Suzuki - Vrod - What The

[Terminated]

Yesterday I was having an afternoon ride and was approaching the roundabout at Silverstream Bridge taking a right, and up on the left lane were two immaculate looking Suzuki bikes taking a right, the were silver grey with boulevard [I think] on the tank and low wide rear wheel. I was gob smacked they looked just jaw dropping great.

Anyone else seen these bikes - What The are they?

Heads Up and Enjoy

[sAsLEX]

M109r???????

This thing
http://homepage.mac.com/david_cohen_design/.Pictures/wallpaper/m109r.jpg

Courtesy of Big Dave......

[Terminated]

M109r???????

This thing
http://homepage.mac.com/david_cohen_design/.Pictures/wallpaper/m109r.jpg

Courtesy of Big Dave......

Yeap That Thing - bloody beeeeuuuutttiiiffffuuuullllll

[Terminated]

Came across this with google search:

http://www.amadirectlink.com/news/2006/M109R/M109R.asp

Heads Up and Enjoy

[James Deuce]

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=33274&highlight=M109R

[diggydog]

very nice bike,wish it was that price here, that would be u.s. dollars.

[diggydog]

looking at the spec m109, with me being a short ass, the seat height is only 5mm higher than my bike.

[Phoenix]

Suzuki Vrod? what an insult to Suzuki :P as for M109's bleh, too heavy and too much bodykit!! My M50 does 190, or there abouts, the 109 is said to do 220, I know vtwins aren't built for speed, and those things sure aren't. I don't think someone who has only had experience riding a GN250 should jump up to an 1800, even brand new GN250's are dogs to ride, they bounce all over the road, you need to work your way up to it or at least ride something with better handling, like an FXR150.
(I say this from the stand point, that I own an FXR and have owned a GN and ridden lots of bikes since I first got my license.)

[Grumpy]

The 109 is alot of bike which adds to the experience. It certianly makes a statement on the road.

[Drum]

Yeap That Thing - bloody beeeeuuuutttiiiffffuuuullllll

You'd wake up the baby riding that beast around the valley buckbuck!

[Big Dave]

It certainly makes a statement on the road.

'I couldn't afford a Harley' ?:devil2:

I gave it a very favourable review. Good bike.
Personally If I could afford either I would buy a 07 softail custom.
But for 20 large a m109 in the shed would not be hard to live with at all.
They accelerate like a Busa down low.

[Virago]

looking at the spec m109, with me being a short ass, the seat height is only 5mm higher than my bike.

Spec seat heights can be deceiving. Being a serious short-arse myself, and attracted to the big cruisers, I check out the seat specs on all bikes that appeal.

Alas, most big-bore cruisers are also rather wide, which in practice adds quite a bit to the actual "inside leg" measurement.

A large proportion of big-bore cruisers have seats lower than my Virago. But while I can sit flat-foot on the Virago, I'm tip-toe on these other bikes. Not very confidence inspiring when trying to manoeuver 300+ Kg around....

Seat height specs should be replaced with an "inside leg" spec, i.e. centre of seat to ground.

[Terminated]

You'd wake up the baby riding that beast around the valley buckbuck!

No I wouldn't really, honest to goodness, I wouldn't really and truly I wouldn't, I promise I'll be real good, if you could just park it up in the garage for me Drum - and there I would be quite content to wait until the wee one got a little older and honest I would never disturb her sleeping, true honest to goodness.:rockon:

Heads Up and Enjoy

[Terminated]

I don't think someone who has only had experience riding a GN250 should jump up to an 1800

The 109 is out there in the emotive dreamland of what will be, will be. In the meantime I will be progressing slowly up the levels 600/800cc probably the next bike nothing larger that's for sure.

My goal is to have toured the Sth Island by age 60 [6yrs to go] and then a retirement bike to cruise. Meanwhile, bikes in between will be progressive stepping stones.

Heads Up and Enjoy

[James Deuce]

Phoenix, BuckBuck is positioned at the other end of the rollercoaster to you. He'd cope with it after a GN, NO Worries.

