Harley Davidson is a motorcycle manufacturer that is known to both the biggest fans of two-wheeled vehicles and people who have never sat on the seat of a real bike. This brand has existed for more than a hundred years, and during this time it managed to release a large number of legendary models motorcycles. One of them is the Harley Davidson V Rod. It is about this bike that will be discussed in our review.
background
This model has a fairly long history, since the first V-Rod was released back in 2002. As soon as the new Harley was introduced to the general public, a lot of criticism flew towards the V-Rod model. One part of the brand's fans considered it almost perfect, the other completely refused to accept the new motorcycle. The reason for these disputes was new engine, which was now water-cooled. In honor of this, the new engine received an exclusive name - "Revolution". However, the most dissatisfied were the avid fans of the Harley Davidson brand, who were supporters of the classic motorcycle design. The rest of the two-wheelers found the water-cooling setup on the new Harley Davidson V Rod pretty good.
For several years of active work, several modifications of this model were made, each of which revealed the motorcycle and its appearance somewhat, on the other hand. In addition, after some time everyone resigned themselves to the new cooling system, since, following the Harleys, manufacturers of other companies began to install water cooling in their motorcycles. It so happened that the Harley Davidson V Rod was one of the first motorcycles to receive a novelty.
Specifications Harley Davidson V Rod
As for the technical part of this model, there is something to discuss here. Perhaps it’s worth starting with the engine, since in the new Harley it has become a kind of highlight. In addition to installing water cooling, the engine received a 60-degree camber angle, as well as an overhead camshaft. In the V-Rod, for the first time, engineers decided to make the engine just like that. The fact is that on the old "Harleys" the angle of inclination of the cylinders was 45 degrees, and the lower gas distribution mechanism was used. However, this time around, Harley Davidson set out to take more power out of the engine. Then it was decided to borrow the idea from, which even then had an angle of inclination of the cylinders of 60 degrees.
By the way, among motorists there is a myth that this engine was developed jointly with Porsche, but in fact this is not entirely true. The fact is that the Porsche concern has a department that tests and tests new engines. After development, the engine from the new V Rod was sent there in order to receive suggestions for its improvement and refinement.
Speaking specifically about numbers, the V-engine of the new Harley Davidson V Rod received two cylinders, which in general give out a volume of 1250 cm3. The power of the motorcycle was 119 Horse power, and a fairly good torque - 113 N / m. These characteristics allow you to accelerate the motorcycle to 223 km / h. For a model with a dry weight of almost 300 kg, this is considered a fairly good result. By the way, I was also pleased with the consumption, as the manufacturer assures us, V-Rod consumes 6.3 liters per 100 km in the combined cycle.
Wheelbase
Separately, I would like to talk about the wheels of the V Rod model. From the factory, the motorcycle is sold with a 19-inch front and 18-inch rear. This was most likely done more in order to give the exterior a bit of brutality, since the rear tire is 240 millimeters wide. This size, by the way, allows you to better feel the motorcycle, and when riding the bike gets a fairly good grip. But here it is immediately worth noting that factory tires are not suitable for racing, even at the entry level. It is better to move calmly on it, sometimes unscrewing the gas handle, since it is pointless to do this from the start - the wheel simply scrolls, and the rubber is erased. This model has a fairly large potential, but in order to fully reveal it, you will have to put on quite expensive rubber intended for races.
Pleasant advantages of this model
New Harley DavidsonV Rod slightly different from previous motorcycles. The first thing that is very important for buyers is the availability of modifications. The modern V-Rod has two.
Night Rod Special
This modification is distinguished by an exclusive dark color and the absence of chrome surfaces. The motorcycle has a very aggressive and intimidating look, as well as increased torque.
V Rod muscle
It looks like it's more simple model, although compared to the Night Rod, it costs a bit more. In fact, these two modifications are distinguished only by their appearance. In the Muscle version, we have the option to choose our own color, and we also get chrome elements as standard. Neither is present in the Night Rod version, which is why it received the additional word "Special".
