Remembering the V-Rod and its Porsche-designed Powerplant
When Harley-Davidson partnered with the world’s greatest sports car manufacturer, magic happened.
We love Harley-Davidsons here, obviously. However, it makes us very happy when other folks in the world of automotive and motorcycle journalism share that love. We recently came across this piece from Motor Biscuit, and thought you’d like to see it, too.
You’d be hard-pressed to find a die-hard gearhead who doesn’t have an appreciation for Porsche. Porsche may be best known for their sports cars, but they started life as an engineering firm, offering their services to others for a price. To this day, if you want your company’s next machine to be truly great, you sent the work to the best of the best in Stuttgart.
At the turn of the 21st century, that’s exactly what Harley-Davidson did. Their new V-Rod project was a different kind of Harley-Davidson, designed to attract a different kid of customer. As a result, it needed a different kind of engine. Harley-Davidson went to Porsche for help.
From Germany With Love (Porsche)
Porsche delivered with the Revolution engine. The Revolution engine featured dual overhead camshafts and liquid cooling, a first for the company. No previous Harley-Davidson street bike had ever been so high-tech.
It’s somewhat ironic to think that Porsche, at that time well-regarded as the experts in high-performance air-cooled engines, would create Harley-Davidson’s first water-cooled engine. Porsche had only recently started using water-cooled engines in their Boxster and 911 sports cars.
The Revolution engine displaced 1,131cc, or 69 cubic inches. It revved all the way out to 9,000 RPM, and was good for 115 horsepower and 84 lb/ft of torque. Later on in the V-Rod’s life, Harley’s Screamin’ Eagle division had their way with the engine and managed to extract even more power.
The V-Rod was discontinued after 2017, but it still has a loyal group of fans. Whenever Harley-Davidson steps out of the box, there are always a few traditionalists who thumb their nose at the new model. As time goes on, though, there are always folks who appreciate the model and choose it as their favorite. As time passes, the V-Rod is sure to become a valuable classic, in high demand by those who like their Harleys with a bit of German flair.
Photos: Harley-Davidson
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