I mentioned the exhaust, it is apparently designed to look like a muscle car and although it achieves the look it also manages to be in a ridiculous location. What is that smell of roasting flesh, burning leather and melting boot rubber? Yes that is all bits of you cooking on the exhaust, you have to develop a real cowboy stance when waiting at traffic lights and the like… especially in traffic. Form over function is a bit of a given with a bike this shiny but the exhaust really is taking it too far. I am not the only one to notice this issue, perhaps a replacement exhaust (to get that good noise) will fix the leg cooking problem too?

All in all this really is a solid machine, it looks absolutely fantastic, as much jewellery as motorcycle, it makes solid power that gives you a thrill every time you turn the throttle. The plastic “tank” means the fuel filler is hidden under the seat (it took me a while!) the Muscle also features a good looking, easy to read display and self cancelling turn signals (a very cool and functional gadget). There are a few minor complaints that could be fixed reasonably easily, were I to buy one I would look at a slightly different bar setup with a bit more bend to allow you to ride a bit more upright and enjoy the plush seat. Along with that a more open exhaust is a must to release the roar from the engine and as a bonus might release another few horses and rectify the leg burning issues. All in all if you are looking for a damn sexy, power cruiser for your modern wild west adventures you couldn’t go too far wrong with the V Rod Muscle... If this is your bag, ride one today.

Editor review