Harley-Davidson VRSCB V-Rod review

Another example of slick handling, high performance Cruiser chic from the house of Harley
Gorgeous styling and 21st century performance make this the cruiser to match. Now less gaudy than before
Limited tank range and less comfortable than you might think long distance

Following on from the original V-Rod, the new VRSCB has countless changes in its basic makeup. However, while the same engine, chassis and gearbox are used, the revolutionary VRSC V-Rod now comes dressed in a sexy little black number as the frame.

As soon as I planted my skinny frame into the V-Rod's plush seat I felt at home as I spent most of last year with one as a longtermer and found it a revelation. The engine is superb. The performance (115bhp @ 8250rpm and 74lb.ft @ 7000rpm), gives the impression that there is a much larger lump between your legs.

In reality, Harley has used Porsche's experience to develop the V-Rod engine under the 'less is more' banner. She will rev to 9000, but this is unnecessary unless you feel the need for a quarter mile drag run. Instead, keep between 4 and 6000rpm and she pulls like the proverbial steam train in any gear.

What is clever is that the 'B' is £815 cheaper than the original 'A', but here's the twist: gone are the chrome engine coFollowing on from the original V-Rod, the new VRSCB has countless changes in its basic makeup. However, while the same engine, chassis and gearbox are used, the revolutionary VRSC V-Rod now comes dressed in a sexy little black number as the frame.

As soon as I planted my skinny frame into the V-Rod's plush seat I felt at home as I spent most of last year with one as a longtermer and found it a revelation. The engine is superb. The performance (115bhp @ 8250rpm and 74lb.ft @ 7000rpm), gives the impression that there is a much larger lump between your legs.

In reality, Harley has used Porsche's experience to develop the V-Rod engine under the 'less is more' banner. She will rev to 9000, but this is unnecessary unless you feel the need for a quarter mile drag run. Instead, keep between 4 and 6000rpm and she pulls like the proverbial steam train in any gear.

What is clever is that the 'B' is £815 cheaper than the original 'A', but here's the twist: gone are the chrome engine co

Length (mm)2377
Tank (litres)3.7
Dryweight (kg)271
Seats2
Seat Height (mm)688
Suspension FrontWide 49mm custom fork
Suspension RearPolished one piece cast aluminium swing arm
Wheels Front19 inch cast disc
Wheels Rear18 inch wide cast disc
Brakes FrontFour piston 292.1 mm disc
Brakes RearFour piston 292.1 mm disc
Tank Capacity (litres)14
Wheelbase (mm)1715
Ground Clearance (mm)141
Trail (mm)99
ChassisSteel perimeter upper frame with hydroformed main rails and bolt-on lower frame rails, MIG welded
Cubic Capacity (cc)1130
Max Power (bhp)115
Bore (mm)100
Stroke (mm)72
Valve GearDOHC
Compression Ratio11.3
CoolingLiquid cooled
Fuel DeliveryElectronic sequential port injection
Stroke TypeFour Stroke
DriveBelt
Top Speed