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Thread: 2005 Harley Street Rod, look out!

  1. #1
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    13th February 2004 - 06:46
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    2005 Harley Street Rod, look out!

    One of the most educated people I'm fortunate enough to know suggested to me (and others) that we should all go for a ride and use a whole tank of gas. Great thinking says I, it's just what's needed to clear the head and relieve the stress. But what to ride?

    Must've been fate because as I was grabbing my jacket, the boss (Steve) wheels through his new VRSCR Street Rod. Perfect, I think. Lets see if Mr HD has got this thing right.

    1st up, this is still a very long motorcycle. By Steepening the rake, Harley have very effectively shortened the wheelbase by a whopping 0.7 inches. Well done boys, Eric Buell's shaking in his boots. The styling touchs I wont go into otherwise we'd be here all day, suffice to say, you can spend literally hours looking at the finer details of this gorgeous machine and not get bored. The wheels, brakes, forks, pegs, everything is perfect.

    The double barrelled exhausts are tucked alot higher the it's older brother and in my mind, fricken ugly. The suspension is obviously alot longer, giving the rear a "jacked up" type look which I also don't care for. The frame and seat have been raised to alter the riding position and accomodate the bigger fule tank. Makes the bike look flat on the top. Yuck.

    Once running, it sounds exactly like the V-rod, quiet. I'm beginning to wonder what the fuck the fuss is about with this thing, I'm nowhere near as inspired as I was when I first met the original VRSCA. Reach for the bars, OK this feels cool. Leant forward over the "tank" with your feet on the pegs, it feels purposefull, aggresive even.

    Taking off is an experiance in itself. There is no traditional Harley grunt, this thing likes a few revs on board to move off. As Jeremy Clarkson said, "No one knows what exactly a torque is...." but this bike has very few of them down low. Not to worry, revs are cheap. As you accelerate away you're quickly reminded that is is no ordinary HD. As the rvs build, so does the acceleration. In the normal riding position, you can't actually see the clocks so I've no idea what revs it starts to pull strongly from but I'd guess about half way thorugh the range.

    And SHIT does it pull. It's not Jap sportsbike teritory, but it's still vey strong and extremely rewarding.

    The suspension is top quality stuff and gives great feedback and control over bumps. It also feels great from a braking point of view, excellent feel with great power. Brembo are to thank here and it's about time HD sorted their shit out in the braking department.

    Once getting into the twisty bits, the cornering clearance seems fine and the power is able to be fed in quite hard due to the wicked stability of the bike. 19inch front hoops went out in the 80s but there's alot to be said for them on rough roads. The modern Dunlop tyres give really good grip and add to the feed back offered.

    Because the bike is so long, it does take some effort to countersteer from side to side but in my mind this makes it all the more rewarding to ride. It's a really good handling machine that will surprise even the most seasoned sportsbike rider. It did me.

    Overall impression? Unfortunately, the extremely stable Wellington weather put an end to my planned trip, however I must say that in the short time I was on the bike, I loved it.

    It needs some loud pipes and I'm sure a 1250cc big bore kit wouldn't go astray either. As it stands, its a bloody good bike and I'm sure that the people who are genuinley interested, will be more than satisfied with it's performance and handling. If I had the money, I'd be on one. $35200 seems good value comparitively.

    Now, Jimbo. Deano. You fellahs want a re-match down Castle Point?
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    Vote David Bain for MNZ president

  2. #2
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    25th June 2003 - 13:54
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    Meet Mr F'ugly

  3. #3
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    13th February 2004 - 06:46
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    Quote Originally Posted by bungbung
    Meet Mr F'ugly
    Pot. Kettle. Black.
    Vote David Bain for MNZ president

  4. #4
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    I have a picture of one of them on my wall.

    10 years mate. I'll pop in and get a new one in 10 years time.

    I want a Green & Cream one with gold pin striping like the one on my wall poster from Cycle World.

    Ok?

  5. #5
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    9th October 2003 - 11:00
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    Oh, by the way, I know what a torque is.

    When you wake up in the morning with a hard on, and you push down on your old fella and lift your feet off the floor; that is a torque.

  6. #6
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    19th January 2005 - 11:00
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    For that much money I want something that looks good aswell as rides good. Also has to have the sound, can't deal with a quiet bike. Sorry WT I think I'll pass on this.

    Sever
    Now and forever
    you're just another lost soul about to be mine again
    see her, you'll never free her
    you must surrender it all
    And give life to me again
    Disturbed - Inside the Fire


  7. #7
    Join Date
    25th June 2003 - 13:54
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    Quote Originally Posted by White trash
    Pot. Kettle. Black.
    Does it come in yellow?

  8. #8
    Join Date
    31st January 2004 - 12:00
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    Quote Originally Posted by White trash
    The double barrelled exhausts are tucked alot higher
    Well that'll save you some money on repairs won't it ??


    Quote Originally Posted by White trash
    Now, Jimbo. Deano. You fellahs want a re-match down Castle Point?
    Let's not and say we did. (C/- Drew)

    It's not a race, the road toll must come down. (C/- Jimbo)

    and......fuck off you smartarse (C/- me)
    Visit the team here - teambentley

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  9. #9
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    27th May 2004 - 12:00
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    Hey WT has that time off made you go alittle Crazy bro . All most sounds like you could trade the Gixer on one Dude LOL But that aside friends Boss has one with the Ally Orange Flame tank guard's etc on it Only about 200 of that Kit world wide I believe looks Very Tough .
    SENSEI

    SENSEI PERFORMANCE TUNING

    " QUICKER THAN YOU SLOWER THAN ME "

  10. #10
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    23rd January 2004 - 12:00
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    Couldnt ya just take a K5 for a ride instead?
    For that sort of money might as well get one of these
    the 200cc Honda Phantom that SpankMe spotted in Thailand


    and one of these
    Crescent Suzuki GSXR750K5

  11. #11
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    5th March 2005 - 06:41
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    Cant see the HD for the Ugly bike in front.
    SportsTouring DUCATI Style

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