It's not the cubic capacity, it's the desire to learn and the application of the knowledge that is important.

Ask Hitcher if going from 250cc to a series of 12-1300cc bikes was a bad idea.

Sunhuntin' would be another I expect to see going from the 250cc Virago to a big HD, and I'd have no drama with that either.

I shouldn't have been allowed to step up to 400cc until this year on the other hand.

[98tls]

'I couldn't afford a Harley' ?:devil2:

I gave it a very favourable review. Good bike.
Personally If I could afford either I would buy a 07 softail custom.
But for 20 large a m109 in the shed would not be hard to live with at all.
They accelerate like a Busa down low. For $20000 i reckon there a steal indeed...was round at a mates house today who has just bought a 07 Harley something or rather....forgive me but not a harley fan.......as hes a good mate i had to say nice but the guy payed $28000 for it and after having a good look at the suzuki last time i was at a dealership i just cant see $8000 difference...still different strokes eh....actually i was surprised at $28000...i thought they were way more over priced than that.....

[diggydog]

Spec seat heights can be deceiving. Being a serious short-arse myself, and attracted to the big cruisers, I check out the seat specs on all bikes that appeal.

Alas, most big-bore cruisers are also rather wide, which in practice adds quite a bit to the actual "inside leg" measurement.

A large proportion of big-bore cruisers have seats lower than my Virago. But while I can sit flat-foot on the Virago, I'm tip-toe on these other bikes. Not very confidence inspiring when trying to manoeuver 300+ Kg around....

Seat height specs should be replaced with an "inside leg" spec, i.e. centre of seat to ground.
i never thought of that the width of the motor which make some sense, i surpose my bike is not classed as wide, your bike would'nt weigh 300+kg, where as mine is 205 kg dry.

[Big Dave]

For $20000 i reckon there a steal indeed...was round at a mates house today who has just bought a 07 Harley something or rather....forgive me but not a harley fan.......as hes a good mate i had to say nice but the guy payed $28000 for it and after having a good look at the suzuki last time i was at a dealership i just cant see $8000 difference...still different strokes eh....actually i was surprised at $28000...i thought they were way more over priced than that.....

Part of it is that with moderate mileage, good care and 'all things being equal' the Harley will still be worth twenty something in 5 years time.
The Harley also has 'lifestyle options' the best arrays of bling and some really nice riding gear.

I was drooling over the Harley summer boots at amps today.

[Toaster]

Yeah, but which would be more reliable I wonder? I've got a GXSR1000k6 - same pricing as the Boulevard. It would be interesting to hear more about the pros and cons of the big Suzuki cruiser bike.

I know it isn't a harley, but wouldn't it have a better build quality and reliability as a result? Any experienced non-biased views on this.............

[Virago]

i never thought of that the width of the motor which make some sense, i surpose my bike is not classed as wide, your bike would'nt weigh 300+kg, where as mine is 205 kg dry.

The Virago is over 250Kg wet, but most of the the big-bore HD's are getting up to 300Kg or more. The M109 is 319Kg dry, not easy for a short-arse to push around with tip-toes......

[Big Dave]

I know it isn't a harley, but wouldn't it have a better build quality and reliability as a result? Any experienced non-biased views on this.............

Apart from the AMF years I've always regarded Harley build quality and finish' as the best. Paint is beautiful.

Reliability. Not now. the global thing means that they share many components anyway. New ones appear as reliable as any.

The Harley has power outputs more attuned to the capabilities of a cruiser chassis, suspension and ergonomics. Not to mention the speed blitz. :mellow:

But I still like the zook too. :innocent:

[Phoenix]

It's not the cubic capacity, it's the desire to learn and the application of the knowledge that is important.

(agreed)


Sunhuntin' would be another I expect to see going from the 250cc Virago to a big HD, and I'd have no drama with that either.

(Harley Davidson's are gutless, so also agreed)



yes yes yes yes

[Big Dave]

The Virago is over 250Kg wet, but most of the the big-bore HD's are getting up to 300Kg or more. The M109 is 319Kg dry, not easy for a short-arse to push around with tip-toes......

