| In an aggressive new move
Harley Davidson are soon to be introducing the revolutionary V-Rod. Harley's have always been known as great cruisers but in standard tune engine performance has always been a little less than exciting. The 'Evolution' (EVO) engine improved things a little but now Harley buyers are in for a treat with the new 'Revolution' engine which will no doubt end up being abbreviated to 'REVO'.  Water-cooling
makes an appearance for the first time on a production Harley. The new
60-degree 1,130cc V-Twin is a modern engine in every regard with dual
overhead cams and 4-valve heads. A one piece forged crankshaft swings
100mm diameter forged pistons through a 72mm stroke. Harley claim 115
horsepower being delivered at 8,250rpm. A claimed 88 N-m of torque is
available at 6,300 rpm.Fuel is delivered via an electronic sequential port fuel-injection with 53mm throttle bodies. The mix is then ignited by high-energy plug top ignition coils. Power is transferred to the wide 180 section rear tyre through a new 5-speed gearbox and belt drive. Huge 49mm forks suspend the show up front while a new one-piece, polished cast aluminium swingarm looks after the suspension duties at the back. Braking performance should be very good with dual 292mm discs being clamped by 4-piston calipers up front and a single 292mm disc on the rear. A very low seat height of only 660mm should be great news for those who are a bit short in the leg department. Ground clearance is reasonably generous at 142mm, surprising for a bike with such a low seat height. Harley claims a dry weight of 270 kilograms dry on the V-Rod which is quite acceptable for this style of bike. The V-Rod is expected to go on sale in December for just under $30,000. If this sounds like your sort of thing I would suggest you place your order now to secure one in the first shipment as demand is likely to prove very strong indeed. |
