Re: BUNNY: I Rode A V-Rod Today

[Robert Silas <robert.silas@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

The V-rod and other Harley and similar bikes seating positions used to be used in the Middle Ages for torturing humans.  What are those wooden "gadget" called???????
Bob Silas
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Minor, Bob 
  To: oilheads@xxxxxxxxx 
  Sent: Friday, October 15, 2004 10:08 AM
  Subject: RE: BUNNY: I Rode A V-Rod Today


  Your review is consistent with the comparison test in this month's Rider that included the V-Rod, Honda Rune, the Triumph mega triple, the Yamaha V-max, and the Kawasaki 2000 cc V-twin.  Like you, they loved the mechanicals and hated the seat-bars-pegs layout.  It came in dead last.   

   -----Original Message-----
  From: owner-oilheads@xxxxxxxxx [mailto:owner-oilheads@xxxxxxxxx]  On Behalf Of Robert W Munday
  Sent: Friday, October 15, 2004 12:27 AM
  To: oilheads@xxxxxxxxx
  Subject: BUNNY: I Rode A V-Rod Today

  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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