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2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special Overview
The 2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special is a naked bike motorcycle built around 1250.08 cc of displacement. Under the tank sits a V2, four-stroke engine running Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC) valve actuation, a compression ratio of 11.5:1. The bore and stroke measures 105 x 72 mm. 2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special delivers 112.95 Nm @ 6750 of torque. The factory-quoted top speed stands at 45 km/h, making it a capable performer in its class. From a practical standpoint, the 2013 V-Rod Night Rod Special tips the scales at 302.1 kg, carries a 18.93-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 650 mm and spans a 1,702 mm wheelbase. Scroll down for the complete 2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.
2013 V-Rod Night Rod Special - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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Fuel injection: The fuel injection injection system delivers crisp throttle response and reliable cold starts regardless of altitude or temperature.
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Accessible seat height: At 650 mm, the seat height is approachable for a wide range of rider heights and builds confidence in low-speed manoeuvring.
Considerations
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Age-related wear: As with any used V-Rod Night Rod Special, a thorough pre-purchase inspection covering consumables, service history and tyres is always recommended.
Owner Experiences & Common Issues
Throttle response and fuelling
The fuel injection on the 2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special is generally well-regarded. Some owners note a slight hesitation at small throttle openings when cold, which clears once the engine reaches operating temperature. A quick visual check of the injector connectors during routine servicing is good practice on higher-mileage examples.
Valve clearance checks
Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC) engines should have valve clearances checked at the manufacturer's specified interval. Owners report that clearances can tighten over time on higher-mileage bikes, leading to slight ticking from the top end. Catching it early keeps the job simple and avoids more costly remediation.
V-Rod Night Rod Special - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
When inspecting a used 2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special, start with the basics: check the service book for oil change frequency, inspect the chain and sprockets for wear, and look for oil seepage around the engine casings and rocker covers. A cold start test is invaluable - a well-maintained V-Rod Night Rod Special should fire up cleanly and settle to a smooth idle within a few seconds.
Oil and filter changes
Regular oil changes are the single most important maintenance task on any V-Rod Night Rod Special. Stick to the manufacturer's interval - typically every 6,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. The sump holds 4.70 litres, so budget for that volume of quality motorcycle-specific engine oil. Always use the correct viscosity grade as specified in the owner's manual.
Fuel system care
The V-Rod Night Rod Special's fuel injection system is durable but benefits from quality fuel and the occasional use of a fuel-system cleaner additive. If the bike has been stored for more than three months, drain and replace the fuel to prevent varnish deposits in the injectors.
Valve clearance service
Check that valve clearances have been adjusted at the correct intervals on any used V-Rod Night Rod Special. This is a job many owners skip because the bike does not immediately feel wrong - but tight clearances accelerate valve seat wear. Ask for proof it has been done.
2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special have?
The 2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special uses a V2, four-stroke engine with 1250.08 cc of displacement.
What is the top speed of the 2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special?
The 2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special has a factory-quoted top speed of 45 km/h. Real-world speeds vary depending on rider weight, conditions and state of tune.
How much does the 2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special weigh?
The 2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special weighs 302.1 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
How much power does the 2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special make?
The 2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special produces 112.95 Nm @ 6750 of torque.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special?
The 2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special has a 18.93-litre fuel tank.
Is the 2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special suitable for shorter riders?
The 2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special has a seat height of 650 mm. This is a comfortable, accessible height for most riders.
What brakes does the 2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special have?
The 2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special uses Single disc. 4-piston at the front and Single disc. 2-piston at the rear.
How much oil does the 2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special take?
The 2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special takes 4.70 litres of engine oil at a full oil and filter change. Always verify against the dipstick or sight glass after filling.
Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special Spec Evolution
The Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special was produced across 3 model years (2013-2015). The table below highlights the key specifications that changed across the production run - useful whether you are comparing years or tracking down a specific variant.
| Specification |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
| Dry Weight |
288.9 kg / 637.0 lbs |
288.9 kg / 637.0 lbs |
289 kg / 637.1 lbs |
| Seat Height |
650 mm / 25.6 in. |
650 mm / 25.6 in. |
675 mm / 26.6 in. |
| Ground Clearance (mm) |
122 mm |
122 mm |
115 mm |
| Ground Clearance (in.) |
4.8 inches |
4.8 inches |
4.5 inches |
| CO2 |
147.6 CO |
147.6 CO |
147.6 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission) |
| Comments |
Amphibian. |
Lithium Iron Phosphate 48V/20Ah battery, 16.8 kg. Range 60 km. Recharging time: 4 hours. Made in Taiwan. |
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| Brakes - Front |
Single disc. 4-piston |
Single disc. 4-piston |
Double disc. ABS. 4-piston |
| Suspension - Front |
Independent coil springs and hydraulic dampers |
Dual Hydraulic Shock Absorber |
Inverted fork |
Key Specifications
Torque
112.95 Nm (11.5 kgf-m or 83.3 ft.lbs) @ 6750
Top Speed
45.0 km/h / 28.0 mph
Weight
302.1 kg / 666.0 lbs
Fuel Capacity
18.93 litres / 5.00 gallons
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Full 2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special Specifications
Comments
Amphibian.
Colours
Black Denim, Vivid Black, Ember Red Sunglo
Ground Clearance (mm)
122 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)
4.8 inches
Seat Height
650 mm / 25.6 in.
Wheelbase
1,702 mm / 67.0 in.
Height
1,400 mm / 55.1 in.
Length
2,365 mm / 93.1 in.
Width
1,600 mm / 63.0 in.
Oil Capacity (Quarts)
0.31 quarts
Oil Capacity (l)
4.70 litres
Dry Weight
288.9 kg / 637.0 lbs
Fuel Capacity
18.93 litres / 5.00 gallons
Wet Weight
302.1 kg / 666.0 lbs
Fuel Control
Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Engine Type
V2, four-stroke
Displacement (ci)
76.28 cubic inches
Displacement (cc)
1250.08 cc
CO2
147.6 CO
Bore x Stroke (mm)
105.0 x 72.0 mm
Bore x Stroke (in,)
4.1 x 2.8 inches
Engine Detail
Liquid-cooled, Revolution®, 60° V-Twin
Fuel System
Injection. Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Compression Ratio
11.5:1
Exhaust
Straight-shot exhaust with brushed finish dual mufflers; black end caps and exhaust shield
Fuel Consumption
6.36 litres/100 km (15.7 km/l or 36.98 mpg)
Starter
Electric
Valve System
4
Clutch
Multi-plate with diaphragm spring in oil bath
Final Drive
Belt
Gearbox
6-speed
Primary Drive
Gear, 117/64 ratio primary drive
Suspension - Front
Independent coil springs and hydraulic dampers
Suspension - Rear
Independent coil springs and hydraulic dampers
Rake
34.0°
Trail
142 mm / 5.6 in.
Instrumentation
Electronic speedometer with odometer, time-of-day clock on odometer, dual tripmeter, fuel gauge with low fuel warning light and countdown feature, low oil pressure indicator light, engine diagnostics readout, LED indicator lights, tachometer
Lighting system
High beam, neutral, low oil pressure, turn signals, engine diagnostics, security system (optional), coolant temperature, low fuel warnings
Brakes - Front
Single disc. 4-piston
Brakes - Rear
Single disc. 2-piston
Rims
Black, Split 5-Spoke Cast Aluminum w/ Orange Pinstripe
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