Harley-Davidson V-Rod Muscle: A powerful designer piece

Breathtaking look: powerful, stylish, cool, that's the V-Rod Muscle from Harley-Davidson. The V-Rod Muscle is a real designer piece, a real pearl. Harley knows how to get to the heart at first sight. The front turn signals built into the rear-view mirrors, for example, are a design treat of the first order, just like those found in the automotive industry, only more beautiful, dignified and cooler. But the stylishly covered brake calipers are also proof that even a purely technical part can still become a design piece if you only put some effort into it. The fuel cap is hidden under the saddle, leaving the tank untouched and turning it into a pure style element. The LED taillight is also really cool and hides the rear turn signals integrated into it. And the usual imposing V-twin Revolution engine block with Platinum finish and polished cylinder heads flashes impressively in the sun. In particular, the V-Rod Muscle's low height gives it that powerful, almost beefy look. But the bike's low center of gravity also comes with a catch; the 300-pound machine pushes all the harder for lack of favorable leverage. But that's what it's supposed to be: heavy. The only criticism, from my point of view, is the fixed drag-style handlebar: for one thing, I don't particularly like it, and for another, it's not adjustable, so either it fits or it doesn't, and its handling could be better, too. But that's it, then comes the long list of plus points again. Fantastic looks from all sides, first-rate lines from the stylishly sculpted tank to the mighty engine block to the flat rear end that strongly accentuates the mighty 240mm wide rear tire. The air scoop cover with grilles creates a massive racing look. The twin-pipe exhaust system with satin chrome finish makes a powerful impression and looks very dignified at the same time. Here you just want to sit up and go.

Harley comfort style operation
Untypical: Harley does not have a usual ignition key that you have to insert, you just have to carry the small freehand key on you and can use it to lock the rotary knob on the side with which you turn the ignition on or off. The convenience also has a downside, as I had to experience myself. Since the key does not have to be inserted for the part to drive, it can also get lost, which promptly happened to me, so organize a good key fob! Sitting up, a clear and stylish instrument panel presents itself with analog displays for speed in the center - the legibility of which could be improved a bit - fuel remaining on the right and tours on the left. A push button in the center lets you zip through a menu for trip miles, etc. On the left handlebar side are easy-to-use switches like horn, low and high beams, and unusually, the left turn signal. On the right handlebar side, you'll find the start/stop button, starter, and the right turn signal. Not only is this turn signal arrangement unusual, but it also lights up to you as logical quickly while driving, very convenient. In addition, you don't have to reset the turn signal yourself, it turns off automatically when a certain angle and speed are reached: very convenient. The side mirrors also fit right away without adjustment: it's a matter of sitting up and enjoying.

Coolness and appreciative looks
Pressing the starter elicits a gentle hum from the machine "Brubrubrubru...", I'm a little surprised, I would have actually expected a louder rattle, but that's just original. If you want it louder you can change the exhaust system etc., but at least in Switzerland you run the risk of running afoul of the law, as I was told, if you don't consult the authorities. Obviously, many of the loud rattlers are not allowed if they do not rattle from home. Pull the left clutch lever, put it in gear, a loud "clack" sounds and off it goes. You sit cool in the position like a half-open jackknife, belligerent, confident, with the "I-can-do-and-leave-what-I-want" attitude that men like. You feel like a rebel and inwardly detach yourself from petty bourgeois society and surprisingly reap appreciative looks and cheerful nods from passers-by, because the part is truly a beauty. The bike is obviously not perceived as an element of threat, not aggressive, but rather as a shapely and powerful bike, which it is. If you're used to riding cruisers, you won't experience anything completely new here, it's a lifestyle in itself: no stress, just enjoyment, relaxation, fun, you see and are seen and don't have to prove anything to anyone. But it could if it wanted to, because there's plenty of steam under the hood. 121 hp and 115 Nm at 6,500 rpm are more than I would have expected. Particularly at high speeds on the highway, it has astonishing pulling power. You wouldn't believe what incredible traction the thing develops when you're already on speed, really beastly, like a bull you're riding, really crazy. And here the comfortable seat recess also proves to be super useful. When the V-Rod Muscle pulls up, you are pressed into the hollow, which prevents you from flying off the chair, first class, the powerhouse would have enough thrust. For all its power, the V-Rod Muscle glides safely and comfortably over the asphalt, which is ensured in addition to the rest of the chassis, the 43 mm USD fork at the end of which hangs a powerful and effective Brembo double-disc brake with ABS, which grabs powerfully when it comes to bring the V-Rod Muscle to a halt. However, coolness cannot be celebrated with showmanship, with such a Harley you have to live a certain understatement. The motto must be: "You know what you have, you don't have to show it." And it's best to ride the Harley in the lower touring range and cruise around cool, that makes an impression and pleases. At 2,000-3,000 revs, the V-Rod Muscle develops a slight, subliminal rumble that you can hear from a distance and which announces the appearance of this design part. This seems the most sensible thing to me, after all, the Harley with a touring range up to a maximum of 8,500 tours is a genuine low-rider made in the USA and there you don't know any unnecessary rush on the bike.

If all this is still not enough, you can have your machine extensively restyled with all the bells and whistles, but very individually. Harley helps from the ground up with a generous range of accessories to give the bike the individual touch of each rider. This is certainly one of Harley's strengths. As I said, there are also suppliers who change the bike under certain circumstances without permission, e.g. in terms of sound, so it is advisable to ask the Harley dealer clearly, who knows what to do and is a good contact point for such questions and wishes.

All in all, the Harley-Davidson V-Rod Muscle is a real gem from the ground up that appeals to riders who enjoy biking and want to acquire a nice and cool bike for it. Apart from minor details, the bike is a success across the board. If you're willing to spend 20,000, you'll soon be the proud owner of a Harley beauty. Keep cool, Man!