2009 Harley-Davidson VRSCAW V-Rod Specifications

Name: 2009 Harley-Davidson VRSCAW V-Rod
Brand: Harley-Davidson

Custom / cruiser • Specs last verified 13 July 2026

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2009 Harley-Davidson VRSCAW V-Rod Overview

For 2009, Harley-Davidson offers the VRSCAW V-Rod as a custom / cruiser motorcycle with 1250 cc on tap. The 2009 Harley-Davidson VRSCAW V-Rod is built around a V2 engine, a compression ratio of 11.5:1. Internally, bore and stroke are 105 x 72 mm. Out on the road, the VRSCAW V-Rod delivers 115 of torque. In everyday use, the 2009 VRSCAW V-Rod tips the scales at 292 kg, carries an 18.90-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 660 mm and spans a 1,715 mm wheelbase. Every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes, is covered in the full 2009 Harley-Davidson VRSCAW V-Rod spec sheet below.

2009 Harley-Davidson VRSCAW V-Rod compared with other bikes in the Custom / cruiser category

Measured against other bikes in the Custom / cruiser category in our database (up to 1569 models, one entry per model), the 2009 Harley-Davidson VRSCAW V-Rod comes out as follows.

With 660 mm, the VRSCAW V-Rod has the joint 203rd lowest seat height of 1316 bikes in the Custom / cruiser category, 5% below the category average of 697 mm.
Engine displacement of 1250 cc is larger than that of 815 of the other 1568 bikes in the Custom / cruiser category.
Narrowing the field to the 695 models within five model years of it, the seat height of 660 mm is lower than that of 543 of the other 694.

Versus the 2008 model

Compared with the 2008 model, seat height came down from 688 mm to 660 mm (-28 mm). Displacement is unchanged.

2009 VRSCAW V-Rod - Pros & Cons

Strengths

Fuel injection: No choke, no jetting, no altitude compensation to think about - fuel injection just works across a wider range of conditions than carburetion.
Strong front braking: The double disc front brake bites hard and stays consistent - a solid foundation whether it's stock or upgraded with braided lines.
ABS fitted: With ABS on board, hard braking on a damp or gravelly surface is far less likely to end in a locked wheel.
Accessible seat height: At just 660 mm, flat-footing at a stop is easy for most riders - a genuine confidence builder for less experienced owners.
Large fuel range: With an 18.90-litre tank, this isn't a bike you'll be stopping for fuel every hour - a real asset on longer trips.
Low-maintenance final drive: Belt final drive is about as close to maintenance-free as motorcycle drivetrains get.

Considerations

Age-related wear: No particular mechanical concern flags for the VRSCAW V-Rod - condition on any used example comes down to how well it's been looked after.

Wear Points & Servicing Notes

Fuelling & injector care

Fuelling on the VRSCAW V-Rod comes from fuel injection. Cold starts and throttle response stay consistent across altitude and temperature, the main practical edge over a carbureted equivalent.

Brake disc and pad wear

Double disc with ABS, 4-piston calipers up front provides the primary stopping power; inspect disc thickness and pad wear at each tyre change to catch scoring before it becomes a rotor replacement.

Suspension condition on used examples

Suspension duties are handled by Wide, 49mm custom fork up front and Preload adjustable at the rear. Weeping fork seals aren't a dealbreaker on a used bike, but they're a fair basis for negotiating price.

Final drive maintenance

Belt final drive keeps day-to-day maintenance minimal on the VRSCAW V-Rod - just periodic tension and wear checks rather than the regular cleaning a chain demands.

Frame & chassis check

The Steel perimeter upper frame with hydroformed main rails; chassis holds up well with normal use; on a used bike it's still worth checking the head-stock and swingarm pivot area for impact damage or corrosion.

Handling the weight at a standstill

The VRSCAW V-Rod's 292 kg kerb weight is worth factoring into how you handle it at a standstill - parking-lot manoeuvres need a bit more deliberate technique than on a lighter machine.

VRSCAW V-Rod - Buying & Maintenance Guide

What to check before buying

A pre-purchase check on the 2009 Harley-Davidson VRSCAW V-Rod with its 1250 cc custom / cruiser should cover the same ground every time: service history, drivetrain condition, and any oil seepage around the casings. This model runs belt final drive, so check belt tension and tooth wear - a cracked or glazed belt is a clear sign of neglect. Now 17 years old, this custom / cruiser is as likely to show age-related wear (perished rubber, seized fasteners, degraded seals) as mileage-related wear. Start it from cold if you can - a well-kept VRSCAW V-Rod settles to a smooth idle within seconds.

Oil and filter changes

Oil changes are the cheapest insurance you can buy for the VRSCAW V-Rod's 1250 cc v2 - keep to the manufacturer's interval rather than stretching it. With an 11.5:1 compression ratio, running the octane grade specified in the manual matters more than on a lower-compression engine. Use the viscosity grade the manual specifies, not whatever's on sale.

