Renowned Hollywood actor Danny Trejo recently expanded his impressive motorcycle collection by acquiring one of the last few remaining Harley-Davidson V-Rods. This discontinued model marked a bold new direction for Harley when it launched in 2001. Photos captured the exact moment Trejo rode off on his exciting new custom V-Rod built by a European shop.
Trejo took ownership of the V-Rod at the Laughlin River Run bike rally where the previous owner had it on display. Pictures show the “Machete” star looking thrilled while exploring the bike’s unique features and styling. He wasted no time firing up its signature Revolution engine.
This limited-edition V-Rod represents the end of an era for Harley. Its Revolution V-twin engine was the first Harley powerplant with overhead cams and liquid cooling. This engineering broke from rigid Harley traditions, earning the V-Rod the nickname “The Mutant.”
Harley produced various V-Rod models from 2001 to 2017. But few customers adopted Harley’s radically modernized muscle bike. After sluggish sales, Harley finally pulled the plug on the V-Rod family in 2017.
That rarity makes V-Rods hugely desirable for collectors and custom shops today. Trejo’s new V-Rod was customized by the European Deadline Customs workshop. They gave it drag-style handlebars, color-matched wheels and a sporty custom seat.
Photos reveal Trejo grinning while checking out the V-Rod’s custom details. The bike’s streamlined profile and orange/black paint scheme grabbed his attention. Its flattened and stretched fuel tank gives an ultra-clean look.
Trejo had the V-Rod delivered to his East LA shop to display alongside his other collectible bikes. His stable contains over 50 rare and antique motorcycles worth an estimated $2 million.
The V-Rod will likely get plenty of screen time in Trejo media projects. He frequently features his bikes in films, TV shows and his online talk show “Trejo’s Garage.” Trejo loves highlighting unique rides from his personal collection.
This rare late-model V-Rod symbolizes Harley stepping outside their comfort zone. Its high-revving 60-degree V-twin produced previously unthinkable horsepower figures for a Harley. Liquid cooling and 4-valve heads were also radical moves by Harley standards.
However, most Harley die-hards shunned the high-tech V-Rod as an affront to the brand’s traditions. They dismissed it as a stylistic misfire with odd proportions. This resistance ultimately doomed the V-Rod to an early demise.
But some enthusiasts applaud Harley for finally embracing modern technology with the V-Rod family. They represent important milestones that pushed Harley’s engineering capabilities.
Trejo’s V-Rod still wears the signature exposed Revolution engine as a centerpiece. Deadline Customs enhanced performance further with an aftermarket exhaust system and ECU flash tuning.
The V-Rod’s lack of universal appeal makes it more exclusive for collectors like Trejo. Low production numbers toward the end of its run make this example extra rare.
Photos reveal Trejo clearly relishing the V-Rod’s mean, muscular attitude. His collection focuses on bikes with tough, vintage biker style. The V-Rod fits right in with its no-nonsense vibe.
Rather than over-customize his V-Rod, Trejo chose to showcase the iconic Harley model in its purest form. By preserving its stock look, he pays tribute to this pivotal milestone in Harley history.
The V-Rod’s futuristic style stands out even amongst Trejo’s stable of classic cruisers and choppers. Its raked-out stance hints at where Harley design language was heading in the 2000s.
With the V-Rod, Harley made strides in engineering that have since influenced their approach to performance. Owners praise its stability and smooth powerband that opened the doors to a new riding experience.
Trejo has a knack for spotting motorcycles primed to become future classics. His V-Rod will only become more valuable as the last of its breed. Its limited availability guarantees this Mutant will remain in demand.
The Hollywood star’s high-profile purchase shines a fresh spotlight on the V-Rod’s merits. His custom example encapsulates its best attributes, from innovative engineering to menacing looks.
Photos capturing Trejo collected his exciting new V-Rod are a gift to motorcycle fans. They provide a perfect epilogue celebrating Harley’s daring experiment and its potent legacy.
Even two decades later, the V-Rod represents a pivotal chapter of Milwaukee rebellion. Trejo now adds this enduring symbol of American motorcycle ingenuity to his coveted collection.
