M109R Owner rides Harley V-Rod Muscle 500 Miles | 1 Month Ownership Impressions
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- čas přidán 5. 08. 2024
- Owned my new 2013 Harley V-Rod Muscle for a month and 500 miles now. Here are my impressions as a M109R Owner.
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Tags: #BrandonBicasso #VRodMuscle #SuzukiM109R - Auta a dopravní prostředky
Oil leak is the front breather. Put a o-ring on the air box and make sure it sets in the breather hose when you put it back on. It’s hard to line up if you don’t pay attention. It’s literally the #1 issue with all Vrods. No worries. I’ve had mine for years and Drag Race it all the time. They are about as close to trouble free as you can get for stock bike. As far as fuel mileage ........just get used to stopping at gas stations haha.
As a Metric cruiser owner I must admit that V Rod is a kind of weirdly attractive !
The V-Rod is a great bike
Great in depth review man! 👍Can’t wait for more vrod ride!🙂 I’m happy to find your channel. I love quality content!
5 gallon tanks started in 2006 on all vrsc models I think. Glad you like it! It looks great and lots of fun for sure.
Brandon, another comprehensive and thorough review. Well done. I have been looking at V-rods, quite interesting bikes.
Great video once again! Enjoy that Vrod and ride safe lil brother. God bless
Great video, I’m sure you already fixed the leak but like you mentioned the breather hose is the most common cause, $5 diy fix. I absolutely love mine- added custom seat and pegs/grips with banshee horn and LED Headlight. Super fun machine! Enjoy and be safe
Another great video and music as always. Admittedly it was a surprise to see the vrod as the new bike but it is nice. Looking to get my 2nd this spring so I'll have my vtx 1800 and a 109. Safe riding
I used to get upset cause the vrod,breakout, fxdr are no longer . Now I say let it be . These beauties are still out there and riding a bike that's not seen around a whole lot is only better . These fat tire bikes will always have their people
Amen! I have an M109R...and it lowered so it really cleans up the rear end by addressing the gap. Really like the new Rocket, Vrod Muscle, Breakout, Fatbob and FXDR. VMax is pretty cool too. Like sport bike performance but I dont enjoy riding position. These muscle cruisers are fun. Not as quick or nimble but still entertaining plus more comfortable. Still wouldnt mind a sport bike in the garage someday for those times you just want to rip! Great hobby! Wished I had gotten into it in my younger days! Great videos Brandon. Both the M109 and VRod are awesome!
Great video, we are all waiting in suspense for the comparison video. Got my popcorn ready 👍🏽
It's coming. I wanted the 109 to be in peak condition when I do that video. It's currently being worked on. Got the forks off yesterday to replace the seals and soon the valve clearances.
Got a muscle bought brand new in 2013. Overall reliability is good but i had the following issues: 2017 leak in the abs circuit from the frond break. With the lines in europe having catalysts the exhausts overheats and melt the abs line which is very close to it. That was at about 20 000kms.
2020 leak in the front break abs system: a screw on the abs was loose.
These are the only issues after 27 000kms now.
Watch for the paint on the tabk cover as it gets easily scratched with a jacket zip for example.
Tires: if you dint go to heavy on the throttle you can expect a good lifespan for them. Second mount was metzeler with 260 in the rear. I found thel much better. However this is not a bike to handle on the wet. Same with quick accelerations on 1st gear. No traction control and the rear wheel soins very easy.
Front light should be updated either with a daymaker or led light bulbs if you drive at night. Watch out not ti get the fake daymaker from china. It s crap.
If you wabt more fun get a stage 2 cam kit with a super tuner pro.
Lastly the bike is a tank on highway. Very stable even above 200kph. Only the wind is an issue for some.
Thanks for the honest review 👍
Well done man. Great video. Straight to the point and LOADs of pertinent info. Thanks
Sure thing!
I had to watch this one twice. The 1st time I was too distracted with the beautiful B-roll! 😂 Awesome video as always!
😅 B-roll over everything
I ride v-rod muscle for 3years now and I absolutely love it 👊🏻
The most kick ass HD ever ...no HD can compare enuff said.
