6 of my most recent videos you might also enjoy! Cafe Racer Indian Chief [DIF] kzfaq.info/get/bejne/fdF0raSZzLqbep8.html He Took My Chief!! kzfaq.info/get/bejne/p7ekiMx-s7bNqGQ.html Christine’s Radical Indian Chief Vintage kzfaq.info/get/bejne/a7Rzg9OGkrGxYoE.html MEGA Topic Ride Video kzfaq.info/get/bejne/kJlnm9OAlpPYon0.html How I Brake kzfaq.info/get/bejne/pcB6jNyW2M7JZZs.html Bikes, Follow Your Head or Your Heart? kzfaq.info/get/bejne/jduXqNt10cu3nGQ.html

I had a V-rod. Great Bike. A very reliable bike, no problem. Engine for a lifetime, a war tank.

Out of all the different stock model Harleys made , the V-Rod was by far the most fun to ride.

I say it now and I'll say it again. Vrods we're way ahead of their time

I absolutely love the original V- rod

As a V Rod owner I must say the Sportster is a great starting point for HD. Just need to give us back an actual V Rod version and I would part with the cash. Something that would take it up to the X Diavel would do fine thankyou.

While drag racing last year with my BMW R9T against a vrod I made a few mistakes and got waxed badly. To be fair my best run on that bike was 11.7 seconds and he ran a 11.2 so I would got beat even without my mistakes. It is good to know about the new Harley Sportster because it looks to be even faster than the vrod, I probably should avoid it. Appreciate the heads-up. 👍

V Rod is still the best bike Harley ever made in my opinion.

I had a 2005 vrod. Had to sell it. I miss that bike big time. I want another one. Alot of people didn't like them that had a regular Harley. But I loved mine. Fast,smooth and really good lines.

When the 2007 Night Rod Special came out, my wait was over...still have it and will always have. Thanks for the comparison.

Loved the comparisons. I've always thought the V- Rod was Harley's best, & was disappointed to see it discontinued. Harley now seems to be making up for this with this new Revolution engine.

Thought I was the only one connecting these two bikes! I’ve been calling the Sportster S a “mini v-rod” just picked up a Night Rod Special and I’m loving it so far, this new one seems very promising!! Thanks for sharing!!

The V-Rod kicks ass! It is an awesome bike that handles extremely well and is extremely well-made.

Great video and now this time I can speak from experience. I owned a 2016 Vrod Muscle for four years till I traded it in for the 2020 Yamaha Vmax last year. Yes the Sportster S should be quicker and faster than the all the street versions of Vrods..what frustrates me is why didn’t they use the very good twin rotor brembo brakes they put on the Vrod onto the Sportster S? That is one of its very few flaws. Another plus for the Sportster S is its got the additional 6th gear that the Vrods did not have.

2016 V-Rod Muscle owner and I’ll never sell it regardless of new production releases. I run it pretty hard through the mountains including the tail of the dragon a few times and I think it did well. You obviously cant zoom right through tight hairpin corners due to ground clearance and lean angle but it eats up sweeping and even some of the tighter corners. You might have to slow her down a tad for the sharp corners but she’s there when you pull that ear. I like the design, performance and cruising aspects. Thinking of adding the Yamaha FJR or the Harley Road Glide as a touring machine although I’ve made several 600 mile+ trips on the V-rod. Lastly I think the V-Rod will be a lot less shaky and way more stable on highway roads.

Awesome video and comparison. Don't think I'll ever get rid of my night rod. Still get excited everytime I look at it!!

I used to own a v rod. I really didn’t find it all that fun to ride. It was absolutely horrible on gas… that thing didn’t skip a gas station lol. The thing was as long as a sheet of plywood with a massive rear tire. It looked badass… but that made cornering, umm, interesting lol. With your feet at forward position and a slight reach to the handlebars, your body position was in a “C” shape all the time. Not really a great riding position for the performance stuff. But where that bike really shined was in getting attention. Every time I stopped for gas or at a restaurant, it would get ppl to walk over to look at it. If it was parked in my driveway, motorcycle ppl driving by in their cars would stop to ask what it was. And I’d hear the same thing over and over: “That’s the only Harley I’ve ever liked. If I knew they made something like this, I’d have bought one.” But Harley really did keep it in the closet. The air-cooled Harley diehard fans called it a “Hardly”. It got no respect from fellow Harley riders, and I almost never sew it in advertising. I’d love to see them bring it back. It needs dual front rotors, minimum of 160hp, mid controls with factory highway pegs, and a 6th gear. It has to offer a solid response to the Diavel. And the new Sportster S is made for women.

