Stumbled over a V-Rod

Out to dinner last night, I found a near-new V-Rod parked in the street.

Interesting to see that the belt drive is now on the left, like everyone
else's chain drive. The thing has integrated forward controls, typical H-
D cowhorn bars, and a low seat height, so it doesn't really have sporting
pretensions, despite the twin front disks. Braided hydraulic lines (front
brake and clutch). Rear brake carries on the H-D tradition of keeping the
master cylinder under the footpeg instead of behind the bodywork
(bodywork?) or by the rear wheel.

The frame is multi-part, screwed together like a Guzzi frame, with very
nice steering-head bracing. The silver paint, cast and polished alloy,
and chrome, make it look both pretty and impressive (even if it's not
black). A large radiator, no doubt very effective, but I didn't think it
was well integrated stylistically.

The engine is huger than ever, the centre of the bike, redlining at 9000.
Still using carbies (something in reserve for next year's model). A
sticker on the frame said "V-Rod 90.4dBi @ 4150rpm"; I think a bicycle
makes more noise than that. I wanted to wait for it to leave, but the
kids dragged me away.

The V-Rod really looks the part, show *and* go. It could even handle. I
think I'd prefer one to a battlestar Beemer (though few pillions would).

And for one more of the contrasts that abound in motorcycling, directly
across the road was parked a well-worn Laverda Jota.

Gary (off to the Loaded Dog)

 

Only Sportsters had the belts and chains on the right. Hogs have always had
belts and chains on the left.

Not carbies. Throttle body injection.

Doug Cox.
Work to ride, Ride to work...

 

Oh. Well you would know

I didn't look that closely. They had mighty big alloy bodies, and a cable
heading up to the throttle. Thanks, Doug!

Gary