V Rod "Touring"?

[macabre7393]

Hello, V Twin Forum!

It's been a long time since I've been here, good to be back!

Last September I picked up an '04 VRSCA, low mileage and very clean from the original owner. He had added a few (Harley brand) extras, including crash bars, touring seat & backrest, luggage rack and saddlebags. Other than that, it was bone stock.

After I took possession I had my favorite shop pull the stock gas tank & install a 5.5 gallon, swap the stock exhaust for a Bassani Road Rage 2into1, K&N air filter and remap. The bike wasn't slow before but now it wants to jump out from under me! On tap for this winter is a Road Glide fairing and Cycle Vision hard bags.

The downside to this much fun is rather disappointing gas mileage. I realize it'll never match my homemade Twin Cam Softail but it would be nice to be able to pass a couple of gas stations between fill ups. I want to score a 30 tooth international tranny pulley, that'll lower rpms at cruising speed by approx. 400. I've also heard of a 70t rear pulley, but I've also heard that combining it with the 30t front pulley causes the motor to lug unacceptably.

Are there any other tricks I'm missing here? Staying on top of tire pressure and the rest of routine maintenance will help a bit. I don't suppose Baker or any of the other usual suspects make an overdrive six speed gear set. Any suggestions, experience and opinions are appreciated!

[slim_b_kool]

No sir a 6 speed transmission is not available for the vrod.

[italianrick]

Originally Posted by macabre7393

Hello, V Twin Forum!

It's been a long time since I've been here, good to be back!

Last September I picked up an '04 VRSCA, low mileage and very clean from the original owner. He had added a few (Harley brand) extras, including crash bars, touring seat & backrest, luggage rack and saddlebags. Other than that, it was bone stock.

After I took possession I had my favorite shop pull the stock gas tank & install a 5.5 gallon, swap the stock exhaust for a Bassani Road Rage 2into1, K&N air filter and remap. The bike wasn't slow before but now it wants to jump out from under me! On tap for this winter is a Road Glide fairing and Cycle Vision hard bags.

The downside to this much fun is rather disappointing gas mileage. I realize it'll never match my homemade Twin Cam Softail but it would be nice to be able to pass a couple of gas stations between fill ups. I want to score a 30 tooth international tranny pulley, that'll lower rpms at cruising speed by approx. 400. I've also heard of a 70t rear pulley, but I've also heard that combining it with the 30t front pulley causes the motor to lug unacceptably.

Are there any other tricks I'm missing here? Staying on top of tire pressure and the rest of routine maintenance will help a bit. I don't suppose Baker or any of the other usual suspects make an overdrive six speed gear set. Any suggestions, experience and opinions are appreciated!

I have an 02 A it came with a 30 tooth pulley . I have no problems lugging the engine. I do want to put a 26 or 28 tooth pulley on mine gas mileage is not my cocern as well as rop end. I do want off the line acceleration

[Markk9]

You should be about to go 140 miles between tank full. I can do that with my 11 NRS.

[RustyG]

Your problem is the V-Rod engine is a racing engine not built for low rpm touring. Its best performance is above 4000 rpms. below that you will be susceptible for lugging. if you are not careful your attempts to increase the gas mileage by reducing the rpm's can hurt the engine immeasurably.
Your best bet is to find a competent tuner, maybe add a TTS Master tune or a power commander autotune device.

[boscoe]

I get about 180 miles per fill up on my 2012 NRS with a dyno tune, Akrapovic titanium exhaust (saves 30 pounds) and a cafe-racer style fairing. I commute to work 43 miles each way (86 miles total door-to-door) @about 75-80 mph on an Interstate and must refuel every other day on my return home. I'd say a total of 6 of those miles (RT) are on regular streets.
Also gas mileage seemed to improve as the bike got older. Now over 10 K miles.
As for blaming poor fuel economy on the VR being a "racing" engine, I ain't buying it.
My in-line four 2011 Honda CBR 1000RR literally IS a racing bike - set up for the track, not stock - had still gets better fuel economy than the H-D. So does my V-Twin water cooled Ducati 848 Evo Corse SE, which puts out more HP stock than the NRS.
The V=Rod's enemies, in my opinion, are weight and wind resistance.
Hope this helps.

[RustyG]

Originally Posted by boscoe

I get about 180 miles per fill up on my 2012 NRS with a dyno tune, Akrapovic titanium exhaust (saves 30 pounds) and a cafe-racer style fairing. I commute to work 43 miles each way (86 miles total door-to-door) @about 75-80 mph on an Interstate and must refuel every other day on my return home. I'd say a total of 6 of those miles (RT) are on regular streets.
Also gas mileage seemed to improve as the bike got older. Now over 10 K miles.
As for blaming poor fuel economy on the VR being a "racing" engine, I ain't buying it.
My in-line four 2011 Honda CBR 1000RR literally IS a racing bike - set up for the track, not stock - had still gets better fuel economy than the H-D. So does my V-Twin water cooled Ducati 848 Evo Corse SE, which puts out more HP stock than the NRS.
The V=Rod's enemies, in my opinion, are weight and wind resistance.
Hope this helps.

Didn't mean to imply because it is a racing engine it will get poor mileage. My 2007 gets 36-40 mpg depending on how heavy the hand on the throttle is. A good tune will go far also.

[snake charmer]

My wife at 90lbs will get low to mid 40's on her '08 road rod, me weighing in at 200 only get high 30's on mine. I'm happy with our mileage.