🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Harley-Davidson

Model:

VRSCD Night Rod

Year:

2008

Chassis Code:

VRSC (V-Twin Racing Street Custom)

Engine Variant:

Night Rod (VRSCD)

Product Name:

Harley Davidson VRSCD Night Rod 2008 Repair Service Manual

Product Description:

Harley Davidson VRSCD Night Rod 2008 Workshop Repair Service Manual PDF Download

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Cruiser/Power Cruiser

Target Audience:

Riders seeking performance, distinctive styling, and the Harley-Davidson experience, with a focus on custom aesthetics and a powerful riding experience.

Competitors:

Yamaha V-Star, Honda VTX, Kawasaki Vulcan, Suzuki Boulevard, Indian Chief

Key Differentiator:

Revolutionary (for its time) liquid-cooled V-twin engine, modern styling contrasted with traditional Harley-Davidson heritage, and sportbike-inspired chassis dynamics.

Design:

Aggressive, low-slung profile, often featuring drag handlebars, forward-mounted foot controls, and a minimalist aesthetic. Distinctive 'Night Rod' styling cues.

Performance Focus:

Engineered for a more performance-oriented ride compared to some traditional Harley-Davidson models, with a focus on acceleration and handling.

Engine Technology:

Revolutionary Revolution Engine architecture, developed in partnership with Porsche Engineering.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage:

All Model variants of the 2008 Harley-Davidson VRSCD Night Rod

Page Count:

Estimated 600-800 pages (typical for comprehensive Harley-Davidson service manuals)

Manual Type:

Workshop Repair Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Engine, cylinders, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, valves, timing, lubrication, cooling

Fuel System:

Fuel injection, throttle body, fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel filter

Ignition System:

Ignition module, spark plugs, ignition coils

Exhaust System:

Exhaust pipes, mufflers, catalytic converter (if applicable)

Transmission:

Clutch, gearbox, primary drive, secondary drive (belt drive), transmission oil

Chassis And Frame:

Frame, swingarm, front fork, rear suspension, steering head bearings

Braking System:

Front and rear brakes, brake calipers, brake discs, brake fluid, master cylinders, brake lines

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system (alternator, regulator/rectifier), starter motor, lighting, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, sensors

Instrumentation:

Speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, indicator lights, diagnostics

Wheels And Tires:

Wheel specifications, tire types, tire pressure, wheel bearing maintenance

Bodywork And Trim:

Fenders, fuel tank, seat, handlebars, mirrors, fairings (if applicable), cosmetic components

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, lubrication, chain adjustment (if applicable), tire pressure checks, brake checks

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic charts, common problem identification, symptom-based repair guidance

Engine Repair:

Engine disassembly and reassembly, valve adjustments, piston and cylinder inspection/replacement, crankshaft balancing

Transmission Repair:

Clutch service, gear inspection and replacement, primary drive belt inspection/replacement, secondary drive belt inspection/replacement

Electrical Diagnostics:

Wiring harness repair, component testing, sensor diagnosis, charging system troubleshooting

Brake System Service:

Brake pad replacement, brake fluid flush and bleed, caliper service, master cylinder service

Suspension And Steering:

Front fork seal replacement, rear shock absorber service, steering head bearing adjustment/replacement

Fuel System Service:

Injector cleaning, throttle body service, fuel pump testing

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to complete engine and component overhauls. Includes detailed diagnostic procedures and specifications for precision adjustments.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

Adobe PDF

Searchability:

Text-searchable PDF for quick information retrieval

Printability:

Printable pages, allowing users to create physical copies for workshop use

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Liquid-cooled, 60-degree V-twin, Revolution Engine

Displacement:

2008 cc (125 cubic inches)

Bore X Stroke:

4.00 in x 4.72 in (101.6 mm x 119.38 mm)

Compression Ratio:

11.3:1

Valve Train:

Overhead camshafts (OHC), 4 valves per cylinder

Cooling System:

Liquid-cooled with fan assist

Horsepower:

Approximately 120-125 HP (Actual figures may vary slightly by region and dynamometer)

Torque:

Approximately 115-120 lb-ft (Actual figures may vary slightly by region and dynamometer)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI), dual throttle bodies

Fuel Type:

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

Fuel Tank Capacity:

5.0 gallons (18.9 L)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed constant mesh

