12
REVIEW
Long-termer: Harley-Davidson Muscle
Bikesales Network's latest long-term test bike has something of an attitude problem: meet Harley-Davidson's V-Rod Muscle with its whopping 240-section rear tyreThe ranks of the Bikesales Network garage have swelled with the addition of a new long-term test bike: Harley-Davidson’s V-Rod Muscle, priced at $26,750 rideaway.
We’ll be riding the Muscle day in, day out over the next few months, putting it through its paces in all weather conditions and over the full spectrum of roads, from city commuting to the highway to the odd escape to the hills.
Bike hacks are a spoilt bunch in that our backsides are accustomed to shiny new machines with minimal kays on their clocks, but standard test-bike reviews do have one major drawback: riding a new motorcycle for the standard one or two-week loan period says nothing of how the bike will fare over an extended period.
How does it wear? How does the fuel consumption average out over town and country? What annoying character traits emerge over time? We’ll be seeking to answer all those questions as we acclimatise to life aboard Harley’s bad boy.
Love ’em or hate ’em, the V-Rod Muscle certainly turns heads and provokes comment. The styling is long (1700mm wheelbase), low (705mm seat height) and menacing (check out that 240mm Michelin Scorcher rear hoop!). Its dual mufflers, one each side, distinguish it from its only other V-Rod sibling, the Night Rod Special, although the differences don’t end there.
The Muscle actually packs a bit more oomph than the Night Rod, with 115Nm delivered at 6500rpm, as opposed to the Night Rod’s 111Nm, which comes in at 7250rpm.
The Muscle features a ‘drag-style’ two-up seat, too, compared to the Night Rod’s more integrated perch, and of course there are numerous cosmetic differences.
Bikesales Network collected the V-Rod Muscle with 7000km on the clock and we’ve nearly chalked up 1000km in the first couple of weeks, most of it racked up over the city commute.
Cosmetic enhancement is a big part of Harley ownership – for any cruiser or custom bike, for that matter – and we’ll be exploring Harley’s phone-book-thick genuine accessories catalogue to add some extra sparkle.
First up, those stock mufflers have to go. A bike with this much visual attitude needs some bark to match the bite. Not anything that will trigger car alarms as you ride past, mind you – just something to gruffly herald the Muscle’s arrival when you pull up outside the pub or café.
We’ll bring you updates as we go. Stay tuned to Bikesales Network to learn more about the V-Rod Muscle, but in the meantime here are the bike’s specs to whet your appetite…
SPECS: HARLEY-DAVIDSON V-ROD MUSCLE
ENGINE
Type: Liquid-cooled, four-stroke, OHC, eight-valve, 60-degree Revolution V-twin
Capacity: 1247cc
Bore x stroke: 105mm x 72mm
Compression ratio: 11.5:1
Engine management: Electronic fuel injection
PERFORMANCE
Claimed maximum power: N/A
Claimed maximum torque: 115Nm at 6500rpm
TRANSMISSION
Type: Five-speed
Final drive: Belt
Clutch: Wet
CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR
Frame: Tubular steel cradle
Front suspension: 43mm inverted fork, non-adjustable
Rear suspension: Twin shocks, adjustable for preload
Front brakes: Twin discs with four-piston calipers
Rear brake: Single disc with four-piston caliper
Wheels: Cast alloy, five-spoke
Tyres: Michelin Scorcher 120/70-19 front, 240/40-18 rear
DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES
Rake: 34 degrees
Trail: 142mm
Claimed wet weight: 307kg
Seat height: 705mm
Ground clearance: 105mm
Wheelbase: 1700mm
Fuel capacity: 18.9 litres
OTHER STUFF
Price: $26,750 (rideaway)
Colour: Vivid Black (2013 colour scheme shown)
Test bike supplied by: Harley-Davidson Australia, www.harley-davidson.com.au
Warranty: 24 months, unlimited kilometres
Read the latest Bikesales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the Bikesales Network's mobile site. Or download the all-new App.Don't forget to register to comment on this article.
Share this article
Written byBikesales Staff
See all articlesStay up to dateBecome a bikesales member and get the latest news, reviews and advice straight to your inbox.
Subscribe todayDisclaimer
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
Love every move.
Buy it. Sell it.Love it.
®Contact
Advertise with us
Local marketplaces
International marketplaces
Consent
Download the bikesales app
