V - Rod

I wasn't sure just how wild and crazy they were until they unveiled the first 2006 offering, the Screamin' Eagle V-Rod. (Yeah, like a V-Rod needs more power!) Boosting the horsepower of a V-Rod is like getting Dolly Parton breast enhancements. Sure, it's possible, but is it really necessary? But the favorite pastime around the Screamin' Eagle guys is smoking rear tires, (and obviously inhaling the fumes), so getting more power is a religion, not a job.

Powering this year's CVO V-Rod is a black and chrome 1250cc big-bore version of the 1130cc, 115 hp, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected Revolution V-Twin, with high-flow cylinder heads for better intake and exhaust flow and optimized cam timing. Power is bumped up 10%, and this Revo engine puts out 86 ft. lbs. of torque. Just grip it and rip it, and you better hold on tight as the V-Rod launches with a smooth and powerful rush of speed. The fuel-injection mapping is spot on, as there are no flat spots or hiccups from idle to the 9000-rpm redline. And the big Screamin' Eagle exhaust belts out a delightful song.

Since the engine is so silky, and doesn't run any smoother at 4,000 rpm than 8,000 rpm, I just kept it in third gear most of the time looking for any small openings in traffic to squirt in and out of. Passing slower traffic on a two-laner is as easy as passing on a video game. In fact, Harley should fit a points-counter on the gauges. Etched in each mirror is the warning that "Objects in mirrors appear closer then they really are." One twist of the right grip and any object that appears in the mirrors will disappear in a heartbeat. And the Brembo brakes fitted at both ends do a good job of hauling the V-Rod down form speed with excellent feel and performance.

On the style front, the CVO team decided that the standard 180mm rear tire wasn't wide enough, so they replaced that hoop with a 240mm tire and a new 8-inch by 18-inch forged aluminum Reactor five-spoke wheel (with matching sprocket). The 240 is the widest tire ever to grace a Harley. To accommodate the wider tire and wheel, it was necessary to create new wider fender supports, inner and outer custom fender shocks, and fit narrow drive components to make it all work. Visually, the meaty rear end looks great, but the wider tire makes the V-Rod want to stand up a bit more in the turns. However, the spoke wheels instead of the standard solid disc wheels makes this Screamin' Eagle handle better because it isn't as susceptible to cross winds.

This year, the Screamin' Eagle V-Rod gets a new hydraulic clutch which makes for a somewhat easier pull when shifting gears. While still not nearly as effortless as the clutch on Triumph's Rocket III, the new lighter feeling clutch is a very welcome addition. They've relocated the ignition switch to the right side of the frame below the front sidecover, and the added a convenient push-button latch to get under the seat.

There are a ton of new components on this year's bike and virtually all will be available from the Parts & Accessory Catalogue, and most will retrofit to older models. The handlebars are 1.25-inch-diameter and feature internal wiring for a clean look, and the chrome handlebar riser supports the trick looking tach and speedometer with spun-aluminum faces. There is also a handsome chrome console set into the airbox cover which houses an LED display for the fuel gauge, clock, and indicator lights. The rear fender gets a redesigned license plate bracket and turn signal module which add to the sleek lines.

To list all the chrome parts on this bike would literally take up a full page. So it's safe to assume that if it isn't made of leather, rubber, or plastic, and isn't part of the frame, tank, or fenders, it's billet or shiny chrome. Even the clutch, brake and oil lines are bright stainless. The Screaming Eagle V-Rod just sparkles.