I test-rode a V-Rod before I bought my '04 Mean Marauder 1600. Handling was similar, comfort was similar, very good on both bikes. Handling is very important to me, but I'm 6'4" with bad knees, so I need a large bike. These two have the best handling of any 600 pound bikes out there.
Engine characteristics are very different, though. Believe it or not, the V-Rod only makes around 75 lb-ft of torque, while the Meanie makes almost 20 ft-lb more- about 94 ft-lb. I got these figures on the web. The V-Rod figures are from the H-D website. The V-Rod makes a lot more horsepower, but it's not real obvious unless you really rev the motor. I like the Meanie's torque better, anyway- it sounds and feels like a '60s V-8. To me, anyway.
I chose the Kawasuki over the V-Rod for several reasons.
1) I really don't like Harley's belt drives. I've had four shaft drive bikes, and I prefer that. It's much cleaner looking visually, and makes more sense mechanically. I was really surprised, given Porsche's involvement, that they didn't do a shaft on the V-Rod.
2) I prefer a conventional instrument cluster- round tach, round speedo, placed next to each other. The V-Rod's funky "pod" is ugly and hard to read.
3) I don't care for the V-Rod's solid wheels.
4) Placed next to each other, the Mean Marauder has a better look than the V-Rod. I know it's subjective, but there you are... Ironically, most H-D traditionalists hate the exposed frame on the V-Rod, but that was one of my favorite things about it. Go figure. Anyway, the Mean Marauder passes what I call the Garage Test: after a ride, do I want to have a beer and sit there looking at it? Yes. Yes. Yes! 8)
5) Cost was not a factor; at my age I can afford what I want, but I really hated the Harley dealer's arrogant attitude. I know that's not the bike's fault, but I'm not buying from someone I don't like. I went back to my old buddies at Midway, in Thomasville N.C., who I've dealt with for almost 30 years. I'm happy.
You can see my Marauder on the "show pix of your ride" page.
I hope this helped.
Engine characteristics are very different, though. Believe it or not, the V-Rod only makes around 75 lb-ft of torque, while the Meanie makes almost 20 ft-lb more- about 94 ft-lb. I got these figures on the web. The V-Rod figures are from the H-D website. The V-Rod makes a lot more horsepower, but it's not real obvious unless you really rev the motor. I like the Meanie's torque better, anyway- it sounds and feels like a '60s V-8. To me, anyway.
I chose the Kawasuki over the V-Rod for several reasons.
1) I really don't like Harley's belt drives. I've had four shaft drive bikes, and I prefer that. It's much cleaner looking visually, and makes more sense mechanically. I was really surprised, given Porsche's involvement, that they didn't do a shaft on the V-Rod.
2) I prefer a conventional instrument cluster- round tach, round speedo, placed next to each other. The V-Rod's funky "pod" is ugly and hard to read.
3) I don't care for the V-Rod's solid wheels.
4) Placed next to each other, the Mean Marauder has a better look than the V-Rod. I know it's subjective, but there you are... Ironically, most H-D traditionalists hate the exposed frame on the V-Rod, but that was one of my favorite things about it. Go figure. Anyway, the Mean Marauder passes what I call the Garage Test: after a ride, do I want to have a beer and sit there looking at it? Yes. Yes. Yes! 8)
5) Cost was not a factor; at my age I can afford what I want, but I really hated the Harley dealer's arrogant attitude. I know that's not the bike's fault, but I'm not buying from someone I don't like. I went back to my old buddies at Midway, in Thomasville N.C., who I've dealt with for almost 30 years. I'm happy.
You can see my Marauder on the "show pix of your ride" page.
I hope this helped.
