For a company so steeped in tradition, Harley-Davidson sure broke the mould when it introduced its V-Rod back in 2001. Its liquid-cooled, fuel-injected engine was developed with the help of Porsche, and the new bike’s styling looked 10 years ahead of its time, rather than 40 years behind.
For 2007, the company has introduced an all-black Night Rod Special version of the sexy two-wheeled hot-rod that is longer, lower and even meaner looking than the other four offerings in the V-Rod range.
The new machine is a very lively performer in a straight line, with 90-odd kilowatts tucked away in the V-twin’s casings. The bike weighs a whopping 292kg, and this, combined with the raked forks and massive 240/40R-18 back tyre, means that it’s not the easiest motorcycle to manoeuvre about town.
The forward-mounted footrests force the rider into an uncomfortable “clamshell” riding position, and the limited suspension travel causes every bump in the road to be transmitted straight up the rider’s spine, as he can’t transfer any of his weight to the foot pegs as he would in a more traditional riding position.
Ground clearance is limited, which, along with the weight and length of the machine, makes enthusiastic cornering a rather risky business. Still, that gorgeous twin-cam, four-valve, 1Â 130-cubic-centrimetre engine renders the straights between the bends enormously rewarding.
The Harley is quicker than just about any car money can buy through the standing start 400m, which it covers in well under 12 seconds on its way to a top speed of about 210km/h. It’s stylish, superbly built and sexy as hell. At R185Â 000 it’s not cheap, but then, what quality product is these days?
Test bike supplied by 1Â 000 Hills Harley-Davidson, Pinetown