The Harley Davidson Night Rod received a few modifications for 2012. The bike features a new tapered tail section, lighter-weight wheels, and improved ergonomics with reduced reach to both the rider footpegs and handlebar.

The ride quality was also improved and the motorcycle comes with new inverted front forks and retuned rear suspension.

At the heart of the 2012 Harley-Davidson Night Rod Special lies a rubber-mounted, liquid-cooled 1250cc Revolution V-Twin engine with dual overhead camshafts, four-valve cylinder heads and Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI). The engine’s output is rated at 125 hp at 8,250 rpm and 85 ft. lbs. of torque at 7,000 rpm. The engine is kept in leash by a refined five speed transmission.

The bike sits on Michelin Scorcher radial tires and the stopping power is assured by a set of Brembo triple-disc performance brakes.

Hit the jump for more information on the 2012 Harley-Davidson Night Rod Special.

2012 Harley-Davidson VRSCDX Night Rod Special

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2012 Harley-Davidson VRSCDX Night Rod Special
  • Horsepower: 125 @ 8250
  • Torque: 82 @ 7250
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Press Releases

Harley-Davidson offers more Big Twin performance for 2012 as its Twin Cam 103™ powertrain is standard equipment on Softail® and Touring motorcycle models and most Dyna® motorcycle models. Harley-Davidson will offer two new models for 2012. The V-Rod® 10th Anniversary Edition celebrates a decade of power-cruiser performance, while the new Dyna® Switchback is a convertible custom-touring motorcycle with detachable hard saddlebags and windshield. In addition, the Night Rod Special has significant updates for 2012 with refreshed bodywork and optimized rider ergonomics. Harley-Davidson Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO)TM rolls out the gleaming new CVO Road Glide® Custom, a limited-production, high-performance touring masterpiece.

Harley-Davidson believes every motorcycle it sells can be a custom of one. Harley-Davidson H-D1™ is a comprehensive offering of customization tools for the Harley-Davidson motorcycle owner. H-D1 tools include Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories listings in print and on-line catalogs, Fit Shop and consultation services at Harley-Davidson dealerships, and factory customization and Bike Builder tools on www.harley-davidson.com. H-D1 offers almost unlimited opportunities to optimize fit, function, style and performance and turn a Harley into a motorcycle that is truly personalized to its owner.

Harley- Davidson heads into 2012 with 32 models, each born of experience that spans generations and a passion for riding that will never diminish.

Highlights of the 2012 Harley-Davidson line include:

-The Twin Cam 103™ engine powers all 2012 Dyna®, Softail® and Touring models with the exception of the Dyna Street Bob® and Dyna Super Glide® Custom. This engine produces up to 100 ft lbs. peak torque, an increase of approximately 6 percent over the Twin Cam 96 engine it replaces as standard power for many of these models. The Twin Cam 103 is equipped with automatic compression release. It features identifying badges on the derby cover, timer cover and air cleaner trim ring.

-A Security Package that pairs Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Smart Security System with proximity-based, hands-free security fob is available for all 2012 V-Rod®, Dyna®, Softail®, Touring and CVO™ models. The Security Package is standard equipment on CVO™ models and on the Road Glide® Ultra, the Electra Glide® Ultra Limited, and the Road King® Classic. The Security Package is a factory-installed option for all other models.

-The Night Rod® Special is updated with new tapered tail section, lighter-weight wheels, an inverted front fork and improved ergonomics. Harley-Davidson celebrates a decade of power cruising with the V-Rod® 10th Anniversary Edition motorcycle, finished in Brilliant Silver Pearl bodywork that evokes the anodized aluminum bodywork of the original V-Rod model that introduced the liquid-cooled Revolution V-Twin engine in 2002. All V-Rod models will carry V-Rod 10th Anniversary badges.

-The new Dyna Switchback combines hard saddlebags and a windshield with the eager handling and Twin Cam 103 performance of the Dyna chassis. It's a custom-touring bike ready for a long weekend trip, until the detachable bags and windshield are removed. Then in seconds the Switchback becomes a custom street cruiser with a gleaming headlamp nacelle, five-spoke cast-aluminum wheels and a mini-ape handlebar. This convertible concept makes the versatile Switchback two motorcycles in one.

-All Harley-Davidson Softail models get the performance boost of the Twin Cam 103 engine for 2012. The Fat Boy and Fat Boy Lo have a new reduced-reach handlebar for more-comfortable ergonomics. A lower, narrower seat shape places the Fat Boy rider in a new "in the bike" position. The Softail Deluxe and Heritage Softail Classic will be available with a new optional "tubeless" Chrome Aluminum Profile Laced wheel option for ease of tire replacement and repair.

The Twin Cam 103 powertrain gives all Harley-Davidson Touring models assertive power for passing. On Touring models, the Twin Cam 103 is equipped with an oil cooler. All Touring models except the Ultra Limited will offer a new "tubeless" Chrome Aluminum Profile Laced wheel option.

-The Harley-Davidson Sportster® line appeals to a broad range of riders with six 2012 models ranging from the race-inspired XR1200X™ to the accessible SuperLow® to Dark Custom roadsters like the Iron 883™, Nightster® and Forty-Eight®. The Sportster® 1200 Custom can be personalized for fit, function and style with H-D1 factory customization, a process that allows customers to use the Bike Builder tool on harley-davidson.com to build the motorcycle from a selection of options that are installed as the bike is assembled by Harley-Davidson Motor Company or are installed by a dealer after the motorcycle is delivered. New 1200 Custom color options have been added to Bike Builder for 2012.

