serviced, had the battery and the leaky oil sending replaced and haven't stopped tweaking since.
I like the V-Rods because they lean towards a drag racing style as a basic platform. I currently own six, which are different V-Rod models and configurations to suit different tastes. I have a SE Electra Gide and the V-Rod is a lot more fun to ride.
I also like riding the Road Rod because it's unique, especially up here in Canada, and I like to have something a little different to ride.
I like the V-Rod because it's versatile and hopefully will be the Harley Davidson of tomorrow.
Thanks, Pat.
The dash displays many of the creature comforts associated with today’s’ baggers. I would much rather listen to a radio than my I-pod ‘s earphones, but atleast I can still hear my earphones at 120 mph! With the big bore motor, I bet Pat can cruise at 140 mph+!
Below is a list of things that have been done over last fall and this past winter. Many thanks to Forum members (1130cc.com) for their help and the various services that they provide. I'd like to especially thank Jason Ross aka: JR, the Tech who did the work from the local H-D dealer and spares no attention to detail.
1430cc V&H motor with V&H heads, oversized valves and tranny upgrade etc. K&N Topless
58mm throttle bodies
1430cc map
5.7 gram injectors
Chrome engine covers
Heavycycles LED Stage 1 ” V ” tail light
Cycle Visions LED combined turn signa, brake light saddle bag lights
.Custom Dynamics anber LED front turn signals and running lights and brake light signal module
Pingel, electric, Easy shifter
Dyna programmable shift minder, currently set to shift on its own at 8500 RPM.
Cycle Visions heel and toe shifter.
1430 Pondo derby cover
Rick's Tank 5 gallon gas tank
Digital Guard Dawg Key ignition
RC Components Calypso front wheel with single caliper front brake.
Chrome solid rear wheel
New Metzler tires
Chrome brake calipers and handlebar master cylinders
Raptor programmable shift light
HD Slipper clutch
Gloss black swingarm
Gloss black lower fork legs with the RH caliper mount machined off and billet caps
Klock Werks dark tint windshield
Painted inner fairing ( black with a violet clear to match the paint on the bike ) ( Thanks to Wade from www.Tootallairbrush.com for the paint ) Wade also painted the HD radiator cover to match the paint on the bike.
Harmon Kardon H-D stereo with J&M speakers and handlebar controls.
Cycle Visions fairing / dash gauges including an electric compass
SE chrome side covers and SE push button seat latch
2009 CVO Road Glide headlight bezel. No more lexan cover over the headlights.
Overall, I’d say this bike is a stretch from the norm, yet something that a fairly crafty garage hand could accomplish. What with the popularity of baggers today, who’s to say we won’t see more of these Road Rods? As for the Factory, I am still interested to see what they unveil for 2010. While I do not believe the 2010 Road Rod will be a model available yet, I do believe we will see a water–cooled bagger in the next couple of years. I don’t know about you, but I personally look forward to seeing a bike that can go 140 mph, while still complying with factory warranties and staying comfortable all at the same time. Shit, it’s supposed to revolve around the ride anyways, right?
Until next time..
