▷ Harley Davidson V Rod 'One of the last …' by Rick's Motorcycles

Much has changed since the year 2000, when the introduction of the Harley-Davidson V-Rod split the Harley community into two distinct camps: those loyal to air-cooled tradition and those embracing liquid-cooled innovation.

Seventeen years after its debut, the power cruiser had firmly secured its position within Harley-Davidson’s model lineup, eventually earning the appreciation of nearly all brand enthusiasts.

However, tightening emissions regulations and declining demand outside of Germany ultimately brought this era to an end in 2017. Though the V-Rod did not even reach adulthood by conventional standards, its lifespan remains comparatively short within the company’s long history.

Yet this is not intended to be an obituary. Instead, it highlights what Rick’s Motorcycles achieved with the V-Rod platform—and the custom parts that continue to be ordered for the many VRSC machines still cruising roads around the world.

To ride a motorcycle, it must first have wheels—and in wheel design and manufacturing, Rick’s Motorcycles is an undisputed expert. For this build, the team selected “Super Steve” design spoke wheels, featuring black powder-coated rims paired with polished spokes. Rick’s signature brake discs were created to match the wheel design perfectly.

The rear wheel is mounted within a custom-machined swingarm, a special Rick’s Motorcycles component developed and produced in small series. This bike is also equipped with Rick’s drive-side brake system, which relocates the brake disc behind the pulley on the left side of the rear wheel, giving the right side an unobstructed view of the custom wheel.

Chassis & Bodywork by Rick’s

Many of the chassis components—including the front fender, airbox cover, and rear fender—are Rick’s-made parts designed specifically for the V-Rod line.

The front fender is kept short and mounted in the stock position.
Where most motorcycles house a fuel tank, the V-Rod features a mock tank, functioning as the airbox. The actual fuel tank is located under the seat.

Rick’s airbox cover, crafted from reinforced plastic, is a precision-fit replacement. The version shown here, called “Street Fighter,” includes additional side air intakes covered with fine mesh. Special integrated cut-outs position the gauges neatly at the center of the cover.

At the rear, the bike features one of Rick’s complete rear fender kits, supplied with a custom-made seat base plate constructed from high-quality reinforced plastic. These kits remain available today and can be ordered for either 240 mm or 280 mm rear tires.

A Legacy That Lives On

Rick’s Motorcycles continues to see strong demand for its handcrafted VRSC components. And although the V-Rod era has ended—bringing with it a hint of nostalgia—the hope remains that Harley-Davidson will one day introduce a new power cruiser platform, one worthy of receiving equally stunning custom treatment from Rick’s.