Online repair instructions for American motorcycles Harley-Davidson V-Rod (VRSC)

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Description and history of American motorcycles Harley V-Rod (VRSC)

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VRSCA VRSCB VRSCR VRSCD VRSCAW VRSCDX VRSCF VRSCSE VRSCX VRXSE

The Harley-Davidson VRSC, also known as the V-Rod (V-twin Racing Street Custom), is a series of V-twin cruiser motorcycles produced by Harley-Davidson from 2002 to 2017. These motorcycles are commonly referred to as muscle bikes due to their impressive power output. The V-Rods were the first street motorcycles from Harley-Davidson to feature overhead camshafts and liquid cooling.

The VRSC made its debut in 2001 with the introduction of the V-Rod model, designed to rival Japanese and American muscle bikes. The Revolution engine powering the V-Rod was developed for street use by Porsche Engineering, in collaboration with several Harley-Davidson engineers who had worked on the VR1000 V-twin racing engine.

A variation of the Revolution engine, known as the Revolution X, was later utilized in the entry-level Harley-Davidson Street, which was launched in 2014.

The Revolution engine was created by Harley-Davidson with assistance from a few Porsche engineers who had experience with the Harley-Davidson VR-1000 Superbike racing engine.

Mark Miller, an engineer at Harley-Davidson, was responsible for developing the VR-1000 engine, incorporating design input from Erik Buell, Cosworth, and Jerry Branch of Branch Flowmetrics. The cylinder head and electronic fuel injection system were designed by Roush Industries, which also manufactured the production engines.

Harley-Davidson had previously partnered with Porsche on the Nova project in the 1970s, which, like the V-Rod, represented a significant shift from Harley-Davidson's traditional offerings. However, the Nova project was ultimately canceled in 1981 in favor of the Evolution engine.

The Revolution engine is a liquid-cooled, double overhead camshaft, four-valve-per-cylinder, electronic fuel-injected, internally counterbalanced 60-degree V-twin engine with a displacement of 1131 cc. It produces a claimed 115 horsepower (86 kW) at 8250 rpm at the crankshaft, with a redline of 9000 rpm. This engine was introduced with the V-Rod line in 2001 for the 2002 model year, starting with the VRSCA model.

A 1247 cc Screamin' Eagle version of the Revolution engine was introduced in 2005 and remained available in a single production model until 2007. By 2008, the 1247 cc Revolution engine became standard across the entire VRSC lineup. Harley-Davidson claims that the 2008 VRSCAW model produces 123 horsepower (92 kW) at the crankshaft. The VRXSE Destroyer features a stroker (75 mm crank throw) Screamin' Eagle 1300 cc Revolution engine, generating over 165 horsepower (123 kW).

The V-Rod engine was also used in the Campagna V13R and Campagna T-Rex from approximately 2008 to 2013. An agreement allowed the company to utilize these engines in their motorized trikes. However, in 2013, Campagna switched the engine in the T-Rex to BMW's K1600 while continuing to use the V-Rod engine in the V13R.

Distinct from other Harley-Davidson motorcycles, the VRSC features a radiator and hydroformed frame components that support a round-topped air cleaner cover. The fuel tank is positioned beneath the seat, placing the rider directly above it, as opposed to the traditional front placement. In this instance, the "tank" serves as a cover for the airbox and coolant fill port. Drawing inspiration from the VR-1000 Superbike, Harley-Davidson designed the V-Rod as a platform for drag racing. All VRSC models were manufactured at Harley-Davidson's Vehicle and Powertrain Operations facility in Kansas City, Missouri.

VRSCA (V-Rod; 2002-2006)

The original V-Rod was equipped with a 1131 cc Revolution engine, delivering a claimed 115 hp (86 kW) at the crank. It featured 49 mm front forks and a 180 mm rear tire, mounted on solid disc wheels. All VRSCAs came with 14-liter fuel tanks. In 2006, the VRSCA was upgraded with Brembo brakes. This model was exclusively available with forward controls, and the 2003 editions were part of the 100th anniversary celebration.

