Harley Davidson Destroyer V-Rod Drag Bike. Why? - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

tlwisner · 03-22-2006, 10:33 PM

I read a big article about the new H-D Destroyer, a strictly drag stip only V-Rod with a big wheelie bar that will do sub 10 second 1/4 mile (with a very competent rider) as delivered. They sell for a little over $30,000.

For about 1/3 of that price, you can buy a Gixxer 1000 that will run a slightly faster quarter mile (again, with a very competent rider) as delivered, and has the added features of being street legal and the ability to turn (The H-D has a 7 inch wide flat drag slick).

I don't get it....

**Clint** · 03-22-2006, 10:37 PM

Bragging rights. That's all. Why else would you spend that much to have a bike that only does one thing well?

CManT1914 · 03-22-2006, 10:40 PM

As Clint said, it's bragging rights. It's about having a Harley, and not "some metric bike".

MagnumForce · 03-22-2006, 11:13 PM

I thought it was all about compensating?

GIXXER-Mike · 03-22-2006, 11:17 PM

Is it true that Harley's break down a lot

?

Got a few buddies (A & B) that are always making fun of each other's bike. "A" has a harley & hates sportbikes and "B" is the opposite. Discussions often become heated arguments between the two but no blows are ever thrown, although it heads in that direction sometimes.

FOR EXAMPLE...

B says, "One weekend you ridin' & the next you fixin'. Harley's are wayyy to expensive & break down in a heartbeat. Expensive piece of sh*!.

"

A says, "You always humpin' the tank like a dog in heat. Think you a track star but you don't even know the directions to the nearest track. Can barely find the gas station named Race Track.

"

DrBob · 03-22-2006, 11:24 PM

You answered your own question: it is a drag race only bike. It's only about one thing: getting down the quarter mile as quickly as possible. Street legal bikes can't compete. This bike has proven to be so successful that it has been split off into its own AHDRA class. Over 600 of these bike shave been sold to racers who want to compete in this class.

By the way, the GSXR is NOT faster in the quarter mile. The 165HP Destroyer easily breaks the 9-second barrier as it comes from the factory, and modified versions are already getting close to 8 seconds flat. Now that is FAST!

Comparing the Destroyer and the GSXR-1000 is like comparing a Formula 1 car and a top-fuel dragster: they are two different types of animal.

Shea · 03-22-2006, 11:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrBob

You answered your own question: it is a drag race only bike. It's only about one thing: getting down the quarter mile as quickly as possible. Street legal bikes can't compete. This bike has proven to be so successful that it has been split off into its own AHDRA class. Over 600 of these bike shave been sold to racers who want to compete in this class.

By the way, the GSXR is NOT faster in the quarter mile. The 165HP Destroyer easily breaks the 9-second barrier as it comes from the factory, and modified versions are already getting close to 8 seconds flat. Now that is FAST!

Comparing the Destroyer and the GSXR-1000 is like comparing a Formula 1 car and a top-fuel dragster: they are two different types of animal.

Took the words right out of my mouth. These bikes are capable of even more when you mod them even further. I suppose you (wisner) have never raced before. It's ALOT more than just $30k for a full race bike, especially one that will do 8s.

Think of it this way. Buy your GSXr, modify the rear to support the large tire, change to a drag suspension, modifiy the engine to run race fuel/alcohol, make the changes necessary to compete in the same race class etc and see how much money you spend. It's quite a bit.

These bikes are all about high torque to horsepower ratios in which the GSXr and many other bikes just don't have from the factory.

MagnumForce · 03-23-2006, 12:11 AM

I thought the point of the original post was that while the destroyer was built only for (drag) racing (and a good one at that), the gixxer can be configured for racing with minimal modifications and STILL excel as a street legal machine.

DrBob · 03-23-2006, 12:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EZridr1

I thought the point of the original post was that while the destroyer was built only for (drag) racing (and a good one at that), the gixxer can be configured for racing with minimal modifications and STILL excel as a street legal machine.

That is incorrect. A street-legal machine is not allowed, by rule, to compete in this type of racing. And even if you COULD modified GSXR to get it to run the quarter mile in 8 seconds, it would cost 10s of thousands of dollars, no longer be street legal, and STILL not be allowed to compete head to head with the Harleys, which run in their own 1300CC, 2-cylinder class.

They are completely different types of machines. You might as well compare a frisbee to a banana.

