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| | | Forum Newbie
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 4/28/2008 11:51:53 PM
Posts: 1, Visits: 1 |
| For all VRod owners out there (as well as anyone else who would like to chime in)...
I am looking to purchase a motorcycle in about a year. I've had my eye on a VRod for the past two years (maybe because I've read so much about power, I've seen the awesome looks, etc) however I know that purchasing a motorcycle involves more than power and looks. While I have yet to go visit a dealership, I wanted to know what anyone would recommend to a first time Harley buyer. Would a VRod be too large of a step? Or would I need to start out on something like a Low Rider? My only motorcycling experience is limited to 125 dirtbikes and a 5 mile ride on a Suzuki GSX-R600 (that ride sealed my hatred of sport bikes).
I ask because my gut tells me I really want a V Rod. I'm concerned about how the bike will fit my body (I'm 6'0, 175 lbs.). Is this anything to be concerned about?
Thanks for reading--I really want to know what some of you more experienced riders have to say. I would really appreciate your input!
Thanks! |
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| | | Supreme Being
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 10/8/2008 12:05:55 PM
Posts: 162, Visits: 231 |
| I've owned and ridden a few HDs, as I have most other makes, riding for lots of years on the street, including some sanctioned racing. I have but a single opionion, but my opinion seems to be a fairly clear-cut response to something that, in the end, only you can answer for yourself.
1. The Dyna LR and VRod Night Rod are priced almost identically, which should make the decision process much easier.
2. Either bike will fit your size without an issue. Your size isn't a concern with either one. I know much smaller riders on both bikes.
3. There's a huge..I mean HUGE difference in their performance, ride and handling, all VERY clearly in favor of the VRod, hands down.
4. Both bikes weigh about the same, which gives no advantage to either one for moving it around in your garage/driveway/etc. On the open road, the VRod provides much more of a feeling of a superior balanced bike.
5. VRod offers much more modern technology....liquid cooling (very important), with about twice the HP with its higher revving engine.
6. VERY IMPORTANT if...IF you choose the VRod and if your budget allows it -- spend the extra several hundred dollars and get the ABS brakes!!!...no "ifs, ands or buts!!"
7. If you're looking for that typical HD mystique, including its always recognizable sound, it's not available with the VRod. Although, new exhaust systems are now available that make the VR sound pretty awesome and aggressively mean.
The downside with either bike is, your riding experience is very limited. You won't find this to be an advantage or disadvantage with either bike. But, without question, BE CERTAIN THAT YOU COMPLETE A "MSF" COURSE. Next, or perhaps FIRST...go to www.ridelikeapro.com and spend the best $35 you'll ever spend and buy their R-L-A-P V(five) DVD, something "every" rider will benefit from by watching it. I'll say no more than, "you'll be very glad you bought it."
Bottom line...I see no reason why you shouldn't get the VRod if it's what YOU want. No, it's not an old-line Harley...it's much different and much more advanced in so many ways. Neither one will be a disadvantage, EXCEPT, with the VRod you'll need to become better accustomed to the excess power and performance it offers, which is FAR superior (an understatement) to the Dyna LR. Otherwise, you'll buy your 2nd choice (for no valid reason) and, soon thereafter, find yourself switching to the bike you wanted in the first place.
Good luck. Make it a great week...and "make a difference." |
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Supreme Being
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 11/25/2008 2:59:06 PM
Posts: 322, Visits: 317 |
| Morg definitely covered the differences between the bikes, so all I'll repeat is that the MSF course is a very good idea if you are going to start out on a bigger and more expensive bike. The likelihood of doing damage at low or practically no speed increases with a heavy bike and MSF adresses that training pretty well.
K$ |
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