Positioning:
The Harley Davidson VRSCDA Night Rod, part of the VRSC (V-Rod) family, was positioned as a performance-oriented cruiser with a modern, aggressive styling and a liquid-cooled engine, differentiating itself from Harley Davidson's traditional air-cooled offerings.
Competitors:
Competed with other power cruisers from manufacturers like Yamaha (V-Max), Honda (V-TX concept, though not directly a production competitor in this exact segment), and to some extent, European performance motorcycles.
Features:
Liquid-cooled 1250cc Revolution V-twin engine, factory custom styling, inverted front forks, powerful braking system, forward-mounted rider controls, and a distinctive exhaust note. The 'A' designation often signifies ABS.
Engine:
Revolution Engine, including disassembly, assembly, inspection, and troubleshooting of all internal components, lubrication system, cooling system, and fuel delivery.
Transmission Drivetrain:
5-speed gearbox, clutch assembly, final drive (belt drive), and related components.
Chassis Suspension:
Frame, front forks (including VRSC inverted forks), rear suspension, wheels, bearings, and steering system.
Braking System:
Front and rear disc brakes, brake calipers, master cylinders, hydraulic lines, and ABS (if equipped).
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system (alternator, regulator/rectifier), ignition system, lighting, instrumentation, fuel injection system, ECU, sensors, wiring diagrams, and diagnostics.
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel lines, and electronic fuel injection (EFI) system.
Exhaust System:
Exhaust headers, mufflers, and catalytic converter (if applicable).
Bodywork Fittings:
Body panels, fenders, seat, handlebars, mirrors, and cosmetic components.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, spark plugs, chain/belt adjustments, brake fluid flushes), inspections, and lubrication.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, fault code interpretation, and systematic problem-solving.
Repair Rebuild:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for disassembly, assembly, and repair of all major vehicle systems and components.
Diagnostics:
Electrical system diagnostics, sensor testing, and fault code retrieval procedures.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical wiring schematics with component identification and routing.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance, advanced diagnostics, component-level repair, and complete engine/transmission rebuilds. Suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIY mechanics.
Engine Type:
Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, 60-degree V-twin, DOHC, 8 valves per cylinder
Displacement:
1246.7 cc (76.1 cubic inches)
Bore X Stroke:
100 mm x 79 mm (3.94 in x 3.11 in)
Compression Ratio:
11.3:1
Horsepower Est:
Approx. 123 hp @ 7,500 rpm
Torque Est:
Approx. 84 lb-ft @ 6,000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 91 octane (R+M)/2
Oil Type:
Harley Davidson 20W50 SYN3 (or equivalent API SG or higher)
Oil Capacity:
Approximately 3.7 US quarts (3.5 liters) with filter change.
Length:
Approx. 92.3 inches (2344 mm)
Width:
Approx. 35.9 inches (912 mm) at handlebars
Height:
Approx. 44.7 inches (1135 mm) at windshield
Wheelbase:
Approx. 67.7 inches (1720 mm)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 4.7 inches (120 mm)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 630 lbs (286 kg)
Gvwr:
Not specified in product info, consult full manual.
Fuel Capacity:
5.0 US gallons (18.9 L)
Instrumentation:
Digital odometer, trip meter, fuel gauge, gear indicator, clock, tachometer, and various indicator lights. No integrated infotainment system like modern bikes.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is a key safety technology available on the VRSCDA model, providing enhanced braking control under adverse conditions.
Diagnostics Port:
Features a diagnostic port (often a 4-pin connector) for connecting diagnostic tools to read fault codes and monitor sensor data, which is extensively covered in the manual.
Initial Service:
Typically around 1,000 miles (1,600 km) for the first service, including oil and filter change, inspection of all systems, and adjustment of controls.
Routine Maintenance:
Regular intervals for engine oil and filter changes (e.g., every 5,000 miles or annually), spark plug replacement (e.g., every 10,000 miles), brake fluid flush (e.g., every 2 years), and belt inspection/tensioning.
Engine Oil:
Harley Davidson 20W50 SYN3 or equivalent.
Transmission Primary Fluid:
Harley Davidson Formula + Transmission & Primary Chaincase Lubricant.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 hydraulic fluid.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant, typically 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Common Wear Items:
Clutch plates, rear brake pads, battery life, and belt tensioning/alignment can be common areas for wear and maintenance. Some owners report issues with the fuel level sensor or electrical connectors over time.
Performance Tuning:
The manual will detail procedures for maintaining optimal performance, including fuel system diagnostics and ignition timing, crucial for the high-performance Revolution engine.
Heritage:
Harley Davidson, founded in 1903, has a long-standing reputation for iconic V-twin motorcycles. The VRSC platform, launched in 2001, represented a significant departure, embracing liquid cooling and a more modern, performance-oriented design philosophy inspired by racing and European sportbikes.
Vrsc Platform:
The VRSC platform, developed in partnership with Porsche, debuted with the V-Rod. The Night Rod (VRSCD) and Night Rod Special (VRSCDX) were performance-oriented variations, with the VRSCDA specifically denoting the ABS-equipped version. The 2008 model year saw updates to the Revolution engine, including larger displacement and improved power delivery for some variants.
Production Era:
The VRSC platform was produced from 2001 to 2017. The VRSCDA Night Rod was a specific variant within this lineage.