VRSCB (V-Rod; 2004-2005)

The VRSCB V-Rod was produced for two years and was mechanically identical to the VRSCA, featuring cosmetic updates such as a black frame, polished aluminum, and a black powder-coated engine, along with slightly altered clamshells, instrument housings, and handlebars. The VRSCB was also offered solely with forward controls.

VRSCR (Street Rod; 2006-2007)

Marketed as the "roadster-inspired" variant of the VRSC line, the Street Rod was the first model to utilize inverted forks (manufactured by Showa Corporation) with a steep rake and the first to feature Brembo brakes. It had the highest seat height of any VRSC model at 760 mm and claimed the greatest lean angle at 40°, surpassing the 32° lean of other VRSC models. The Street Rod was equipped exclusively with mid-mounted controls and was the first to feature a 19-liter tank in the 2006 model, which became standard for the lineup in 2007.



Among the various V-Rod versions, the VRSCR Street Rod was primarily aimed at the European market and excelled in handling the engine's 120 bhp output. Motorcycle News noted, "The Harley-Davidson Street Rod has sharper steering, four-piston brakes designed by Brembo, new upswept exhausts for enhanced ground clearance, and a revised riding position, making it a Harley-Davidson unlike any other—one that eagerly tackles corners".

VRSCD (Night Rod; 2006-2008)

The Night Rod was launched in 2006 as a "new hot rod-inspired motorcycle" centered around the Revolution engine. It featured mid controls similar to those of the 2006 Street Rod, making them the only two V-Rod models with this configuration. The straight-shot mufflers contributed to a claimed output of 120 hp (89 kW) at the crank.



The Night Rod showcased a black frame, a black and chrome engine, Brembo brakes, slotted aluminum disk wheels, and a color-matched fairing. In 2008, the engine's displacement was increased from 1131 to 1247 cc, providing a claimed torque of 115 N⋅m at 7000 rpm and peak power of 125 hp (93 kW) at the crank. This model also introduced a slipper clutch and an optional ABS system. For the 2008 model year, the VRSCD was the last remaining VRSC model to feature a 180 mm rear tire or mid-mounted pegs, marking its final production year.

VRSCAW (V-Rod; 2007-2010)

The VRSCAW V-Rod succeeded the VRSCA, first produced in 2007. This model essentially retained the VRSCA's design but incorporated a new frame to accommodate a 240 mm rear tire and a standard five-gallon fuel tank. Some early-production VRSCAW models featured aluminum bodywork from the VRSCA, which was later phased out. Consequently, the VRSCAW was approximately 17 kg heavier than its predecessor. In its inaugural production year, it maintained the unchanged 1130 cc Revolution engine and was offered only with forward controls. The combination of increased weight and the larger rear tire without a corresponding power increase made the 2007 VRSCAW the slowest production VRSC.



In 2008, the VRSCAW's engine was upgraded from 1131 cc to 1247 cc, producing a claimed torque of 114 N⋅m at 7000 rpm and a peak power of 123 hp (92 kW) at the crank. Additionally, a slipper clutch and anti-lock braking system were introduced. For the 2009 model year, the VRSCAW replaced the VRSCD as the "base model" for the VRSC lineup, with a reduced suggested retail price.

VRSCDX (Night Rod Special; 2007-2017)

The VRSCDX is presented as the factory-custom version of the standard Night Rod and belongs to Harley-Davidson's "Dark Custom" series. It features a 240 mm wide rear tire, with most chrome components from the VRSCD replaced by black elements. The wheels are black slotted disks with dark orange pinstriping. The straight-shot dual exhaust system claims to produce 120 hp (89 kW) at the crank, with a standard five-gallon fuel tank. The DX model also features racing stripes. In 2008, the VRSCDX's engine was upgraded from 1131 to 1247 cc, yielding a claimed torque of 115 N⋅m at 7000 rpm and peak power of 125 hp (93 kW) at the crank, along with the addition of a slipper clutch and ABS option.



