Transformed Harley-Davidson V-Rod

AS WITH a lot of Harley owners, the urge to customise their respective machines is ever present and Tony’s V-Rod is a rolling showcase of what can be accomplished with a careful selection of custom parts and help from the right people. Tony says, “I always wanted a cool Harley and the V-Rod seemed to be the right project I was looking for. I wanted to build something I could show and still be able to ride. So the endless hours of looking for parts and supplies started.

The bike was brought into the world as a stock VRSCA and Tony took ownership 12 months later with a very modest 4000 km on the clock. Previously, Tony had owned a Ducati, so to make the transgression from Wog to Hog a little more painless, he opted for the V-rod, mainly due to its speed, handling and stopping abilities as opposed to Milwaukee’s more traditional offerings.

Tony met Nick at a bike show where Nick had just won himself a trophy for his heavily customised Softail. The two got talking and a plan was hatched for Nick to help out with the work on Tony’s bike.

“The internet got a good workout as most of the parts I purchased are from the States,” said Tony. “I told Nick what I was looking for, and with a few ideas from him, we got the result I was hoping for.

The motor was left pretty much stock, but as for the general outside appearance of the machine, she was in for a major face lift. 

The bike now rolls along on a set of Renegade Newport wheels: 19 x 3.5 up front; 18 x 8.5 on the rear with matching rotors and pulley to suit. 

The stock swingarm was replaced with a Hogpro USA unit to better accommodate the new 240 mm arse-end. The stock inner rear guard was manipulated to nestle over the new wheel width. 

Rear suspension is handled by Legend Air while the front-end remains fairly stock apart from chromed lower legs and triple trees.

They say ‘chrome won’t get ya home’ but it certainly looks shit hot while you make the journey! The chroming on Tony’s bike is extensive and includes front and rear brake calipers, upper and lower belt guards, master cylinders, switch gear, forward controls, front and rear axle covers, swingarm bolt covers, nuts and bolts and that trick looking shifter.

Other custom touches Nick performed on this bike are the number plate mount and the LED light tucked up neatly under the rear guard, LED indicators all round, chrome radiator hose cover, pillion peg mounts, braided brake lines and chrome fittings throughout; very tidy indeed! 

The exhaust is a CFR 2-into-1. 

The headlight is a Headwinds item which is perched under a set of 1 ¾ ‘pullback-drag’ Burleigh Bars; the flamed grips are courtesy of Mr Ness as are the rider and pillion pegs.

Dan from Brushfire laid on that tasteful H-D Bar and Shield mural on top of the airbox cover.

“Special thanks has to go to Nick for a job well done and for putting up with me during the build; and to Dan for the great paint work. Lots of hours and sweat but I think the end result speaks for itself.”

Pics by Jo; words by Chuck U Farley