MagnumForce · 03-23-2006, 12:55 AM

I agree with you DrBob and you already proved your own point, but who said anything about taking Joe Blow's bone-stock gixxer and putting it on a drag track? The point I'm trying to make here is that the gixxer can be configured for whatever task you desire, whether it's superbike-style racing, drag racing (maybe possible, funds permitting), or your ordinary daily commuter; take your pick. The destroyer was designed for only one purpose in mind: drag racing. In that respect, the gixxer has the edge on versatility. Yes, they are different machines indeed and comparisons between the two are pointless...

**drgibson** · 03-23-2006, 08:24 AM

Why would someone want a Funny Car? After all it will only go straight real fast.

Dr. Bob I love Drag Racing and maybe some people don't get the concept of just going fast. If you want to do something really well then concentrate on doing that one thing. Show me a bike or car that is designed to do all things and I show you mediocrity. The only way to be competitive in a sport is to focus all your resources in that direction. If you want to Drag Race who cares if the dang thing will turn. As John Force said turning a Funny Car is highly overrated.

Harley realized the potential they hade to take on the Metric's on the Drag Strip and focused on producing a bike that could not only compete but win. Now the sell that bike to those who want to race Drag Bikes. The bike is about racing not riding. Imagine if that Harley is that fast out of the factory just think about what a little tweaking could do.

tlwisner · 03-23-2006, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drgibson

Why would someone want a Funny Car? After all it will only go straight real fast.

The Funny Car is a lot faster than anything you can buy from the Chevy dealer with a license plate attached.

I do understand that this model is very competitive in drag racing classes that were created especially for this model. I'm just flabbergasted that for all of this money and specialization you're getting $10000 sportbike 1/4 mile performance. I've never seen any reports of stock Destroyers going under 9 seconds - generally the bike is billed as a sub 10 second machine and the stats that I have seen (in the very reliable Motorcycle Consumer News) do in fact show the '06 Gixxer 1000 as faster in the 1/4 mile.

OK, even though I did drag race (cars) back in the '70s, I can't say I'm a big drag bike fan. I guess people will buy H-D Destroyers so they can race in classes created for the H-D Destroyer. The bike should be very competitive against itself.

**drgibson** · 03-23-2006, 08:58 AM

Eh its's just like anything else If I want to go fast in the twisties I need to by a GSXR, if I want to cruise buy an M95

, If I want to go straight fast buy something designed to go fast straight.

BTW if it comes with a 7" wide Slick and wheelie bars how is it street legal? Also sub 10 seconds puts in the 9's.

dragbar · 03-23-2006, 09:02 AM

Harley's have pretty much classed themselves for years in drags.

Couple of years ago at the StL AMA drag's did see a few Harley's in the Top Fuel division which was great.

stp1971 · 03-23-2006, 09:03 AM

Luckily I can do them all on the "LC"!!!!! Just Kidding!!!!!

**drgibson** · 03-23-2006, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stp1971

Luckily I can do them all on the "LC"!!!!! Just Kidding!!!!!

You mean the one in the shop?

stp1971 · 03-23-2006, 09:33 AM

that be the one,,

.

**intimid8er** · 03-23-2006, 09:43 AM

Check this link out.

Journalists hitting 9.5's on the damn thing during a press rollout!

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/Articl...ID=2693&Page=1

**drgibson** · 03-23-2006, 10:05 AM

Lucky stiff.

Colorado Cajun · 03-23-2006, 10:05 AM

You ask why HD would sell such a bike? I believe it is for those folks like Jay Leno who has more money then he knows what to do with, and collects such type bikes.

03-22-2006, 10:33 PM	#1 (permalink)
tlwisner Throttle Jockey Joined: Apr 2004 Bike: '05 Boulevard C50 Location: Central Kentucky Posts: 3,208	Harley Davidson Destroyer V-Rod Drag Bike. Why? I read a big article about the new H-D Destroyer, a strictly drag stip only V-Rod with a big wheelie bar that will do sub 10 second 1/4 mile (with a very competent rider) as delivered. They sell for a little over $30,000. For about 1/3 of that price, you can buy a Gixxer 1000 that will run a slightly faster quarter mile (again, with a very competent rider) as delivered, and has the added features of being street legal and the ability to turn (The H-D has a 7 inch wide flat drag slick). I don't get it.... __________________ Tim Wisner AMA, SCRC Happiness is something we create

