The V-Rod was the first Harley-Davidson motorcycle built on the company’s VRSC platform.
Harley-Davidson launched the original VRSC V-Rod in 2001, using the new liquid-cooled Revolution engine. The motorcycle represented a major departure from the company’s traditional cruiser formula, with a performance-focused chassis, a high-revving engine and styling influenced by the VR-1000 racing program.
Later VRSC motorcycles included the Night Rod, Street Rod and V-Rod Muscle. Those names identify subsequent variants rather than the original platform-launching model.
The V-Rod is also distinct from Harley-Davidson’s later Street 750 and Street 500. Those motorcycles used the Revolution X engine and a different platform, despite sharing liquid cooling.