Harley-Davidson’s 2010 V-Rod Muscle Combines Style with Power
September 2, 2009
The 2009 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Muscle was Motorcyclist Magazine’s “alternative take” for Best Cruiser of the Year. (The bike that won the spot was the Star 2010 VMAX. Visit the Web site to read more about this year’s best motorcycles.)
In an earlier review, the Motorcyclist Magazine praised the redesigned 2009 model–”Finally, a V-Rod that looks like a Harley!”–giving it 4 out of 5 stars. The main complaint about the first generation V-Rod, which hit the market in 2002, was that it did not look like a Harley.
The 2010 V-Rod weighs in wet at 673 lbs and packs a liquid-cooled, fuel-injected 1250 cc V-Twin engine (122 horsepower and 86 lbs-ft of torque).
The second-generation V-Rod has upgraded instrumentation with an electronic speedometer and a tachometer. There is also a clock, dual trip meters, and a fuel gauge with a countdown feature.
Other features include an airbox, a 5-speed transmission, a slipper clutch, upside-down front forks, ABS, a hydroformed perimeter frame, 5-spoke aluminum wheels , a fat 18″ rear tire (the front tire is 19″), satin chrome dual side exhaust, with turnouts, front turn signals integrated on the mirrors, and a LED rear taillight.
The tank, accessible by flipping the backrest forward, holds five gallons of fuel. Estimated mpg is 34.
The difference between the 2009 and 2010 models is cosmetic: new black denim and brilliant silver pearl paint.
The MSRP is $17,199 and the bike comes with a two-year warranty.
For more information on the 2010 V-Rod Muscle, visit the Harley-Davidson Web site.
Be sure to check out the two other VRSC models: the V-Rod ($14,999) and the Night Rod Special ($16,699).
Posted Under: Hot Bikes Tags: 2010 V-Rod Muscle, bike, Harley Davidson, Motorcycle
Reader Comments
Not sure if you can help me out with this question or not but I hope so. I am currently deployed to Afghanistan, they have a program here to buy a Harley and it will be delievered to the closest dealer to my home. I love the V Rod Muscle but I want to know how comfortable it will be to ride, I am 5′6” and it seems the footpegs and the handlebars would be hard to reach. Thats just going off pictures I’ve seen. Please give me any input. Thanks
SSgt Norris
Ray,
Sorry for the late response.
The Vrod muscle is a perfect bike for shorties like you and me…I’m only 5′7″ and I have no problems with any of the bikes I have ridden over the years. Also, the Vrod has a shorter wheel base than some other muscle cruisers so the pegs and handlebars should be easy to reach.
Seat height is more of a concern that the pegs and handlebars. But there are solutions for that too….remember, everything on a bike is interchangeable and you can basically do anything you need to do to make the bike fit your stature. They have a variety of handle bars with longer ‘pull backs’ which makes the handle bars easier to reach
I suggest looking at some shorter Progressive Suspension for the Vrod muscle and also look at a thinner seat. This could help you handle the bike when stopped without being in your tippy toes! Go to progressivesuspenion.com and look for heavy duty shocks that are an inch or more lower than OEM height.
Much like high performance sports cars, most motorcycles are made for short guys. Harley is no different. Hell, I ride a stock 2007 Street Glide and I have no problems with it at all. I’m sure you’ll be fine with the stock version but with a few mods, that bike will fit like a glove….
Come back safely my friend, get that Vrod Muscle, and come down to South Florida. I’ll ride with you anytime! Hooo Rah!!!
– HuntDaddy
My first comments on the VRSC-F Muscle.
I have purchased the 2011 VRSC-F and I am having a lot of fun with it.
The great news:
- Excellent performance
- Awesome look
- Great seating position with lower back support
- Good mileage on GAS TANK
- Really a SHOW OFF bike (everyone loves it)
- Unique design
- Liquid Cooled, co-developed by PORSCHE
- Low centre of gravity (the bike feels very light)
- Handles very well
- Awesome POWER available
- Lots of compliments on the streets!
The bad news:
- MUST HAVE a backrest for two-up riding (no problems)
- Right side gets REALLY HOT (due to exhaust exposure – no big deal)
- I think you must be at around 5′9 to be comfortable (arms are stretched out and gets tired over 30 miles ride)
- Good idea to have a compact windshield to break the wind flow
- Passenger will feel the HOT EXHAUST heat on the right side
Other than that, I am sure I have made a great choice, I have been through many bikes and styles for the past 25 years and I must say…This was the hottest bike I have ever had.
Ride safe,
Luiz C Laba (Brazeagle)
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Well, we felt board me & my cousin and we thought of buying 2 motorcycles to have some fun and to improve this shitty style of life that we have been stuck in. Anyhow, we visited our Harley Davidson dealership here in Saudi Arabia-Dammam to take a look. As a matter of fact I was not truly convinced & comfortable with buying a Harly Davidson bike because, I already thought its all classic and I am a type of guy who like sport muscle cars & racing bikes. However, once I walked into the showroom, V-rod Muscle 2011 with a white hot denim color and a dark blue stripe on it had caught my attention. I truly fall in love with it from the first site. Next, the sales man came, he gave me a hell of a presentation about it. Eventually, I paid the money in 1 hour and I was very satisfied with the bike. In addition, directly I bought the Van cine Hinze mufflers and i had them on the original exhaust to make it scream like a tough bike. My only concern is the best upgrades that I should do on it give it better performance & breathing. Second, if there are some advises on the customization or accessories that do not affect the original look and design of bike but, make it cool and look unique & better as well? BTW, mine is Europian specification and the back LED light is different than the American & Canadian version. So, I was thinking to replace it with the American LED back light..Do you think it is a good idea?
I would really appreciate sharing your knowledge & experiences with me..
Thanks & best regards