Another nice feature is the presence of the ABS system. Moreover, it is available even in the simplest configuration of the V Rod model. You can also note the exclusive look and the new engine.
Who is the Harley Davidson V Rod for?
Motorcycles from Harley Davidson are very bulky and heavy equipment, endowed with powerful power unit. The whole essence of the V Rod model is revealed in its appearance - wide wheels, a huge engine, exhaust system. All this suggests that a strong man who can handle great power and heavy mechanisms should be behind the wheel of such an apparatus. This is true. Even in order to squeeze the brake pedal, you need to apply a lot of force.
If you are a fan of high speeds, sonorous engine roar and comfort, then the Harley Davidson V Rod is definitely for you. The motorcycle gives a huge amount of positive emotions and it is worth saying that it is really worth the money.
The Sportster family is the second oldest in model range Harley-Davidson. And if the most affordable models of the Street series have the typical features of classic road bikes, then the Sportster is already a recognizable image of the good old Harley. Even the youngest motorcycles in the series, with an 883 cm³ engine, have a classic appearance, while being relatively inexpensive (about half the size of Softail models).
With a modest price tag combined with recognizable design and decent features, Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 bikes are popular. After all, they look modest only against the background of flagship heavy motorcycles, and horses seem to be insufficient only in comparison with sportbikes.
Specifications Harley-Davidson Sportster 883
The Sportster series features two motorcycle models, SurerLow and Iron. The first has a classic appearance with an abundance of shiny chrome elements and a very low fit: only 70 cm. It is for this feature that the bike got its name.
There is little chrome in the exterior of the Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron, but there is a lot of brutal black. Frame elements, exhaust, body kits, wheel disks. Only the wells of the valve lifters and cylinder heads shine. Thanks to the abundance of brushed steel, which looks like blued (actually it is powder coated), the bike looks harsh and a little gothic.
If the Harley-Davidson Sportser SuperLow is a classic of the genre, then the Iron looks more sporty. It also has a 5 cm higher saddle (75 cm), and the handlebar has less bend, like dragsters, and the fenders are not as massive. But both bikes, despite the difference in design, have a common heart in common - the 883 cc Evolution engine.
The Harley-Davidson Evolution motor was created in the 80s, and it was he (along with heavy Softail bikes) that helped the company to achieve rapid development at the end of the 20th century. To this day, the engine has reached without significant changes. This is a classic V-Twin with a 45-degree camber; it differs from the older models in a reduced displacement to 883 cm³. There is also a model of this engine for 1200 cubic meters, but we will recall it a little later.
Four-stroke, air-cooled motor. Considering the volume and power characteristics power plant This is more of a plus than a minus. 2 valves per head (inlet and outlet), the new 4-valve system has not yet reached the Harley-Davidson Sportser. The intake system is an injection system using ESPFI technology. This is perhaps the main improvement of modern versions of the engine against the background of earlier generations with carburetor power.
The Harley-Davidson Sportser 883 engine is capable of delivering up to 73 Nm of torque. Power is declared at the level of 52 hp. Transmission is mechanical, 5-speed. The drive at the gearbox is chain, and the power is transmitted to the wheel using a Kevlar belt with gearing.
Features Harley-Davidson Sportser 883
Harley-Davidson Sportser 883 is the same "Harley" as their older counterparts, despite the smaller engine size. You should not look at them in comparison with other types of motorcycles, in particular, sports ones. After all, this is a completely different world. The Evolution motor is rooted in the 80s, but that doesn't mean it's ancient. This classic roaring Milwaukee engine is optimal for a heavy bike.
Do not blame the Harley-Davidson Sportser 883 internal combustion engine for low liter power. Yes, at a time when many bikes produce noticeably more than a hundred horses per liter, a figure of 58-59 hp / liter may seem modest. But you don't buy a Harley-Davidson Sportser 883 to fly it. And even if you go to long trips, then the motor under calmly nurses a hundred thousand miles of run.
