Harley V-rod motor vs. Buell?

The 08 Sportys have most of the Buell parts in them, heads, cams,etc. They now put out 72 HP.

Comparing the V-Rod to any other bike in HD's lineup is not realistic. It's the MoCo's bastard child, but they sell 'em like crazy. I've got a race spec air-cooled 113 Softail, as well as an '08 Night Rod Special. Yeah, the Softail is a more comfy ride, and with my build- a bit of a sleeper. But the Night Rod is just a shocker all the way around. And they both haul ***. Both are set up for straight line acceleration. Both do OK on the highway. If I wanted a canyon-carver, that's what I'd buy. Cruisers aren't made for that. I've bloodied my knuckles, and pulled hair out building, modifying, and working on both bikes. I'm actually doing research right now, considering picking up a Victory Hammer. Hater's gonna hate. But I love both of my bikes, and I could learn to love the Victory as well. If you can't turn a wrench, it doesn't really matter what brand bike you ride.... If you pay the dealership to change oil, check fluid levels, and adjust the handlebars, you have no business pretending to be a biker. You're just a poser.

Sorry but like Harley, Buell will be happy to tell you unrealistic horsepower numbers, but I'm seeing the XB12S Lightning as the highest horsepower bike that Buell makes other than the Rotax bike and it only comes in at 85...not impressive. The St2 only has 59hp.....a 1200 sportster comes in at 56hp. (add 100 hp to that and take off 200cc and you have a Yamaha R1)

That said I agree that Harley could make more money by offering these engines as some kind of whimpering eagle premium. There is a sucker born every minute.

I'm with you on this. I had a 2008 Night Rod. I got rid of it because I hated the riding position, but the engine and throttle control were some of the best of any bike I have ever owned. Super smooth throttle take up, not a flat spot or hickup anywhere. Enough power and torque, although not record setting. Just a wonderful powertrain. I think it was designed with assistance from Porsche. I was wondering why Buell wouldn't use it just the other day.

Buell Motor

Well harley isn't going to put the Rotax into a sportster and the buelized sportster engine isn't all that. Just buy a sportster and spend a few thousand making it slightly faster like everyone else. And then enjoy getting spanked by a 250 Ninja.

If you care about a corny dirtbag biker image or a low rent status symbol...buy a harley. If you care about performance buy something other than a harley and something other than a cruiser.

Munks....a motorcycle is a tool, sports equipment. Or it is a fashion accessory/status symbol. Why would anyone want to ski downhill on old wood skies with beartrap bindings from 1960 that cost more than the latest greatest parabolic skies with the latest in bindings? Why would someone choose a slow heavy bad handling snow mobile when superior ones are cheaper?

The choice isn't V-twin or sport bike. I've only owned one sport bike unless you count the old turbo Honda then two, more accurately my VFR is a sport touring bike, the other 13 bikes were great bikes and all superior performers to V-twin cruisers.

If you are starting to care about performance here is a nice site that will help with performance comparisons. http://www.mcnews.com/mcn/technical.asp

Harley really can't change much of their design because of the traditionalists that are their core market. Buell is an OK bike just not competitive in any racing form but it is still cool.

Well since Harley did not develop the V Rod engine, they bought it, this question seem a bit odd.

harley doesn't pout buell motors in there bikes it's vice a versa. harley's too proud.