They're for the gorillas in your midst.

[The Pastor]

So how does the zuki compare to the vrod? Which one is a better bike, I understand the v rod's ground clearance is not so hot, how dose it compare to the v rod?


I think I need help, I actually want a harley >_<

[scumdog]

The 109 is out there in the emotive dreamland of what will be, will be. In the meantime I will be progressing slowly up the levels 600/800cc probably the next bike nothing larger that's for sure.

My goal is to have toured the Sth Island by age 60 [6yrs to go] and then a retirement bike to cruise. Meanwhile, bikes in between will be progressive stepping stones.

Heads Up and Enjoy

Listen ya old fart ( if ya want to listen to a young whipper-snapper who ONLY has 7 years to 60).
Don't worry about what ya ride - just ride it and stay at Chez Scumdog when ya get here!!!!
South Island is tops for you loser North Island overcrowded types. :shutup:

[Big Dave]

Which one is a better bike,

That is a question only each individual can answer for their own circumstances.

The Suzuki is probably better value for money - but matters of out and out style are rarely assessed by that criteria.

[Blueskies]

In about 10 days time I take delivery of my Vulcan 900. And yes, it is a big step from my present GN to this medium sized cruiser. But I agree with Jim 2 re it being the desire to learn and the application of the knowledge that is important ... and I don't doubt I will get plenty of opportunities to learn with this bike. :shit:
But I am confident I will get along with the 900. It has a seat low enough for me to get both feet on the ground with no trouble, also has a very low centre of gravity so I can lift it off the side stand with ease.
My goal is to have a cruiser to explore the country on in a relaxed and easy going manner, and this bike I have loved since I first sat on it and knew I had found "my bike".
Sure it will be a learning curve - but who wants to stop growing ? :rockon:

[Terminated]

Listen ya old fart ( if ya want to listen to a young whipper-snapper who ONLY has 7 years to 60).
Don't worry about what ya ride - just ride it and stay at Chez Scumdog when ya get here!!!!
South Island is tops for you loser North Island overcrowded types. :shutup:

Gidday Scumdog, thanks for the invite to Chez Scumdog, being an Aussie living on the North Island, well what can I say....[let the ribbing commence no doubt all and sundry]

[Terminated]

In about 10 days time I take delivery of my Vulcan 900. And yes, it is a big step from my present GN to this medium sized cruiser. But I agree with Jim 2 re it being the desire to learn and the application of the knowledge that is important ... Sure it will be a learning curve - but who wants to stop growing ? :rockon:

Gidday Blueskies, congrats on the Vulcan, look forward to reading your first reviews after you been out on it a while.

Heads Up and Enjoy

[Phoenix]

Don't want to sound nasty but take it out on a wet day and try braking, and throttling on corners, which you'd have no ill effect from on a GN

[Blueskies]

You are right Phoenix ... I know I have a lot to learn about this Vulcan.
I read and practice everything I can find re riding, and for the next age I will be a very, very careful rider choosing times and places to ride.
Any helpful hints you - or anyone else - might care to give me would be very well received. Thanks in advance.
Lea (Blueskies).

[Blueskies]

Thanks BuckBuckNo1. I will post for sure. Have enjoyed reading of your next bike considerations

[Terminated]

Thanks BuckBuckNo1. I will post for sure. Have enjoyed reading of your next bike considerations

Thanks Blueskies - the choices out there at the moment are very good. Well it won't be until next autumn before I move up, so plenty of time and looking foreward to taking out some demo bikes.

Heads Up and Enjoy

[outlawtorn]

You are right Phoenix ... I know I have a lot to learn about this Vulcan.
I read and practice everything I can find re riding, and for the next age I will be a very, very careful rider choosing times and places to ride.
Any helpful hints you - or anyone else - might care to give me would be very well received. Thanks in advance.
Lea (Blueskies).