Agreed I have a 2014 muscle and it's a beast
Can't compare when it comes to quickness.
When it comes to crossing states comfortably its lower on the list, when it comes to all season riding, it's at the bottom of the list.
Compared to what for always changes things.
The FXDE is quicker 0-60 and in the 1/4 mile
The big Milwaukee 131 is even quicker.
I think the V-Rod is a beast and just a cool looking bike, but like anything, when we look around there are other things going on.
Great video. Thanks!
Another great one man
Your vids are really cool and very informative.... Love your work, man! Cheers from India
This is a great and honest review.. 16VRSCF for me.. My 1st Harley and my 1st cruiser.. Have been riding liter bikes since I was 15.. I love this bike.. I often get throttle happy too!! Lol
Glad you enjoyed it!
LOVE the Vrod content man! PLEASE do a range test! I get around 140-150 miles per tank depending on how I ride with a 2 into 1 and a high flow air intake. I would love to see how ours compare! Also if you are able to in the future, a tune makes one hell of a difference compared to a stock tune. The stock tune on these runs massively lean around 4K rpm at a loss of midrange and slightly top end power! Lastly, I’ve also been very anxious about the valve lashings but I was reassured by multiple Vrod owners and Harley master techs that you can really push the valve adjustment to every 20-25k miles as they all say it’s unnecessary to do it every 15k miles (however they do say that you should do it every 15k if you beat the hell out of the bike all the time and or frequent the drag strip)! Also I bet the license plate says something like “VRSCDX”! Keep up the awesome work my man!
Great Vid Buddy, good info...I didn't think there was a comparison with the m109r which I'm also contemplating
I love the bike . A real performance bike from Harley that no longer made , the price could go up some day. The problem with Harley is they've sold so many models that the value isn't the same . I'll say for die hard bikers , they take advantage of the price drop while they still see value in the bikes and parts . The vrod is bad ass beauty and it's worth owning . Just cause a die hard bikers doesn't see them in a positive way oh well . The Harley times have been changing in looks and performance ....... So I'm all with it . It's a great design . Ride safe , brother from another shaded color
Crispyness as hell. Pure 🔥 🔥 loved it
BB, thumbs up on the impressions video! Great comparing, contrasting ,and transparency. Keep 'em coming!
Thanks, Michael!
I like your video. Nice and calm and not so over the top like other reviewers. Keep up the good work. I sub'd and look forward to more content.
Thanks, Chris!
very complete review. thank you
Great comparison and analysis. 😊
Mode detailed comparison from a true ownership perspective! Well done! I think your license plate says some version of “chump change”. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣😁
OK, a couple of comments, here. I may have mentioned in one of the earlier videos on your Muscle that I had a '14 Night Rod that I put 43,000+ miles on. The best bike I have ever owned. (and I've owned many) Don't get too carried away about fixing your oil "leak" just yet. I discovered early on that when you change oil and filter just putting 4 1/2 quarts in takes care of the bike puking out a little extra. Once I started doing that I never, ever lost another drop. Also, as far as valve adjustments are concerned; I never touched them. The sound of the valve train and the bike's performance never changed in the 43,000 miles I had it. Mine was not the only one that wasn't messed with, either. I was on a VROD Facebook group and several others put many, many miles on these engines without touching them. I recommend using the highest quality 20w50 full synthetic MC oil available (your choice) and I changed every 4,000. Mileage range on mine was 155 mpg max. I did that in rural New Mexico once because there were no gas stations anywhere. I was worried (these fuel gauges suck on these) but when I filled up I still had 1/2 gallon left. I, also, put a nice set of corrugated L shaped front footboards from Joker Machine in place of the chincey little pegs that come stock. Best change I made was putting a set of Legend "Revo" shocks on the back. HUGE improvement. The stock shocks were shot after my first long ride out to California and back. Legend has a shop in Sturgis (just 30 miles from me) and they were great to work with. Good luck. These are VERY dependable motorcycles.
I thought that I'd hear back from you. Not sure if you read my comment above.
Great video. Would love to see your impressions of Yamaha Raider and the 2014 Honda Valk. Thanks for the smooth content.
