Custom 2016 Harley-Davidson V-Rod is all Muscle

Showcase Passion

Looks like this custom 2016 Night Rod Special has been working out a bit more than its 'Muscle' cousin. Calling it 'one of the last,' German dealership, Rick’s Harley-Davidson Baden-Baden sought to showcase their passion for the VRSC after its production demise in 2017. This beefy VRSCDX gets a buff treatment thanks to some cool in-house parts. 

Photos courtesy of Rick's Harley-Davidson.

Perfect Position

The VRSC or V-Rod was a divisive bike — it was either loved or hated. Launched in 2001, it was like no other Harley-Davidson had ever produced. Rick's Motorcycles was instantly enamored and they became devoted followers. Having designed wide tire conversion kits for Softails in the early-1990s, he was in the perfect position to develop custom parts for V-Rods.

>>Join in the conversation about this beefed-up V-Rod right here in Harley-Davidson Forums.

Standout Change

In 2010, Rick’s Motorcycles became a Harley-Davidson dealership, and the former business was incorporated as a custom shop. Reflecting on the end of V-Rod production, Rick's Motorcycles stated that they, “didn't want to make an obituary here but, instead, show what they could make out of the V-Rod.” One of those standout changes is the custom rim, wide tire, and swingarm conversion kit.

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Super Steve

Rick's Motorcycles has designed numerous kits that will accommodate up to a 330mm cross-section rear tire. As a popular modification, Rick's Motorcycles took the idea one step further. To show off their twenty-spoke 'Super Steve' wheel, they used a proprietary Drive Side Brake System. It is an ultra-clean look that moves the brake disc to the pulley side and exposes the slick billet wheel.

>>Join in the conversation about this beefed-up V-Rod right here in Harley-Davidson Forums.

Cruiser Competition

The V-Rod's Revolution engine was the first water-cooled engine for Harley-Davidson. VRSC stands for V-Twin Racing Street Custom. It was designed in part to compete with the raft of Japanese power-cruisers, and it did. Despite a relatively small displacement of 76 cubic-inch, the Night Rod Special dominated the competition with 125 horsepower and 85 foot-pounds of torque.

>>Join in the conversation about this beefed-up V-Rod right here in Harley-Davidson Forums.

Race Applications

NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle racing was the other driving force behind the VRSC's design. It was also the contributing factor in its demise. The VRSC successfully campaigned from 2002 until 2018 when the Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson team switched to the new FXDR. With race applications in mind, the VRSC had unique features, such as a fake gas tank doubling as the airbox.

>>Join in the conversation about this beefed-up V-Rod right here in Harley-Davidson Forums.

Exaggerated Combo

For the non-VRSC initiated, the gas tank is actually located under the seat resulting in a lower center of gravity. Augmenting the already muscular look, Rick's Motorcycles used its own 'Street Fighter' airbox with exaggerated side cut-outs and matching gauge inserts. The fiberglass seat pan and rear fender combo is another Rick's Motorcycles original — suitable for a 280mm rear tire.

>>Join in the conversation about this beefed-up V-Rod right here in Harley-Davidson Forums.

Successfully Different

The V-Rod was dubbed the 'Harley for the non-Harley rider.' It proved to be a great machine. While there is still a demand for custom parts, Rick's Motorcycles acknowledges that it is the end of an era. If nothing else, the oddball VRSC was proof Harley-Davidson could be both different and successful. Something the Motor Company needs today — more than ever.

>>Join in the conversation about this beefed-up V-Rod right here in Harley-Davidson Forums.

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