03-22-2006, 10:40 PM	#3 (permalink)
CManT1914 Fourth gear and illegal Joined: Aug 2005 Bike: 2003 Suzuki GSX-R600 Location: Killeen, Texas Posts: 745	As Clint said, it's bragging rights. It's about having a Harley, and not "some metric bike". __________________ Chris 2003 Suzuki GSX-R600 \| 2001 Suzuki GZ250 SOLD \| 1994 Ford Mustang GT SOLD

03-22-2006, 11:13 PM	#4 (permalink)
MagnumForce Throttle Jockey Joined: May 2005 Bike: 05 M50, 06 CBR600F4i Location: Sitting on the can... duh! Posts: 3,160	I thought it was all about compensating? __________________ "I love the smell of toner in the morning… it's the smell of victory!" MAJ M, Staff Officer

03-22-2006, 11:17 PM	#5 (permalink)
GIXXER-Mike U.B's LoveChild Joined: Aug 2004 Bike: 2004 GSX-R600 (Blue/White) Location: ALABAMA Posts: 1,113	Is it true that Harley's break down a lot ? Got a few buddies (A & B) that are always making fun of each other's bike. "A" has a harley & hates sportbikes and "B" is the opposite. Discussions often become heated arguments between the two but no blows are ever thrown, although it heads in that direction sometimes. FOR EXAMPLE... B says, "One weekend you ridin' & the next you fixin'. Harley's are wayyy to expensive & break down in a heartbeat. Expensive piece of sh!. " A says, "You always humpin' the tank like a dog in heat. Think you a track star but you don't even know the directions to the nearest track. Can barely find the gas station named Race Track. " __________________ "I'm here to fight for truth, and justice, and the American way."*

03-22-2006, 11:24 PM	#6 (permalink)
DrBob In The Zone Joined: May 2004 Bike: several Location: Decatur, GA Posts: 2,764	You answered your own question: it is a drag race only bike. It's only about one thing: getting down the quarter mile as quickly as possible. Street legal bikes can't compete. This bike has proven to be so successful that it has been split off into its own AHDRA class. Over 600 of these bike shave been sold to racers who want to compete in this class. By the way, the GSXR is NOT faster in the quarter mile. The 165HP Destroyer easily breaks the 9-second barrier as it comes from the factory, and modified versions are already getting close to 8 seconds flat. Now that is FAST! Comparing the Destroyer and the GSXR-1000 is like comparing a Formula 1 car and a top-fuel dragster: they are two different types of animal. __________________ Dream like you'll live forever, live like you'll die tomorrow. You MUST obey the pug dog! Last edited by DrBob; 03-22-2006 at 11:27 PM.

03-23-2006, 12:11 AM	#8 (permalink)
MagnumForce Throttle Jockey Joined: May 2005 Bike: 05 M50, 06 CBR600F4i Location: Sitting on the can... duh! Posts: 3,160	I thought the point of the original post was that while the destroyer was built only for (drag) racing (and a good one at that), the gixxer can be configured for racing with minimal modifications and STILL excel as a street legal machine. __________________ "I love the smell of toner in the morning… it's the smell of victory!" MAJ M, Staff Officer

03-23-2006, 12:55 AM	#10 (permalink)
MagnumForce Throttle Jockey Joined: May 2005 Bike: 05 M50, 06 CBR600F4i Location: Sitting on the can... duh! Posts: 3,160	I agree with you DrBob and you already proved your own point, but who said anything about taking Joe Blow's bone-stock gixxer and putting it on a drag track? The point I'm trying to make here is that the gixxer can be configured for whatever task you desire, whether it's superbike-style racing, drag racing (maybe possible, funds permitting), or your ordinary daily commuter; take your pick. The destroyer was designed for only one purpose in mind: drag racing. In that respect, the gixxer has the edge on versatility. Yes, they are different machines indeed and comparisons between the two are pointless... __________________ "I love the smell of toner in the morning… it's the smell of victory!" MAJ M, Staff Officer

