Why shouldn't my friend buy a NIGHT ROD?

[insolentminx]

[jesse web]

He should buy what he likes. That's all.
I personally don't think there is anything wrong with that bike.

[meangreen]

I would take a night rod over a 900 any day of the week. There, does that help talk him out of it?

[brother]

Here is my opinion on a Harley. I own a 01 Nomad FI and a 06 electriglide classic. The harley is more comfortable,but it also run's hotter and the transmission sound's like it came out of a old ford and it cost's more to maintain it.The brakes stop a lot better than my Nomad and it has more from a stop take off power riding double.My Nomad also sound's better at this time because it has a 2 to 1 roadhouse and the harley pipes are stock.

[MrCntry]

I would say if that is what he wants the go for it. I have owned both Metrics and Harleys. I am 6'1 and my favorite bike to ride now is the Screamin Eagle V-Rod. Extremely comfortable on long rides. I could pretty much ride it all day. Of course your feet are in a different location than the night rod. On the V-Rod your feet are towards the front. Excellet for a nice comfortable ride. Also Extremely fast. 70mph in 2nd gear getting on frwy. Just like my GSX750 bullet bike. I also own a HD Fat Boy. This is a deffinite cruiser. Massive amounts of torque, you have to ride one to know how this feels. Something I have never felt riding a Metric. I have never had any overheating problems with this bike, even in Laughlin when it is 110 outside.

I don't have the Typical Harley attitude. I ride my bike pretty much every day back and forth to work. I don't really care what someone else rides. You can be on a scooter for all I care. To each is own! Scooters are fun to ride also. People I ride with have all differnt bikes. Metrics to Harleys

Here is a picture of my two bikes that I have now. The Blue Fat Boy and the Orange Scremin Eagle V-Rod. Then there is a Yamaha that a friend owns.

Also, who doesn't buy an ftermarket pipe that gives the bike better performance? Part of a pipe selection is for sound and also better performance. That goes with pretty much any vehicle you every buy!

[ROLAND]

The V Rod is a pretty machine in all its different incarnations. I particularly like the Night Rod. Let´s not forget, though, that it really is a sport bike dressed like a cruiser. It is a H-D, therefore expensive, although not as grossly overpriced ( I feel ) as softails and tourers. The engine is watercooled. I like that. It has also been partly ( I believe ) engineered by Porsche which is a very attractive feature. All together sounds like a fine bike. Look out for the ergonomics: some people find the handlebar too close to the body and their feet stretched too far forward.
Just a thought... Has your friend considered the new V MAX ? That really is an awsome machine. I suggest you to read the road test on the motorcycle USA magazine. I´ve never read such a positive review on any bike. Good luck

2009 Star VMax - First Ride - MotorcycleUSA.com

[meangreen]

.... It has also been partly ( I believe ) engineered by Porsche which is a very attractive feature.

... Has your friend considered the new V MAX ?

2009 Star VMax - First Ride - MotorcycleUSA.com

Yes, tHe VROD engine was designed by Porsche, therefore is nothing like a Harley engine.

The new 200HP Yamaha VMAX will in fact eat the VRODs lunch (and breakfast, and dinner). However, IMO it is ugly, whereas the VROD is beautiful, and plenty fast enough.

Regarding the choice that is the subject of this thread, the VROD is such a different beast than any Kawasaki cruiser that I can't see anyone in love with a VROD settling for a Kawasaki. Now, if he were intersted in a Fatboy, that would be a different story.

[HoopleHead]

I don't really think my friend plans to become a drag racer, just wants a bike that looks good and is "known" to be quick. I think he wants to be accepted by any crowd he wants to ride with, and in my mind, the V-Rods fit right there. I don't think it would be a good bike for me, but he's got 18 grand to spend and that's what he wants. I went with him and they didn't have any 09 Night Rods in the store, but they did have several others and all of them looked good on him. I sat on one and it wasn't uncomfortable to me and I'm just 5'8. The pegs actually seemed fine compared to my 900 Custom. I know that if I'd been riding a sports bike and sat on the V-Rod, it would seem strange, but in my case it didn't. He ordered a new Night Rod and God bless his heart, he's about to pee himself in anticipation. I know how he feels, even though I think I would have spent that much money differently. It's kind of like when I ordered my '90 300ZX way back when... white with red interior. Walked around in a dream for two weeks! Then the dream ended and I was in oblivion. I hope he's as happy when his arrives.

[fuji]

Or, just maybe.... buy a Harley and be yourself.

Why is it that if you want a Harley you're automatically a lemming? Ain't always the case.

Well said, sir.
I don't need any brand - car, motorcycle, watch, shampoo, golf clubs, you name it - to define me.
As for Kawasaki, have a ZX-11 but I'm shopping right now for a 2011 Night Rod as an addition to my other bikes. Not because the Night Rod is a Harley, but because it is an awesome modern machine and the only HD product I'd personally own.
Instead of making me a lemming, I believe this marks me as a free thinker since I don't follow the metric pack or the black and orange badboy wannabes who shun the non-traditional Night Rod. Kawasaki cruisers, for the moment at least, are not in the same league. Not a bash or trash, just my opinion.

[pb641]

Well said, sir.
I don't need any brand - car, motorcycle, watch, shampoo, golf clubs, you name it - to define me.
As for Kawasaki, have a ZX-11 but I'm shopping right now for a 2011 Night Rod as an addition to my other bikes. Not because the Night Rod is a Harley, but because it is an awesome modern machine and the only HD product I'd personally own.
Instead of making me a lemming, I believe this marks me as a free thinker since I don't follow the metric pack or the black and orange badboy wannabes who shun the non-traditional Night Rod. Kawasaki cruisers, for the moment at least, are not in the same league. Not a bash or trash, just my opinion.

lmao, Fuji. OK..................

Seriously, you have gone to great lengths to analyze this purchase, apparently done your research, ..., etc.

And then you need to justify your decision to the board, quite odd.

My favorite part is that you quote the infamous Rich who absolutely knows everything about motorcycles ever published on the internet.

I don't know. This post of yours just struck me as very orchestrated to reach a high level of feel good.

Buy whatever you want, and ride whatever you want. Just ride and post your thoughts via actual experience. 90% of the people on this board could care less what you ride as long as you are on the road two up. You certainly don't have to justify a brand decision.

Take care, have fun, and be safe.

[ricksza]

Well said, sir.
I don't need any brand - car, motorcycle, watch, shampoo, golf clubs, you name it - to define me.
As for Kawasaki, have a ZX-11 but I'm shopping right now for a 2011 Night Rod as an addition to my other bikes. Not because the Night Rod is a Harley, but because it is an awesome modern machine and the only HD product I'd personally own.
Instead of making me a lemming, I believe this marks me as a free thinker since I don't follow the metric pack or the black and orange badboy wannabes who shun the non-traditional Night Rod. Kawasaki cruisers, for the moment at least, are not in the same league. Not a bash or trash, just my opinion.

You do realize that the last post on this thread is over 2 years old.

[Hogbreath]

Probably the best motor Hd has, the one low would be it is the most unpopular harley , so resale will not be as good as a softail, or bagger, but i've owned numerous HDs & the v rod line is actually their best.