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.
De Harley-Davidson Night Rod Special werd in 2007 geïntroduceerd als een verduisterde, agressievere variant van de VRSC-familie (V-Rod), die zelf in 2001 werd gelanceerd als Harley's eerste vloeistofgekoelde productiemotor, ontwikkeld in samenwerking met Porsche Engineering. De Night Rod Special had een Revolution-motor van 1250 cc, bars in drag-stijl en een dreigende volledig zwarte esthetiek die hem onderscheidde van de standaard V-Rod-serie. Het bleef in productie tot 2017, toen Harley-Davidson de volledige VRSC-familie stopzette om zich te concentreren op nieuwere platforms.
122 hp
Kracht
116 Nm
Koppel
294 kg
Gewicht
210 km/h (estimated; Harley does not officially publish top speed)
Topsnelheid
7.5 L/100km (approx. 13.3 km/L, typical real-world average)
Brandstof
Naakt
Lichaam
Video Review
Wat kopers moeten weten
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.
Generaties en specificaties per jaar
Introductie van de VRSCDX Night Rod Special met 1130cc Revolution-motor, verduisterde styling, brede achterband.
"De Harley die sportbikers in verlegenheid bracht bij stoplichten."
Die Revolution-motor is echt verrassend: 125 pk uit een Harley-badge voelt nog steeds als een grap totdat je 160 km/u rijdt op een naked bike met dragbars en een permagrijns. Het verduisterde alles wat esthetisch in stand houdt; dit ding zag er gemener uit dan al het andere in de H-D-opstelling en was meer dan de helft van de gebruiken verouderd die ik heb gezien. Maar met 294 kg voel je elke kilo onder de 30 km/u — parkeerterreinen en U-bochten vereisen volledige concentratie, en die achterband met 240 delen vreet op een slechte manier de bochten op bij het ontbijt. Ik wil je ook waarschuwen dat de ergonomie een straf is voor lange afstanden: die lage stangen en haringen naar voren zijn geschikt voor een sessie van 90 minuten, niet voor een weekendtour.
Pluspunten
Nadelen
De cilinderinhoud is verhoogd tot een Revolution-motor van 1250 cc, verbeterd koppel en vermogen.
Herziene stylingupdates, nieuwe kleuropties, verfijnde vering en kleine ergonomische verbeteringen geïntroduceerd.
Beoordeling van gebruikte kopers
"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.
Veel voorkomende problemen
🔥 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
✅Checklist vóór aankoop
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
More Harley-davidson Night Rod Special Guides
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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.
