The 2008 Harley-Davidson VRSCDX Night Rod Special is a striking embodiment of Harley’s Dark Custom series, exuding a menacing, blacked-out aesthetic that sets it apart from its peers. With minimal chrome, its drag bars, forward controls, and sleek, drag-bike-inspired silhouette create a bold, aggressive stance. The contrasting racing stripe paint scheme accentuates its “darker and nastier” vibe, with components like the fork legs, swingarm, mirrors, and exhaust covers cloaked in black, enhancing its rebellious character and commanding presence on the road.

At the heart of the Night Rod Special lies a potent 1250cc Revolution V-Twin engine, a liquid-cooled, 60° V-twin with DOHC and four valves per cylinder, originally engineered for the CVO Screamin’ Eagle V-Rod. Upgraded from 1130cc with a larger 105 mm bore, it delivers an impressive 125 horsepower at 8,250 rpm and 85 ft-lbs of torque at 7,000 rpm, ensuring explosive off-the-line power. Paired with Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) for smooth power delivery and a slipper clutch for enhanced control, this bike rivals 600cc sport bikes in straight-line acceleration, though its 4.2-inch ground clearance limits cornering agility.