Hey Blueskies, you go for it, enjoy that 900 Vulcan, and don't give two fucks what anyone else says about moving from a GN up to a bigger bike, I did the same, from a GZ250 to my VL800. The best teacher is experience, you soon learn the bike and its capabilities. If you ever want to go for a cruiser ride then give me a shout, I'll get some other cruisers and we can shoot north for a day.

[Phoenix]

well for me, I went from an FXR 150, to a GN 250 which actually has less power and handling, to a CBX 750, to my VZ800, the first bike I actually rode was a Kawasaki z550f when I was 16, at the time, the CBX750 that I have now was my dad's big bike and I wasn't allowed near it, in fact I was scared of it. now I give it shit on the straights. and I have the VZ800 for cruising

[Blueskies]

Hey Blueskies, you go for it, enjoy that 900 Vulcan, and don't give two fucks what anyone else says about moving from a GN up to a bigger bike, I did the same, from a GZ250 to my VL800. The best teacher is experience, you soon learn the bike and its capabilities. If you ever want to go for a cruiser ride then give me a shout, I'll get some other cruisers and we can shoot north for a day.

Thanks outlawtorn . . . keen to meet for that cruiser ride just as soon as I feel ok with the Vulcan. I'll be tail-end charlie for sure - but that's fine with me. Am getting oggie knobs (?) put on in case I drop the beastie and then will just get out there and ride - and ride.
:rockon:
Question folks - whats best for a cruiser. Oggie knobs or something else ?

[Toaster]

Apart from the AMF years I've always regarded Harley build quality and finish' as the best. Paint is beautiful.

Reliability. Not now. the global thing means that they share many components anyway. New ones appear as reliable as any.

The Harley has power outputs more attuned to the capabilities of a cruiser chassis, suspension and ergonomics. Not to mention the speed blitz. :mellow:

But I still like the zook too. :innocent:

Great feedback... thanks mate!

[Toaster]

Apart from the AMF years I've always regarded Harley build quality and finish' as the best... But I still like the zook too. :innocent:

Great feedback... thanks mate!

[doc]

For $20000 i reckon there a steal indeed...was round at a mates house today who has just bought a 07 Harley something or rather....forgive me but not a harley fan.......as hes a good mate i had to say nice but the guy payed $28000 for it and after having a good look at the suzuki last time i was at a dealership i just cant see $8000 difference...still different strokes eh....actually i was surprised at $28000...i thought they were way more over priced than that.....

In five years time the difference becomes obvious the Harley is still sort after the M109r thingy is just another throw away that looked good a couple of years ago, but there is something more fashionable in the magazines.

[Phoenix]

and the Harley Is still a piece of poorly engineered crap

[Phoenix]

name 1 good thing they have going for them that you can't match or better on a japanese bike, and 109's fashionable?

[98tls]

In five years time the difference becomes obvious the Harley is still sort after the M109r thingy is just another throw away that looked good a couple of years ago, but there is something more fashionable in the magazines. yea...why is it that harleys seem to retain some value....not rubbishing them at all just interested.........i cant see a harley as lasting any longer ie drivetrain etc than modern...in fact any jap bikes..i know plenty of guys that have done huge miles on old jappas......so why is it...one thing i have noticed is you see a lot of harleys for sale having done bugger all kms....i would put that down to them being a bit of a fashion statement in some circles....

[doc]

yea...why is it that harleys seem to retain some value....not rubbishing them at all just interested.........i cant see a harley as lasting any longer ie drivetrain etc than modern...in fact any jap bikes..i know plenty of guys that have done huge miles on old jappas......so why is it...one thing i have noticed is you see a lot of harleys for sale having done bugger all kms....i would put that down to them being a bit of a fashion statement in some circles....

Partly the answer is the marketing team that bought the Hog name off the ex gang dude. Marketing has been a huge succes in the modern "Evo" onwards basically previous models (Knuckle Panheads etc) caused the flack that all "modern" harley have to put up with reliability and leaking oil etc, if you can get beyond the Bling jewlery crowd that worship harley and never have ridden one they are a pretty good product . Take one for a ride and not try to ride it like a TL you might be surprised. You still need to keep something like the TL for the odd fang tho "Theres no perfect bike mate" you just need a big shed to fit all the ones you want in.

