[longride]

Since I rode both the standard V-Rod and the Night Rod for months, and tested them for MO, I can answer your question. The V-Rod in any form is a decently comfortable bike. It has a really nice powerband, and handles well within its limits and is even better with the 5 gallon tank and the Brembos that the ones I rode didn't have. My Advice? Get the Night Rod Special. You can change the controls if you don't like them, but you will get used to them pretty quickly even if they aren't your cup of tea. There are mid mount kits for any V-Rod, and I think you can even use the parts off the Night Rod to convert if you had the notion. I dig that Night Rod Special too, and that is the one I would buy, and it can be easily modified to fit you the way you like.

 

[longride]

Take a test ride and I think you will be hooked. Remember, it doesn't handle like a sport bike, but it isn't terrible like a lot of cruisers. The power is more than enough to keep you interested, and the brakes will be literally one-finger strong.

 

[longride]

"You forgot to tell him that H-D's website has some great route planning and time management tools!"

Looks like another guy that doesn't know 'jack shyt' about IBA style riding. You bums are all over the place!

 

[longride]

I do not think there's much "marking-up" going on right now. My local dealer has plenty of product on the floor right now, and the salespeople just about attacked me when I walked in the door, despite the fact that I parked my DRZ400 in a "H-D Only" spot. (Hey, nobody else was there!)

I would have taken a sledge hammer to that Japanese piece of crap! :-D