rocket vs Vmax vs Vrod

[sweatmachine]

Thoughts guys? these are my current daydream bikes I'm thinking of adding to the stable.

[trypcil]

V max is old hat, the v wad 's should all be kicked over at the factory - which leaves the R3 - simple surely ! :-D

[Diego]

I like your logic, trypcil. :-D

In practice, these three bikes are not very much alike, sweatmachine. You'll have to decide what factors matter to you and pick one accordingly.

For me, it was about torque, classy looks and sound, and a beautifully balanced, graceful ride. That made the Rocket an easy choice.

[sweatmachine]

Never heard a Rocket, the Vmax sounds amazing with the right pipes, and the Vrod sounds like a confused Honda Vtwin...

How's a Rocket sound?

[cyclerider]

depends on what you want in a bike...but imo...

10 second cruiser: v-max

v-twin sound and HD name: v-rod

good combo of everything i.e., looks, torque, performance, etc.,: rocket

[Kilibreaux]

They are all good machines, however, the V-Max just doesn't blow my skirt up visually. It appears H-D has departed from their traditional slow-paced "evolution" thinking with the V-Rod and are fielding a selection of versions in order to sort out just what the market wants.
As for the Rocket...and I say this AFTER having ridden a variety of other types, it has a pretty well-defined "persona" and is a superior cruiser in every way, though I have to admit it's styling is bucking a seriously entrenched V-twin market where form supercedes function and it's all about the "V" look. Park your Rocket beside any of the current V-twin cruisers and the difference is strikingly obvious.

[Jamie]

The V Max exited Yamaha's catalogue two years ago, if I am not mistaken and the new one won't be relased until later this year, with, hopefully, a much improved chassis. As to the V Rod (have ridden all three kinds, feet forward original, European-ized version and Night Train hybrid), I don't relate to its engine. It would be alright on a Ducati or an Aprilia, I suppose, but IMO it badly lacks displacement and, probably as a result, the meaty TORQUE one expects from any HD-branded motor.

The irony is that HD are rushing to produce a 2-liter V-Twin, BTW, as already mentioned on this forum.

The Rocket rules!!!

[Pig9r]

Here's an article for you, a heads up comparo between the v-max and Rocket.

http://motorcyclistonline.com/roadte...er_comparison/

Just last weekend I raced a Screaming Eagle V-Rod from 30mph to about a 100mph and smoked it. :-D

[sbljr]

Have ridden a Vrod and IMO it's a refined Sportster that doesn't peter out at 5500rpm. Not worth 2x the price though.

Get the VMax if you're a cheapskate wanting a fast funky sorta-cruiser. By cheap I mean there are mint low-mile specimens around for 1/3 what a new one goes for (and even new is cheap as muscle cruisers go). Changes are nearly zilch, and the motor is basically same bulletproof 4-banger powering old Ventures with 6-figure miles. So if you've got the money for a Rocket or Vrod burning your hand you could find a very cherry Vmax and have 5-figure change.

BUT none of the above are a Rocket!!! :hammer: If you don't believe me just ride one. THEN decide. But the rule of "Get what you like not what somebody else likes" always applies. Have fun and ride safe whatever you get

[dougl]

I've driven several V-Rods too. They're dynamite bikes. Very fast. I would have one now if it wasn't for some of the cheesy finishings, like the pegs and kickstand, and the fact that I test drove a Rocket.

I sat on a V-Max. Small - small, small, small. And uncomfortable peg location. In fact, the V-Rod also seems small compared to the Rocket. Different scenes altogether. The Rocket is a monster cruiser that also happens to have incredible power.