So you want to buy a bike with Harley-Davidson's attention to detail, German build quality, and Ducati-style looks? This may be the bike for you. Based on the now discontinued VSRC (V-Twin Series Racing Custom) line, the Night Rod and Night Rod Special brought a stealthy black-out package to their Big-Twin-powered Dyna lineup.

This was Harley's out-of-the-box try at reviving customers that were being lost to the more reliable and affordable likes of Japanese motorcycles. But what made the Night Rod editions so iconic, and what should you look out for when looking to buy this bold Harley-Davidson?

Updated August 2022: We have updated this article with more information about the radical Harley-Davidson Night Rod and provide more insight before you dive right in to buy one.

Here’s everything you need to know before buying a Harley-Davidson Night Rod.

Get To Know The VRSC

Harley-Davidson Night Rod engine
Via: Harley-Davidson

To understand the Night Rod we have to first take a look at the origin of the VRSC, the Revolution Engine first placed within the V-Rod. They needed a whole new team base to build this engine. And they took help from the prestigious German auto-manufacturer Porsche.

The 1,131cc engine was loosely based on Harley’s VR-1000 superbike and put 115-hp to the crank. The engine was nothing like Harley had seen before, the ‘Revolution’ engine had dual overhead cams, liquid cooling, and spun to 9000 rpm. To ensure quality and boost credibility, Porsche put the VRSC engine through its 500-hour Dusseldorf test.

The V-Rod

Harley-Davidson Night Rod side view
Via: Harley-Davidson

The new VRSC engine was placed on a hydroformed frame, resembling a trellis frame from Ducati. The gas tank sits below the seat while the airbox takes its place. With the engine mounted underneath the rider and at a 60-degree angle, it strayed from the classic look and burble of a Harley.

It was a Harley for non-Harley people. An array of performance parts were used when creating this new-age hog. The V-Rod was in Harley-Davidson's lineup up until 2017. Like the awkward friend at a party, it left completely unannounced. They revealed their 2018 showroom with no VRSC and no explanation.

Throughout the VRSC lifespan, several variants were released. There was the “roadster” Street Rod and even the extreme, non-street legal V-Rod Destroyer - a 1300cc, 165 hp monster of a machine. One of the most popular was the “hot-rod inspired,” blacked-out Night Rod and Night Rod Special.

RELATED: 2020 Harley-Davidson Street Rod: Costs, Facts, And Figures

The Original Night Rod (2006 - 2008)

Harley-Davidson Night Rod accelerating view
Via: Harley-Davidson

The first time we see a Night Rod is in 2006. Eluded by its name, the Night Rod had a black frame, black and chrome engine, and color-matched fairings. It was also upgraded to Brembo brakes, slotted aluminum disk wheels, and straight shot mufflers that upped the horsepower to 120. It’s also worth noting that this Night Rod had mid-controls similar to the 2006 Street Rod, the only two V-Rod models with mid-controls.

The year 2008 brought a refresh to the Night Rod and the Night Rod Special. Both now carried a 1,247 cc engine that produced 125 hp and 85-lb-ft of torque. They were fitted with a “slipper” clutch to increase handling while downshifting into turns, and available ABS. The 2008 Night Rod was the last V-Rod model to be fitted with the 180 mm rear tire or mid-pegs. It was also the last year of production for the VRSCD Night Rod.

The Night Rod Special Edition (2007 - 2017)

Harley-Davidson Night Rod hd wallpaper
Via: Harley-Davidson

The VRSCDX Night Rod Special was unveiled in 2007 to join Harley-Davidson’s new “Dark Series.” The Special replaced nearly all the chrome found on an original Night, Rod. The rear tire was a meaty 240 mm with black slotted disk wheels with orange pinstripes. Racing stripes were also exclusive to the DX.

Engine performance remained the same as its successor at 120-hp until it was increased by the refresh the next year. By 2012 it had been nearly a decade since the first V-Rod was introduced. To celebrate, Harley-Davidson released a Tenth Anniversary Edition of the Night Rod Special.

A stylish ride, the Anniversary had dual, chrome slash-cut mufflers and chrome exhaust shield, five-spoke aluminum wheels with diamond cut highlights. Keeping with the theme, the pullback handlebars and inverted front forks had a polished finish and more chrome was added to the screen visor, 10th Anniversary emblems, and even had a chrome powertrain with a platinum crankcase and head.

RELATED: The Real Reason The Harley-Davidson Night Rod Was Discontinued

Is A Night Rod Right For You

Harley-Davidson Night Rod front wheel
Via: Harley-Davidson

A V-Rod is a serious bike, and it’s not recommended for a first-time, or inexperienced, it’s not the bike you want to learn on and often drop (we all do it). However, if you can carry its devilish 666-lbs and control its blistering speed, a Night Rod, or most V-Rods in general, is a solid choice If you've been riding for a while, be sure to take one out for a test ride before you buy.

The low center of gravity can throw off even the most experienced riders. The German-engineered engine is praised by forums for being extremely reliable and durable. Only minor problems mentioned came from finicky gauge clusters - so be cautious the mileage reported on the bike is correct.

As long as you ride your Night Rod and keep up with basic maintenance, you should have no problem. Since the V-Rod is no longer in production, it may become difficult to find OEM parts. At the moment, it seems to be no issue - particularly for the later additions. As long as you don’t wait another decade to buy, don’t worry.

Buying Used Harley-Davidson Night Rod

Harley-Davidson Night Rod rear third quarter view
Via: Harley-Davidson

There is never a dearth of these cool Harleys in the used motorcycle space. You can get hold of an early 2000s Night Rod for as low as $6,000. Well-kept closure models from the last year of production (2017) can go up to $18,000 with ease. Check out this bunch of Harley-Davidson Night Rods on sale at Autotrader.

Source: Harley-Davidson