[oleblu72]

I'm in the market for a V-Rod and was just wondering if the 1250 V's would be the best year? I'm going to be looking at a 08 and a 2012 Nightrod is there a database here on the forum that breaks down the years and models and the improvements through the years? Thanks.

Mark

 

[TwinOaks]

It's a very long list of changes from aesthetics to options to ergonomics. None other than rider comfort are critical or deal-breakers IMO. You are going to hear a lot of testimonials about slipper clutches, abs, and a bunch of little "marketing" type changes to suck in trade-ins, but give/take, just find one you like, get a good price and ride it. All that other little sh!t is nice but is not enough to break any deal. Just make sure you are getting what you want in ergonomics, like foot placement.

Forward, mids, or a crotch rocket style set-up with the R model. Sounds like you want forward controls from your choices which is all models except the D and R. Both had short 2-year runs and both had changes after the first year. 4 different choices and the rest were the same way, it's hard to even remember all the changes. From rakes to tire sizes, tank sizes, bars aesthetics, etc! Nothing major among them though.

 

[oleblu72]

Thanks for the reply TwinOaks I appreciate it. I would prefer mid controls but I like the Nightrod. Is there a year for the best running or one for being more problem free? I know in the past the first year for a new model motorcycle was the fastest in some cases which in the case for the V-Rod it would be giving up a 100 c.c., thanks again.

Mark

 

[LL Cool K]

The best year is always going to be the latest...that's how improvements go.

The earlier narrow framed bikes (2002-2006) were the quickest in the 1/4 mile due to a lighter weight. When they went to the wide tire, you lost a few ponies due to the larger rotating mass of the bigger tire, and a big weight increase to the new frame. The switch to the 1250 didn't overcome the losses.

So, it comes down to whether you want a narrow frame bike versus wide frame. If you're looking for things like ABS, then you're going to need a later model bike.

You really can't go wrong with any of them.

 

[oleblu72]

Thanks for the reply there L.L. With the wider frame you got the larger fuel tank didn't you? I would definitely prefer the larger tank, thanks again L.L.

Mark

 

[CPTJAM]

Yes. Except the R, which had a 5 gal tank from the start. With these, cheaper is better, as they are all pretty bulletproof. I know of an 04B for sale here in Las Vegas for 6K. Leaves a lot of mod money!!!

 

[oleblu72]

Yes. Except the R, which had a 5 gal tank from the start. With these, cheaper is better, as they are all pretty bulletproof. I know of an 04B for sale here in Las Vegas for 6K. Leaves a lot of mod money!!!

I hear what your saying CPTJAM you need all the money you can get if your doing some mods. I like the black look of the NightRider I'm not big on a lot of chrome like a lot of the Rods have.

Mark

 

[TwinOaks]

The best year is always going to be the latest...that's how improvements go.
.

Unless it's aesthetic "improvements" which most later models have and were a step backwards IMO. Lets not even mention the "F"!

 

[TwinOaks]

Thanks for the reply TwinOaks I appreciate it. I would prefer mid controls but I like the Nightrod. Is there a year for the best running or one for being more problem free? I know in the past the first year for a new model motorcycle was the fastest in some cases which in the case for the V-Rod it would be giving up a 100 c.c., thanks again.

Mark

The difference between the 1130 and 1250 isn't worth mentioning or worrying about. You won't feel a difference, hear it or know it in a blind test and most don't realize the full potential of either one anyway.

 

[kntdrv]

I'm slowly learning the differences in the year and models of the VROD.

That said, the features of my 2013 NRS that "I" prefer are: 240 rear tire, 5 gallon, tank, ABS and forward foot controls (actually not a feature of the late models only)

OP…between your 2 choices I personally prefer the bodywork/graphics of the '08. JMHO

 

[flybigjet]

The larger fuel tank is a nice thing to have.

Early V-Rods had trouble passing up gas stations if you were heavy on the throttle.

R.

 

[ehart814]

Personally, the styling of the 08 DX is my favorite. All around, it has the features I desire most. However, I prefer the wheels on the 2012 and up models. So I bought a front wheel from one and put it on. Now I have no desire for a newer one.