-The new CVO Road Glide Custom is one of four limited-production 2012 models from Harley-Davidson Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO)TM, each turned out with bold paint, gleaming chrome, and the most-powerful V-Twin engines offered in production Harley-Davidson motorcycles. CVO Road Glide Custom is a hot-rod bagger with a frame-mounted fairing topped with a smoked Wind Splitter windshield, a high-output, amplified Harman/Kardon® Advanced Audio system, and a color-matched, low-profile fuel tank console.

Model Hightlights

-NEW Black Split 5-Spoke Cast Aluminum wheels

with orange pinstripe are three pounds lighter

than previous wheels

-NEW Tapered tail section with flush-mount

LED taillight

-NEW Pull-back handlebar places controls three

inches closer to the rider

-NEW Reduced reach, forward-mounted

rider footpegs

-NEW Inverted front forks

-NEW Two-up seat with custom stitching

-NEW Stylized black speed screen visor

-NEW Slim design, center-mount license plate

-NEW Graphics, including V-Rod®

10th

anniversary emblem

-Straight-shot exhaust with brushed finish dual

mufflers; black end caps and exhaust shield

-Black powder-coated engine with black covers

-Blacked-out frame, handlebar, front fork, triple

clamps and covers

- Racing stripe on airbox and tail section

-Sport front fender with painted brace supports

-240 mm wide rear tire

Key Features

The restyled Night Rod®

Special features a

new tapered tail section, lighter-weight wheels,

and improved ergonomics with reduced reach to

both the rider footpegs and handlebar. Inverted

front forks and retuned rear suspension enhance

ride and handling. This is a blacked-out, dark

and sinister power cruiser that’s at home in a

back alley.

-Rubber-mounted, liquid-cooled 1250cc

Revolution®

V-Twin engine with dual overhead

camshafts, four-valve cylinder heads and

Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection

(ESPFI); 125 hp @ 8,250 rpm; 85 ft. lbs.

torque @ 7,000 rpm

-Race-bred clutch with “slipper” action helps

ease drive train effort during downshifting

-5-speed transmission

-High-performance carbon-fiber drive belt.

-Brembo®

triple-disc performance brakes

-Michelin®

Scorcher®

radial tires

-Round reflector-optic headlight

-Electric power accessory connector under seat

-Security Package Option bundles Anti-lock

Braking System (ABS) with Harley-Davidson®

Smart Security System with proximity-based,

hands-free security fob

Specifications

Engine

Liquid-cooled, Revolution®, 60° V-Twin

Displacement (in./cc)

76.28/1250

Fuel System

Electronic Sequential Port

Fuel Injection

(ESPFI)

Transmission

5-speed

Miles Per Gallon

37 MPG combined City/Hwy

Length (in./mm)

93.1/2366

Seat Height (laden) (in./mm)

25.6/650

Wheelbase (in./mm)

67/1702

Tire

Michelin®


Scorcher®

“11”

front and rear

• Front

Scorcher®


“11”

120/70ZR-19 60W

• Rear

Scorcher®


“11”

240/40R-18 79V

Wheel

• Front

Black Split 5-Spoke Cast


Aluminum with

Orange Pinstripe

19 in. x 3 in.

(483 mm x 76 mm)

• Rear

Black Split 5-Spoke Cast


Aluminum with

Orange Pinstripe

18 in. x 8 in.

(457 mm x 203 mm)

Fuel Capacity (U.S. gals/liters)

5/18.9

Weight as Shipped (lbs./kg)

637/289

Frame

Steel perimeter upper frame with


hydroformed main rails and bolt-on

lower frame rails; MIG welded

Swingarm

Polished, one-piece cast aluminum

with black powder-coat finish

Front Forks

43 mm Inverted

Rear Shocks

Preload adjustable

Wheels:

Black Split 5-Spoke Cast Aluminum with Orange Pinstripe

• Front

19 in. x 3 in. (483 mm x 76 mm)

• Rear

18 in. x 8 in. (457 mm x 203 mm)

Brakes:

• Caliper Type

4-piston front and rear

• Rotor Type

(diameter x width):

Patented, one-piece floating rotor (front),

uniform expansion rotor (rear)

•Front (dual)

11.81 in. x .2 in. (300 mm x 5.1 mm)

•Rear

11.81 in. x .28 in. (300 mm x 7.1 mm)

•Anti-lock Braking

System

Available

Suspension Travel:

• Front

4 in. (102 mm)

• Rear

2.9 in. (74 mm)

Color Options

Solids

Vivid Black, Black Denim, Sedona Orange


Quotes

Infosport Bike----"All 2012 V-Rod models equipped with the latest version of the Revolution engine, a 1250cc water cooled V-twin with dual overhead camshafts, four valves cylinder heads and Electronic Sequential Port Injection (ESPFI). The powertrain is equipped with support and slip the clutch, transmission five-speed and high performance carbon fiber belts. Tires are Michelin radials Scorcher, one at the rear of 240 mm. Brembo ® performance triple disc are optional factory-installed anti-lock brakes (ABS). ABS is part of the optional security kit, which includes the intelligent security system with a proximity-based security fob hands free."