You have earned a fan since I got my first bike in august and then I found your channel. Really interesting and well done, so I subscribed. I enjoy the videos very much.

I'd still love a V-rod but the weight difference between the Sportster S and V-rod is stunning. Old school Harley vs New. 150 pounds less with lots of tech added and what appears to be better power curves.

I took a 2024 Sporty S out the other day. What a beast ! Thinking of picking one up myself fun bike . 🎉

The liquid-cooled Harley V-Rod motor, developed by Harley-Davidson (made street legal by Porsche) was originally an Erik Buell project. Erik wanted to develope a superbike Buell. But Harley decided the engine should also be used in a sport-cruiser, and took over development. In the end, making it "too big, too heavy, too expensive and too late" for use in a superbike Buell. IF Harley had let Erik go on with the developement, Harley could have used that technologie for a flattracker bike with that lighter Buell engine. They probably would have had a FTR1200 killer in 2007, when the Sportster XR1200X was produced. 12 years befor Indian build the FTR :) Erik Buell was a visionair and exceptional engineer/designer.

My street bob, with the 128 bb kit and a torque cam, makes 124hp and 146 lbs of torque, at about 650 lbs. Ive never been to the strip but im pretty confident i hit 60 in under 3 seconds myself. My biggest issue is sticking to the road when i take off. Im working towards a wider rim right now. Hopefully that and a softer tire will do the trick

Great video I have 03 Anniversary, got it new a great Bike, good cruiser, still looks new, got 50 K on it still runs great, pepped it up with some programing, 2 dyno tests, one valve adj. been running great Reliable love my, V ROD

Enjoyable video, thanks for putting it together! It also shows what a fine bike the VRod was for its time. I’ll never sell my 2016 Muscle

Wow! Both these bikes are such excellent pieces of machinery! Top of the line! Can't wait to see how they do in the TT!

I gotta say, with all the talk about the v rod and how fast it was (or is) in its different variants, I honestly didn’t expect the new sportster s to really keep up much less be right there with it? Certainly didn’t expect it to beat a v rod (even in a mock race). Color me impressed

I have a 2003 V-Rod and absolutely love it. I have been looking at this new Sportster S....but not sure it's enough faster to want to spend the money. It is a cool looking bike though. Might need to test ride one. For sheer looks, I like the Breakout. Even thought about buying one. But it's slower than the 'rod...

Thanks for the vid. and, as usual, very interesting.

Now this is a very informative video. Great job!

I test rode the new Sportster S a few weeks back and absolutely loved it. That engine is so much fun. It's too bad Harley scrapped the Bronx, it it weren't for the scraping footpegs and forward controls, I might have become a Harley guy that day.

Thanks for making this interesting and informative comparison video 👍🏻

Your videos are so darn good, you had me watch a video on HD 😂. All my riding buddies are HD riders, I have an Indian, a CBR, Ducati, and a modified Rebel. I really dislike HD....but your videos are so well put together I was drawn to watch the whole thing. Another good job well done. Respect from 🇨🇦

"The Destroyer" - ROFL! I own a 2019 Harley Fat Boy 114 and a 2018 VMax. I use the Harley when I want to go out with my wife and my VMax when I want to have fun.

That last model Night rod special is beautiful and powerfull, i like them customized with t bar and so. HD should keep producing them. I had many dynas,realy fed up with them.

Amazing video. I bought a 2022 Sportster S and didn't realize that the V-Rod engine shared a similar name until one of my friends with a V-Rod pointed it out. I've been wondering how they stack up against each other.

Excellent commentary. Thank you so much. I'm a die-hard Harley classic stroker fan but it's time for a sportster rework. But somehow we can't lose the stroker motors. I'm using the word 'stroker' loosley. For my purposes I'm looking at any Harley as a stroker motor. Undersquare vs oversquare.

Own V Rod Muscle previously. I'm willing to get rid of Rocket 3 and buy another V Rod if HD start making again.

