Harley-Davidson Motor Company celebrates a decade of pavement-pounding performance with the V-Rod® 10th Anniversary Edition motorcycle, one of three models in a 2012 V-Rod® line that also includes an updated Night Rod® Special motorcycle and the V-Rod Muscle® motorcycle.

Introduced as a 2002 model, the original V-Rod® motorcycle ushered in a new era of Harley-Davidson® motorcycle performance. Its 1,130-cc, 60-degree Revolution® V-Twin engine was the first Harley-Davidson® production engine equipped with overhead camshafts and liquid cooling, and it came with a high-winding 9,000-rpm redline.

Photo: Harley-Davidson

Inspired by drag racing bikes and monster-motor customs, the V-Rod® motorcycle debuted with aluminium disc wheels, a raked-out chassis, fast-back seat, and anodized aluminium bodywork—a new styling direction for Harley-Davidson.

In just ten years, the Harley-Davidson® V-Rod® family grew to include a number of new models. The V-Rod® model went to the track as the basis for the 2007 Custom Vehicle Operations^TM V-Rod® Destroyer^TM motorcycle, an eight-second Factory drag racer. It was also the inspiration for the Harley-Davidson® Screamin’ Eagle®/Vance & Hines V-Rod® motorcycle, a four-time world champion in Pro Stock Motorcycle professional drag racing. For 2012, Harley-Davidson® V-Rod® models continue to serve up explosive performance and urban-cool styling for riders seeking a singular power-cruiser experience.

All 2012 V-Rod® models are powered by the latest version of the Revolution® engine, a 1,250-cc, liquid-cooled V-Twin with dual overhead camshafts, four-valve cylinder heads, and Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI). The powertrain is equipped with an Assist and Slip clutch, five-speed transmission, and a high-performance carbon fibre drive belt. The tires are Michelin Scorcher radials, including a 240 mm wide rear tire. Brembo triple-disc performance brakes are available with optional Factory-installed anti-lock braking system (ABS). ABS is part of the optional Security Package that also includes the Smart Security System with proximity-based, hands-free security fob.

Night Rod® Special Motorcycle
Dark and sinister, the restyled Night Rod® Special motorcycle has a suggested Canadian Retail price of $16,789 and features a new tapered tail section, lighter-weight wheels, and improved ergonomics with reduced reach to both the rider footpegs and the handlebar. Inverted front forks and retuned rear suspension enhance ride comfort and handling. This is a blacked-out, dead-on power cruiser that is at home in a back alley.