Of course, here is a full article about the 2006 Harley-Davidson VRSCD Night Rod.
2006–2006 Harley-Davidson VRSC Revolution 1130 (VRSCD Night Rod – Mid Control)
The 2006–2006 Harley-Davidson VRSC Revolution 1130 (VRSCD Night Rod – Mid Control) was a performance cruiser motorcycle introduced by Harley-Davidson as a new member of its V-Rod family for the 2006 model year. It represented a significant stylistic departure from the original chrome-laden VRSCA V-Rod, offering a darker, more aggressive, and blacked-out aesthetic aimed at a new segment of the power cruiser market. Built on the modern VRSC (V-twin Racing Street Custom) platform, the Night Rod combined the high-performance, liquid-cooled Revolution engine with a menacing, stripped-down look that prioritized attitude and a more engaged riding experience.
Background and Development
The VRSC platform was a radical innovation for the traditionally air-cooled, pushrod V-twin focused Harley-Davidson Motor Company. Developed in collaboration with Porsche Engineering, the “Revolution” engine was a modern, 60-degree, dual overhead cam, liquid-cooled V-twin designed to deliver higher RPMs and significantly more horsepower than Harley’s classic powerplants. The first model, the VRSCA V-Rod, was introduced in 2002 and was defined by its drag-bike styling, solid disc wheels, and extensive use of polished aluminum and chrome.
By 2006, Harley-Davidson sought to expand the VRSC line’s appeal. The company recognized a growing demand for factory “custom” motorcycles with a darker, more understated theme. The VRSCD Night Rod was the answer, stripping away the chrome in favor of black finishes and offering a distinct ergonomic package to create a motorcycle with a personality all its own.
Differences from Other V-Rod Models
The 2006 Night Rod was launched alongside the new VRSCR Street Rod, and both models were designed to offer alternatives to the original VRSCA V-Rod. The key distinctions for the VRSCD Night Rod were:
Aesthetics: Where the VRSCA V-Rod was bright and flashy, the Night Rod was dark and brooding. The frame, engine, slotted disc wheels, swingarm, and exhaust were all finished in black. Chrome was used sparingly, primarily as an accent on components like engine fins and select fasteners.
Ergonomics: The most significant functional difference was the implementation of mid-mounted foot controls. The standard V-Rod featured forward controls, which provided a relaxed, feet-forward cruising posture. The Night Rod’s mid-controls positioned the rider’s feet more directly underneath them, creating a more aggressive, commanding riding position that offered better leverage and control during spirited riding. This setup was unique to the 2006 VRSCD model and was changed to forward controls in subsequent years.
Handlebars: It featured a lower, black drag-style handlebar that complemented the mid-controls, pulling the rider slightly forward into a more assertive stance.
Compared to the 2006 VRSCR Street Rod, which was an even more performance-oriented model with a taller seat, higher mid-controls, and steeper fork angle for sportier handling, the Night Rod struck a balance between a drag-style cruiser and a performance roadster.
Features of the VRSCD Night Rod
The 2006 Night Rod was defined by a combination of its powertrain and its unique styling.
Revolution 1130 Engine
At its heart was the 1130 cc liquid-cooled Revolution V-twin engine. This powerplant was fuel-injected and tuned to produce approximately 120 horsepower and 74 ft-lb of torque. Its high-revving nature was a stark contrast to traditional Harley engines, providing strong acceleration throughout the powerband. The engine was paired with a five-speed transmission and a smooth, reliable belt final drive.
Chassis and Handling
The Night Rod was built upon the signature VRSC hydroformed steel perimeter frame, which used the engine as a stressed member to increase rigidity. Its long and low stance was complemented by a 34-degree fork rake. The Brembo triple-disc brakes provided strong, reliable stopping power commensurate with the bike’s performance capabilities. The suspension consisted of a 49 mm telescopic front fork and dual preload-adjustable shocks at the rear. The slotted cast-aluminum wheels were fitted with a 120 mm front tire and a wide 180 mm rear tire, reinforcing its muscular appearance.
For the 2006 model year, the VRSCD Night Rod offered a unique combination of V-Rod performance with a dark, custom aesthetic and a more engaged, mid-control riding position, making it a distinct and memorable entry in the VRSC lineage.
Specifications**
| General | |
| Brand | Harley-Davidson |
| Model | VRSCD Night Rod |
| Model Year | 2006 |
| Type | Performance Cruiser |
| Performance | |
| Max. power | 120 Hp (89.5 Kw) / 8250 RPM |
| Max. torque | 74 ft-lb (100 N•m) / 7000 RPM |
| Size | |
| Length | 93.8 in. (2382.5 mm) |
| Wheelbase | 67.5 in. (1714.5 mm) |
| Laden Seat height | 26.3 in. (668 mm) |
| Ground clearance | 5.6 in. (142 mm) |
| Dry weight | 636 lb. (288.5 kg) |
| Running order weight | 665 lb. (301.6 kg) |
| Engine | |
| Type | Liquid-cooled, 60° V-Twin, DOHC |
| Displacement | 1130 cc (69 cu in) |
| Bore × Stroke | 3.94 in. × 2.83 in. (100 mm × 72 mm) |
| Compression ratio | 11.3: 1 |
| Fuel supplying system | Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) |
| Oil capacity | 4.5 qt (4.3 L) |
| Transmission | |
| Transmission type | 5-speed, manual |
| Clutch type | Wet, multi-disc, manual |
| Driving system | Belt drive |
| Chassis | |
| Tire size | Front: D207 120/70ZR-19; Rear: D207 180/55ZR-18 |
| Wheels | Black, Slotted Disc Cast Aluminum |
| Brakes | Front: Dual 4-piston caliper; Rear: Single 4-piston caliper |
| Rake (steering head) | 34° |
| Trail | 4.5 in. (114.3 mm) |
| Capacity of fuel tank | 3.7 gal (14 L) |
| Fuel consumption (est.) | 34 city / 42 highway mpg |
| Electric | |
| Battery | 12V / 12 Ah |
| Headlight | 55W/60W Halogen |
