Of course, here is a full article about the Harley-Davidson VRSCDX Night Rod Special, written in the requested style.
The Harley-Davidson VRSC Revolution 1250 engine powered one of the most distinctive and aggressive models in the company’s modern history: the VRSCDX Night Rod Special. Produced from 2007 to 2017, the Night Rod Special was a member of the VRSC (V-Rod) family, a line of motorcycles that represented a significant departure from Harley-Davidson’s traditional air-cooled, V-twin cruisers. It combined American muscle bike styling with a high-performance, liquid-cooled engine co-developed with German automaker Porsche, creating a unique power cruiser that appealed to a new generation of riders.
The Night Rod Special was an evolution of the original V-Rod (VRSCA), which debuted in 2002, and the standard Night Rod (VRSCD) from 2006. While the original V-Rod featured extensive chrome and polished aluminum, the Night Rod introduced a darker, more menacing aesthetic. The “Special” designation, beginning in 2007, marked a pivotal upgrade. The primary difference was the increase in engine displacement from 1130cc to a more potent 1250cc. This engine enhancement was paired with more aggressive styling cues, including a massive 240mm rear tire, black slotted disc wheels, and a nearly complete blackout treatment of the engine, frame, and exhaust. In 2008, further refinements included the addition of a slipper clutch for smoother downshifts and optional anti-lock brakes (ABS), which later became standard.
Design and Styling
The VRSCDX Night Rod Special was defined by its “long, low, and black” silhouette. The design language was heavily influenced by drag racing culture, evident in its stretched-out wheelbase, aggressive forward controls, and low-slung drag-style handlebars. This riding position was purposeful, placing the rider in a commanding, forward-leaning posture.
Key visual elements included:
Blackout Finish: Nearly every component that was chrome on the original V-Rod was finished in black, including the frame, engine, forks, and triple clamps. This created a cohesive and intimidating appearance.
Color-Matched Cowl: A small, sleek fairing around the headlamp provided minimal wind protection but was crucial to the bike’s streamlined look.
Chopped Rear Fender: A short, “clipped” rear fender exposed the wide 240mm rear tire, which became a signature feature of the model.
Slotted Disc Wheels: Cast aluminum slotted disc wheels, finished in black, reinforced the bike’s custom, high-performance aesthetic.
Under-Seat Fuel Tank: Like all VRSC models, the fuel tank was located under the seat to maintain a low center of gravity. The traditional “tank” area was actually a cover for the airbox and cooling system.
The Harley-Davidson VRSC Revolution 1250 Engine
At the heart of the Night Rod Special was its powertrain. The Revolution engine was a technical marvel for Harley-Davidson at the time, starkly contrasting with the company’s traditional air-cooled, pushrod V-twins. Developed with engineering input from Porsche, it was designed for performance and reliability.
The 1250cc version of the Revolution engine featured:
A 60-degree V-twin configuration.
Liquid cooling for consistent temperature management and higher performance.
Dual overhead camshafts (DOHC) and four valves per cylinder, allowing it to rev much higher than its air-cooled counterparts.
Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) for precise fueling and throttle response.
This setup produced approximately 125 horsepower and 85 ft-lb of torque, delivered high in the rev range. Unlike the low-end grunt of traditional Harleys, the Revolution engine came alive above 4,000 RPM, pulling hard toward its redline. This gave the Night Rod Special a dual personality: it could be a relatively tame cruiser around town but transformed into a formidable straight-line performer when the throttle was opened.
Chassis, Suspension, and Handling
The Night Rod Special was built on a hydroformed steel perimeter tube frame, which provided significant rigidity to handle the engine’s power. The long 67-inch wheelbase contributed to exceptional straight-line stability, making it a confident machine for highway cruising and acceleration runs.
Beginning with the 2012 model year, the Night Rod Special received significant handling upgrades, including inverted front forks and retuned rear suspension. These changes improved ride quality and provided more responsive handling. Braking was managed by high-performance Brembo calipers, offering strong and reliable stopping power, a necessity for a motorcycle of its weight and speed. While its long wheelbase and wide rear tire made it less agile in tight corners compared to a sportbike, it was a capable and predictable handler in sweeping turns.
Specifications Table
| General | |
| :— | :— |
| Brand | Harley-Davidson |
| Model | V-Rod |
| Model Class | VRSCDX Night Rod Special |
| Model Year | 2007–2017 (Specs based on 2016 model) |
| Type | Muscle Cruiser / Power Cruiser |
| Maximum mass (GVWR) | 1060 lb. (481 kg) |
| Maximum passengers | 2 |
| Performance | |
| Max. power | 125 Hp (93.2 Kw) / 8250 RPM |
| Max. torque | 85 ft-lb (115 N•m) / 7000 RPM |
| Top designed speed | Approx. 140 mph (225 km/h) |
| Size | |
| Length | 94.4 in. (2400 mm) |
| Width | 34.6 in. (879 mm) |
| Height | 45.9 in. (1166 mm) |
| Wheelbase | 67.0 in. (1702 mm) |
| Seat height | 25.6 in. (650 mm) |
| Ground clearance | 4.2 in. (107 mm) |
| Curb weight | 666 lb. (302 kg) |
| Engine | |
| Type | Liquid-cooled, Revolution®, 60° V-Twin, DOHC |
| Displacement | 1247 cc (76.1 cu in) |
| Bore × Stroke | 4.13 in. × 2.83 in. (105 mm × 72 mm) |
| Compression ratio | 11.5: 1 |
| Starting system | Electric starter |
| Fuel supplying system | Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) |
| Ignition control system | Electronic |
| Lubricating system | Pressurized, dry-sump |
| Oil capacity | 5 qt (4.7 L) |
| Engine oil type | SAE 20W-50 Harley-Davidson H-D 360 Motorcycle Oil |
| Idle speed | 1200 RPM |
| Transmission | |
| Transmission type | 5-speed, manual gear shift |
| Clutch type | Wet, multi-disc, slipper clutch |
| Driving system | Belt drive |
| Primary reduction ratio | 1.745 |
| Final reduction ratio | 2.400 |
| Gear ratio | 1st: 2.533; 2nd: 1.765; 3rd: 1.348; 4th: 1.115; 5th: 0.967 |
| Chassis | |
| Tire size | Front: 120/70 ZR19 M/C; Rear: 240/40 R18 M/C |
| Rim size | Front: 19 in.; Rear: 18 in. (Black Slotted Disc Cast Aluminum) |
| Capacity of fuel tank | 5.0 gal (18.9 L) |
| Fuel consumption | Approx. 37 mpg (6.4 L / 100 km) |
| Electric | |
| Battery | 12V / 12 Ah, sealed |
| Headlight | 55W low beam, 60W high beam |
| Suspension** | |
| Front travel | 4.0 in (102 mm), Inverted forks |
| Rear travel | 2.9 in (74 mm), Dual coil-over shocks |
| Rear spring preload | Adjustable |
