Cruisers

2011Harley-Davidson VRSCDX Night Rod Special

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The 2011 Harley-Davidson VRSCDX Night Rod Special is a liquid-cooled V-Twin cruiser designed for riders seeking aggressive styling and modern performance. Its 1250cc Revolution engine delivers strong torque through a five-speed transmission, offering a distinctive power character that balances classic cruiser heritage with contemporary technology. Best known for its muscular appearance and responsive handling, it appeals to experienced riders wanting a contemporary custom ride.

Capacity: 1250.0 ccm
Engine: V -Twin twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 5-speed
Dry weight: 293.0 kg
Seat height: 690 mm
Power: 107.5 HP

⇄ Compare with another bike All model years ⚠ Recalls listed (1)

What’s new for the 2011 Harley-Davidson VRSCDX Night Rod Special

vs the 2010

Spec	2010	2011
Engine capacity	1250.00 ccm (76.28 cubic inches)	1250.0 ccm (76.28 cubic inches)
Power	123 HP (91.7 kW)	107.5 HP
Torque	111.00 Nm (11.3 kgf-m or 81.9 ft.lbs) @ 7200	115.0 Nm (11.7 kgf-m or 84.8 ft.lbs) @ 7000 RPM
Weight	292.0 kg (643.7 pounds)	293.0 kg (646.0 pounds)
Seat height	650 mm (25.6 inches)	690 mm (27.2 inches)
Fuel capacity	18.90 litres (4.99 gallons)	18.90 litres (4.99 US gallons)
Front brakes	Double disc. 4-piston	Double disc. 4-piston. Patented, one-piece floating rotor.
Rear brakes	Single disc. 4-piston	Single disc. 4-piston. Uniform expansion rotor.
Wheelbase	1,715 mm (67.5 inches)	1715 mm (67.5 inches)

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?

Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to us

Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 690mm, a rider of 175cm with a 79cm (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2011 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: 1250.0 ccm
Power: 107.5 HP
Torque: 115.0 Nm (11.7 kgf-m) @ 7000 RPM
Engine type: V -Twin twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.3669 HP/kg
Bore x stroke: 105.0 x 72.0 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: 9-plate, wet, Assist and Slip

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1715 mm
Overall length: 2460 mm
Seat height: 690 mm
Dry weight: 293.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 18.90 litres
Ground clearance: 140 mm
Oil capacity: 4.40 litres

Chassis & suspension

Frame: Steel perimeter upper frame with hydroformed main rails and bolt-on lower frame rails; MIG welded
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: Double disc. 4-piston. Patented, one-piece floating rotor.
Front brakes diameter: 300 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc. 4-piston. Uniform expansion rotor.
Rear brakes diameter: 300 mm
Front tyre: 120/70-ZR19
Rear tyre: 240/40-R18

Other

Color options: Brilliant Silver Pearl/Black Racing Stripe with Ghost Flames, Chrome Yellow/Black Racing Stripe with Ghost Flames, Sedona Orange/Black Racing Stripe with Ghost Flames, Black Denim/Sedona Orange Racing Stripe
Warranty: 24

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	1130.78 ccm (69.00 cubic inches)	1250.41 ccm (76.30 cubic inches)	1250.00 ccm (76.28 cubic inches)	1250.00 ccm (76.28 cubic inches)	1250.08 ccm (76.28 cubic inches)
Dry weight	291.7 kg (643.0 pounds)	291.7 kg (643.0 pounds)	292.0 kg (643.7 pounds)	293.0 kg (646.0 pounds)	288.9 kg (637.0 pounds)
Seat height	668 mm (26.3 inches)	668 mm (26.3 inches)	650 mm (25.6 inches)	690 mm (27.2 inches)	650 mm (25.6 inches)
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)	18.93 litres (5.00 gallons)
Color options	Two-tone black denim and vivid black (new), two-tone vivid black and black denim (new)	Two-Tone Black Denim/Vivid Black, Two-Tone Vivid Black/Pewter Pearl (New), Two-Tone Vivid Black/Mirage Orange Pearl (New)	Black Denim with Brilliant Silver Denim Racing Stripe, Vivid Black with Brilliant	Brilliant Silver Pearl/Black Racing Stripe with Ghost Flames, Chrome Yellow/Black Racing Stripe with Ghost Flames, Sedona Orange/Black Racing Stripe with Ghost Flames, Black Denim/Sedona Orange Racing Stripe	Vivid Black, Black Denim, Sedona Orange

Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.

Safety Recalls

⚠ 1 open recall

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FLUIDJan 2018 · 18V076000

Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling all 2008-2011 Touring, CVO Touring and VSRC motorcycles equipped with anti-lock brakes (ABS), including Road King (FLHR), Road King Police (EFI) (FLHP), Road King Police (EFI) (FLHPE), Electra Glide Standard Police (EFI) (FLHTP), Electra Glide Classic (EFI) (FLHTC), Electra Glide Ultra Classic (EFI) (FLHTCU) and Street Glide (EFI) (FLHX), 2008 VROD (VRSCAWA), CVO Road King 4 (FLHRSE4), Night Rod (VRSCDA), CVO Ultra Classic 3 (FLHTCUSE3), Night Rod Special (VRSCDXA), 2008-2010 Road King Classic (EFI) (FLHRC), 2008-2009 Road Glide (EFI) (FLTR) and Electra Glide Standard (EFI) (FLHT), 2009-2010 V-Rod (VRSCAW), 2009 CVO Ultra Classic (FLHTCUSE4) and CVO Road Glide 3 (FLTRSE3), 2009-2011 Night Rod Special (VRSCDX) and V-Rod Muscle (VRSCF), 2010 CVO Ultra Classic 5 (FLHTCUSE5) and CVO Street Glide (FLHXSE), 2010-2011 Electra Glide Ultra Limited (FLHTK) and Road Glide Custom (FLTRX), 2011 Road Glide Ultra 103 (FLTRU103), Street Glide 103 (FLHX103), Road King Classic 103 (FLHRC103), CVO Ultra Classic 6 (FLHTCUSE6), CVO Road Glide Ultra (FLTRUSE), Road Glide Custom 103 (FLTRX103), and CVO Street Glide 2 (FLHXSE2) motorcycles. Deposits may form on components within the brake system if the DOT 4 brake fluid is not replaced for a prolonged period of time beyond the 2-year maintenance schedule specified in the Owners Manual.

Risk: These deposits may cause a valve within the ABS Hydraulic Control Unit to stick, reducing braking ability and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Harley-Davidson will notify owners, and dealers will flush the entire brake system with new Platinum Label DOT 4 brake fluid, free of charge. The recall began on February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0171.

Source: NHTSA. View all Harley-Davidson recalls →