I've ridden a Raider before but it was before my CZcams days. (2014 I think) If I can get my hands on one again, I will surely post something about it.
I also think that they should bring back the V-Rod with the Revolution Max from the upcoming Pan-America and with a 6th gear. I personally love the Muscle and I consider it one of the most beautiful bikes ever made, I like the F above all the other VRSC’s because the symmetric exhaust, as far as I know, all the other V-Rods have both exhausts on the right side, only the muscle has one on each side.
Love the video... I also have a V-Rod and I love it..at first I was looking at the breakout but once I wrote the muscle his hands down the better bike..
Same scenario with me! The breakout was super cool but I like the Vrod better. Especially in terms of performance haha!
@@rocket3me695 I agree 👍
You are definitely right when it comes to speed the M109R and the Vrod are way to close to compare it truly does come down to rider and weight of the rider makes a huge impact. You know me I'm still hoping you get that Vmax next
I was going to say the exact thing
I had a vmax sold it to finish off a project car and got a vrod and regretted the vrod purchase ever since. Only upside is the additional 40 miles I can drive on the vrod
@@AnthonyChrist82 I have always wanted to ride a VMAX I have a touring bike now but the VMAX would be a fun tear up the road bike plus there more valuable with them no longer making them after this year
The corner carving, and pure adrenaline, and aerodynamics of the vmax are phenomenal. The wind isn't an issue unless you're hauling ass. And for a naked bike thats impressive. Whatever lean angle they claim, I surpassed and have witnesses. Once you ride the Vmax it robs the pleasure of other cruisers.
@@AnthonyChrist82 that sounds amazing!!!
2016 VRSCF- SE fuel pak and VH pipes.. 1st HD and Cruiser.. I love it!! And your review Sir.. Exactly how I feel about my Throttle happy bike.. I also hate the kickstand..lol
Looking good man!
Great review!!!!
Preciate that!
When notification calls..🤔
Great video man!
Always! 💪🏾
If you aren't already join the v-rod owners page on Facebook. A lot of great info.
That oil leak is almost certainly the breather tube or tubes.
Like the M109, the V-Rod is another much under appreciated bike. I love the look of both bikes and the power of each is comparable. Both are great bikes IMHO.
Well said!
Awesome, love you have both bikes. M109R and VRod muscle are what I chose between, I picked M109. 👍
Very awesome!
Nice review on a beautiful bike.
With regards to the oil leak, grab yourself a service manual (which you probably already have) and look up the torque values for the valve covers. My 2006 VRSCR requires 86 in/lb on the 11 cover bolts (not necessarily relevant for your bike but just throwing it out there). This oil weep is more common than it should be and many times, it is just a simple re-torque to stop the leak.
The front and rear breather tubes are also a source of leaks. Oil on the top of my rear rocker box cover (at 5,000 miles) was due to splits in the breather tube. Enough accumulated to produce a drip.
Never did care for the VRod but know it is a good solid machine. Hope you fixed the leak without too much trouble.
The jiffy stand for sure takes some getting used to, but you will never want to go back to a kick stand again. The reason the jiffy stand angles in when you put the bike down is a tab is being pushed into the frame so that it doesnt fold itself up on an incline. Thats the big advantage. You cant fold the jiffy stand up unless the bike is level and off the stand. No more putting in gear on an incline and worrying about the stand maybe folding up.
I've owned the M109R and the V-Rod loved both bikes I ride a Road King now love it but miss the power of the muscle bikes
It's a beautiful bike man, however this video just made me want to own both bikes even more :D
Great review ! With fuel management the mileage will improve. I never had any issues with with my vrod. What black boots are you wearing?
Great video man! I'm with you. I ride an '03 V-rod that I've tricked a little and it's about 130hp (15 over stock). I really like it. But you hit the nail on the head...the 3.7 gallon gas tank sucks! I purposely wanted one with the smaller rear tire because I think they turn in better. But, the 250mm sure looks cool! I've been trying to talk myself into a Breakout....but they are slower than the V-rod....even the 114 is slower. But it is a sweet looking bike. The 109 is sweet too. A friend of mine has one. You can't go wrong with either of them. But if you really want to tick off the purists....get a Livewire! :) Ha ha! I actually rode one, and they're more like a Buell than a Harley. And the electric motor has 100% torque right off zero rpm. They are a wheelie machine. A lot of fun. But my HOG buddies pick on me for not having a "real" Harley, so I'd ride a Livewire too. Still thinking about a Breakout though. Anyway, keep up the good videos!
