I have to admit that I have looked at, drooled over, and almost bought a Rocker numerous times. However, the one thing that stopped me each time is the nagging question in the back of my head, "Is this thing even a Harley?" I know, I know. It says Harley-Davidson all over it. But, the styling does go a bit off course. It is what I call a "mini" chopper. It has the looks of a chopper, without being one. The only bike Harley has it the line-up to compete with the Rocker now is the Wide-Glide...a bit of a tamed down version, if you will. I really wish Harley had never discontinued the Deuce or the Night-Train. I LOVED the Night-Train. Regardless, I now ride a CrossBones, so it doesn't matter at the moment.

Sorry for getting off track...

People tell me all the time that the V-Rod is not a true Harley. But, why? I mean, it is just as much Harley as the Rocker, and I have yet to hear anybody besides me question the authenticity of the Rocker. Personally, I feel both stretch the boundaries of the good old traditional stylings that we know and love from H-D. But, I think stretching those boundaries have started opening more doors for a broader group of younger riders.

I do like the Rocker, but I still love the more traditional lines of the other bikes H-D has to offer. So, don't get me wrong. I enjoy both the Rocker and the V-Rod very much. But, I can't say as I like them enough to actually own one.

 

Yes, it is a Harley, just an ugly one.

 

So is the Road King.. I guess we all have our crosses to bare..

 

Yeah, Road Kings are hideous, so are old Ironheads.

 

Ahhh, that old saying pops use to tell me regarding opinions comes to mind.

Compliments to Rail for taking the high road.
You know Rail, xxxflhrci's wife may be ugly, but I have been brought up with the decency to keep my negative ***** to myself.

 

The only model I question is the V-Rod. The bike's styling and water-cooled mill has no connection to classic styled Harleys.

 

Eh, it's all sticks and stones...I don't have a wife, but you can call my bike ugly without hurting my feelings. Everybody has a right to their opinion.

 

Oh crap! Not this again!!!

 

Yeah, but I rode the NightRod at demo days, and it was a rush. I'm still wondering what 4th and 5th are for, consider 3rd was about 90mph.

 

Sorry and no offense, but this is a dumb question. To me a Harley is defined by its motor, not its frame and not its looks. Sure you can argue that a Harley motor in a custom rigid frame is not a Harley, but I’d argue it’s a lot like a Harley because of the power train, but since Harley designed and built the Rocker, even with its more chopper like looks, damn straight it’s a Harley. Ditto for the V-rod, but not in the classic Harley way. It’s a performance bike built by Harley using more advance technology and it hauls azz. Just go to a AHDRA race this summer and you’ll be proud the Screaming Eagle V-rod is a Harley and you own a piece of the legend.