Drag-style “Nighthawk” from RW Motorcycles…
Back in 2001, Harley-Davidson introduced the VRSC (V-twin Racing Street Custom), better known as the V-Rod. While it may have looked like just another low-slung cruiser of the era, it actually marked a revolution for the Milwaukee brand. The 1131cc “Revolution” V-twin was Harley-Davidson’s first liquid-cooled engine, and it was developed from the Harley VR1000 AMA Superbike engine…with the help of Porsche Engineering!
In its original form, that V-twin put down 115 horsepower and 84 pound-feet of torque — one hell of a mill.
“The engine is the real reason for this bike’s existence and it’s an absolute classic. Forget all preconceptions you’ve got of this bike and let the engine do the talking…” –MCN
The V-Rod engine, of course, was the harbinger of the liquid-cooled Revolution engines of today’s Harley Sportster, Street, and Panamerica models. However, the styling on the V-Rod was something only a mother could love…or a few sunburned weekend warriors at Daytona Bike Week.
Enter our buddy Francisco “Xiko” of Portugal’s Rusty Wrench Motorcycles, whose client wanted to transform his 2007 V-Rod. Not surprisingly for a builder whose BMW R18 “Maverick” drew global attention, this V-Rod would be similarly jet-inspired. This time by the F-117 Nighthawk stealth attack aircraft developed by Lockheed’s highly secretive Skunk Works division.
“The build influence, it was to look fast and stealth like the Nighthawk.” -Francisco
Francisco opted for a bodykit from Cult-Werk, which helped transform the bike’s aesthetics with a much more streamlined look. The rear fender is courtesy of Rick’s Motorcycles, and the bike is now rolling on a pair of Performance Machine wheels with Legend air suspension in the rear.
The exhaust is a Trask Racing system and Performance Machine discs, levers, and switches round out the build. Of course, an F117-inspired build had to be painted black, and the red details pop against the dark hue.
This “Nighthawk” has the look of a modern dragbike, and with plenty of muscle to back it up. It’s great to see an unexpected donor bike resurrected into such a headturner. Below is our full interview with Francisco and more photos courtesy of Artur Brevus.
“Nighthawk” V-Rod: Builder Interview
• What’s the make, model, and year of the donor bike?
Harley-Davidson V-Rod from 2007.
• Why was this bike built?
It is a customer project.
• What was the design concept and what influenced the build?
The build influence it was to look fast and stealth like the “Nighthawk.”
• What custom work was done to the bike?
The body is a complete kit of Cult-Werk, and the rear fender is from Rick’s Motorcycles.
We changed the wheels for Performance Machine ones; for the rear shocks we used Air Suspension from Legend.
In the front and the rear we put Performance Machine discs.
In the exhaust we used Trask Racing exhaust.
In the handlebar we used a complete set of Performance Machine brake, clutch, and switches.
In the paint we decided to use black and a little of red.
And lots of other small details…!
• Does the bike have a nickname?
The nickname of the bike is “Nighthawk.”
• Can you tell us what it’s like to ride this bike?
The bike is very nice to ride, brakes very good, and when we pass by, everyone stares!
• Was there anything done during this build that you are particularly proud of?
I feel proud of the complete project itself as the bike is quite minimalist, it turned out quite beautiful in the end. And it’s how they say: “less is more”!
More Detail Shots
Follow the Builder
Website: www.rwmotorcycles.com
Instagram: @rwmotorcycles
Facebook: www.facebook.com/rwmotorcycles2015/
Photographer: Artur Brevus (@artur_fit4ever_trainer)
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I am not into the the “Harley Cruiser” look but this bike is pretty cool. I wish the bikes entered here would have a photo or two of someone riding the bike!
I agree ! Little too much living room ambiance
I was never much on vrods
Or so black of a bike
But this one is gorgeous !
Nobody is buying Harleys anymore because you idiots hired some woke German ass sniffer. Congratulations, morons.
NIGHT HAWK IS A HONDA . V ROD IS ANOTHER WOKE DAVIDSON
I have this bike! Thought it was pretty quick. Kinda uf uncomfortable to ride. But my buddy McMurray has a M109r. And he smokes me, everywhere we Go!
If Harley would have built one like this, I would have been interested from the beginning. Great job in turning the ugliest duckling into a beautiful nighthawk.
I love the knight hawk motorcycle 1000