2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special vs 2012 Honda VFR 1200F

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special 2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special

Naked bike

Engine
V2, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
45.0 km/h / 28.0 mph
Weight
666.0 pounds
2012 Honda VFR 1200F 2012 Honda VFR 1200F

Naked bike

Engine
V4, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
262.0 pounds
Full Specifications
General
CommentsAmphibian.Model ID: TRX90X
ColoursBlack Denim, Vivid Black, Ember Red SungloCandy Blue
Warranty-One year. Unlimited milage. Transferable.
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (in.)4.8 inches3.9 inches
Ground Clearance (mm)122 mm99 mm
Seat Height650 mm / 25.6 in.810 mm / 31.9 in.
Wheelbase1,702 mm / 67.0 in.1,544 mm / 60.8 in.
Height1,400 mm / 55.1 in.927 mm / 36.5 in.
Length2,365 mm / 93.1 in.1,488 mm / 58.6 in.
Width1,600 mm / 63.0 in.894 mm / 35.2 in.
Weights & Capacities
Oil Capacity (Quarts)0.31 quarts-
Oil Capacity (l)4.70 litres-
Dry Weight288.9 kg / 637.0 lbs-
Fuel Capacity18.93 litres / 5.00 gallons18.93 litres / 5.00 gallons
Wet Weight302.1 kg / 666.0 lbs118.8 kg / 262.0 lbs
Performance
Top Speed45.0 km/h / 28.0 mph-
Max Torque112.95 Nm (11.5 kgf-m or 83.3 ft.lbs) @ 6750-
Engine
Bore x Stroke (mm)105.0 x 72.0 mm81.0 x 60.0 mm
CO2147.6 CO-
Displacement (cc)1250.08 cc1237.00 cc
Displacement (ci)76.28 cubic inches75.48 cubic inches
Engine TypeV2, four-strokeV4, four-stroke
Fuel ControlDouble Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)SOHC
Bore x Stroke (in,)4.1 x 2.8 inches3.2 x 2.4 inches
Engine DetailLiquid-cooled, Revolution®, 60° V-Twin76 degrees V-4
Fuel SystemInjection. Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)Injection. Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) with automatic enrichment circuit, 44mm throttle bodies and 12-hole injectors
Compression Ratio11.5:112.0:1
Emissions-Meets current California Air Resources Board (CARB) and EPA standards.
Engine Lubrication-Dry sump
ExhaustStraight-shot exhaust with brushed finish dual mufflers; black end caps and exhaust shield-
Fuel Consumption6.36 litres/100 km (15.7 km/l or 36.98 mpg)-
Ignition-Digital transistorized with electronic advance
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System44
Drivetrain
ClutchMulti-plate with diaphragm spring in oil bathAutomatic
Final DriveBeltShaft drive (cardan)
Gearbox6-speed6-speed
Primary DriveGear, 117/64 ratio primary driveO-ring-sealed chain
Chassis
Suspension - FrontIndependent coil springs and hydraulic dampers43mm cartridge fork with spring-preload adjustability
Suspension - RearIndependent coil springs and hydraulic dampersPro Arm single-side swingarm with Pro-Link single gas-charged shock with remote spring-preload adjustability and rebound-damping adjustability
Rake34.0°25.5°
Trail142 mm / 5.6 in.101 mm / 4.0 in.
Wheel Travel - Front-66 mm / 4.7 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear-66 mm / 2.6 in.
Electrical Systems
InstrumentationElectronic 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 systemHigh beam, neutral, low oil pressure, turn signals, engine diagnostics, security system (optional), coolant temperature, low fuel warnings-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)-12.6 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)-10.9 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)-320 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)-276 mm
Brakes - FrontSingle disc. 4-pistonDouble disc. CBS six-piston calipers with ABS
Brakes - RearSingle disc. 2-pistonSingle disc. CBS two-piston calipers with ABS
RimsBlack, Split 5-Spoke Cast Aluminum w/ Orange Pinstripe-
Tyres - Front-120/70-ZR17
Tyres - Rear-190/55-ZR17

Verdict

Winner on specs

2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special

The 2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special edges out the 2012 Honda VFR 1200F thanks to its lower seat height and greater ground clearance. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 650 mm vs 810 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • More ground clearance: 122 mm vs 99 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.

2012 Honda VFR 1200F - Advantages

  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.

2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special vs 2012 Honda VFR 1200F - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special and 2012 Honda VFR 1200F?
The 2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special uses V2, four-stroke, while the 2012 Honda VFR 1200F is powered by V4, four-stroke.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special or the 2012 Honda VFR 1200F?
The 2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special has the lower seat at 650 mm, making it more accessible. The 2012 Honda VFR 1200F sits higher at 810 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special or the 2012 Honda VFR 1200F?
Both are strong choices. The 2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special has the edge in lower seat height and greater ground clearance, while the 2012 Honda VFR 1200F stands out for dual front discs. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.