OPENING UP NEW ROADS
V-ROAD is the Harley Davidson at its best……, of totally innovative and original design both in terms of styling and performance.

Text by Andrea Di Marcantonio- Photos by Roberto Brodolini

The Harley Davidson is back with a vengeance, the classic “Made in the USA” bike, made at the Milwaukee factory, incorporates the best of both past and present, becoming true “objects of wonder” designed to amaze and blow over the true biking enthusiast. The American V-Road therefore aims to claim a “genetic first”, in this year 2003, the year in which it celebrates 100 years in the biking business….. and is sure to make its presence felt the world over.
The V-Road was first presented last year: and was widely acclaimed by the “drag street” segment, representing a true rebel aspect in a riding public for which power and acceleration potential are the true “naïf” bywords.
The look of this new HD speaks for itself: featuring a dual-cylinder propulsion engine which is perfectly encased into the framework, just like a fine gem; while its performance and technical features are such as to shake even the Harley classic scheme. Featuring a “V” of no less than 60°, and cylinder rating of 1,130 cc with 100x72 mm bore x stroke; the engine is therefore totally unique and revolutionary in certain aspects. For example, the engine is powered by an electronic injection system with 53-mm flutter elements, which operate in a filter box complete with oval element and central air intake.
While the small battery is placed horizontally in the area behind the steering sleeve (note that this battery is often subject to a loss of power due to its small size.); the fuel tank looks real while the metal area only resembles it in shape, as it in fact acts as the lid for the filter box. The real one to be found beneath the rider’s seat, the opening movement of which is controlled by the ignition key, complete with anti-theft button.
The declared power rating is high: 115 HP at 8,500 r.p.m. with 10.22-kgm torque at 7,000, making it a true “colossal” in terms of power, torque and maximum speed levels.
The framework design is also highly innovative its sturdy structure the result of a water cutting and forming process at high pressure known as hydro-forming, high pressure forming using water. The result is a series of very narrow structural curves, without the risk of metal deformation. Which are visible in certain parts of the framework such as that behind the rear head section or the triangle “attachment” area where the two attachments of the two rear shock absorbers are located.
On turning the key of the rather “uncomfortable” keypad, and the bike emits a throaty sound from its streamlined exhaust, another winning stylistic feature together with its propeller design. Once it is running, one soon realizes that this is no ordinary bike. The position of the rider’s seat is such that the riders of under 1 metre 70 will ride with arms fully stretched, and what is also obvious is that riders of this bike are in for something more than a ride!
The clutch is rather difficult to operate and, in heavy traffic (the most feared enemy for this kind of bike), the rider will surely ask himself what the hell he is doing in it…. While the engine is just fantastic: with a great torque and unexpected acceleration potential, making this a true biker’s dream !!The torque begins to be noticeable at about 3,500 r.p.m., however up to 5,800 r.p.m. it seems normal and totally satisfying for the rider. But above 6,000 r.p.m. and things change drastically; it becomes aggressive right up to the limit of 9,200 rpm, with a decisive “spurt” and the rear wheel may sometimes tend to slip on an uneven ground, but not excessively. In fact the sensation of actually feeling the reactions of the rear wheel is quite pleasant as they are never brusque or out of control, but firm, attesting to the good general traction of the bike, thanks to its low-rider arrangement. On the motorway it reaches its speed limits quite fast, but above 160 km /h, the ride becomes more demanding due to the total absence of any aerodynamic protection.
I will leave the rest for you to discover yourselves…! The suspensions are well calibrated provided that you do not overdo it, especially on more difficult road surfaces: if you meet a hole in the road you might hear a “squishing” sound from the unit framework (the lower framework being bolted to the central part using snap couplings.)
The brake system is perhaps not so smooth, but has got what it takes, with its 292 mm brake disks connected to four piston calipers.
The V-Road needs to be powerfully ridden to get the best out of it. It is at its best in open spaces, and does not like the city or narrow streets and roads, due to its very “framework” features. Although it looks good in any setting…… whatever it is. There is a chance for the rider to flex his muscles thanks to the bike’s covering elements that always ensure an excellent grip.
V-Road therefore signifies “biking vitality”, a chance to experience a new way of interacting with the bike itself, as well as the true meaning of biking at its best.

TECHNICAL DATA SHEET

Technical configuration: “V”-shaped 60° dual cylinder
Distribution: DOHC 4-valve
Bore x stroke: 100 x 72 mm
Displacement: 1,130 cc
Power and torque: 115 HP at 8,500 r.p.m./10.22 kgm at 7,000 r.p.m.
Compression ratio: 11.3 :1
Powering: Sequential ESPFI electronic injection
Cooling: liquid
Lubrication: damp casing
Ignition: electronic
Clutch: multiple-disk in oil bath
Gearbox: 5-speed
Start-up: electrical with self-diagnosis system
Frame: double disassembling cradle
Front suspension- telescopic fork – 100 mm stroke
Rear suspension: double shock absorber –60 mm stroke
Front brake system: two 292-mm disks
Rear brake system: single 292-mm disk
Tank capacity: 14/
Declared dry weight: 285 Kgs