BUNNY: I Rode A V-Rod Today

[Robert W Munday <rwmunday@xxxxxxxx>]

Oilheads,


I took advantage of a Harley-Davidson promotion that expires Friday.  I
was sent a certificate for $50 towards H-D merchandise in exchange for
test riding a V-Rod.  As time was running out, I scheduled a test ride at
Harley-Davidson Of Indianapolis for this afternoon after work.  After
filling out the appropriate releases and checking for my safety gear, the
V-Rod was rolled out for my demo.  It was cold and overcast in Indy with
a smattering of precipitation, so I dressed appropriately.  I checked the
location of all the controls, then took two laps of the parking lot
getting a feel for the feet-forward riding position, then I headed out on
the dealer's prescribed nine mile loop.  Traffic was backed up for the
first two miles, so I got to feel the heat of a liquid-cooled engine and
got my right leg uncomfortably close to the large exhaust pipe.  Once
underway, the heat dissipated and all was well.  I also took advantage of
being stopped to try to scoot further forward in the seat so that I could
more easily reach the foot controls.  The loop speeds did not exceed
40mph but I got up a bit higher than that on some throttle roll-ons.  At
one traffic light a fellow on a scooter pulled up beside me to compliment
me on the V-Rod.  I told him that it was a demo ride and I was not at all
comfortable.  I returned to the dealership and met up with the waiting
sales manager.  I reviewed my ride and my opinion of the bike, then put
my gear away and went shopping with my $50 booty.

The V-Rod is, mechanically, a fabulous motorcycle.  The Porsche engine is
smooth, the transmission was precise, the hydraulic clutch was easy to
operate, the exhaust had a great sound and the bike was lighter and lower
to the ground than the BMWs I ride.  The ergonomics really bite.  There
are wider mirrors available as are wider seats (for the Bunny-butted
amongst us).  I felt as if I had to hold my feet in the air to keep them
on the foot pegs.  The foot brake and the shifter were easy to reach and
operate, but it was perhaps the most uncomfortable riding position I have
ever experienced on a motorcycle.  Maybe my legs are not long enough, but
I am told rear-set pegs are available to address this.  I did not
experience highway speeds and didn't get higher than third gear, but good
thing it has a 3.8 gallon fuel tank and 120 mile range...  more could be
more than most folks could tolerate.

I had not ridden a Harley-Davidson of any kind prior to today.  The V-Rod
isn't going to get me off of a BMW.  Harley-Davidson overproduced the
V-Rod for 2004 and many unsold units remain.  This promotion was a great
opportunity to get folks to try one... but this scooter isn't for
everyone... certainly not anyone interested in long-distance riding.  If
H-D could produce a standard or touring motorcycle with this engine,
electrical outlets, heated grips and luggage, they'd sell a bunch of
them.

I liked everything about the V-Rod except having to sit on it and ride
it.



Robert Munday...   Montgomery, AL    `98 R11CHP    `95 R1100RSL
ABC #3783    Village Idiot    Rolling Broccoli Rider    BOOF #131
Oilhead #1561    Nebraska Nightrider    Big Sioux Rider
Trustee, BMWMOA Foundation    Keeper Of The List    *Iron Bunny*

On assignment in Indianapolis, IN... home of the Baltimore Colts

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End of oilheads-digest V1 #308
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