The R models are awesome....having ridden one years ago. That was what sold me on vrods. The R's and DX's are my faves for sure. Can't go wrong with either. But know what you're looking for first. The biggest difference is forward controls or mids. Don't know how tall you are, but the R has a much higher seat height. So many little differences. Best thing to do is ride both and decide. Also, R models can be had for cheap if you search long enough.

The wide rear wheel might look cool. But aside from looks and launches, it offers no other advantage. A 180 tire Vrod is faster if you can launch it. If I had to give up my DX id buy an R or and original A model from 02 or 03.

Good luck! I hope this helps. I'm sure you will be very happy with whichever bike you choose.

 

[polbit]

Obviously '16 F is the best. It caries the biggest MSRP, and it shakes mirrors better than any other V-Rod.

 

[polbit]

Personally, the styling of the 08 DX is my favorite. All around, it has the features I desire most. However, I prefer the wheels on the 2012 and up models. So I bought a front wheel from one and put it on. Now I have no desire for a newer one.

The R models are awesome....having ridden one years ago. That was what sold me on vrods. The R's and DX's are my faves for sure. Can't go wrong with either. But know what you're looking for first. The biggest difference is forward controls or mids. Don't know how tall you are, but the R has a much higher seat height. So many little differences. Best thing to do is ride both and decide. Also, R models can be had for cheap if you search long enough.

The wide rear wheel might look cool. But aside from looks and launches, it offers no other advantage. A 180 tire Vrod is faster if you can launch it. If I had to give up my DX id buy an R or and original A model from 02 or 03.

Good luck! I hope this helps. I'm sure you will be very happy with whichever bike you choose.

You are right, but I have to say - for some odd reason, the 240 V-Rod handles much better than a Breakout or Victory Vegas with the same size tire. I was actually quite surprised how progressive the turn-in is on that monster, all things considering. Still, 240 is a 240, and physics is physics...

 

[oleblu72]

Thanks to all for all your expertise I appreciate it, it will sure help me in choosing a Rod.

Mark

 

[TwinOaks]

You are right, but I have to say - for some odd reason, the 240 V-Rod handles much better than a Breakout or Victory Vegas with the same size tire. I was actually quite surprised how progressive the turn-in is on that monster, all things considering. Still, 240 is a 240, and physics is physics...

And again, actual need and usage always get tossed aside in these conversations. A very small percentage actually take the 180's (or 240's) to it's actual limits anyway or realize the bikes full potential or even possess the skill-balls to do it.
Regardless of tire size, you still have a long wheel base and non-standard rake to contend with. True canyon carver? Wrong bike, even the R is limited in that regard.

 

[polbit]

And again, actual need and usage always get tossed aside in these conversations. A very small percentage actually take the 180's (or 240's) to it's actual limits anyway or realize the bikes full potential or even possess the skill-balls to do it.
Regardless of tire size, you still have a long wheel base and non-standard rake to contend with. True canyon carver? Wrong bike, even the R is limited in that regard.

There goes that full potential comment again...

Nothing to do with limits, I'm simply talking about turn-in. You know, that thing that happens when you lean your bike over to turn? A wide rear tire is typically very resistant to that, then falls into the turn as you lean more. Narrow tires are rounder, therefore more progressive. Easier to handle, and all that...

 

[Kanetruck]

Unless it's aesthetic "improvements" which most later models have and were a step backwards IMO.

Lets not even mention the "F"!

You had to go there with the F ! :stilpoke::stilpoke:

 

[Araczynski]

You had to go there with the F ! :stilpoke::stilpoke:

From what I've been reading, I haven't formed any subconscious 'consensus' as far as 'bad year/good year'.

In GENERAL however, I stay away from first year models/editions of anything though.

That aside, let it boil down to whichever style/look/rims you like the look of the best, unless you just plan on tearing it all down and repainting/changing everything anyway, in which case just let mileage/$ be the judge.

I love my particular amber whiskey F, and would never consider/buy a nightrod simply because I don't like the look of 2 things on them, BUT, that's me, you can be completely opposite, its ok, we don't all like pale blondes.

 

[JV Rod]

Oleblu, take a look at wiki for the detail the provide. I think it is basically answering the question you are asking here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harley-Davidson_VRSC#VRSCF_V-Rod_Muscle

The general consensus is they are all quite nice. If you are shorter than 5' 9" you MAY have concerns being comfy with forward controls and if you're taller than 6' 4" mid control COULD be cramping your style...