I owned a V-Rod for ten years and loved it. I haven't had a chance to ride the new Sportster S (I have test-ridden a Pan America with the Revolution Max engine) but I agree with you that the Sportster S is very V-Rod-like, albeit with more torque than the V-Rod. More and more, Harley riders are looking back at the V-Rod and realizing HD was ahead of its time with that great motorcycle. The new Revolution Max engine will be even better with no valve adjustments needed! Great video!

Thank you so much for the video! It was really good! Would you consider doing the same comparison with the Nightster? I would love to see that!

This video is awesome!! Thank you!

The Sportster S sure SOUNDS a lot like a V-Rod, which was a sweet bike. I think the dealers had a lot to do with it's death. Stuffing it in the back of the showroom and steering customers to the Softails in the front because they made more money.

Have a 2002 V-Rod, best bike I ever had, & I've had quite a few

if all goes well, we'll see a bunch of aftermarket support for these sportsters too. who knows~ maybe the true figures are far higher after some garage tuning ;D

You're on to something. The older Revolution was the 'starting' point of inspiration... and the hint is the new name of the newer Revolution MAX engine. The Max engine took the inspiration to a whole new level, particularly with dynamic valve timing, dual plugs, and reworked heads. marcus PS I love my Sportster S; this baby rips! Did I say its fast... holy cow FAST

GREAT INFORMATION...thanks

Great video, im old and will stick with my 2021 M8 Road king all 825 pounds😱🤣

Interesting to see comparing to my V-Rod. Got to have both. Sportster S in white is a styling masterpiece.

its basically a higher quality version of vrod according to a local shop that builds custom harleys. already have one at the shop they got just to tear apart and inspect then rebuild

Another great video. It's crazy the amount of people underestimating the new sportster because it's a Harley or a smaller cruiser. I've heard people say that it's going to run mid 12's and say it's a slow Harley etc etc etc. I can only shake my head and laugh at them. The numbers speak for themselves as you so expertly demonstrated.

Spec sheet numbers are completely meaningless. They completely disappear when you get on the bike. The riding experience is what it's all about. Power and speed and weight are meaningless if the bike is not fun to ride. I have ridden crotch rockets and did not enjoy them at all. I enjoy my 2006 Sportster 1200L 10 times more, and at least twice as much as any other bike I've ever had, out of around 50. It has the right feel, the right sound, and it is very comfortable. It has plenty of power for me. It cruises on the highway at 80+ mph easily.

I have an FXDR 114, best bike so far and I have had a few.

I still have my 02. Im 127 at the crank. 117 at the rear wheel. Of course she's not stock. Gearing and tuning.

I know I’m two years late to the table, but you did a great job of comparing the bikes. I own a Night Rod and people detest me and the bike wherever I go. I don’t understand it, nor do I care. The purists or haters if offered a Vrod would probably walk over their own mothers to get the bike. I think there’s a jealousy factor, or people think I’m just a rich guy poser. People who have that mindset should just stay at home instead of ruining someone’s day. They should also be very careful when putting someone’s bike down. The owner could be their worst nightmare come true. But the haters always have and always will speak and do without thinking. Again, thank you, sir for a very informative video.

Cant wait to see real 1/4 mile times for the S. I have owned a couple liter sport bikes but I still find launching the night rod far more exhilarating. Because of the rake you load up on tons of throttle and hook ridiculous power off the line while keeping the front wheel on the ground and like no other production bike Ive ridden. The first 60ft are insane.

I was always impressed with the Vrod range, in particular the Muscle. Cash in hand to buy a muscle, all my test rides gave me hip cramps...never bought. so sad.

Such an interesting analysis! Always admired the V-Rod, but it’s becoming evident that the new Sportie must be taken seriously. It does so well pitted against so many competing makes and models. Thanks for this, Paul. How about the new Sportster vs. the Indian FTR? Cheers!

A modernised vrod would be great to see The new sportster s seems like a hybrid between the sportster 1200 and vrod

One thing different is that with the vrod, Porsche had a great input for the motor. It will be hard to beat that in my opinion

Rode both today and I'll stick with my VRSCDX.

Hey can you do a comparison of the sportster and a Yamaha R7 🤷‍♀️

Good stuff , a Victory - HD of same year would be cool , too lazy to do it myself !

Such a step up from the older Sportster. Maybe compare the new Sportster S to a say 2008 Sportster 1200 as well as the Vrod. Should blow some folks minds.

The sportster S is the only bike that's had me considering parting with my Street Rod.

I recently saw a timeslip for the Sportster. 10.9s.