Highly accelerated engines, even single-cylinder ones, can only dream of such a resource if they are exploited to the fullest. What is an exception for an engine with 150 hp / liter (achievable when driving in the “grandfather-grandmother” style), for the Evolution 883, proven over the years, is the norm.
The power output of the Harley-Davidson Sportser 883 motor is far from the maximum on the market, but the traction characteristics are at a decent level. 73 Nm is a figure similar to sportbikes with almost twice as many horses.
Harley-Davidson Sportser 883 has no problems with overclocking. He gains a hundred in about 5 seconds, and accelerates in a straight line to about 190 km / h. Of course, 5 is not 3 (your Cap), but such an indicator is quite impressive. It’s real to “shoot” at a traffic light, only sports bikes, sports cars and some electric cars can get ahead of the bike (they have Newtons available from the very bottom). Yes, and the motor does this, spinning up to 6000 rpm, and not sky-high 10-15 thousand rpm.
Tuning enthusiasts emphasize the simplicity of increasing the volume of the engine. In the US, kits are even sold for this. Having squandered or replaced the CPG, with a head and timing, as well as reflashing the “brain”, you can get a 1200 cc engine from the Evolution 883, capable of delivering up to 80 hp. power and up to 90 Nm of torque. Tuning requires about $1500 money (with shipping parts) and a day of time in the garage.
It has long been synonymous with brutality, power and reliability. And the Sporster line does not leave anyone indifferent. Classic bikes with a “sport” bias are the lightest in their line, not only in weight, but also in price. In this article we will talk about the Harley Davidson Sportster 1200 model, describe in detail its characteristics, advantages and small disadvantages.
history of the company
The history of Harley Davidson deserves special attention. It is one of the most successful firms that has ever existed. The company starts in 1903. It was in this year that Davidson and Harley released their first bike. Soon they founded a small company and began to produce about 50 motorcycles a year. Over time, they began to introduce innovative developments into their products: the V-Twin engine, mechanical box gears. Even in the earliest times, Harley-Davidson products had their famous, highly visible shape.
The company withstood difficult crises for the American economy, produced more than 80 thousand pieces of equipment for the US military during World War II and remained afloat. Currently, Harley Davidson produces about 200,000 motorcycles a year. It is also noteworthy that the community of motorcyclists under the auspices of the company is the largest in the world.
Motorcycles of this model are the most common. Attracts buyers to them not only appearance, but also relatively affordable price. "Sportster" is the lightest model in terms of weight and control. Its frame is narrower and more compact than the classic models, and provides better maneuverability on the road.
The first Sportster motorcycle appeared in 1957 in order to satisfy the interests of those who wanted to buy a sports bike. The developers tried to achieve ideal characteristics, and they succeeded. New frame, equipped with engine balance shafts, turned out to be more rigid and durable, 2-piston brakes were also improved. The cooling system has also been improved. Increasing the engine speed gave it more power. The ignition system has also been upgraded. At the same time, Harley did not change its classic brutal style at all. The easy handling of the Harley Davidson Sportster 1200 makes it ideal for city driving.
Specifications
Harley Davidson Sportster 1200 has excellent specifications. It is equipped with a V-shaped engine with a volume of 1200 cubic centimeters, which produces 96 NM of torque. The motorcycle is considered the lightest among the Harleys and weighs 268 kilograms. The number of horsepower varies depending on the model and year in the region of 58-66 units. This is enough to provide Harley Davidson Sportster 1200 acceleration to 100 km in 4 seconds. With such a time, you can both start beautifully from a traffic light and impress observers.
The technical characteristics of the Harley Davidson Sportster 1200 allow you to reach speeds of up to 175 km / h, but the working one is located lower - in the region of 160. Fuel consumption, depending on the route and driving style, is 5-7 liters per 100 kilometers. This model also has a rather impressive gas tank with a volume of 17 liters, which helps to drive a certain amount of distance without refueling.
