2013 Harley Davidson V Rod Muscle

2013 Harley Davidson V Rod Muscle

HARLEY-DAVIDSON V-ROD MUSCLE (2009 - 2018) Review

13

Highlights

• Torquey Harley-Davidson V-twin
• Awesome fun in a straight line
• Distinctive muscle bike looks

At a glance

Owners' reliability rating:	4.2 out of 5 (4.2/5)
Annual servicing cost:	£900
Power:	109 bhp
Seat height:	Low (27.8 in / 705 mm)
Weight:	High (677 lbs / 307 kg)

Prices

New N/A

Used £8,500 - £15,000

Overall rating

Next up: Ride & brakes

3 out of 5 (3/5)

The Harley-Davidson V-Rod cruiser has been about since 2001, and the new Muscle is… is just another styling exercise to bolster what is arguably a tired range. The Muscle is essentially a reworked V-Rod with design touches (muscular, flowing lines) to front it up as a serious boulevard traffic light blaster. Except it isn't that muscular – 12.25sec standing quarters anyone?

For the uninitiated, muscle bikes are large capacity machines dressed in street cruiser clothing and producing serious amounts of torque and power. The mixture of chrome, wide bars and tyres bolted to a long wheelbase chassis command huge road presence even though bold styling means they are often mistaken for asthmatic two-wheeled handbags. Big mistake!

The Porsche-designed 1246cc engine had a little work to ramp up the bottom end for this 2009 version but, even so, its claimed 85ftlb is down on competition from the Yamaha VMAX and Triumph Rocket III. Actual power delivery is a mystery. Investigate the bike's spec and you'll end up with zero because Harley doesn't quote a bhp figure.

Harley-Davidson V-Rod 10th Anniversary edition

Harley-Davidson's V-Rod range was 10-years-old in 2012 and to celebrate this milestone Harley reintroduced the Brilliant Silver Pearl colour first seen on the orginal V-Rod in 2002. This limited edition bike also carried the '10' year logo on its engine cases as per all 2012 models of V-Rod (Night- Rod Special and Muscle).

The price when new was £14,999.

Ride quality & brakes

Next up: Engine

3 out of 5 (3/5)

Harley-Davidson's Muscle could be so-called because the strange seating position of bum flat on the seat, forward set and high footpegs along with wide flat bars hurts the hip joints and the fleshy parts attached to them. With time the human body will adapt, so I'm informed.

You have to remember the bike is a straight line performer and corners get in the way of the footpegs and exhausts. Short-legged people will find the bar position and stretch to the footpegs a hip-straining effort.

The length, weight and raked forks conspire to cause understeer through faster corners, but who cares when the sun is out, the roads are dry and you're not in a hurry with denim cut off blowin' in the wind…

Engine

Next up: Reliability

4 out of 5 (4/5)

A water-cooled V-twin with 120bhp and a house full of torque is not to be sniffed at. But when it's anchored by 307kg of metals and plastics it is hard not to ask yourself where has all the go gone? Never mind. The engine is super smooth with a precise throttle delivery everywhere. And the gearbox isn't too clunky. In all a muscle cruiser of the relaxed kind.

So what's it like to try and harness all of that power and torque in a straight line, top speed run? I took the bike to Bruntingthorpe airfield to find out.

Take it as read the water-cooled Harley lump is a happy chap and eager to put a smile on your face with a quick-revving engine and easy to shift gearbox. But for racing from the lights and lighting the rear tyre that seating position feels all wrong. It's a long way to drag a supporting leg forwards and upwards with eyes focussed ahead, either on the two crows flitting about in the direction of aim, or the in-your-face tacho.

Blip the throttle; the expected response of rorty power is dismal. A heavily silenced exhaust dilutes any expectancy of pulling arms from sockets and neck snapping. Muscle? Not quite.

Fuel injection and modern ignition systems are good. Forget about clean running, just give me instant connection between throttle and tyre, which is what should happen. Except there's a short in the connection. Getting perfect drive with little wheel spin and crisp take off is a bitch, with a capital B.

The clutch is light, slow to respond but doesn't fade as you psyche yourself up. Remember where the right footpeg is placed; balance the bike with your right foot's tippy toes, close visor and don't forget not to breathe too hard – but don't stop breathing. Here goes…

A genuine, dyno measured, 109bhp at the rear wheel is let loose under the guidelines of plan A: with 3000rpm showing on the tacho, let go of the clutch lever. The Muscle leaps forward then bogs. Bollocks. Start again. More revs equates to erratic wheelspin and smokin' tyre. This is fun, but it's a case of double boll…. Less revs more clutch slip and it's a clean getaway but slow, so slow, and you can feel it. Try again.

Back to plan A. Only a slight slow of motion before the Muscle gets in its stride with 77.2ftlb of torque to drive it forward. Tucked forward while lifting booted foot back onto the right peg is bloody misery because speed is rising and second gear is calling.