Great video. 👍

Good evening from France 🇨🇵, I have a V rod 1130 model from 2002, I'm very hesitant to sell it, it's a great model for me, too bad not to have continued this model 🥺

As a 2012 10 year anniversary edition owner. The v- Rod still looks better All you did was compare the bikes in the quarter mile I guarantee you that V-Rod will out corner the sportster and the V-Rod has a 240 back tire compared to the smaller one on the sportster

''Nice show cobber, That Vrod is a classic and under valued bike....for now..'' Many thanks for the video.. those seppos' knockup a good motor, got to get back down to me Billabong now...''

I believe there was a V-Rod that came with a 1250cc engine also, some kind of special "Midnight" edition. It does seem like no mere coincidence that the engine on the V-Rod & new Sportster S share many similarities. It's almost as if Harley Davidson is saying " we made a mistake in discontinuing the V- Rod, so here is another iteration of it, the Sportster S."

Still waiting on my iron upgrade kit 😭

I Honestly think they should go Balls to the wall and just bring back the Vrod, using the Rev Max, with the same setup, with the Airbox at the time, and the Gas Tank underneath the seat, and just crank the output up

You went from shovel head to evo. Iron head was between shovel head and evo. I think that's correct

Hello, love the channel, it's super cool. If I provide you updated weight and horsepower/ torque rating on my sportster S, can you do a comparison with it vs the stock sportster s. Thanks so much.

I got the 2015 muscle love the bike wouldn't trade it for anything

My mom bought me a Harley with a sick exhaust. Now I'm a bad ass.

If they would make a Street Rod based on this platform it would kick butt.

I think the sportster will be significantly quicker, 160lbs lighter and its a 6 speed vs the 5 speed vrod. I went from a vrod muscle to a pan America and think it'd still be pretty close but only because its hard to keep the front end down on the pan am.

What about bore v stroke? What about Vee angle? Those two comparisons will tell you if they’re related.

I want a 103 revmax motor in a V-rod style cruiser with some cornering capability...

I almost bought a VROD. I love the look and the motor is spectacular, best engine HD every built with the help of Porsche. That said, the VROD is uncomfortable as all hell and handles like crap. I researched how to improve the handling but it can only marginally be improved. The problem is the front rake and geometry, it's just a mess. So I passed on the VROD and got a 16' Triumph Rocket Roadster and never looked back. Cannot argue with 150lbs of torque and 2300 cc's. Puts a smile on my face everyday!

good video ,, yes they appear similar ;;

OK, that's engine power and straight line performance well covered. How about handling?

My Harley my Harley,you are my number one...

shovel, pan , & knuckle heads were branded those names buy the riders of the day and later adopted by Harley :)

I can't believe that Harley Davidson would try to sell a "performance" Sportster with a single front disc brake.

Ive had 3 vrod muscles..Loved all 3...2 were 2013 and my last was a 2014..Harley needs to bring Vrods back..Give them more Hp and id def spend the cash..

Ut how is lean angles

Very nice video.

Harley started from scratch ... and ended with scratch. 2 new 114's here, both have a speed related loud grinding noise at the front wheel. HD's reaction: let's check your belt tension!

I'd go V-Rod before I went with a Sportster.

Ironhead not considered?

I remember someone blowing up a Destroyer engine on the dyno at a dealership I worked at. I never found out the cause , but I suspect these “experts” tuning it messed up. They were not dealership employees, but friends of the owner. No names will be told to protect the innocent. LOL

flash forward almost a year , and your 1/4 times for the S are spot on from what ive seen

VERY GOOD !!

You missed an entire middle bike that used the same Generation Type Engines. The Street 500 and 750.

Original VMAX would kick the shit out of both of these bikes…. Let alone the new VMAX

The V-rod is hampered by its excessive weight- 160+ lbs more than Sportstrr S. Sportstrr S did lose weight poured to late model XL1200 EVOLUTIONs (@ around 570# wet). IMO the VRSCDX Night Rod Spl in Jade Metallic is one of the most beautiful H-Ds sold.

Now, do all those tests again, with Miss Piggy riding on back!?!

I’ve a Harley Davidson Street Rod 750 that I love. It’s always left out of every review. It’s a liquid cooled engine. Why is it forgotten about??

I think these details will change once people start to re-tune the Sportster S since it's a re-tuned Pan American engine as far as I know. Could be different cams or some parts though.