Back in August 1982 Bike magazine ran a feature on a group of custom bikes owned by members of NCC Yorkshire. The group included Goldstar Geoff's amazing 108" wheelbase Benelli 750 six lowrider, and Kevin Harlow's Bunt framed 500 Honda with extended BSA girders and low handlebars. The article concluded, tongue in cheek, that "one day all bikes will be built like this". Well, folks, it's been a long time coming, but welcome back to the future.

Of course the Harley V-Rod is no custom bike, but a full blown production model. And it makes a pretty bold styling statement in a world where factory customs have become ubiquitous with their clone-like V twin engines, fat wheels and standard issue pullback bars. With the V-Rod Harley have more or less done the impossible by inventing a completely new category of production bike and have at once catapulted themselves to the very forefront of cutting edge performance.

Harley call this bike a "hot-rod", and let's get one thing quite clear. While it may still be a V-twin it bears very little relation to any previous Milwaukee product other than the name on the tank. The 1130cc engine is an entirely new, state of the art unit with development work by Porsche, and features a 60 degree watercooled layout with double overhead cams and four valves per cylinder. For once Harley have not been shy of boasting a power output and claim 115BHP with over 86 N/Ms of torque. This makes for stump-pulling power and lots of useable high speed performance.

Then the stylists were let loose with their pencils to craft something suitable for ol Judge Dredd himself and have come up with a bike so modern looking it might have just been transported back in time from the 25th century, with maybe just a nod in the direction of cutting edge customs like Paul Scott's Road Creature.

Harley have employed a new technique called "hydroforming" to bend the main frame rails, resulting in sweeping and stylish lines like nothing you've seen before. The same technique produces the swooping exhaust system with its dramatic flared mufflers. The 15 litre fuel tank is under the seat and the smart brushed aluminium carapice covers the air filter and ancillaries. The rakish geometry supports solid disc wheels at each end. And if you're wondering how such a radical rake can be made to steer so easily take a good look at the angle of the fork legs and headstock. Yes, folks, raked yokes. The first we've seen since 1977 and probably the first ever on a production bike.

In fact the handling reminds me of nothing other than Kevin Harlow's Bunt framed Honda 500/4 of Bike magazine fame. That bike had low bars and 6" over BSA girder forks which gave a low, squat, riding position and stable handling at speed. On the V-Rod, just like Kev's Honda, you can see the front wheel as you're riding along, a sensation which may seem strange to those unaquainted with riding chops.

Personally I don't like the styling of the headlamp which looks like it's aimed too far skywards, and I'm probably alone in thinking the instrument cluster looks like too big a lump to be plonked up on the handlebars. Also for this price, I'd expect better provision for a passenger. The standard pillion seat is laughably small, and the pillion footrests are bolted to the swingarm, making your passengers feet oscillate up and down with the suspension just like a Honda 90.

Harley have got the timing just right with this bike as more and more sports bike riders, discouraged by the plague of GATSOs afflicting our roads, seek other ways of enjoying life on two wheels. Many who might have dipped a toe into the cruiser market will like the V-Rod with its unique combination of street style and high performance. You can go slow on this bike and enjoy the ride, then open the throttle when roads permit and taste a rush of power that will whip you up to a claimed maximum of 140 MPH. And no apologies for the cliche; it's truly awesome to ride.

Check that rake angle. Cleverly machined yokes keep the steering easy.

The frame design is high tech and well thought out.

Fuel filler is under the seat.

Huge air cleaner and battery live under the dummy tank.

 

Marks out of ten:

Performance:
Nine. This bike is sweet in town and easy to ride, but turn on the power and it surges forward with a will. The radical looking geometry works better than you might expect, but the bike is long and can run a little wide in tight corners. Handling is solid, steering is light and the brakes are good. Adding rim brakes would really kick the styling into Starship Enterprise territory.

Comfort:
Eight. Some may find the low slung, feet forward riding position puts a lot of weight on their backside, particularly if migrating from a sports bike. But the seat is excellent, and if the windblast gets too much you can choose from a range of screens. If you plan to carry a passenger or any luggage you¹ll need to be spending money from the accessory catalogue.

Build Quality:
Nine. The V-Rod is difficult to fault on quality, and is beautifully finished from it's radical engineering down to it's tasty detailing. Hard to find fault with, this really is a splendidly presented motorcycle. And it looks like nothing else on earth.

Value For Money:
Nine. At over fourteen grand the Harley is never going to be a cheap option, but for your money you get exclusivity that simply isn't available elsewhere. There's currently a waiting list for these bikes, and if you want one in a hurry be prepared to pay over the list price. The V-Rod really is in a class of its own and it's cult status is likely to keep secondhand prices high.

Street Cred:
Ten. Everyone, everywhere is impressed by this bike. Traditional dyed in the wool Harley riders respect it from a safe distance while Fireblade and R1 owners cluster around wherever you park to get a glimpse of the future. Right here, right now, Harley's hot rod is the coolest bike on the street. Period.

Just in case you'd forgotten, this is Paul Scott's Road Creature from back in '99.
Go to our Featurebikes section and check the archive listing for a full feature by John Bolt.

Dr.Rod.