Sensuous isn’t a term generally used to describe motorcycles, but in it’s own way, the Harley Davidson Night Rod and Night Rod Special bring to mind the subtle sensuous curves of a particularly striking woman- or maybe a particularly striking Voodoo princess. The VSRC Harley Davidson Night Rod Special strikes a dangerous chord in the soul when you first look at it- you want to possess it and all its power, but the reality is that you have no idea just how deeply it can haunt you. The Harley Davidson Night Rod Special is based on the V-Rod platform, essentially unchanged, except that many of the V-Rod’s chrome pieces are blacked out with black powdercoat on the Harley Davidson Night Rod. There are even fewer chrome pieces and bright work on the Night Rod Special. Among blacked out pieces are wheels, exhaust (except for the aluminum exhaust canisters,) lower fork, engine, and rear shock parts. Most other parts which would usually be chromed are stainless steel or aluminum, including the upper fork, bolts, cooling fins, and foot brake. The most obvious silver colored part on the whole motorcycle is in fact, the disc brakes, front and rear.
Powered by the Harley Davidson 1250cc liquid cooled Revolution engine, the Harley Davidson Night Rod Special is all about the 125 horses keeping this hot rod Harley on enthusiasts’ wish lists this Christmas. Although far from new this year, the Revolution engine used in the Harley Davidson Night Rod is a major step forward for Harley Davidson motorcycles, which in the past have utilized air cooling. While very effective while moving, and providing major styling upgrades by not using a clumsy looking radiator, Harley Davidson motorcycles are practically useless in traffic in the southern states. They are quick to overheat, particularly in the summer. The Harley Davidson Revolution engine in the Harley Davidson Night Rod is sure to change that once and for all, if only the technology would trickle down to the other Harley Davidson motorcycles, as well.
The Harley Davidson Night Rod and Night Rod Special are built to take on the hot rod cruisers from Yamaha, and its Warrior, and the Kawasaki Mean Streak. Between the three, the Harley Davidson Night Rod is the luxury ride, providing all the panache of riding a Harley Davidson, and emptying your wallet just as quickly. Price of entry for the Harley Davidson Night Rod is $15,000, not including dealer markups. If you look around enough, you might be lucky enough to find one close to retail, but don’t count on it. If going fast is your only priority, you may be happier with the Yamaha Warrior, which bests the Harley Davidson not only in price (about $13,000) but also in the all-important power category. If you’re a Harley guy (or girl,) though, there’s just no substitute, and the VSRC Harley Davidson Night Rod will win you over every time.
