Cruisers

2008Harley-Davidson VRSCDX Night Rod Special

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The 2008 Harley-Davidson VRSCDX Night Rod Special is a liquid-cooled V-twin cruiser designed for riders seeking aggressive styling and modern performance. Known for its sleek, blacked-out appearance and potent 1250cc engine delivering 115 lb-ft of torque, it combines classic cruiser handling with contemporary fuel injection technology.

Capacity: 1250.4 ccm
Engine: V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 5-speed
Dry weight: 291.7 kg
Seat height: 668 mm
Power: 107.5 HP (79.1 kW)

⇄ Compare with another bike All model years

What’s new for the 2008 Harley-Davidson VRSCDX Night Rod Special

vs the 2007

Spec	2007	2008
Engine capacity	1130.8 ccm (69.01 cubic inches)	1250.4 ccm (76.30 cubic inches)
Power	—	107.5 HP (79.1 kW)
Torque	108.5 Nm (11.1 kgf-m or 80.0 ft.lbs)	115.3 Nm (11.8 kgf-m or 85.0 ft.lbs)
Front suspension	—	Wide, 49mm custom fork
Rear suspension	—	Preload adjustable
Front brakes	Single disc. 4-piston	Single disc. 4-piston calipers
Rear brakes	Single disc. 4-piston	Single disc. 4-piston calipers

Other years 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail5%

Cornering45%

City riding50%

Daily riding55%

Touring40%

Two-up45%

Track35%

Best for: It's built for muscular straight-line thrills and boulevard presence rather than corner-carving or long-distance touring.
Built for: It has a raw, drag-bike-inspired attitude with strong low-end torque, a low-slung stance, and aggressive styling that rewards throttle confidence.
Not ideal for: It's not a good fit for riders seeking off-road capability, upright touring comfort, or nimble flickable handling in tight corners.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 668mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2008 Harley-Davidson VRSCDX Night Rod Special, with a cramped knee angle of around 75 degrees and an upright riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 750 mm or under — Short Kings →

Find bikes that fit your height →

Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 1250.4 ccm
Power: 107.5 HP (79.1 kW)
Torque: 115.3 Nm (11.8 kgf-m)
Engine type: V-Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.3685 HP/kg
Bore x stroke: 104.9 x 71.9 mm
Compression: 11.5:1
Cooling system: Liquid
Fuel system: Injection
Starting: Electric
Valves per cylinder: 4
Lubrication system: Wet-sump, integrated with powertrain crankcase

Transmission

Gearbox: 5-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Belt
Clutch: Multi-plate with diaphragm spring in oil bath

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1707 mm
Overall length: 2398 mm
Seat height: 668 mm
Dry weight: 291.7 kg
Wet weight: 306.6 kg
Fuel capacity: 18.90 litres
Ground clearance: 107 mm
Oil capacity: 4.40 litres

Chassis & suspension

Frame: Steel perimeter upper frame with hydroformed main rails
Front suspension: Wide, 49mm custom fork
Rear suspension: Preload adjustable
Front wheel travel: 102 mm
Rear wheel travel: 102 mm
Rake (fork angle): 34.0°
Trail: 114 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Single disc. 4-piston calipers
Front brakes diameter: 300 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc. 4-piston calipers
Rear brakes diameter: 300 mm
Front tyre: 120/70-ZR19
Rear tyre: 240/40-R18

Other

Color options: Two-Tone Black Denim/Vivid Black, Two-Tone Vivid Black/Pewter Pearl (New), Two-Tone Vivid Black/Mirage Orange Pearl (New)

Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

What changed, year to year

Differences highlighted

Specification	2007	2008	2010	2011	2012
Capacity	1131 cc	1250 cc	1250 cc	1250 cc	1250 cc
Dry weight	292 kg	292 kg	292 kg	293 kg	289 kg
Seat height	668 mm	668 mm	650 mm	690 mm	650 mm
Fuel capacity	18.9 L	18.9 L	18.9 L	18.9 L	18.9 L