By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Cruiser
Harley-Davidson V-Rod Muscle VRSCF vs Triumph Rocket X (MY2015)
At the curb, the Harley-Davidson V-Rod Muscle VRSCF's low stance and fat rear tire won't let anyone walk past. The Triumph Rocket X's numbered billet badge pulls people closer.
So which one do you buy?
The V-Rod Muscle VRSCF has the edge if…
Sporty riding on twisty roads
Narrow edge: V-Rod Muscle VRSCF
Once the road starts to bend, the V-Rod Muscle VRSCF noses ahead. Your own skill counts for more than a gap this size.
The Rocket X has the edge if…
Character, looks and sound
A touch ahead: Rocket X
On sound and soul, the Rocket X comes out a touch ahead. The reason: a better engine note and more retro style. Your own eyes and ears outrank this verdict.
Which one's the smarter buy
Nothing in it on value
At these used prices, neither bike is the clear better buy for the money. The V-Rod Muscle VRSCF and the Rocket X sit close enough that the price tag won't decide it for you.
What makes each one tick
V-Rod Muscle VRSCF
Under that angular bodywork, the V-Rod Muscle hides a Porsche-designed, liquid-cooled twin that doesn't follow Harley habits and wants revs. There's a surge of torque as the throttle opens past the middle revs, and the bike keeps hauling toward redline. It snarls the whole way. Wide flat bars hold you in a long stretch.
Rocket X
The Rocket X lives on the shove of its huge inline-three and the thunderous torque behind it. Acceleration doesn't let up. It's quick to snap into corners, with streetfighter agility layered over cruiser muscle.
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The V-Rod Muscle VRSCF has the lower seat: 27.8 in (705 mm) vs 29.5 in (750 mm).
- The V-Rod Muscle VRSCF has the lower wet weight: 673 lb (305 kg) vs 809 lb (367 kg).
- The Rocket X makes more peak power: 146 hp (109 kW) vs 119 hp (89 kW).
Which one for the way you ride
Daily commuting & city riding
No verdict: Rocket X
There's no daily-ride verdict for the Rocket X. Getting to work isn't its job.
Comfortable long-distance riding
Look elsewhere
Neither one is built for long-haul comfort. For big miles, look at a proper tourer or sport tourer.
Count running costs as a draw. The deal on the table and the condition of the bike matter more here.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
V-Rod Muscle VRSCF
What owners say
Strengths
- Powerful Brembo braking system
Rocket X
What owners say
Strengths
- Exclusive limited-edition styling with numbered plaque
Known problems to check before you buy
V-Rod Muscle VRSCF
- ABS module recall (18V-076) Recall 18V076000 Certain 2008-2011 VRSC models with ABS may experience brake fluid contamination leading to loss of braking; covered under NHTSA recall 18V-076.
Rocket X
No confirmed faults on file yet. That's not the same as fault-free.
What they cost used
These prices compare an 11-year-old V-Rod Muscle VRSCF with an 11-year-old Rocket X.
- V-Rod Muscle VRSCF
- about $12,200
- Rocket X
- about $12,900
What they share
- Cooling
- Liquid-cooled
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
- Fork
- Upside-down (USD)
Where the spec sheets split
| V-Rod Muscle VRSCF | Rocket X | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 27.8 in (705 mm) | 29.5 in (750 mm) |
| Wet weight | 673 lb (305 kg) | 809 lb (367 kg) |
| V-Rod Muscle VRSCF | Rocket X | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1247 cc | 2294 cc |
| Engine | 60° V-twin | Inline-three |
| Power | 119 hp (89 kW) | 146 hp (109 kW) |
| Torque | 85 lb-ft (115 Nm) | 163 lb-ft (221 Nm) |
| Peak torque at | 6,500 rpm | 2,750 rpm |
| V-Rod Muscle VRSCF | Rocket X | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel capacity | 5.0 US gal (18.9 L) | 6.3 US gal (24 L) |
| V-Rod Muscle VRSCF | Rocket X | |
|---|---|---|
| Final drive | Belt | Shaft |
| Front tire | 120/70-19 | 150/80-17 |
| Rear tire | 240/40-18 | 240/50-16 |
| Wheelbase | 67.0 in (1702 mm) | 66.7 in (1695 mm) |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