Fuel system care

Injector systems like the VRSCAW V-Rod's hold up well with basic care - decent fuel, an occasional cleaner additive, and draining old fuel before any layup longer than three months.

2009 Harley-Davidson VRSCAW V-Rod - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 2009 Harley-Davidson VRSCAW V-Rod have?

The 2009 Harley-Davidson VRSCAW V-Rod uses a V2 engine with 1250 cc of displacement.

How much does the 2009 Harley-Davidson VRSCAW V-Rod weigh?

The 2009 Harley-Davidson VRSCAW V-Rod weighs 292 kg. This is the manufacturer's dry figure.

How much torque does the 2009 Harley-Davidson VRSCAW V-Rod produce?

The 2009 Harley-Davidson VRSCAW V-Rod produces 115 of torque.

What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2009 Harley-Davidson VRSCAW V-Rod?

The 2009 Harley-Davidson VRSCAW V-Rod has an 18.90-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 315-377 km between stops.

Is the 2009 Harley-Davidson VRSCAW V-Rod suitable for shorter riders?

The 2009 Harley-Davidson VRSCAW V-Rod has a seat height of 660 mm. This is a comfortable, accessible height for most riders.

What brakes does the 2009 Harley-Davidson VRSCAW V-Rod have?

The 2009 Harley-Davidson VRSCAW V-Rod uses double disc with ABS, 4-piston calipers at the front and single disc with ABS, 4-piston calipers at the rear.

What tyre sizes does the 2009 Harley-Davidson VRSCAW V-Rod use?

The 2009 Harley-Davidson VRSCAW V-Rod runs 120/70-ZR19 front and 240/40-R18 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.

Harley-Davidson VRSCAW V-Rod Spec Evolution

The Harley-Davidson VRSCAW V-Rod was produced across 4 model years (2007-2010). 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	2007	2008	2009	2010
Dry Weight	288.9 kg / 637.0 lbs	288.9 kg / 637.0 lbs	292 kg / 643.7 lbs	292 kg / 643.7 lbs
Engine Type	V2	V2	V2	V2, four-stroke
Seat Height	688 mm / 27.1 in.	688 mm / 27.1 in.	660 mm / 26.0 in.	705 mm / 27.8 in.
Fuel Capacity	18.92 litres / 5.00 gallons	18.92 litres / 5.00 gallons	18.90 litres / 4.99 gallons	18.90 litres / 4.99 gallons
Ground Clearance (mm)	127 mm	127 mm	127 mm	160 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)	5.0 inches	5.0 inches	5.0 inches	6.3 inches
Displacement (ci)	5.86 cubic inches	76.30 cubic inches	76.27 cubic inches	76.28 cubic inches
Displacement (cc)	96.00 cc	1250.41 cc	1250.00 cc	1250.00 cc

Key Specifications

Engine

Power

Not recorded

Torque

115.00

Top Speed

Not recorded

Weight

292 kg / 643.7 lbs

Fuel Capacity

18.90 litres / 4.99 gallons

Full 2009 Harley-Davidson VRSCAW V-Rod Specifications

Colours Vivid Black, Pewter Pearl, Flame Blue Pearl, Red Hot Sunglo, Vivid Black and Pewter Pearl; Flame Blue Pearl and Pewter Pearl

Ground Clearance (in.) 5.0 inches

Ground Clearance (mm) 127 mm

Seat Height 660 mm / 26.0 in.

Wheelbase 1,715 mm / 67.5 in.

Length 2,455 mm / 96.7 in.

Dry Weight 292 kg / 643.7 lbs

Fuel Capacity 18.90 litres / 4.99 gallons

Max Torque 115.00

Bore x Stroke (in,) 4.1 x 2.8 inches

Bore x Stroke (mm) 105.0 x 72.0 mm

Stroke 4

Displacement (cc) 1250.00 cc

Displacement (ci) 76.27 cubic inches

Engine Type V2

Fuel System Injection. Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection

Compression Ratio 11.5:1

Exhaust Chrome, slash-cut exhaust with dual mufflers

Starter Electric

Clutch 9-plate, wet, Assist and Slip

Final Drive Belt

Gearbox 5-speed

Frame Type Steel perimeter upper frame with hydroformed main rails;

Suspension - Front Wide, 49mm custom fork

Suspension - Rear Preload adjustable

Rake 34.0°

Trail 115 mm / 4.5 in.

Wheel Travel - Front 102 mm / 4.0 in.

Wheel Travel - Rear 102 mm / 4.0 in.

Brakes - Front Diameter (in.) 11.8 inches

Brakes - Front Diameter (mm) 300 mm

Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.) 11.8 inches

Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm) 300 mm

Brakes - Front Double disc. ABS, 4-piston calipers

Brakes - Rear Single disc. ABS, 4-piston calipers

Tyres - Front 120/70-ZR19

Tyres - Rear 240/40-R18

Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis. Spot an error? Let us know.