It might come as a surprise to some that this sleek, shimmering and sexy Harley Davidson V-Rod is shunned by many die-hard Harley fans.

They'll tell you that its smooth, water-cooled 1131cc, V-twin engine, which will send the £12,995 V-Rod roaring to 100mph as fast as a superbike, isn't hard-edged enough to make it a 'proper' Harley.

They'll also call you a sissy, saying its suspension is too plush and comfy, and that its flowing lines will make you question your sexuality.

But they'd be wrong because the V-Rod is incredible; let all those 'true' Harley owners ride their old iron horses, while the rest of us who appreciate brakes that work and riding around corners without the chassis wobbling like a Hula- Girl's stomach enjoy the V-Rod.

Throw a leg over the fuel tank and sink into the sculptured seat, place feet out in front of you on chopper-style footpegs and hands out to meet swept out bars and it's truly magical.

With the first gear smoothly engaged, twist the throttle and there's not just enough grunt to pull the skin off a rice pudding, it'll turn the bowl over, break the table, and then rip up the kitchen floor. Drill through the gears and you'll power to an un-Harley-like 140mph.

But the V-Rod isn't just about smashing the speed limit on its head. Indeed, when in the slow lane it gives you a chance to admire the Harley's lines; those beautiful low-swept exhausts and solid aluminium wheels make the V-Rod stunning from all angles.

It also handles like a proper bike and stops like one too, not something Harleys are famed for. What is still very Harley-like though is its lack of ground clearance. Lean more than a few degrees and you'll destroy your exhaust, footpegs and boot leather all in one go.

In fact, so what if those Harley boys don't think the Vrod is the real thing, I'd have one in my 'dream garage' any day.