Harley-Davidson VRSCF 1250 V-Rod Muscle 2011 — Specifications

Here she is, the one we’ve been waiting for. The V-Rod gets muscular, literally, with this 2011 version that finally fully embraces its raw, unfinished look. Gone are the overly refined curves; the Muscle adopts a square, angular, almost hostile appearance. With its 240 mm wide rear tire that seems to swallow the asphalt and its massive air intake vents, it clearly displays its intentions: pure muscle, a dragster aesthetic for the road. In this little game, it visually overwhelms its smaller siblings in the range and sends an unambiguous message to the custom competition.

To support this stance, a commensurate engine was needed. The 60° V-twin, developed with Porsche, sees its displacement increased to 1246 cm3. The numbers speak for themselves: 123 horsepower at 8000 rpm and, above all, a monstrous torque of 112.8 Nm that arrives early, at 6500 rpm. This punch is immediately felt. As soon as you twist the throttle, the beast stirs, pulls like a train, and presses you against the seat. The acceleration is violent, linear, addictive. It has nothing to envy the Japanese power-cruisers, even if, with its 307 kg fully fueled, it remains a heavy and unwieldy weapon at low speed.

Speaking of riding, the position, with very forward footpegs and a fairly close handlebar, is dragster-style. In the city, it's a torment. Your back creaks, your wrists suffer. But on the open road, as soon as speed builds, the magic happens. Stability is exemplary, the 43 mm inverted fork and rear suspension do a decent job despite limited travel. Braking, with 300 mm discs and four-piston calipers at the front, is powerful and reassuring. It’s a motorcycle that demands strength and commitment, not a machine for beginners or Sunday rides. It clearly targets the sporty touring rider who wants to impress on the road as well as at the traffic light.

Harley-Davidson has also taken care of the details. The double cradle frame seems to disappear to make room for the engine, shining like a jewel. The inverted fork, the five-spoke bicolor rims, the double chrome exhaust pipes, everything is designed to showcase the mechanics. The turn signals integrated into the mirrors, the LED rear light perfectly blended into the mudguard, or the electrical wiring concealed in the handlebar are all appreciated. Series ABS and a slipper clutch are welcome features on such a machine. For 18790 euros, the finish is up to par, even if the price places the Muscle in the yard of the major European and Japanese customs.

Ultimately, the V-Rod Muscle is not a compromise motorcycle. It is extreme, demanding, noisy, and spectacular. It doesn't seek to be versatile or easy to live with. It is the embodiment of an ideal: raw American power dressed in a circuit aesthetic. It will seduce the thrill-seeker who accepts its flaws in exchange for a unique character and an undeniable stage presence. For others, there remain the more sensible versions of the range.