Harley V-Rod special on the Discovery Channel

[highsider]

Okay, I realize its not everyone's favorite marque of motorcycle, but it was a really cool, hour long documentary about the evolution and design of the V-Rod. The motor was the result of a joint venture with Porsche, and was built to pass Porsche's super strict tests - 500 hours of abuse (like three weeks, I think?) straight, never being shut off.

A definite highlight: Once they got a running prototype together, Willie Davidson broke it and no one else could ride it. It was stuck in fourth gear.

I kind of found myself wanting one after watching it, but they're pretty expensive

I imagine they'll re run it a couple of times this week - its a good watch.

[SEVENSGT]

fuck harley and all thier overpriced bikes

[bigred875]

i like them...

[benVFR]

That show is fairly old.

The motor sounds cool but the rest of the bike is kind of retarded if you listen to people who've rode them. It has really fucked up rider positioning & ergonomics, it's supposedly really uncomfortable to do anything other than cruise around town to show off.

[SEVENSGT]

Originally posted by bigred875
i like them...

figures, they're big and slow

[bigred875]

Originally posted by SEVENSGT
figures, they're big and slow

just like me

[Karaya One]

Why does an American company that puts Made in America - this in itself is a joke and not true - on each gas tank need a German company to design an engine?

America did design the small block, didn't it? We do know a bit about four-stroke technology!

[xxdcmast]

I think the bikes are alrite looking but a friend of mine has one and says since they used the solid wheels if your riding with a crosswind the bike wants to go all over the road due to the wind force.

[Nikon]

Originally posted by benVFR
That show is fairly old.

The motor sounds cool but the rest of the bike is kind of retarded if you listen to people who've rode them. It has really fucked up rider positioning & ergonomics, it's supposedly really uncomfortable to do anything other than cruise around town to show off.

ummm...I rode/rented one on my honeymoon and I was impressed. I expected it to be underpowered with no mid-range but it rode pretty well for me. I was comfy - but i'm fat so what do I know?

[richw]

I have talked to at least 6 v rod owners and at least in their mind they would have rather bought the traditional harley.

When the blush is over I expect to see a V Rod powered Bhuel (sp) that may not be a total embarrassment.

Also Porsche markets their design services plus has both GP and EPA experience. I don't think a USA could do it without 3 catalytic converters under the seat.

[bigred875]

isnt the motor a lot like the vmax motor?

[katana0215]

Originally posted by bigred875
isnt the motor a lot like the vmax motor?

pssshh. VMAX owns