Harley-Davidson VRSC

Infobox Motorcycle
left
name=Harley-Davidson VRSC


aka=V-Rod
manufacturer=Harley-Davidson
production=2002–Present
class = power cruiser
related=
wheelbase=in to mm|67.2
length=in to mm|94.4
width=
height=
seat height=in to mm|27.1
engine=76.3 cu in (1250 cc) water-cooled V-Twin
power=
torque=Auto lbft|84.0 @ 7000 rpm
fuel_capacity=5.0 gal US (18.9 L)
fuel_economy=Auto mpg|42 hwy / Auto mpg|34 city
transmission=
Wheels=

The VRSC (V-Twin Racing Street Custom) family was introduced in 2001 in a single model called the "V-Rod". The V-Rod was developed as Harley-Davidson first "Power Cruiser", designed 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 history, incorporates fuel injection, 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. Loosely based on the VR-1000 superbike, it continues to be a platform around which Harley-Davidson builds drag-racing competition machines.

In 2008, Harley added anti-lock braking systems as a factory installed option on all VRSC models.Fact|date=April 2008 Harley also increased the displacement of the stock engine from 1130cc (69ci) to 1250cc (76.3ci), which had only been previously available from Screamin' Eagle, added a slipper clutch as standard equipment and offered anti-lock brakes as an option for the first time.

VRSC Models

VRSCA V-Rod

Model Years: 2002-2006.This was the original V-Rod. For the first year of production it was only available anodized aluminum. In 2003 anodized aluminum and the silver/black 100th anniversary paint scheme was offered. Different colored paint schemes became available for the 2004 year model. The First V-Rod was equipped the 69.0 in.³ Revolution Engine, producing a claimed convert|115|hp|abbr=on 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 gallon gas tanks. In 2006 the VRSCA was equipped with Brembo Brakes. The VRSCA was only offered with forward controls.

VRSCAW V-Rod

Model Years: 2007 - Present. 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 pounds heavier than its predecessor. For the first production year the power-plant remained an unchanged 69 cubic inch revolution engine. The VRSCAW is only offered with forward controls. The combination of increased weight, and a 240mm 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 1130cc (69ci) to 1250cc (76ci), producing a claimed convert|84|ft.lbf|N.m|abbr=on. @ 7000 rpm, and peak horsepower of 123 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 $2000 (US) 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 convert|120|hp|abbr=on 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 1130cc (69ci) to 1250cc (76ci), producing a claimed convert|85|ft.lbf|N.m|abbr=on. @ 7000 rpm, and peak horsepower of 125 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 rear wheel, 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 convert|120|hp|abbr=on 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 1130cc (69ci) to 1250cc (76ci), producing a claimed convert|85|ft.lbf|N.m|abbr=on. @ 7000 rpm, and peak horsepower of 125 at the crank, a slipper-clutch was also added, as was an ABS option.

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. It would be one of only three VRSC models for 2009. Like the other two models, the Muscle features the 1250cc(76.3ci) Revolution Engine, a 240mm wide rear tire, five gallon 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 86.00 ft lbs (116.62 Nm) of torque at @ 6500 rpm, which is slightly more torque than the other VRSC models, at a slightly lower RPM. Claimed peak crank horsepower is down slightly from the Night Rod Special, at 122 at a 500rpms lower as well.

VRSCSE: Screamin' Eagle CVO V-Rod

Model Years: 2005.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 1250 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 1250 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” 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 VRSCA, featuring the 240 mm rear tire, 5 gallon gas tank, and forward controls. Hoever, the VRSCX also featured a tribute paint job reminiscent of the pro stock V-Rod, a smoked drag-visor windshield, as well as the 1250 cc Screamin' Eagle Revolution Engine.

The Revolution engine

The Revolution engine is based on the VR-1000 Superbike race program, developed by Harley-Davidson's Powertrain Engineering team and Porsche Engineering in Stuttgart, Germany. It is a liquid cooled, dual overhead cam, internally counterbalanced 60 degree V-twin engine with a displacement of 69 cubic inches (1130 cc), producing convert|115|hp at 8250 rpm at the crank, with a redline of 9000 rpm. [cite web
title = First Ride: 2002 Harley-Davidson VRSCA V-Rod
publisher = motorcycle.com
url = http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/harley-davidson/first-ride-2002-harleydavidson-vrsca-vrod-13245.html
accessdate = 2007-12-14] [cite web
title = Harley-davidson v-rod - jeckyl or hyde!
publisher = Motorbikes Today
url = http://www.motorbikestoday.com/reviews/Articles/harley_vrod.htm
accessdate = 2007-12-14] 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. [cite web
title = Harley-Davidson Company History Timeline 2000
publisher = Harley-Davidson Motor Company Website
url = http://www.harley-davidson.com/wcm/Content/Pages/H-D_History/history_2000s.jsp?locale=en_US
accessdate = 2007-12-14] [cite web
title = Motor Company History
publisher = North Texas Harley Owners Group
url = http://www.nthog.com/html/motor_company_history.html
accessdate = 2007-12-14]

A 1250 cc Screamin' Eagle version of the Revolution engine was made available for 2005, and was present thereafter in a single production model from 2005-2007. In 2008, the 1250 cc Revolution Engine became standard for the entire VRSC line. Harley-Davidson claims convert|123|hp at the crank for the 2008 VRSCAW model. The VRXSE "Destroyer" is equipped with a stroker (75mm crank) Screamin’ Eagle convert|1300|cc Revolution Engine, producing over convert|165|hp.VRSC (V-Twin Racing Street Custom) models. At first it was used in a single model called "V-Rod". By 2006, the line had been expanded to five consumer model V-Rods, including the standard "V-Rod", the "roadster-styled" "Street Rod", the long and low "Night Rod", and the VRSCSE² "Screamin’ Eagle V-Rod" with 1,250 cc big bore kit. 2007 saw the addition of further models like the VRSCDX "Night Rod Special" and the VRSCA being replaced by the VRSCAW with a 240 wide rear tire (up from the 180 rear tire on the "A")

References