Over the appearance of the Harley Davidson Sportster 1200, the developers also did their best. The motorcycle looks so proportionate and harmonious that you immediately want to sit on it and go, conquering more and more new roads.
Advantages and disadvantages
Like any vehicle, Harley was not without flaws. But you can find not so many of them:
- high cost of original spare parts;
- small seat (only suitable for one passenger);
- specific size of bolts having an inch thread.
Otherwise, this is a real treasure on wheels:
- excellent brakes (both front and rear);
- large and comfortable mirrors;
- fast acceleration;
- attractive appearance;
- economical fuel consumption;
- comfortable fit and comfortable steering wheel;
- suspension, which will not be afraid of Russian roads;
- modern cooling system.
Harley Davidson 883- an attempt by the American motorcycle manufacturer to win the hearts of the younger generation. Surely not everyone likes classic heavy cruisers like the Road King or the Electra Glide? So cunning marketers decided to slightly modernize the Sportster 883, presenting it in a new light.
Resulting from some changes that mainly affect the appearance, the motorcycle turned out even to look predatory and swift. Available in several colors, the Harley Davidson 883 Iron is considered by most to look best in black. Its squat, elongated and at the same time compact silhouette hints at the perky character of this motorcycle. And not in vain - everyone who has ever been interested in Harley-Davidson motorcycles knows that Sportsters are very frisky devices.
The Harley Davidson 883 Iron model turned out, first of all, to be extremely charismatic. Sitting on this motorcycle, you feel like the hero of some classic American movie about bikers from the 70s. Everything about the Iron 883 is conducive to aggressive driving - a peppy 883cc air-cooled V-twin that explodes like crazy from the lowest revs, a landing that makes any gap between cars look predatory in dense city traffic ... Just don't succumb to this provocation . There are old bikers, there are dashing bikers, but there are no dashing old bikers.
In general, everything is clear in style - an embodied American classic, slightly modernized. There is hardly a chopper lover who can pass by a Harley Davidson 883 Iron indifferently and not throw an admiring glance at him. Compact, light, lean, it makes you want to jump in the saddle and rush forward towards adventure.
But let's leave the aesthetics aside and consider the motorcycle from a technical point of view. Before us is the same good old Sportster, which has a huge army of fans around the world. Low, slightly more than 60 centimeters seat height, low steering wheel, small wheelbase and a not too long fork make landing on the Harley-Davidson 883 Iron really very comfortable, and driving it is easy and pleasant.
The maximum speed of the motorcycle is 170 kilometers per hour, but on it it simply starts to blow off the bike, and strong on high revs vibrations are annoying. But this motorcycle was not created for long runs at top speed, its elements are sharp turns, narrow city streets and aggressive riding. And here he is a master - the Harley-Davidson 883 Iron picks up speed very quickly and confidently, leaving many sportbikes behind when starting from traffic lights. At least until it reaches a speed of about a hundred kilometers per hour - then his frantic energy begins to fail.
The six-speed gearbox of the Harley-Davidson 883 Iron works well, but is rude - the gears engage with a knock, which, however, is a common thing for American motorcycles. And what's the difference? This does not affect reliability, and the noise of the engine and gearbox is a design feature.
The brakes are quite informative and generally good, two discs, one per wheel, stop the bike very effectively, but only if you actively use both the rear and front brakes. The Harley-Davidson 883 Iron is still too heavy for strong enough braking with just the front brake, despite the fact that it is the lightest of all Harleys, with the exception of the Street model. By the way, when buying a new motorcycle in the cabin, you can install an ABS system on it for a certain surcharge.
Suspension with minor changes migrated to the Iron 883 from the old Sportster, that is, they remained the same rigid, but reliable. With them, you do not feel that you are “floating” along the road when you sharply maneuver on the road. And in general, the squat bike seems to bite into the road. True, short wheelbase, light weight for a chopper and not too wide rear wheel do their bit, so you can feel the side wind when riding the Harley-Davidson Iron 883 to the fullest, especially when driving on the highway through windswept fields. Although it is hardly reasonable to embark on a long journey on it - it is not so convenient, and a small 13-liter gas tank will provide only 200-250 kilometers without refueling, and this is if you do not abuse the throttle handle.
