Now here's something a bit special. Unveiled amid much secrecy in California last week, our American spies have hooked us up with this pic of the 2002 Harley-Davidson V-Rod.

That engine is based on the firm's VR1000 racebike engine, and puts out a very healthy 115bhp and 72lbsft of torque. Water-cooled, fuel-injected, twin cams, it's a very well-put-together package.

The chassis is special too. That sinous frame is produced using a hydro-forming technique, as are the swooping exhaust silencers. The front end is kicked out to thirty-eight degrees of rake, and the solid aluminium disc wheels wear sporty Dunlop rubber.

It's still heavy though - over 270kg. And it looks like its long, low nature will keep it on the highway rather than the twisties. And it won't be cheap either - expect to pay around £15,000 when it hits the UK at the end of the year.

SPECS

Engine:liquid-cooled 8-valve 60° V-twin, 1130cc
Bore & stroke:100 x 72mm
Power:115bhp,8500rpm
Torque:74ft lb,7000rpm
Frame:Steel tube perimeter
Wheelbase:1713mm
Dry weight:270kg