THE STORY
What This Car Tells Us

V-ROD Custom: Beyond the Limits

Sharp metallic details pierce through the jet-black silhouette. Built on the basis of a 2008 Harley-Davidson VRSCDX, this machine takes the philosophy and technology of V-ROD customization cultivated by BAD LAND to the next level. While its style follows the traditional “HiGH & LOW” concept, it is far more than just an evolution of that style.With the entire frame—from front to rear—fundamentally redesigned, this is BAD LAND’s premier full custom bike, one that has pushed the potential inherent in the V-ROD platform to its absolute limit.

The Stunning Front View Created by the Garter Fork

The first thing that catches the eye is the garters fork, built entirely as a custom piece by BAD LAND. The front section, designed with a mechanical aesthetic, exudes overwhelming presence while giving the entire bike a sleek and powerful silhouette.At the rear, the swingarm has been extended by 50 mm from the stock length. The long wheelbase created by this modification, combined with the low-slung seat line, completes a form that is, quite literally, a true “low and long” design.

Chain Drive That Retains the Original Gear Ratio

However, the true nature of this machine cannot be judged by its appearance alone. The V-ROD is the model in the entire Harley-Davidson lineup that features the longest drive belt. To extend its swingarm by an additional 50 mm, BAD LAND developed a new chain drive mechanism for the secondary drive system.They meticulously analyzed the final reduction ratio, which is determined by the number of teeth on the stock front and rear pulleys and the belt configuration. Based on these figures, they calculated everything from scratch—including the drive sprocket on the transmission side, the driven sprocket on the rear wheel, and even the number of chain links. In this way, they developed a unique chain drive system that accommodates the extended chassis dimensions while maintaining a drive ratio equivalent to that of the stock belt drive.

The Softail mechanism hidden inside the frame

The bold modifications extend to the frame as well. The rear shock—which is typically mounted on the outside of the frame—has been eliminated, and the shock unit has been relocated to the underside of the frame. Visually, the bike has been redesigned in the so-called “Softail” style, reminiscent of a rigid frame with no rear shock.Although the full details cannot be seen in the photo, a unique link-and-angle mechanism is incorporated between the swingarm and the frame. This design ensures maximum travel while maintaining the rear shock’s original range of motion, all while achieving an extremely low ride height.

Low & Long: A Perfect Blend of Form and Function

A seat height set as low as possible.A sleek silhouette that stretches long from front to rear. The striking “low and long” proportions created by the graceful curves of the gusseted fork and the extended rear section. And to make this form a reality, meticulous calculations and mechanisms have been incorporated into parts invisible from the outside. This single machine encapsulates the experience BAD LAND has gained from every V-ROD custom—and indeed, every custom machine—it has ever built.

The Philosophy and Passion of BAD LAND: The Culmination of Their Efforts

It’s not just about changing the shape. It’s about deciphering the existing structure, recalculating it, and reimagining it as a new mechanism. Beauty and function, form and engineering—the BAD LAND is the crystallization of the brand’s philosophy and passion, born from the high-level fusion of all these elements. This bike represents the pinnacle of V-ROD customization, while also pointing toward new possibilities and styles in customization that lie beyond.

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