Harley-davidson Night Rod Special
The Harley-davidson Night Rod Special has a top speed of 210 km/h (estimated; Harley does not officially publish top speed), produces 122 hp and weighs 294 kg. Motoryk rates it 7.5/10.
The Harley-Davidson Night Rod Special was introduced in 2007 as a blacked-out, more aggressive variant of the VRSC (V-Rod) family, itself launched in 2001 as Harley's first liquid-cooled production motorcycle developed with Porsche Engineering. The Night Rod Special featured a 1250cc Revolution engine, drag-style bars, and a menacing all-black aesthetic that distinguished it from the standard V-Rod lineup. It remained in production until 2017 when Harley-Davidson discontinued the entire VRSC family to focus on newer platforms.
122 hp
Power
116 Nm
Torque
294 kg
Weight
210 km/h (estimated; Harley does not officially publish top speed)
Top Speed
7.5 L/100km (approx. 13.3 km/L, typical real-world average)
Fuel
Naked
Body
Video Review
What Buyers Should Know
Liquid-Cooled Revolution
Unlike most Harleys, the Night Rod Special uses a liquid-cooled V-Rod engine (VRSCDX), which runs cooler and tolerates heat better than air-cooled models. This generally means less thermal stress and longer engine life with proper maintenance.
Watch the Fuel Pump
Fuel pump failures are a known recurring issue on the V-Rod platform, particularly on higher-mileage bikes. Budget for inspection or replacement, as a new OEM pump can run $300–$500 plus labor.
Strong Resale Retention
The Night Rod Special was discontinued after 2017, making it a collector favorite with stable used market values. Its aggressive, unique styling keeps demand steady among buyers who want a Harley that stands out from traditional cruisers.
Generations & Specs by Year
Introduced VRSCDX Night Rod Special with 1130cc Revolution engine, blacked-out styling, wide rear tire.
"The Harley that embarrassed sportbike riders at stoplights."
That Revolution engine is genuinely surprising — 125 horsepower from a Harley badge still feels like a prank until you're doing 160 km/h on a naked bike with drag bars and a perma-grin. The blacked-out everything aesthetic holds up; this thing looked meaner than anything else in the H-D lineup and aged better than half the customs I've seen. But at 294 kg, you feel every single kilo below 30 km/h — parking lots and U-turns require full concentration, and that 240-section rear tire eats corners for breakfast in a bad way. I'd also warn you that the ergonomics are a long-haul punishment device: those low bars and forward pegs suit a 90-minute blast, not a weekend tour.
Pros
Cons
Engine displacement increased to 1250cc Revolution engine, improved torque and power output.
Revised styling updates, new color options, refined suspension and minor ergonomic improvements introduced.
Used Buyer Review
"The Harley that actually rides like it looks — buy smart."
$7,500-$12,000 usedThe Night Rod Special is Harley's rebellious black sheep, and honestly that's exactly why it's interesting. Powered by the Porsche-developed Revolution V-twin, this thing actually handles and pulls hard — a genuine departure from the usual Harley cruiser formula. Used examples from 2012-2017 are the sweet spot: post-teething issues, pre-depreciation cliff. Expect to pay around $8,000-$11,000 for a clean one, and they're worth it if you know what you're buying. Here's the reality check though: parts are pricier than your typical Harley because that engine is genuinely different, and your local HD dealer might scratch their head at it. The riding position is aggressively low and forward — fantastic at 30, questionable at 55. Heat management is the elephant in the room; summer city riding will cook your right leg. Always check the rear tire width clearance and look for belt wear. These bikes attract modders, so inspect carefully for hack jobs.
Top 10 Accessories
Curated picks for the Harley-davidson Night Rod Special — owned, ridden, recommended.
Common Problems
🔥 2 CRITICALTest voltage output at idle and revs
Listen for ticking on cold start
Check for hesitation or hard starting
Inspect lower legs for oil residue
✅Pre-Purchase Checklist
Solid but electrical issues bite neglected bikes
Full Specifications
Rivals & Alternatives
Bikes that buyers cross-shop with the Harley-davidson Night Rod Special
Harley-davidson Low Rider S
Harley-davidson V-rod
Harley-davidson Fxdr 114
Harley-davidson V-rod Muscle
Harley-davidson V-rod Night Rod
Compare Harley-davidson Night Rod Special Side-by-Side
compare_arrowsSpecs, power, weight & buyer verdict — head-to-head with the bikes most often cross-shopped.
Harley-davidson Night Rod Special vs Harley-davidson Low Rider S
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Harley-davidson Night Rod Special vs Harley-davidson V-rod
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Harley-davidson Night Rod Special vs Harley-davidson Fxdr 114
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Harley-davidson Night Rod Special vs Harley-davidson V-rod Muscle
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Harley-davidson Night Rod Special vs Harley-davidson V-rod Night Rod
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
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Discussion
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common problems with the Harley-davidson Night Rod Special? +
Regulator/rectifier failure, kills battery: Test voltage output at idle and revs (serious) | Cam chain tensioner wear and noise: Listen for ticking on cold start (moderate) | Fuel pump failure or weak pressure: Check for hesitation or hard starting (serious)
Is the Harley-davidson Night Rod Special a good motorcycle? +
The Harley that actually rides like it looks — buy smart. Rating: 7.5/10. Best for: Shorter riders wanting real performance cruiser presence. Avoid if: You prioritize touring comfort over aggressive styling.
What is the horsepower of the Harley-davidson Night Rod Special? +
The Harley-davidson Night Rod Special produces 122 hp @ 8,250 rpm, with 116 Nm @ 7,000 rpm of torque. Top speed: 210 km/h (estimated; Harley does not officially publish top speed).
Is the Harley-davidson Night Rod Special good for beginners? +
Yes — the Harley-davidson Night Rod Special is a reasonable choice for new riders (122 hp is manageable), weighing 294 kg. Shorter riders wanting real performance cruiser presence
Is the Harley-davidson Night Rod Special reliable? +
Owners report 2 critical issues to watch for on the Harley-davidson Night Rod Special, notably: Regulator/rectifier failure, kills battery (Test voltage output at idle and revs). Buy with a pre-purchase inspection.
Is the Harley-davidson Night Rod Special good for daily use? +
Shorter riders wanting real performance cruiser presence Fuel: 7.5 L/100km (approx. 13.3 km/L, typical real-world average).
How fast is the Harley-davidson Night Rod Special? +
The Harley-davidson Night Rod Special reaches a top speed of 210 km/h (estimated; Harley does not officially publish top speed), producing 122 hp at 294 kg curb weight. Real-world performance depends on rider weight, gearing, and road conditions.
What gear should I buy for a Harley-davidson Night Rod Special? +
Motoryk has curated a Top 10 gear list specifically for the Harley-davidson Night Rod Special, covering engine oil, tires, chain, battery, and brake pads — see motoryk.com/bikes/harley-davidson/night-rod-special/top10. Each pick is matched to this bike's spec.
