Harley-Davidson V-Rod Destroyer: The Factory-Built 9-Second Drag Monster
30 May 2021
Back in 2006 Harley-Davidson shocked the motorcycling world with the introduction of a non-street legal nine-second drag bike, named the VRXSE V-Rod “Destroyer". Barry the Owner of Road and Sport – a long time drag racer - couldn’t resist. We bought into these blistering bikes, and here in our showroom today, 15 years later, is our weapon (pictured without the wheelie-bars). We feature it here because it’s a part of our Significant Motorcycles collection, and because Barry’s thinking about going racing again next season!
From 2006, these beasts set the drag racing world on fire! In the USA and Canada, specific classes were introduced for them, in Australia they took on all comers in Modified Bike, and here in New Zealand they have dominated Competition Bike Class. Only 646 vehicles were produced, with 625 offered in dealer showrooms world-wide. And they’re pretty much unbreakable, ‘cause they’re still winning today!
Destroyers put out about 165HP at 9,700RPM, and will regularly run in the 9.30-9.40 second ET range, at about 145-150mph (235-250kmh). And the Destroyer can’t be considered a tweaked road bike, every part was perfected for the strip by Harley’s Factory race engineers. Anyone inspecting a Destroyer will be impressed by the impeccable design, casting, and machining of every custom piece on the motorcycle.
Its 1300cc Revolution engine had a longer-stroke crankshaft and increased bore, high compression forged pistons and 14:1 compression, larger valves in CNC ported heads, larger throttle bodies, dyno tuned velocity stacks, and high lift cams. Race-only drivetrain changes included a lightened flywheel, multi-stage lock-up clutch, electric-over-pneumatic shifter, chain final drive, three-piece, 2-into-1 ceramic-coated exhaust system, and programmable two-step shift light.
Chassis modifications include a special swingarm with custom rear-axle adjusters, solid rear struts and a wheelie bar with side panels. A friction-type steering damper is standard, and, of course, drag slicks are standard. For the rider, the cockpit includes a mini instrument panel, the shift light, forward race-position risers and a drag handlebar, handlebar controls designed for drag racing, and include an emergency shut-off tether. Rear-set foot-pegs and a brake lever are positioned on the swingarm. The race seat features a high-rise back cushion.
It’s worth noting that not only has Barry raced the Destroyer, the Shark Bike, and many others, he has also been a Nitro Harley rider who still holds a New Zealand record, and has run a best ET in the 7.0-second area. Bring on the next drags season!