The VRSC was introduced in 2001 in a single model called the V-Rod aiming to compete against Japanese and American muscle bikes.

Unlike other Harley-Davidson production motorcycles, the VRSC's radiator and the hydroformed frame members support the round-topped air cleaner cover.

The fuel tank on the V-Rod is located underneath the seat, placing the rider on top of it, rather than the usual frontal placement.

[citation needed] All VRSC models were produced at Harley-Davidson's Vehicle and Powertrain Operations facility in Kansas City, Missouri.

Car & Driver said Harley-Davidson's branding was "culturally rather than technologically driven; so imagine our surprise at seeing the company's newest ride, the V-Rod, complete with a liquid-cooled DOHC four-valve V-twin developed in partnership with Porsche Engineering."

In America, V-Rod buyers often came from other brands, attracted by its modern engine, excellent performance and not-the-usual-cruiser style".

The Street Rod was the first VRSC to use inverted forks (made by Showa Corporation) with a steep rake and also was the first to use Brembo brakes.

Of the various versions of the V-Rod, the VRSCR Street Rod roadster was aimed primarily at the European market[3] and was best able to handle the engine's 120 bhp output.

In 2008 the VRSCD Night Rod's Revolution was increased from 1,131 to 1,247 cc (69.0 to 76.1 cu in), producing a claimed 85 lbf⋅ft (115 N⋅m) @ 7,000 rpm, and peak power of 125 hp (93 kW) at the crank,[citation needed] a slipper clutch was also added, as was an ABS option.

First Produced in 2007, it is essentially a VRSCA with a new frame to accommodate the 240 mm rear tire and five gallon gas tank that came standard.

In 2008 the VRSCDX Night Rod Special's Revolution was increased from 1,131 to 1,247 cc (69.0 to 76.1 cu in), producing claimed torque of 85 lbf⋅ft (115 N⋅m) @ 7,000 rpm, and peak power of 125 hp (93 kW) at the crank,[citation needed] a slipper-clutch was also added, as was an ABS option.

The V-Rod Muscle was introduced in the summer of 2008 at the Harley-Davidson dealer show in Las Vegas for the 2009 production model year.

In promoting the Muscle, American fashion model Marisa Miller was hired for an advertising campaign aimed at younger, urban riders.

The dimensions were identical to the VRSCA at the time, but the VRSCSE had extra chrome, custom paint, and not the typical "clamshell" found on other VRSC models.

The VRSCX had the same dimensions as the 2007 VRSCAW, featuring the 240 mm rear tire, 5 gallon gas tank, and forward controls.

However, the VRSCX also had paintwork similar to the pro stock V-Rod, a smoked drag-visor windshield, as well as the 1,247 cc Screamin' Eagle Revolution Engine.

Race-only drivetrain changes included a lightened flywheel, multi-stage lock-up clutch, pneumatic shifter, and programmable shift light.

The Destroyer inspired the four-time world champion NHRA Pro Stock motorcycle Harley-Davidson Screamin' Eagle/Vance & Hines V-Rod.

[14] The Revolution engine is a liquid-cooled, double overhead camshaft, four valve per cylinder, electronic fuel injected, internally counterbalanced 60 degree V-twin engine with a displacement of 1,131 cc (69.0 cu in), producing a claimed 115 horsepower (86 kW) at 8,250 rpm at the crankshaft, with a redline of 9,000 rpm.

[17] A 1,247 cc (76.1 cu in) Screamin' Eagle version of the Revolution engine was made available for 2005, and was present thereafter in a single production model from 2005 to 2007.

The VRXSE Destroyer is equipped with a stroker[clarification needed] (75 mm crank throw) Screamin' Eagle 1,300 cc (79 cu in) Revolution Engine, producing over 165 horsepower (123 kW).