[98tls]

yea doc i have ridden one and yep....you hit the nail on the head...once i stopped trying to ride it like mine then all was good..in fact..pleasurable springs to mind...if one day i get sick of complaining of a sore back and wrists and actually do somthing about it then one could well be on the cards....although not sure if i could ever bear to sell the old TL...just been one of those bikes....

[scumdog]

and the Harley Is still a piece of poorly engineered crap

Nice troll! (so what IS so badly engineered?)

[Big Dave]

name 1 good thing they have going for them that you can't match or better on a japanese bike,

resale, street cred, finish, 'feel good', accessories & clothing, user groups, dealer support, aftermarket parts...

[Ixion]

Not to mention potato-potato

[scumdog]

resale, street cred, finish, 'feel good', accessories & clothing, user groups, dealer support, aftermarket parts...

Wot he sed.

Nothing against other bikes though.

[Big Dave]

Not to mention potato-potato

Not to mention potatoe potartoe

[98tls]

on the resale thing....the guy i mentioned in previous post that bought the new harley wanted to trade his old...96 0r 98 sporty in....this thing is mint and had a very easy life.....they didnt want to know..strange i thought...wasnt a question of dollars..they just didnt want a trade in....would have thought a dealer would damn near be obliged to take a trade..especially one in good nick...

[Boulevard 109 rider]

[QUOTE=BuckBuckNo1;820233]Yesterday I was having an afternoon ride and was approaching the roundabout at Silverstream Bridge taking a right, and up on the left lane were two immaculate looking Suzuki bikes taking a right, the were silver grey with boulevard [I think] on the tank and low wide rear wheel. I was gob smacked they looked just jaw dropping great.

Anyone else seen these bikes - What The are they?

Heads Up and Enjoy


They is definatly a 109, grin from ear to ear, mine accelerates from 0 to 120 in about 2 seconds top speed is 253kph uncorked.

[Shadows]

and the Harley Is still a piece of poorly engineered crap

:yawn: :zzzz:

[limbimtimwim]

and the Harley Is still a piece of poorly engineered crapPorsche did help them with the vrod motor... And they know how to make an absolute truckload of power from a small engine. I'm not saying it's going to be reliable, but it won't be weak..

[Big Dave]

on the resale thing....the guy i mentioned in previous post that bought the new harley wanted to trade his old...96 0r 98 sporty in....this thing is mint and had a very easy life.....they didnt want to know..strange i thought...wasnt a question of dollars..they just didnt want a trade in....would have thought a dealer would damn near be obliged to take a trade..especially one in good nick...

They probably had 5 of them on the floor already and I've seen the margins. It's not the licence to print money some think.

If you want to do real well out of Harleys - buy stock.

[outlawtorn]

and the Harley Is still a piece of poorly engineered crap

hey thanks for adding something constructive and informative to the mix - NOT

[Phoenix]

Nice troll! (so what IS so badly engineered?)

Pushrods are mechanically inefficient, cars havent had pushrods in since the 70's, theres a good reason, driveshafts which are integral to the engine are a lot more efficient than the ones of HD's. I like the LOOK of some Harley's, the SOUND is variant between them all

[Phoenix]

resale, street cred, finish, 'feel good', accessories & clothing, user groups, dealer support, aftermarket parts...


any jappa has all that crap amongst people who like japanese bikes. Harley is a label just like Dolce Gabbana, gullible buy into labels or ones with little dicks

[Ixion]

Pushrods are mechanically inefficient, cars havent had pushrods in since the 70's, theres a good reason, driveshafts which are integral to the engine are a lot more efficient than the ones of HD's. I like the LOOK of some Harley's, the SOUND is variant between them all


Nonsense. In many respects pushrods are more efficient than overhead cams. The drives to OHC (belt or chain or gear) are notoriously the most unreliable part of modern vehicles, and the lack of a mechanical multiplier with bucket cam followers puts heavy loads on camshafts. Having such fast moving sahfts in the cylinder head also requires either complex and expensive lubrication systems or expensive bearings. Camshaft bearing failure is well known.

