First Look: 2008 Harley V-Rods!

For 2008 the Harley-Davidson family of VRSC power cruisers will pack more muscle, with all three models powered by the 1250cc Revolution liquid-cooled V-Twin, a powertrain originally developed for the Screamin' Eagle V-Rod and now tuned to crank out up to 125 hp and 85 ft.-lbs. of torque. To help harness the new found power, a slipper clutch is now part of the powertrain. For the first time, all VRSC models will also be available with optional Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).

A low seat height, stretched out profile with 36-degree fork angle, wide rear tyre, liquid-cooled V-Twin engine and premium components like Brembo triple disc brakes and 49mm forks, are characteristics of each VRSC model. These are power cruisers that share the performance and technology legacy of the Screamin' Eagle/Vance & Hines drag racing team.

NEW ON VRSC FOR 2008
_ 1250cc Revolution V-Twin engine: Originally designed for the CVO Screamin' Eagle V-Rod, bore is increased to 105mm from 100mm, boosting displacement from 1130cc to 1250cc. This engine is tuned to produce up to 125hp at 8250 rpm and up to 85 ft-lbs. of torque at 7000. The 60-degree Revolution V-Twin engine is liquid cooled and features Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI), dual overhead cams, four-valve heads, and a five-speed transmission. The engine is rubber mounted in a hydroformed steel perimeter frame. A steel shell covers the large volume airbox. A 5-gallon fuel tank is located below the seat.
_ Slipper Clutch: All 2008 VRSC models have a new clutch with race-bred "slipper" action that helps mitigate drivetrain strain and rear wheel lock-up during downshifting. Integral with the new clutch design is an assist feature that reduces clutch lever effort by more than 20%.
_ Optional ABS: For the first time, each VRSC model is available with optional, factory installed Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS). Designed to work in conjunction with the high performance Brembo brakes, this is the most advanced braking system offered on any power cruiser. ABS is designed to help the rider maintain control during emergency stopping situations, especially those that happen in less than ideal conditions. The components of the Harley-Davidson ABS have been designed and packaged to be virtually invisible, preserving the clean custom styling of the area around the wheels. Unlike many motorcycle ABS, Harley-Davidson ABS is a manual, independent system, meaning the rider maintains full, independent control of how much front & rear brake is applied.
_ 105th Anniversary Edition: A limited edition, serialised VRSCAW V-Rod 105th Anniversary Edition will be available in 2008.

VRSCAW V-Rod
Descendant of the original V-Rod that helped launch the power-cruiser segment, the VRSCAW V-Rod rolls on a huge 240mm rear tyre, with forward controls and pull back welded handlebar. The new 1250cc liquid-cooled Revolution V-Twin engine sends 121 peak horsepower and 84 ft.-lbs. of peak torque to that brawny rear tyre in 2008. The brushed aluminium profile laced front wheel is new for 2008.

VRSCAW V-Rod features:
_ NEW Liquid-cooled, 1250cc Revolution V-Twin engine _ NEW 121 hp at 8000 rpm/84 ft. lbs. torque at 7000 rpm _ NEW Slipper Clutch with reduced lever effort _ NEW optional ABS _ NEW Brushed aluminium profile laced 19-inch front wheel _ Machined slotted disc cast aluminium 18-inch rear wheel _ Two-tone silver and charcoal powder coated cylinders with chrome covers _ Chrome slash-cut dual exhaust pipes _ 240 mm wide rear tyre _ Forward controls _ Black hand controls _ Silver leafed frame with clear coat _ Welded pull back handlebar _ Teardrop reflector- optic headlight _ 26-inch seat height _Optional Smart Security System

VRSCD Night Rod
New black five spoke cast aluminium wheels reinforce the dark theme of the VRSCD Night Rod, which features a black powder coated 125-hp Revolution V-Twin engine with highlighted fins and polished covers, black frame, mirrors, hand controls, and other components. Mid mount controls and highway pegs offer cruising options.

VRSCD Night Rod features: As per VRSCAW except for
_ NEW 18-inch black five spoke cast aluminium rear/19-inch front wheel _ Black powder-coated engine with highlighted fins and polished covers _ Chrome, straight shot dual exhaust _ 180 mm rear tyre _ Mid mount controls with highway pegs _ Black mirrors, hand controls and springs _ Black powder coated frame _ Round reflector optic headlight _ Colour matched speed screen visor

VRSCDX Night Rod Special
The VRSCDX Night Rod Special is even darker and nastier than the Night Rod.
Features include drag bars and forward controls, an all black 125-hp Revolution V-Twin engine and more blacked out components, including the fork legs and a wide swing arm supporting a beefy 240 mm rear tyre. Brushed straight shot dual mufflers have black end caps and heat shields. A contrasting racing stripe paint scheme traces the length of the bike. The 25.2-inch seat height makes the Night Rod Special the lowest VRSC currently offered.

VRSCDX Night Rod Special features: As per VRSCAW except for
_ Black powder coated engine with highlighted fins and black covers _ Brushed straight shot dual exhaust with black end caps and exhaust covers _ Blacked out mirrors, rear shocks and controls _ Black steel frame _ Drag style handlebar _ Round reflector optic headlight _ Colour matched speed screen visor _ Black machine slotted disc cast aluminium 18-inch rear/19-inch front wheels _ Orange pin striping _ Contrasting racing stripe paint scheme _ 25.2-inch seat height