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All Bikes/Harley-davidson/Night Rod Special
Harley-davidson Night Rod Special
Cruiser

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.

La Harley-Davidson Night Rod Special se presentó en 2007 como una variante opaca y más agresiva de la familia VRSC (V-Rod), que se lanzó en 2001 como la primera motocicleta de producción refrigerada por líquido de Harley desarrollada con Porsche Engineering. La Night Rod Special tenía un motor Revolution de 1250 cc, manillares de estilo drag y una amenazadora estética completamente negra que la diferenciaba de la gama V-Rod estándar. Permaneció en producción hasta 2017, cuando Harley-Davidson dejó de fabricar toda la familia VRSC para centrarse en las plataformas más nuevas.

122 hp

Potencia

116 Nm

Torsión

294 kg

Peso

210 km/h (estimated; Harley does not officially publish top speed)

Velocidad máxima

7.5 L/100km (approx. 13.3 km/L, typical real-world average)

Combustible

Desnudo

Cuerpo

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Lo que los compradores deben saber

🔧

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.

Generaciones y especificaciones por año

2006–2008 Gen 1

Presentó el VRSCDX Night Rod Special con un motor Revolution de 1130 cc, un estilo oscurecido y un neumático trasero ancho.

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7.8/10

"La Harley que avergonzaba a los ciclistas deportivos en los semáforos."

Ese motor Revolution es realmente sorprendente: los 125 caballos de fuerza de una Harley siguen pareciendo una broma hasta que recorres 160 km/h en una moto desnuda con barras de arrastre y una sonrisa permanente. La estética opaca de todo se mantiene intacta; esta moto tenía un aspecto más rudo que cualquier otra de la gama H-D y envejeció más que la mitad de las modelos Customs que he visto. Sin embargo, con 294 kg, sientes que cada kilo está por debajo de los 30 km/h. Los aparcamientos y los giros en U requieren una concentración total, y ese neumático trasero de 240 secciones no sirve para desayunar en las curvas. También te advierto de que la ergonomía es un castigo para largas distancias: esas barras bajas y estacas delanteras son adecuadas para una ráfaga de 90 minutos, no para un recorrido de fin de semana.

Pros

+Genuinamente rápido para una Harley
+Estilo de fábrica agresivo y oscurecido
+Asiento de baja altura, accesible
+Suministro fluido de energía refrigerado por líquido

Contras

294 kg castigan las maniobras lentas
El neumático trasero ancho limita las curvas
Ergonomía brutal más allá de los 100 km
Precio superior, soporte de piezas modesto
Lo mejor para: Un crucero urbano que anhela un rendimiento real Omitir si: Das una vuelta o una esquina con fuerza
2009–2011 Gen 2

La cilindrada del motor aumentó a un motor Revolution de 1250 cc, con un par y una potencia de salida mejorados.

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2012–2017 Gen 3

Se introdujeron actualizaciones de estilo revisadas, nuevas opciones de color, suspensión refinada y pequeñas mejoras ergonómicas.

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Reseña de un comprador usado

7.5/10
Lo mejor para
Shorter riders wanting real performance cruiser presence

"The Harley that actually rides like it looks — buy smart."

$7,500-$12,000 used

The 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.

Pros
Contras
Omitir si: You prioritize touring comfort over aggressive styling

Top 10 Accessories

Curated picks for the Harley-davidson Night Rod Special — owned, ridden, recommended.

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Problemas comunes

🔥 2 CRITICAL
🔥Regulator/rectifier failure, kills battery SERIOUS

Test voltage output at idle and revs

Fix cost: $150-$400
⚠️Cam chain tensioner wear and noise MODERATE

Listen for ticking on cold start

Fix cost: $300-$600
🔥Fuel pump failure or weak pressure SERIOUS

Check for hesitation or hard starting

Fix cost: $200-$500
💡Front fork seal leaks common MINOR

Inspect lower legs for oil residue

Fix cost: $100-$250

Lista de verificación previa a la compra

Pull service history and mileage records
Check for aftermarket tune with stock exhaust
Inspect frame for crash damage or welds
Cold start the bike yourself before buying

Solid but electrical issues bite neglected bikes

Full Specifications

Engine Power 122 hp @ 8,250 rpm
Torque 116 Nm @ 7,000 rpm
Top Speed 210 km/h (estimated; Harley does not officially publish top speed)
Weight 294 kg (wet/curb weight)
Fuel Consumption 7.5 L/100km (approx. 13.3 km/L, typical real-world average)
Type Cruiser
Fairing No Fairing (Naked)

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Community Reviews

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.