60mph is racked up in 3.93secs. Another gear, but which one? Wind noise from naff all frontal protection is starting to interfere with senses. Adrenaline is surging because of man's natural default of wanting to win. Another gear. Hips are now hurting like hell.

Those wide bars are now a tiller steering an oil tanker. The front end is getting lighter with forced air passing under it causing the front wheel to skip off bumps. The bars are starting to waggle. Only slightly, though. Tightening your grip against the strengthening windblast intensifies handlebar movement.

Another gear. It's got to be top by now, should've counted them but thoughts are elsewhere. Ease off the grip on the bars and the front end calms down. Either that or the bike is settling on the front springs because acceleration is easing.

Engine power and consequently acceleration is dropping off. The speedometer figure is taking an age to crest 140mph. 145mph finally registers in 25.75secs; in true GPS measured speed it is only 140mph. "COME ON, FASTER," shouts the brain. Just as 150mph registers the 9000rpm rev limiter cuts in.

That's it. There is no more to come. I'm a little deflated. Quarter of a mile from a standing start has taken 12.25 seconds. True top speed is 145.41mph, and we've covered 2098.74 metres in 39.95 seconds.

Reliability & build quality

Next up: Value

4 out of 5 (4/5)

Absolutely no qualms here – part of the bike's initial launch was a day at an American drag strip, where wooden-fingered journalists spent all day trying to kill tyres, clutches and other internal components to no avail. Every bike stayed the course without a problem.

The MCN reader owners' reviews don't mention any reliabilty issues either. If you own a V-Rod, why not write your own at the bottom if this page?

Value vs rivals

Next up: Equipment

3 out of 5 (3/5)

The majority of Harley-Davidsons retain a high resale value and the V-Rod range is no different – mainly because they aren't a big seller in the UK where the preference is classic air-cooled H-D machinery.

Competition is on hand from the more comfortable and relaxed Triumph Rocket III or the completely unhinged Yamaha VMAX. You could also go for the more mainstream Ducati Diavel, the first generation of which came out in 2011.

Equipment

3 out of 5 (3/5)

Chrome, sumptuous paint, polished bits and more chrome, wide profile rear tyre, big engine and more chrome – and all standard issue. The accessory catalogue has more of the same.

Harley-Davidson V-Rod VRSCMuscle accessories:

• Liquid-cooled, 1250cc Revolution V-Twin engine
• 122 hp at 8250 rpm/85 ft. lbs. torque at 7000 rpm
• Pewter powdercoated powertrain with polished covers
• Assist/Slipper Clutch with reduced lever effort
• New clutch cover with relocated dipstick
• New Satin chrome dual side exhaust with turn-out mufflers
• New Five-spoke cast aluminium 19-inch front wheel
• New Five-spoke cast aluminium 18-inch rear wheel
• New Triple clamps
• New 43 mm Inverted forks
• New stylized rear shocks with black springs
• New airbox cover and side covers
• New front fender with black-out section
• New smooth rear fender
• New LED stop/tail/turn light
• New LED front turn signals integrated in mirror stems
• New seat shape
• New Internally wired handlebar cast with riser
• New instrument graphics and housing
• New side-mount license plate
• Black frame
• 240mm wide rear tire
• Forward foot controls
• Brembo triple-disc brakes
• Teardrop reflector-optic headlight
• 25.6-inch seat height
• Optional ABS
• Optional Smart Security System

Specs
Engine size	1250cc
Engine type	Liquid-cooled, 60° V-twin four-stroke. Five gears
Frame type	Tubular steel, twin spine
Fuel capacity	18.9 litres
Seat height	705mm
Bike weight	307kg
Front suspension	Non-adjustable
Rear suspension	Spring preload
Front brake	2 x 320mm disc with 4-piston calipers
Rear brake	316mm disc, 2-piston caliper
Front tyre size	150/80 x 17
Rear tyre size	240/50 x 16

Mpg, costs & insurance
Average fuel consumption	30 mpg
Annual road tax	£96
Annual service cost	£900
New price	-
Used price	£8,500 - £15,000
Insurance group	16 of 17 How much to insure?
Warranty term	Two year unlimited mileage

Top speed & performance
Max power	109 bhp
Max torque	77.19 ft-lb
Top speed	145 mph
1/4 mile acceleration	-
Tank range	150 miles

Model history & versions

Model history

• 2001-2007: VRSCA V-Rod
• 2003-2005: VRSCB V-Rod
• 2006-2009: VRSCAW V-Rod
• 2018: V-Rod goes off sale

Other versions

2005-2007: VRSCR Street Rod
2005-2007: VRSCD Night Rod
2005: VRSCSE2 Screamin' Eagle V-Rod
2006-current: VRSCD Night Rod Special
2009-current: VRSCF V-Rod Muscle introduced

MCN Long term test reports

Bike of the day: Harley-Davidson V-Rod

Launched in 2001, the Harley-Davidson V-Rod was a concept initially shunned by purists of the day, thanks to the bike offering a thoroughly modern take on the Harley ownership experience. After decades of churning out cult relics, the V-Rod offered water cooling, more power than a Ducati 916, handli…

Read the latest report

Owners' reviews for the HARLEY-DAVIDSON V-ROD (2009 - 2018)

5 owners have reviewed their HARLEY-DAVIDSON V-ROD (2009 - 2018) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.