For the 2012 model year, Harley-Davidson introduced a tenth-anniversary edition of the Night Rod Special. This version featured a straight-shot exhaust with dual chrome slash-cut mufflers and a chrome exhaust shield; split five-spoke cast aluminum wheels with diamond-cut highlights; polished pullback handlebars; inverted front forks with silver and polished finishes; a stylized chrome speed screen visor; graphics including the V-Rod 10th anniversary emblem; and a chrome powertrain with a platinum crankcase and heads.

VRSCF (V-Rod Muscle; 2009-2017)

The V-Rod Muscle was unveiled in the summer of 2008 at the Harley-Davidson dealer show in Las Vegas for the 2009 production model year. To promote the Muscle, Harley-Davidson enlisted American fashion model Marisa Miller for an advertising campaign targeting younger urban riders. This model was one of only three VRSC offerings for 2009. Like the other two models, the Muscle utilized the 1247 cc Revolution engine, a 240 mm wide rear tire, a 19-liter fuel tank, a slipper clutch, and forward controls.



In contrast to the other VRSC models, the Muscle featured straight-shot dual exhausts with a crossover on each side of the bike, diverging from the 2→1→2 exhaust configuration found on all other models. Additionally, the Muscle incorporated an airbox with decorative air-ram features reminiscent of those on many American pony and muscle cars, although these air-ram elements were purely cosmetic in the production version. The VRSCF also showcased a chopped rear fender with integrated turn signals and a side-mounted license plate. For the first time, turn signals were integrated into the rearview mirrors as a standard feature on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. The VRSCF claimed a torque output of 117 N⋅m at 6500 rpm, slightly exceeding that of other VRSC models at lower engine speeds.



The claimed peak horsepower was marginally lower than that of the Night Rod Special, at 122 hp (91 kW) at 500 rpm less than its counterpart.

VRSCSE (Screamin' Eagle CVO V-Rod; 2005-2006)

In 2005, Harley-Davidson's Custom Vehicle Operations released their first V-Rod, produced in limited quantities. While its dimensions matched those of the VRSCA, the VRSCSE featured additional chrome accents, custom paint, and a design that deviated from the typical "clamshell" style seen in other VRSC models. It was equipped with a 1247 cc Revolution engine featuring CNC-ported heads.



In 2006, the VRSCSE2 became the first V-Rod or VRSC model to showcase a 240 mm rear tire, also utilizing the Screamin' Eagle 1247 cc Revolution engine.

VRSCX (V-Rod; 2007)

In 2007, Harley-Davidson released the VRSCX as a tribute to the Screamin' Eagle during the Harley-Davidson V-Rod's second consecutive NHRA Championship. The VRSCX shared the same dimensions as the 2007 VRSCAW, featuring a 240 mm rear tire, a 19-liter fuel tank, and forward controls. However, it also had paintwork reminiscent of the pro stock V-Rod, a smoked drag visor windshield, and the 1247 cc Screamin' Eagle Revolution engine. Only 1400 units were produced.

VRXSE (V-Rod "Destroyer"; 2006)

In 2006, Harley-Davidson introduced a non-street-legal drag bike known as the "Destroyer". This model featured a Revolution engine with an extended-stroke crankshaft and increased bore, high-compression forged pistons, larger valves, larger throttle bodies, dyno-tuned velocity stacks, and high-lift cams. Modifications for racing included a lightweight flywheel, a multi-stage lock-up clutch, a pneumatic shifter, and a programmable shift light. A total of 646 units were produced, with 625 made available to dealerships. The Destroyer inspired the four-time NHRA Pro Stock motorcycle champion, the Harley-Davidson Screamin' Eagle/Vance & Hines V-Rod, which achieved a remarkable quarter-mile time of 6.815 seconds and approached speeds of nearly 200 mph.