03-23-2006, 08:24 AM	#11 (permalink)
drgibson Antebellum Mod Joined: Jul 2005 Bike: 2008 Kawasaki KLR 650 Location: Dallas, Texas Directly above the center of the earth. Posts: 10,742	Why would someone want a Funny Car? After all it will only go straight real fast. Dr. Bob I love Drag Racing and maybe some people don't get the concept of just going fast. If you want to do something really well then concentrate on doing that one thing. Show me a bike or car that is designed to do all things and I show you mediocrity. The only way to be competitive in a sport is to focus all your resources in that direction. If you want to Drag Race who cares if the dang thing will turn. As John Force said turning a Funny Car is highly overrated. Harley realized the potential they hade to take on the Metric's on the Drag Strip and focused on producing a bike that could not only compete but win. Now the sell that bike to those who want to race Drag Bikes. The bike is about racing not riding. Imagine if that Harley is that fast out of the factory just think about what a little tweaking could do. __________________ “Please Remember to Kazoo Responsibly.”

03-23-2006, 08:58 AM	#13 (permalink)
drgibson Antebellum Mod Joined: Jul 2005 Bike: 2008 Kawasaki KLR 650 Location: Dallas, Texas Directly above the center of the earth. Posts: 10,742	Eh its's just like anything else If I want to go fast in the twisties I need to by a GSXR, if I want to cruise buy an M95 , If I want to go straight fast buy something designed to go fast straight. BTW if it comes with a 7" wide Slick and wheelie bars how is it street legal? Also sub 10 seconds puts in the 9's. __________________ “Please Remember to Kazoo Responsibly.”

03-23-2006, 09:02 AM	#14 (permalink)
dragbar Fifth gear streak Joined: May 2005 Bike: M50 Location: SE Missouri Posts: 1,375	Harley's have pretty much classed themselves for years in drags. Couple of years ago at the StL AMA drag's did see a few Harley's in the Top Fuel division which was great. __________________ I ate Chinese last night..........should of seen her struggle when i put her in the van. Доверя́й, но проверя́й.

03-23-2006, 09:03 AM	#15 (permalink)
stp1971 May 2007 Member of the month Joined: Mar 2005 Bike: 2004 Suzuki Intruder 1500LC / 2005 Suzuki DL650 V-Strom Location: Douglasville, Georgia Posts: 7,833	Luckily I can do them all on the "LC"!!!!! Just Kidding!!!!! __________________ Biketoberfest 2006 flashback courtesy of Intimid8er: "Like you knew damn well you shouldn't eat something like that, but all be damned to hell, you were gonna eat it!" __________________

03-23-2006, 09:33 AM	#17 (permalink)
stp1971 May 2007 Member of the month Joined: Mar 2005 Bike: 2004 Suzuki Intruder 1500LC / 2005 Suzuki DL650 V-Strom Location: Douglasville, Georgia Posts: 7,833	that be the one,,. __________________ Biketoberfest 2006 flashback courtesy of Intimid8er: "Like you knew damn well you shouldn't eat something like that, but all be damned to hell, you were gonna eat it!" __________________

03-23-2006, 09:43 AM	#18 (permalink)
intimid8er It's A Conspiracy Joined: May 2005 Bike: '06 XB12X Location: 30 41'47.99" N 83 11'26.54" W Hold My Beer Posts: 10,091	Check this link out. Journalists hitting 9.5's on the damn thing during a press rollout! http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/Articl...ID=2693&Page=1 __________________ Song Pick of the Week 12/03 Booker T and the MG's - Green Onions Bonus for Buster The Airborne Toxic Event - Sometime Around Midnight I had no idea 20% ABV beer could get me drunk so fast!

03-23-2006, 10:05 AM	#19 (permalink)
drgibson Antebellum Mod Joined: Jul 2005 Bike: 2008 Kawasaki KLR 650 Location: Dallas, Texas Directly above the center of the earth. Posts: 10,742	Lucky stiff. __________________ “Please Remember to Kazoo Responsibly.”

03-23-2006, 10:05 AM	#20 (permalink)
Colorado Cajun Sprocket Pilot Joined: Nov 2005 Bike: 2006 C50 Silver and Gray Location: Colorado Springs, CO Posts: 851	Why? You ask why HD would sell such a bike? I believe it is for those folks like Jay Leno who has more money then he knows what to do with, and collects such type bikes. __________________ 2006 C50 Silver and gray, Cobra Tall Sissy Bar, K&N Air filter, Suzuki bags, Custom Driver's Back Rest, Memphis Fats 19" windshield with lowers, added a 2nd horn, Power Commander PC3 USB, and Cobra Freeway bars. Mitch

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