2007–2007 Harley-Davidson VRSC Revolution 1250 (VRSCR Street Rod)

The 2007–2007 Harley-Davidson VRSC Revolution 1250 (VRSCR Street Rod) represents a distinct and performance-focused chapter in the history of Harley-Davidson’s V-Rod family. Introduced for the 2006 model year and concluding its short production run in 2007, the VRSCR Street Rod was engineered as a high-performance “roadster” variant of the VRSC platform. It diverged significantly from the traditional cruiser ergonomics of its siblings, offering a more aggressive riding posture, enhanced handling dynamics, and the upgraded 1250cc version of the liquid-cooled Revolution engine, setting it apart as a unique machine in the company’s lineup.

The VRSCR was born from the desire to create a V-Rod with the cornering capabilities and rider engagement of a European-style naked bike, while retaining the potent, high-revving power of the Porsche-co-developed Revolution engine. It was a direct response to feedback that the original V-Rod models, while powerful in a straight line, were limited by their long wheelbase, relaxed rake, and forward foot controls when it came to spirited, aggressive riding.

Design and Engineering Differences

The Street Rod was a substantial redesign of the standard VRSC chassis. To achieve its roadster ambitions, Harley-Davidson engineers implemented several key changes compared to the original VRSCA V-Rod. The most significant ergonomic shift was the replacement of the signature forward-mounted foot controls with mid-mount controls. This, combined with a lower, flatter handlebar and a higher seat height, placed the rider in a more upright and engaged posture, allowing for better control and weight distribution during cornering.

Chassis geometry was also sharpened. The front rake was steepened from the V-Rod’s relaxed 34 degrees to a more agile 30 degrees. The front end was equipped with high-performance, inverted 43mm Showa forks, a first for the VRSC line, providing superior rigidity and suspension feedback. In the rear, longer-travel Showa shocks were used to increase ground clearance. This combination of revised geometry and upgraded suspension allowed for a lean angle of 40 degrees, a dramatic improvement over the 32 degrees of other V-Rod models and a figure that put it in contention with contemporary sport-standard motorcycles. Braking power was also significantly enhanced with the standard fitment of high-performance, four-piston Brembo calipers on dual front discs.

The Revolution 1250 Engine

A defining feature of the 2007 VRSCR Street Rod was its powertrain. While the first V-Rod models were launched with an 1130cc Revolution engine, the Street Rod was among the first in the family to receive the larger 1250cc displacement. This larger bore engine featured a DOHC (Double Overhead Cam) design with four valves per cylinder and was fed by an Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) system.

The increase in displacement from 1130cc to 1250cc resulted in a notable boost in performance. The engine was tuned to produce approximately 120 horsepower and 80 ft-lb of torque, delivering a powerful and responsive throttle feel across its wide rev range. Unlike traditional air-cooled Harley-Davidson V-twins, the liquid-cooled Revolution engine was designed to rev much higher, with its power peak arriving near 8,250 RPM. This high-revving nature, combined with the bike’s enhanced handling characteristics, made the Street Rod one of the most athletic and dynamically capable machines ever produced by the Milwaukee manufacturer at the time.

Specifications