Review your HARLEY-DAVIDSON V-ROD (2009 - 2018)

Summary of owners' reviews
Overall rating:	4.4 out of 5 (4.4/5)
Ride quality & brakes:	3.6 out of 5 (3.6/5)
Engine:	4.6 out of 5 (4.6/5)
Reliability & build quality:	4.2 out of 5 (4.2/5)
Value vs rivals:	3.8 out of 5 (3.8/5)
Equipment:	4.2 out of 5 (4.2/5)
Annual servicing cost:	£900

5 out of 5 Better than the review suggests.

27 October 2021

Version: VRSCF muscle

Year: 2015

Annual servicing cost: £300

I never believe media reviews on anything. Someone else's preconceived opinion and negative bias. The Vrod offers character in bucketloads with more than enough real world performance on our heavily congested speed restricted pot holed roads.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Brake are phenomenal. Reminded me of my XJR1300 one finger stoppies. Ride quality is fine. No magic carpet but good enough.

Engine 5 out of 5

Goes quicker than it has any right to for a V twin.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Never let me down. Ever. Solid , dependable and used in all weathers. Metalwork holding up well but slight alloy corrosion in the clutch lever area so might have given a 4 here.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

basic oil change and check this year.

Equipment 4 out of 5

It has everything it needs.

Buying experience: Private sale.

5 out of 5 Awesome, smile everyday

11 March 2016 by David Duke

Year: 2014

Annual servicing cost: £1,500

It's a mean looking machine. It is subtle about its growl and makes it statement more than expected. What a nice rear... when you see the crisp tail light passing by its free entertainment. The engine is perfectly balanced on the frame, and what a frame. The frame is not made like normal bikes, and neither was its engine. The compression ratio screams performance. The riding position is the main point to address when you ride. I am a normal build, 5ft11in and 200 pounds. I find the controls to be positioned nicely but the foot pegs need replacement. If your shorter you should get the shorter handle bars and foot controls option. I ride this bike as a commuter bike, 20 min ride one way on mostly freeways. I'm in CA so I must point out that I have engine guards and can split lanes on normal sized lanes.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

The ABS system is fantastic. The front brakes are very affective.

Engine 5 out of 5

Off the line I don't have to even try to pass everyone. Stock it does just under 3.6 seconds to 0-60. Since rider skill accounts for at least a solid second for 0-60 times, its a winner. Beautiful design that makes the engine stand out.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

The engine will take a beating, and the frame. Many of the wires are inside metal tubes and well guarded. The fuel gauge is known to be faulty sometimes, but that factory warranty time (2 years) should have caught it by then and been replaced with a non faulty one. Solid road eating machine.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

New tires, check ups and oil changes.

Equipment 5 out of 5

Rear tire and engine, say it all. Get the windshield option if you ride freeway. Get the backrest if you have a passenger you care about keeping on board.

Buying experience: Dealer, they offer great financing.

3 out of 5 Inferior Quality

27 August 2014 by mjcthegreat

My 2010 V-Rod Muscle looks gorgeous and is fun but relaxing to ride. Never had any mechanical problems but the frame is bubbling/rusting underneath, the chrome is literally peeling up and the paint has fingerprints coming to the surface in places. I've had 3 other Harleys in the past, a Sportster 883, Dyna Wide Glide and Fatboy... Never had any bodywork issues with those bikes. I think Harley must be cutting costs with the V-Rod series. There are hardly any custom parts you can get for the Muscle in particular. Very disappointing in that regard. Fun ride but not worth the price.

Ride quality & brakes 3 out of 5

Engine 4 out of 5

Reliability & build quality 2 out of 5

Value vs rivals 3 out of 5

Equipment 3 out of 5

5 out of 5 Surprisingly good

06 April 2012 by t72bogie

great cruiser, surprisingly good, looks and sounds great on Vance and Hines pipes, a remap really livens it up love it :)

Ride quality & brakes 3 out of 5

Engine 5 out of 5

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Equipment 4 out of 5

4 out of 5 C'mon MCN

13 November 2009 by Cornerthief

Ok so MCN hates harley's but you can't give the equiptment 3 stars. There's tons of equip for the v-rod. If it was British built it would get 5.

Ride quality & brakes 3 out of 5

Engine 4 out of 5

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

Value vs rivals 3 out of 5

Equipment 5 out of 5

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Harley-Davidson V-Rod Muscle

2013 Harley Davidson V Rod Muscle

Source: https://www.motorcyclenews.com/bike-reviews/harley-davidson/v-rod/2009/