(This is not directed at anyone in particular). I really don't understand what all of the enthusiasm is about for a water cooled engine. Harley debuted the V-Rod and it bombed. A water cooled tourer might do better, I'm not sure. There are plenty of water cooled bikes available if somebody wants one.
It DIDN'T flop. Consider these points:
It is as successful as almost all the other lines.
It is one of the most reliable engine platforms out there. You don't read about a lot of issues with these motors even after twelve years.
The performance is teriffic. There are many Destroyers in competition that see the low to mid nines regularly. And if you want to you can turbo or nitrous the street and competition models to go even faster/quicker.
Currently 14 model year old bikes are getting 35 - 45% of their original selling price.
There is a huge ownership/following. Over 47,700 registered members on a V-Rod specific site alone.
For many it is a 2nd bike.
FWIW: DISCLOSURE: Yes I owned 2 V-Rods 1 street version with a highly modified motor and one competition model (Destroyer) I also owned a couple of Street Glides at the same time.
Regards
Jerry