🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Harley-Davidson

Model:

VRSCDX Night Rod Special

Year:

2008

Chassis Code:

VRSCDX

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

Performance cruiser with a modern, aggressive aesthetic, targeting riders seeking a blend of power, style, and handling.

Competitive Analysis:

Competed against other V-twin cruisers and performance-oriented motorcycles from brands like Indian, Victory, and some Japanese manufacturers offering similar styling and power characteristics.

Key Features:

Liquid-cooled Revolution V-twin engine, inverted front forks, dual front disc brakes, distinctive styling with drag-style handlebars and a low-slung profile.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Complete service and repair for Harley-Davidson VRSCDX Night Rod Special 2008 model.

Page Count:

1068

Manual Type:

Workshop Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, electrical system, transmission, drivetrain, chassis, suspension, brakes, wheels, tires, bodywork, diagnostics, troubleshooting, and specifications.

Procedures Included:

Routine maintenance, scheduled service, component removal and installation, disassembly and reassembly, diagnostic procedures, wiring diagrams, torque specifications, adjustments, and repair of all major systems.

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance checks to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced diagnostic troubleshooting.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

Digital PDF

Print Quality:

High-resolution, optimized for printing.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Revolution V-twin, liquid-cooled

Displacement:

2007cc (125 cubic inches)

Bore X Stroke:

4.13 in x 4.76 in (105 mm x 120 mm)

Compression Ratio:

11.3:1

Horsepower:

Approx. 120 HP (90 kW) @ 5750 RPM

Torque:

Approx. 130 ft-lbs (176 Nm) @ 3500 RPM

Fuel Injection:

Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline, 91 octane (R+M)/2 minimum

Ignition System:

Electronic, high-performance

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed, constant mesh

Clutch:

Clutched, hydraulically actuated, 9-plate, wet

Primary Drive:

Pre-lubricated, single-strand, 1.614 in (41 mm) roller chain

Final Drive:

Carbon fiber belt, 1400 tooth, 1.125 in (28.575 mm) width

Gear Ratios:

1st: 10.370, 2nd: 7.275, 3rd: 5.360, 4th: 4.355, 5th: 3.763

Transmission Fluid:

Harley-Davidson Formula + Transmission and Primary Chaincase Lubricant (or equivalent)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

93.6 in (2377 mm)

Width:

37.7 in (958 mm)

Height:

43.2 in (1097 mm)

Wheelbase:

67.2 in (1707 mm)

Ground Clearance:

4.7 in (119 mm)

Dry Weight:

671 lbs (304 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

1280 lbs (581 kg)

Fuel Capacity:

5.0 gal (18.9 L)

Cargo Capacity:

N/A (Motorcycle)

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Ratings:

N/A (Motorcycle - subject to specific country regulations and testing standards)

Active Features:

Dual front disc brakes, rear disc brake, hydraulic clutch, responsive suspension.

Passive Features:

Frame integrity, rider positioning for control, lighting systems (headlight, taillight, turn signals).

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

N/A (Basic instrumentation, no integrated infotainment system on this model year)

Driver Assistance Features:

N/A (No advanced rider assistance systems)

Instrumentation:

Analog tachometer, digital speedometer, odometer, trip odometer, fuel gauge, clock, diagnostic indicators.

🔧 Maintenance

Initial Service:

1,000 miles (1,600 km) or 6 months

Subsequent Service:

Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first.

Engine Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km)

Engine Oil Type:

Harley-Davidson SYN3 (Synthetic) SAE 20W-50 or equivalent API CI-4 rated motorcycle oil.

Engine Oil Capacity:

4.5 US qt (4.3 L) with filter change

Transmission Primary Fluid Type:

Harley-Davidson Formula + Transmission and Primary Chaincase Lubricant

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4

Known Issues:

Potential for oil leaks from seals, clutch drag, occasional electrical gremlins, and fuel tank expansion issues on early models. The manual will provide diagnostic procedures for these and more.

Oil Filter Part Number:

Harley-Davidson 63796-77A (or equivalent)

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Harley-Davidson, founded in 1903, is an iconic American motorcycle manufacturer renowned for its V-twin engines, distinctive styling, and strong community culture.

Model Evolution:

The Night Rod Special is part of the V-Rod family, developed in collaboration with Porsche. It emphasizes a more aggressive, custom look compared to the standard V-Rod, with a lower seat height and drag-style handlebars.

Production Years:

The VRSCDX Night Rod Special was produced from 2007 to 2017.

Manufacturing Location:

Kansas City, Missouri, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

While specific awards for the 2008 VRSCDX Night Rod Special are not widely publicized as a single model, the V-Rod platform generally received positive reviews for its performance and styling from motorcycle publications.