I will have to get my hands on a Livewire one day!
You always make great videos Brandon. You ride bikes I would never be interested in. The M109 comes from performance company. VRod not so much. Good luck, sir.
Perfectly timed video.
I've been looking for my next bike since I totaled my shadow, so I've been doing some research on harleys. The vrod seems like too much of a jump from my 750 though, with it being wicked fast and crazy in general, so, I think, maybe, I'll stick with looking at sportsters haha
Thanks for the helpful info and review though
Sure thing, Elijah!
Pretty spot on review of the V-Rod. I do hate the turn signal switches though, having come over from sport bikes. Also the poor fuel mileage cannot be overstated. With a 5 gallon tank and riding like a maniac on my CBR929 I got around 190-225 miles. With the V-Rod and riding like a sane person it's around 90-120 miles from a 5 gallon tank.
I did add Bud's Bar risers to make it more comfortable to ride. Takes the leaning forward out of the riding position just enough.
Never heard of those. Will check it out!
That oil leak on the v rod is the crankcase breather hose. Very simple fix, wrap with electrical tape or replace hose.
I vote for a Honda Magna next, you cant beat their lightweight. I love mine, its so fun to drive compared to my friends vrod, especially in the twisties.
I have a low mile, damn near mint, yellow vrscse2. I would love for you to ride it and compare, because I really like the muscle, as it is my style, and the only other bike I want as much, is the m109R.
Great taste, sir. 🤜🏽💥🤛🏽
Also, pop that air box off and check that one breather line. As you said, its very likely that. That was the problem with mine. It was cracked and they do it easily
Theres a screen on the bike that tells you the range. And it's probably the rocker cover the one I'm buying has the same thing and its from it not being riden. To replace it take the final drive belt off lossen the front engine mount drop it down a little and you'll have access to the rocker cover. Should take a weekend or a couple hours.
I know you eager to check out that new FTR!!!
I am! They added a lot of refinements to it this year. Good stuff.
I just bought a costume 2015 vrod can't wait till spring to get her out
Dude that's awesome! Enjoy it!!!
I was going to ask if you had the oil leak yet. Nice looking bike, sometime a higher mileage bike is in better shape mechanically, they don't sit around and dry up seal and hose wise.
Avon cobra 260 rear tire is what you want. Fits perfect to stock rear wheel and so much more grip. You will pick the front end up on launch everytime bro. Downfall is they are expensive butbits only thing I run on my Vrod. Oh and BTW, you will never get used to any having 5 gears. After almost 10yrs with mine and I still b trying to go into the phantom 6th gear on mine 🤣
I'm going to said the M108 is faster than the V-Rod. Remember, I've seen what the M109 can do. Great video.
It's a great bike, keeping fingers crossed the oil leak is only a blocked breather (I had the same issue on my Buell XB12S). I'm also sure that fuel consumption is up there because of the fun you're having. Lol, might as well enjoy it!
VMax or XDiavel for sure!
Lol, right. I'm gonna mess around with it this week. The 109 doesn't have forks on it at the moment. 💁🏾♂️
Such a nice looking bike
Yamaha raider probably the best out of the muscle cruisers because of the reliability you will get wit the Japanese, Yamaha built. I had a Yamaha warrior and I couldn’t kill it, I tried. Lol. my buddy had the raider and It was a smidge faster and I think a lot better looking.
I can’t believe the vrod has an oil leak under 5k miles, That sucks man. That was a good video, kept me entertained from beginning to end. Keep up the strong work.
Great Review! I have been watching a ton of reviews on here and yours is probably the most informative and enjoyable. I just bought a 2002 V Rod and I love it! I constantly try to shift into 6th gear on the hwy! I am looking at a 2014 V Rod Muscle and found your review was super helpful! Thank you!