Primary Drive:

Helical gears, 1.517:1 ratio

Clutch:

Wet, multi-plate, hydraulically actuated

Secondary Drive:

Belt drive, 2.75:1 ratio

Gear Ratios:

1st: 10.242, 2nd: 7.272, 3rd: 5.686, 4th: 4.759, 5th: 4.089

Transmission Fluid:

Harley-Davidson Formula + Transmission Fluid (or equivalent SAE 50W gear oil)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

93.1 in (2365 mm)

Width:

35.0 in (889 mm)

Height:

41.1 in (1044 mm)

Seat Height Laden:

25.2 in (640 mm)

Ground Clearance:

4.7 in (119 mm)

Dry Weight:

Approximately 593 lbs (269 kg)

Wet Weight:

Approximately 636 lbs (288 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

1160 lbs (526 kg)

Front Tire:

120/70ZR-18 (Dunlop Qualifier or similar)

Rear Tire:

240/40R18 (Dunlop Qualifier or similar)

Wheel Type:

Cast aluminum, 18-inch diameter front and rear

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Certification:

Meets or exceeds all applicable US Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) for motorcycles.

Braking:

Dual disc front brakes with 4-piston calipers, Single disc rear brake with 2-piston caliper. Optional ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) availability.

Lighting:

Halogen headlamp, LED tail lamp and stop lamp, amber incandescent front and rear turn signals.

Frame Construction:

Robust steel frame designed for stability and handling.

💡 Technology Features

Instrument Cluster:

Analog speedometer, digital tachometer, fuel gauge, gear indicator, clock, trip meter, warning lights. Often features a handlebar-mounted display.

ABS:

Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on some models, enhancing braking safety.

Diagnostic Ports:

On-board diagnostics (OBD-II) port or proprietary Harley-Davidson diagnostic connector for electronic troubleshooting.

🔧 Maintenance

First Service:

1,000 miles (1,600 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first. Includes engine oil and filter change, primary chain case oil change, inspection of critical components.

Subsequent Service:

Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first. Includes engine oil and filter change, primary chain case oil change, inspection of brakes, tires, lights, and other critical systems.

Specific Checks:

Spark plug inspection/replacement every 10,000 miles (16,000 km), belt tension check and adjustment every 5,000 miles (8,000 km).

Engine Oil:

Harley-Davidson SYN3 Synthetic Motorcycle Oil (SAE 20W-50) or equivalent Harley-Davidson approved synthetic oil. Capacity: 5.0 US quarts (4.7 L) with filter change.

Primary Chain Case Oil:

Harley-Davidson Formula + Transmission Fluid or equivalent SAE 50W gear oil. Capacity: 3.0 US quarts (2.8 L).

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 Heavy Duty for motorcycles. Ensure correct fluid type for ABS if equipped.

Coolant:

Motorcycle-specific liquid-cooled engine coolant, typically a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and distilled water. Consult manual for specific type and capacity.

Common Wear Items:

Clutch plates, primary drive belt, rear tire (due to wide profile), brake pads.

Potential Electrical:

Some early VRSC models experienced issues with regulator/rectifier failure. Regular checks of charging system are recommended.

Potential Fuel System:

Occasional injector clogging if fuel quality is poor or maintenance is neglected. Fuel filter replacement is critical.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

Harley-Davidson, founded in 1903, has a long and storied history in motorcycle manufacturing, known for its V-twin engines and iconic styling.

Vrsd Series Introduction:

The VRSC (V-Twin Racing Street Custom) platform was introduced in 2002 with the V-Rod. The Night Rod (VRSCD) and Night Rod Special (VRSCDX) variants were developed to offer a more performance-oriented and aggressive styling interpretation of the VRSC concept.

2008 Updates:

The 2008 models continued to refine the VRSC platform, with the Night Rod (VRSCD) featuring a more classic custom cruiser stance while retaining the powerful Revolution engine and advanced chassis. This year saw the transition to fuel injection across the VRSC line, improving performance and emissions.

Manufacturing Location:

Kansas City, Missouri, USA (Harley-Davidson Vehicle Operations)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Impact:

The VRSC platform, including the Night Rod, was critically acclaimed for bringing a more modern, performance-oriented edge to Harley-Davidson's cruiser lineup, attracting a new demographic of riders.