The Harley-Davidson V-Rod might’ve turned 24 years old this year, but it continues to be a popular sight in the used and custom motorcycle market. As a result, there’s no shortage of splendid custom V-Rods in the market, and we recently came across one built across the pond in France. It’s done by the custom specialists at Melk Motorcycles, who’ve bejeweled it with many custom elements to amp up the definition of American muscle.
Custom Harley-Davidson V-Rod By Melk Motorcycles
Based on a 2003 V-Rod 100th Anniversary edition, the cruiser flaunts a satin black finish from head to toe, unlike the OEM bright silver livery. The finish not only extends to custom elements like the front fender, rear fender, and headlight cowl, but also jazzes up the engine, fork legs, and even the chassis. A closer look also reveals a sporty airbox cover that features aerodynamic scoops. Don’t make this as the fuel tank, however, as the V-Box has an under-seat fuel tank straight from the factory. Meanwhile, the sinister charm is accentuated by custom four-spoke wheels, calipers, and pulley all finished in silver.
Like the design, Melk has also upgraded the V-Rod’s underpinnings. Though the front telescopic forks are as is, the tail end has a chopped subframe coupled with twin air suspension shocks outback. These shocks are joined to a new swingarm which has a wing-like shape rather than the straight, stock unit and houses the side-mounted number plate holder. Similarly, another notable update comes to ergonomics, as the V-Rod features a custom leather saddle, billet footrests, and an aftermarket handlebar ripe. The latter wears upside-down Rizoma mirrors as well as custom levers for elevated attention to detail.
What about the engine, you ask? Well, it’s relatively untouched than the above-mentioned bits. That’s because the 1,131cc, V-twin only has an aftermarket air filter and a free-flow BandLand exhaust at its mercy. These will make it louder and punchier, but the power output should still be near the stock 115 horsepower. You will stop sooner, though, all thanks to the bigger disc brakes and the six-pot Beringer calipers up top. Lastly, a projector-equipped LED headlight, Thunderbike LED indicators (front and rear), and a 280-section Metzeler tire outback wrap off the build.
Can You Buy This Custom Harley-Davidson V-Rod?
Yes, you can! Melk Motorcycles has listed the V-Rod for sale, priced at €29,900 ($32,100). No, this isn’t affordable by any measure, but we believe the upgrades justify the price, at least to an extent. You should also know the motorcycle has 1,242 miles on the odometer, yet the shop will offer a six-month warranty. Think that’s good enough? Then, we suggest you head to Melk Motorcycles to discuss other details like freight. And in case you just like some of these components, the shop also has an assortment of à la carte parts.