In fact, we still have the same Sportster, slightly redone in pursuit of fashion trends. But who's to say it's bad? Powerful enough and comfortable enough, Iron 883 is a real bully, a thunderstorm of city streets.
Summer is ahead, traffic jams… Which of the speed lovers has not thought about a motorcycle? But not every bike can please with a drive and give a sense of freedom. Only the most powerful motorcycles are able to give a lot of emotions and sensations to those who wholeheartedly love speed, the growl of the engine and the feeling of wind in their hair. So what is the best bike? I don’t know, and apparently for everyone it will be their choice, the totality of characteristics, design, charisma - it’s all purely individual. Therefore, we simply offer short review the most interesting, in our opinion, models.
Many models deserve individual mention, since motor vehicles are very diverse, but our choice fell on the most charismatic vehicles.
Harley Davidson - powerful beauty in every curve
Harley performance is truly noteworthy as these bikes have supernatural power and strength. One of the most powerful is the Harley Davidson V ROD. Its advantages are that the motorcycle is equipped with best motor V2, the volume of which is 1131m3; acceleration to 100 km takes only 3.7 seconds, and up to 200 km in 11.3 seconds, which really deserves respect. The maximum speed of the Harley is 217 km, so everyone can truly feel the beauty of riding on their own. best motorcycle in the world. It is also noteworthy that Harley Davidson can be easily purchased at Russian market without actually paying a single cent.
Honda - super speed super bike
Honda motorcycles will be able to easily impress even those who are already lucky enough to be the owner of other most powerful motorcycles. However, this does not prevent Honda motorcycles from having their many characteristics, which are unlikely to leave anyone indifferent.
First of all, you should pay attention to the fact that all Honda motorcycles have a truly cosmic design. Every detail is perfect in them, not counting the excellent characteristics that should be given detailed attention. So, one of the most powerful Honda motorcycles is considered to be the Honda CBR 1100XX Super Blackbird. It is equipped with a four-cylinder engine, the volume of which reaches 1100m3. At the same time, the motorcycle can develop top speed up to 286 km per hour. Acceleration to 100 km per hour takes 3.1 seconds, making the CBR one of the fastest motorcycles with the best performance.
It is also noteworthy that this car can be easily purchased on the Russian market at a bargain price. And every minute enjoy your ultra-modern, incredibly stylish and most powerful Japanese motorcycle.
BMW - elegance, speed, style
It is not the first year that the BMW brand has been breaking records of popularity and demand in automotive world. Therefore, it is fully justified that BMW motorcycles have the best performance and the most impressive performance. So, for example, you should pay attention to heavy-duty motorcycles BMW series K1200S. Their first and main exclusive feature is that these motos are equipped with a transverse engine, instead of the standard longitudinal. At the same time, the engine volume reaches 1157 m3, and the ability to reach speeds of up to 100 km / h is 2.8 seconds, which is truly incredible. It is worth paying attention to the maximum speed, which is 268 km / h. All this undoubtedly indicates that it is prestigious and cool to own a BMW motorcycle, and especially if you can buy it at any moment on the Russian market at an acceptable and profitable price.
Suzuki is a leader among leaders
Motorcycle Suzuki Hayabusa can be easily put in the first place among many other motorcycles. First of all, because all its characteristics significantly prevail over other motorcycle models. famous brands. So, for example, Hayabusa develops a maximum speed of up to 360 km / h, which is really discouraging. The ability to accelerate to 100 km / h occurs in 2.6 seconds, which is a real record in the field of motor vehicles. And the volume of 1340m3 gives it a well-deserved first place.
Therefore, anyone who wants to buy a motorcycle of their dreams can do it in the near future, given that all models are presented on the Russian market at an acceptable and favorable cost.