And if the engine is not designed to rev past about 7000 rpm (which Harleys are not), then OHC offers no advantages whatsoever.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Harleys don't particularly rock my boat but I've had a good look at them, and there's certainly nothing wrong with their engineering.

[Big Dave]

Indeed mr ixion - my pushrod motor with hydraulic valve adjustment has 8,000km service intervals with no adjustments between.

It also has what I regard as the 'nicest' engine of any motorcycle I've ridden.

Something about shape of the combustion chamber roof can be achieved which enhances the torque charcteristic.

No shims, no cam chains, no tensioners, no adjustments and a most satisfying 103 horsepower.

Positively bohemian.

[Big Dave]

any jappa has all that crap amongst people who like japanese bikes. Harley is a label just like Dolce Gabbana, gullible buy into labels or ones with little dicks

:zzzz:

FWIW I have one of the coolest jobs in motorcyledom, a reasonable IQ and as far as wedding tackle goes - read the name.
I also already have a Harley product and would like several more.:yes:

[scumdog]

any jappa has all that crap amongst people who like japanese bikes. Harley is a label just like Dolce Gabbana, gullible buy into labels or ones with little dicks

Nice troll dude but you forgot one thing:

There are two types of riders, those that ride a Harley and those that want to ride a Harley.:yes: :nya: :wait:

[Ixion]

Incidentally, GM still produce an extensive range of OHV engines, from 2.2L 4 cylinders to a 6.2L V8 to be used in the 2007 Cadillac. Perhaps someone needs to tell them that cars havent had pushrods in since the 70's.

[limbimtimwim]

Indeed mr ixion - my pushrod motor with hydraulic valve adjustment has 8,000km service intervals with no adjustments between.You are saying that you need to adjust the valves every 8000k? That's a lot. My and RVF and GSXR should have their valve shim adjustments every 24,000km. Or are you saying you change the oil every 8000km?

I read an article in the break room in some motorcycle rag about the next HD revision. I liked how they don't have a key, just the fob. Get near the bike, hey presto! The bike now works. Hate to think what happens when the battery goes flat in the fob though...

[limbimtimwim]

Incidentally, GM still produce an extensive range of OHV engines, from 2.2L 4 cylinders to a 6.2L V8 to be used in the 2007 Cadillac. Perhaps someone needs to tell them that cars havent had pushrods in since the 70's.Perhaps he ment 'no new engine' has had pushrods since the 70's?

But then, that would still be incorrect: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GM_LS_engine

[Big Dave]

You are saying that you need to adjust the valves every 8000k?

No - they adjust themselves all the time.

That's a lot. My and RVF and GSXR should have their valve shim adjustments every 24,000km. Or are you saying you change the oil every 8000km?

Yes - the service intervals are 8,000km.

I read an article in the break room in some motorcycle rag about the next HD revision. I liked how they don't have a key, just the fob. Get near the bike, hey presto! The bike now works. Hate to think what happens when the battery goes flat in the fob though

They still have a key too - but it's a great system. Been on the last two test bikes I've had.

[Ixion]

Perhaps he ment 'no new engine' has had pushrods since the 70's?

But then, that would still be incorrect: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GM_LS_engine

Fark. 2.2 inch inlet valves, a 7000rpm redline and 7 litres displacement! Anyone still reckon y'have to have OHC. There's life in the pushrod yet.

And the noble spoke, too. The latter especially for Mr Hitcher.

[scumdog]

Hate to think what happens when the battery goes flat in the fob though...

Same thing that happens when your average Commodore/Falcon/Toyota fob has a flat battery...

[Cookie]

I sat on an M109 at Big Boys Toys. :Punk:

I was very supprised at how low the weight is and I can imagine adapting to something as sweet as that quite quickly.

All in the eye of the beholder of course but for someone who wants serious bling for less than the price of a v-rod, they offer a very nice option in my opinion.