The V-Rod engine was the best one that Harley came out with. Brandon the turn signals will eventually cancel out at highway speeds.
As to the problem moving your fingers to trigger the turn signals, HD offers extended turn signal caps with little "wing" extensions so you don't need to shift/move your hands to signal. Also, swap out the headlight for an LED unit and replace the stock footpegs and shiftpeg with aftermarket, like Jokers. And, FYI, you only need to tilt the engine forward slightly to gain access to the rear valve covers to adjust the valves. There's an HD video on YT detailing the entire procedure.
I'll have to try it out. I left them on once and I may not have waited long enough. It does it each time on low speed turns/gear change though.
Ran a stage III vrod with my GS1150. He lost. I like its looks though.
Miss my 09 muscle. Change that headlight when you can. That stock headlight sucks at night. I quickly put a day maker on it after riding for a month at night with the stock headlight. Also the throttle lock is a pain to use lol
the one thing i would want from the vrod muscle on my m109 is the rider seat “back rest”.
very nice bike!
I have a 2009 Harley Davidson I bought it in 2011 I only have 3500 miles on it, excellent bike never had a problem but I do recommend you change the headlight, poor night visibility. Check out Eagle lights. Also you don't have to drop the Engine for valve job.
Dropped/Lowered. Not removed. Poor choice of words on my end. And yes, that stock light is meh.
Brandon, start driving this bike like a Super Bike, it can take it ! At the end of the day your shoulders will hurt from hanging on ! Change the fork fluid too. things will get better along with trail braking in the the turns. Cheers !
Thanks for those comments. I ride it a bit harder now. Such a fun bike to ride.
Which one You take when You go in the morning to garage?
Just a heads up on the fuel gauge, they suck. The sending unit on mine has been off since I bought it in 2010 brand new. It started showing half a tank after fill up then would go to full randomly about a year after I bought it. You will get at least 130 miles per tank no matter what you do with the throttle. I just generally wait until around 120 then get gas. Generally have half to a gallon sometimes more.
I'm dreading the valve clearance. But I've heard others who own Vrods who've gone 50k miles without doing one, only checks and they were in proper spec all 50k miles.
Nice Cruiser Bikes...Real Muscle Bike...V-Max !!!
I looked at these first to be honest but didnt like how cramped I felt on it... I ended up with 2008 M109R2 myself we call it the circumcised edition 😂
The VRod looks nice but I dont think it can touch the 109 in performance! Nice video though!
Lol, they definitely are a bit tighter on the seating
You right hand will affect gas mileage. I like the torque curve of the VRod.
Have you ever rode a Honda VTX 1800? I’d be curious to hear your opinion on that bike
Hit the thumbs up button so I can get a VMAX on the channel 😁💪🏾
I've had my 2013 muscle since brand new and I don't have one single mark on my exhaust from putting the kickstand down or up
Good for you. Mine is second hand. 👌🏾😎
See if you can find a Yamaha Raider to test ride. I have one and I'd love to hear what you think.
Not a Harley guy but I really like that V-Rod
Great review! I own a 2013 Muscle as well. It does ride a little firm, but over all, its a great bike. Definitely a bar hopper. I had the same oil leak with mine. It ended up being a breather hose in my air box. No big deal!
STAY AWAY FROM THE DIAVEL!!!!!!!! It's a sexy looking bike, but is less reliable than any HD. No need to ask me how I know, because I owned a Diavel. It was in the shop 3 times the year that I bought it brand new. It kept stalling on me when coming up to red lights or stop signs. I finally got tired of its quirks and sold it after only one year of ownership. Will NEVER buy another European motorcycle again!
Hey, i have 2013 v-rod muscle as well. I am facing issues with fuel gauge. Its going all over the place. Have you faced any issued like this?
@@TheGagan1235 Yes, the fuel float can stick at times. Might be time to replace it. Mine did it a couple of times, then cleared itself out. Had already bought a replacement float but never used it.
The only HD I ever liked. Slick, powerful and Porsche engine !!! No windscreen and horrible head light output at night.
Get a Vmax 1700 for your next muscle bike... Having to drop the motor to do a valve adjustment just made me say, "No way" to a Vrod purchase. Thanks for all your Vrod vs, M109r vs, etc vs....
