Wanna be V-Rodder : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

jt03rubicon · 10-09-2003, 06:18 AM

I am currently a Buell XB9R owner and would like to make the switch to a V-Rod. Have been looking primarily at used V-rods due to the lower price versus a brand new bike. My question is, what is the difference between the 02/03/04 v-rods besides paint and chrome covers. I saw a 02 v-rod with 1,000 miles for 14,999 in the NC Raleigh area. I'm seriously looking at buying this bike, but need to know what problems the 02's had versus the 03/04 bikes. Thanks for the help.

bermuda · 10-09-2003, 06:45 AM

I've got an '02. Only very minor problems that could happen to any year model. I like owning the 'introduction year' bike but as long as you have the VRSCA I don't think it matters what year it is.

jlbait · 10-09-2003, 07:56 AM

I have an 02 with about 7,000 miles on it and have had no problems. However after being a member of this list for over a year and reading some of the problems I would not buy another without the extended warranty. Just my opinion, Steve.

C-ROD · 10-09-2003, 10:29 AM

I have a 02 with 3,000 on it, and only had to replace back tire....

SuperKaz · 10-09-2003, 10:40 AM

As stated above if you can get the extended warranty you be fine!They are all very close.Se which one you can get the best deal on and with the money saved get a warranty unless it already comes with one then your set.I' have one of the very first 02 out and paid almost Double that!

Buy one and join are little gang!

Kaz...........

VRodDrew · 10-09-2003, 11:51 AM

There really aren't too many changes to the V-Rod since its introduction:

Last months of '02 - Factory alarm now standard
'03 Models - moved intake air temp. sensor to airbox
'04 Models - 150 MPH speedometer, 28T sprocket now standard

Other than that, most of the changes are cosmetic. '03 Models all had the anniversary logo molded into the crankcase (to prevent fakes).

Just my $0.02 worth - but the original VRSCA in anodized silver is still by far the best looking V-Rod out there. Almost guaranteed to become a classic, especially if Harley does not resurrect this color scheme. The anodized silver is "unofficially" still the favorite among Harley's design staff.

As far as reliability is concerned, I'd say you have far less to worry about than on most other bikes. I've heard from very well-informed Harley sources that they have test bikes with well over 200,000 miles on the original engines - and no work needed other than oil changes and valve adjustments.

I've got close to 10,000 miles on my V-Rod, and I haven't had a single problem that wasn't at least partially my own fault (and these were pretty minor). It did "weep" a tiny drop of oil or two near the valve covers, but this seems to have stopped in recent months. I change the oil (Syn3) every 2000 miles religiously.

Make sure any bike you buy has a good service record. The seller's dealership will print up a service history if you are concerned about any problems. If he does his own oil changes, then he should keep copies of the receipts for his oil and filter purchases, along with the mileage.

jt03rubicon · 10-09-2003, 07:57 PM

Thanks for the input! This Saturday I will be re-joining the HD family on a 2002 V-Rod.

flying V · 10-09-2003, 08:03 PM

Saddle up !!!

SuperKaz · 10-09-2003, 10:44 PM

Way to Go!

BobT · 10-10-2003, 10:08 AM

I have nothing for or against the different years of V-Rods . They are ALL great. But ,and I say this tongue in cheek, Does this '02 have an extended warranty ? If not it is worth finding one('02) that does OR a new "leftover" that does have some sort of warranty. Even "04's have a 2 year warranty. Many, many V-Rods have had various glitches and I think that is the way I would go. Just my honest opinion. BobT

PS. A used one should go for a little less, It is not you fault that person may have spent top dollar. Good Luck and WE all look forward to another V-Rod owner !

BobT · 10-10-2003, 10:12 AM

As far as "re-joining" the Harley-Davidson family . Buell IS a Harley Davidson.So you never left. Another one of my opinions.

BobT

VRodDrew · 10-10-2003, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by BobT
Even "04's have a 2 year warranty. Many, many V-Rods have had various glitches and I think that is the way I would go.

I think the fact that Harley-Davidson increased the standard warranty period to 2 years tells you how confident THEY are in their bike's reliability. Unlike many of the panic-mongers who permeate the internet, Harley-Davidson has access to complete statistical information on the entire fleet of V-Rods.

Buying an extended warranty on a used bike can be an expensive proposition - I wouldn't be suprised if it cost more than $600. You sure can fix a heck of a lot of "glitches" for a lot less than that.

jt03rubicon · 10-10-2003, 05:42 PM

You're right on the money. A warranty for the 2002 v-rod will be $650 with a $50 deductible.

About re-joining the HD Family, I used to own a 2002 FXD, but I understand what you're saying.

Once again, thanks for the input!

Daveyrocket · 10-11-2003, 12:22 AM

Rock on and V-Rod away !