Click above for more shots of the 2009 VRSCF V-Rod Muscle
Harley-Davidson, the definitive American motorcycle manufacturer, has released its 2009 models, and there are a few surprises to take note of, including the introductions of two brand new bikes. The VRSCF V-Rod Muscle (above) builds on the same liquid cooled platform of past VR models and adds a new rear fender design, dual side exhaust pipes and revised bodywork to the wide 240 mm rear tire that some models already feature. The second new bike is The Motor Company's first trike, the Tri Glide. Using a brand new rear differential along with air suspension in back, Harley looks to capitalize on the growing three-wheeler trend in the states.
In other news, HD has also revised the frame of all its '09 Touring models, and we recently got the chance to feel the new, more solid-feeling frame ourselves. It's a definite improvement, especially important since the revised Tour-Pak is capable of holding even more gear and weight. Nearly all new Duna and Sportster models feature a new front fender said to more closely follow the contour of the front wheel, improving the appearance of the bikes in the process. Take a closer look at the two completely new models here:
[Source: Harley-Davidson]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Torrent @ Jul 23rd 2008 5:03PM
I definitely like the V-Rod.
Dave @ Jul 24th 2008 9:16AM
It's about time they made something worth looking at. Don't see the antique look here.
CORVETTE ZR1 @ Jul 23rd 2008 5:06PM
Cool I Love Harleys !!! i Love the V-Rod too...
Chris @ Jul 23rd 2008 5:08PM
Sexy.
Talisman @ Jul 23rd 2008 5:09PM
I love this bike.
Iridium @ Jul 23rd 2008 5:21PM
The V-Rod Muscle looks pretty sweet. The Tri-glide, well its a trike that looks like just about every Harley trike that modders have made.
I know some people like trikes but they just scream, I'm too fat and lazy to put my feet down, to me.
2007RC46SP2 @ Jul 23rd 2008 6:15PM
or
"I'm handicapped and still enjoy riding"
fm @ Jul 23rd 2008 5:37PM
Pretty cool for a HD.
Wally @ Jul 23rd 2008 5:44PM
Cool, I love the V-rod and all variants. I love that Harley started making bikes that you can buy without being 60 or a redneck. That'll be the next bike i get even if the Harley faithful don't like that it doesn't "sound like a Harley"
BlackCanary @ Jul 23rd 2008 11:35PM
All the rednecks I know ride rice rockets. Nice bikes dont get me wrong but my generalization is a stupid as yours. Everyone I know who has a HD is pretty successful with disposable income.
I, unlike you, can appreciate bike styles that differ from my preferred brand or riding style. I dont care for sport bikes but I can appreciate a nice one when I see one. Harley Davidson is one of the best bike manufactures in the world, great brand, LOYAL customers, and great products. They are not the end all be all but they are the only American motor company that makes any money so I am pretty sure they know what they are doing.
Wally @ Jul 24th 2008 8:50AM
Relax spanky, I am not hating on Cruisers - I have one already - I am hating on HD's unwillingness to generate new designs in 30 years. And their products are NOT great unless you own stock in Loctite. Loyal fans, sure, but a rolling couch that costs $60k and rattles to pieces is not a "great" product. Yes, I was generalizing but it's a pretty widely felt generalization so I wouldn't label it as "stupid"
RLQ @ Jul 23rd 2008 6:05PM
This V-rod needs 2-into-1 exhaust. Otherwise a cool looking bike.
chopper @ Jul 23rd 2008 7:29PM
You mean like they've been doing for 6 years?
This is the first one without it.
MajorGeek @ Jul 23rd 2008 6:09PM
Had one, rides nothing like a Harley, very refined smooth ride. However, the gas tank was too damn small and its not very comfortable. This looks, judging by the seat with backrest and added gas tank area, like they may have addresed thiese issues.
DesiAuto @ Jul 23rd 2008 6:22PM
wow ...
no i mean
WOW
DesiAuto @ Jul 23rd 2008 6:26PM
it is so easy to buy american, when the damn thing is so cool
:-)
Michael @ Jul 23rd 2008 6:40PM
Looks like Harley is going after the Yamaha V Max with this design.
I like the Night Rod the best out of this V Rod family.
Jason @ Jul 24th 2008 8:05AM
Have you seen the specs on the new VMAX? Looks wise it's close, but the VMAX is going to eat this thing for lunch. 123hp vs the VMAX's 200+hp... plus the VMAX looks insane! It looks like something a superhero would ride.
It still amazes me just how little horsepower Harley can manage out of such huge engines. My bike makes nearly 150hp out of a 1298cc engine, and it's a mildly tuned mid-range-power-making sport tourer, not a high-revving suicide machine like the new Busa (which makes almost 200hp out of 1340ccs.
Their sport bikes aren't much better. the Harley XR1200 makes 90hp out of a 1200cc engine while all of the rice rockets are making 120hp+ out of 600cc engines.
tankd0g @ Jul 23rd 2008 7:35PM
Arg, they just had to use a belt on the trike didn't they. That ought to be an easy 7 hour repair on the side of the road.
Shiftright @ Jul 23rd 2008 8:17PM
Harley is going through serious identity crisis. On the one hand, you have the V-Rod, a sexy, powerful 21st century iteration of what a Harley should be. On the other hand, you have the hideous trike thing that looks like it time warped from a cheesy 1974 biker road trip movie. It looks completely retarded, like it was put together in someone's garage from a kit from the back Popular Mechanics. Harley should just accept it's 2008 and continue in the direction of the V-Rod, and keep demonstrating that American bikes can look and feel American without being outdated anachronisms.