[limbimtimwim]

Same thing that happens when your average Commodore/Falcon/Toyota fob has a flat battery...What's that? I have no idea.

What's a Commodore/Falcon/Toyota? I've never owned one.

[Big Dave]

What's that? I have no idea.

What's a Commodore/Falcon/Toyota? I've never owned one.

It doesn't work.

You just have to be smarter than the battery.

[s8306]

any jappa has all that crap amongst people who like japanese bikes. Harley is a label just like Dolce Gabbana, gullible buy into labels or ones with little dicks

You,re not the guy that goes on the triumph owners rides are you?

[limbimtimwim]

I sat on an M109 at Big Boys Toys. :Punk:
I was very supprised at how low the weight is and I can imagine adapting to something as sweet as that quite quickly.[/QUPTE]They are very easy to ride. And they do actually go around corners. Much to my suprise.
[QUOTE]All in the eye of the beholder of course but for someone who wants serious bling for less than the price of a v-rod, they offer a very nice option in my opinion.'Cept the footpegs are in the wrong place.

Now.. A street rod.. That could be interesting. But the RRP is 8K more than a M109R.

[Big Dave]

Now.. A street rod.. That could be interesting. But the RRP is 8K more than a M109R.

Value for money is a personal judgement call. You sure it's only 8 - whatever - $8k isn't a lot to some people - and 3 motorcycles or a years race budget to others.

The Street rod deserves to sell more than they do. (note to self - Never predict how a bike will sell in NZ again.)

Had this in Kiwi Rider when they were released April 05:

With Confidence: The Street Rod

You could tell that Robert L. Dennert (Platform Director for VRSC Motorcycles) and his team had real confidence in the ability of the new Harley-Davidson Street Rod, as evidenced by their choice of venues for its press release.

The team had assembled representatives of the region's motorcycle publications at Albury NSW, for a guided test-tour through the Australian Alps and high country.

They had planned a two-day run over Alpine roads and terrain remarkably similar to the best NZ conditions. (Only much shorter.)

The tight, twisty, magnificent riding in the high country over Mt Beauty and down to Bright would remind a Kiwi of the South Island’s finest, at least until the altitude where stands of Pine trees give way to the strong, pleasant smell of the Alpine Eucalypts and the various signs warning of crossing ‘Roos and Wombats become common.

They had chosen a route to bring out the best in bike and rider. An Aussie route that would yield results with relevance on this side of the Tasman. An international ‘mag-a-rattzi’ event, with difficult, winding mountain roads. For a new Harley! Real confidence indeed.

I was taken with the look of the bike from the moment we walked into the hanger at Albury Airport and saw 10 of them in a pristine row. From its nifty parallel-to-the-ground triple clamps to the look of the power plant and bobbed looking guard, I liked its muscular line.

We sat adjacent the multicoloured display for a quick presentation on the evolution of Street Rod from V-Rod. Mid-mount foot controls, 40 degree lean angle (V-rod 32deg), inverted forks with reduced rake, Brembo brakes, 5 more horsepower and 6ft lbs extra torque, larger fuel capacity, ‘two shot’ exhaust with improved ground clearance, new sports wheels, 100mm saddle height increase, flatter bars, increased mudguard clearance and several cosmetic variations were listed as changes from the older, cruiser version.

‘Mine’ was the orange one. When The Ed rang and told me I was off to the release in his stead, he also gave me the number to phone through my height and weight, so the bike’s suspension and ergos could be set for my arrival. The type of professionalism the Motor Co showed throughout the event – their careful planning gave me every opportunity to enjoy the bike – and I sure did.