It’s more like repositioning but it does have to be lowered to get enough clearance.
My 2014 doesn't have a jiffy stand - as I understand. The Jiffy stand prevents the kickstand from folding back if the bike shifts forward. Did they add that on later years?
Not sure but it’s on my 2013.
This with the revmax would be my perfect bike
VRod is the only Harley I like, nice bike
I can't believe the V-Rod only has 85LbFt. No wonder the Boulevard 109's were nicknamed V-Rod killers. Your M should be 120hp, and 118LbFt at the crank. The reason the 109's don't spin the tyre like the V-Rod is cause Suzuki put a secondary throttle valve on them which doesn't open till 4th gear. I've got a 2010 C-109R (factory smaller intake cam for more low end torque, and heavier flywheel than the M), and with nothing more than aftermarket air cleaners, pipes (unsure of brand), and a tune to get mixtures right, and operate the secondary throttle valve in all gears, it's making 109.5hp, and 119.76LbFt at the tyre, at a much lower price than the V-Rod. For my money, if it's one or the other, you just can't beat the Boulevard 109's. You're lucky enough that you can have both though. I enjoyed the comparison too, as I almost bought a V-Rod a few years back now.
V max 1200, v rod 1250, vtx 1800, cbr 1000. I owned over 50 bikes.
I like the vtx 1800 best.
Just curious if there was a recall on the ( common) oil leak? Also I'm about 5'11ish . Would there be a lot of leaning and leg stretching on this bike? THANKS!
Nah, no recall. And for comfort you’d be a bit better off than me. It’s comfortable for around the town but I’ll be doing a longer trip on it soon.
Hi there thanks for the video..have a question I love that bike and looking to get one but I'm just 5.6 tall do think I don't have any problem to reach the pedals????
Nah, you should be fine. There are mid-control kits available too.
I had that exactly bike. I had 2 issues. My master cylinder was leaking and one of the radiator fans stopped working. For the most part that was was a tank! Go choice brother!
Thanks for the heads up. I'll find out about that radiator fan during the warmer days.
It's not a break down issue per say. I was still able to ride. I just had to be mindful of the hot days and sitting in traffic. The temp light came on...
Expensive fix? Or just decided not to replace it?
The fans on come in a two fan set up. It was less then a $1,000. Also, when you decide to tune it up, there is a kit you have to buy because of where the spark plugs are. Not trying to discourage you from owning it (great bike), just want you to keep these things in mind.
czcams.com/video/sHk8kUB2OZc/video.html
2006 VRSCD owned since new, still pushin' and wouldn't give it up for anything.
How's the vibration on the vrod? Does it transfer up to your hands?
Vibration is fine until you get up in the higher rpms. Not awful but more noticeable. The wind blast is more tiring than the vibration.
Change your brake fluid..Apparently It should be changed every two years as moisture gets Into the ABS module and It will seize up = no brakes , I know It just cost me 2k at a HD dealership on my 2015 Muscle . Its up for sale .
I will check mine. Thanks for that, Mar.
good video Brandon...do you know who makes your mirror/turnsignals? stay safe my friend.
They look like the stock turn signal/mirrors
Eric, they are stock on the V-Rod Muscle as Jorge mentioned.
whats that plate holder called and how much you got it for?
It’s stock on the V-Rod Muscle.
Have tried out a Roadstar Warrior? Good middle ground between an m109 and a vrod muscle
Years ago. Maybe 2015-2016. Don't remember enough of the experience to give my take on it.
Love my 13 v-rod. Handfuls of throttle are nothing but joyous. I too have oil showing by the back cylinder head and I'm waiting on what the mechanic has to say. I feel the comment you made about reaching for a sixth gear. The only logic i gather is that doing 65mph at 4500 rpm leaves you with another 65 mph and 4500 rpm on tap. The 120hp Revolution will bury 5th gear to redline and 130mph, quickly might I add. A sixth gear stepped out another increment will flirt with 145-150mph. 130 is arguably fast enough.
Yeah, that oil leak is definitely something simple so don't stress over it. Keep enjoying that V-Rod! They're going up in value now 😎