Across the plains and into the foothills for the first photo stop gave an opportunity to get a feel for the mount. The flat bars and location of the foot pegs produce an upright, balanced riding position with neutral pressure on arms and a seat that produced no ache from 2 full days in the saddle. (Mainly on very twisty roads – no real long, straight bum killers)

The long wheel base, 1,697mm, and a dry weight of 280kgs mean that flicking the Street Rod around a pot hole or squished possum on the racing line is not simply a matter of wiggling a hip to change trajectories, it needs firm input, but the inherent stability as the bike tracks through corners, coupled with its very good ground clearance make it a delight to punt through the sweepers. Yes ‘Virginia’, good ground clearance. I touched hero pegs on tarmac only twice in 400 hard-out-Km. Possibly attributable to the way the Brembos so effectively wash off speed, or perhaps the solid frame that showed no sign of flex, maybe the modern upside down front forks, but more likely the fact that all these components combine to produce a well sorted, sweet handling, large motorcycle.

With 120 very usable ‘ponies’ and excellent torque from the fuel injected 1130cc Vee twin, plus the sweetest sounding exhaust note I’ve heard from a stock system, the Street Rod brings a big smile when you wind it on. The second generation ‘Revolution’ engine is a delight. It has a huge ‘sweet spot’ and the hum as it pulls effortlessly and smoothly from low revs is a joy. At 5-7,000rpm I was thinking ‘prillia’ as the Street Rod hammered and ‘torqued’ its way out of the tighter sections near the winter’s snowline.

The gearbox is also the best I’ve used on any Harley – smooth and direct with no sign of false neutral, yet with the ability to select true neutral even when stationary - with ease.

Final drive is by H-D’s now familiar belt system and the design of the VRSC range means that belts can be changed with minimum effort and ratios can be varied by altering the front pulley. H-D claim the belt provides smooth delivery, long life and virtually no noise. When pressed on the life expectancy ‘The Director’ would only offer that he had seen one last for ‘450,000 miles’, and some had been snapped by an errant rock not to far from the dealers on their first ride. The Street Rod has a significant enclosure to discourage the latter, and this fits well within the sexy swing-arm and overall style of the bike.

For a modern, liquid cooled motorcycle, the Street Rod has some lovely angles. It’s an attractive, stylish bike, well finished with top-notch H-D paint and chrome, as you would expect from a unit commanding a recommended retail price of $NZ35,200.

An overnight stay at the ‘Blue Duck’ near the slopes of Mt Kosciusco kindled thoughts of the Kiwi ‘Cardrona’ and the road that passes by. That southern man image led me to ponder how the Street Rod will suit NZ. Next day, riding back down the mountain – through thick fog and cold which could have been Arthur’s Pass on a bad day, I decided: Fabulously well suited to NZ - good onya mate.

The Street Rod is a rewarding sports motorcycle. It’s not for winning races, but none the less delivers a great sense of satisfaction from being ridden spiritedly through demanding situations – real satisfaction without the need to go to hyper speed. And in this age of increasing penalty, demerit points and chances of detection, I like that concept more and more each day.

The Street Rod is indeed a capable motorcycle for Kiwi conditions and will redefine most peoples concept of the way a Harley-Davidson performs.

With that in mind I pressed ‘The Director’ regarding what was next in the VRSC range when we returned to base. ‘Euro 6’ and the ‘Californication’ of emissions means that inefficient air-cooled, push-rod motors will not achieve compliance in many markets. He wouldn’t say what was to come next – other than there ‘Will definitely be more models based on the platform.’

The Cruiser is a few years old; this Sports model will be popular and is well suited to New Zealand; my guess is a Tourer. With hard luggage and big fairing.
Although ‘the Director’ steadfastly wouldn’t comment – I’m pretty confident…this time.

[Phoenix]

Nice troll dude but you forgot one thing:

There are two types of riders, those that ride a Harley and those that want to ride a Harley.:yes: :nya: :wait:


I'm neither.

[Phoenix]

You,re not the guy that goes on the triumph owners rides are you?

are you the guy with the nice red S83

[s8306]

are you the guy with the nice red S83

Yep, that would be me.

[scumdog]

I'm neither.

Denial is not an option

[Big Dave]

Denial is not an option

It's a river in Africa.

[okill]

yeah the suzuki is a nice looking bike but im picking 1 of these up this week.

http://kawasaki.co.nz/kawasaki_custom.cfm?modelcode=VN1600B7F&do=list