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Victory Motorcycles is an American motorcycle manufacturer based in Minnesota. Victory motorcycles is a subsidiary of Polaris Industries. The first Victory debuted in 1997 and production started 1998. Victory makes tourers, sport-tourers and cruisers.
V92C The V92C was the first model, debuted at Planet Hollywood in the Mall of America by Al Unser in 1997. This motorcycle won "Cruiser of the Year" from Cycle World Magazine in 1998. However, the first official model year was 1999. Cycle World's enthusiasm for the bike can be attributed to enthusiasm over the launch of the first all-new American motorcycle in many years. The V92C was phased out of the model lineup after the 2003 model year, and was known as the Classic Cruiser before discontinuance. There was also a Special Edition version featuring spoked wheels in the model's early years, and Deluxe models featuring saddlebags, windshields, etc. for several years. V92SC SportCruiser Offered in 2000 and 2001, the SportCruiser featured 17 inch (432 mm) radial-shod wheels, revised ergonomics, chopped fenders, 50 mm conventional forks, and blacked-out components. Early overproduction borne from overenthusiastic projections of demand makes these relatively inexpensive on the used market. Ground clearance was adjustable via a simple 2-position bolt setup on the frame under the seat. Braking and handling are very good for a cruiser. Triple Brembo discs, and 50 mm Marzocchi forks combined with a stiff chassis allow for spirited riding. V92TC Touring Cruiser The TC features locking hard bags, a longer swingarm, comfier seats, and the new Freedom Engine. Offered from 2002 onward, the TC also has a loyal fan-base. The relatively tall seat height and roomy ergonomics make the bike ideal for larger riders. The Freedom engine still displaces 92 cubic inches (1.5 L), but puts out significantly more power and torque. The 2002 and later TC also accepts the 100 cubic inch (1.6 L) big-bore kit, which ups torque to 110 ft·lbf (149 Nm) with the addition of Stage 1 exhaust. Later models feature rubber mounted handlebars and revised suspension settings. It is currently the only bike in Victory's model lineup to use the 92ci engine and 5-speed transmission. There were also Deluxe versions (V92TCD). Vegas Recent magazine articles have described the 2003 Vegas as "The bike that saved Victory." The results speak for themselves; numerous magazine awards transformed Victory from a barely-acknowledged also-ran to a major player in a matter of months. The Vegas incorporated styling guidelines from Arlen and Cory Ness, noted custom bike builders, with a totally new chassis design. The Freedom engine carried forward from the TC, but the rest of the bike incorporates new features not seen on previous Victories. Most notably are: new rear suspension linkage allowing 26.5 inch (673 mm) seat height, totally new bodywork, removable passenger seat that does not touch the rear fender, locking gas cap, warning lights set in the top triple clamp, rubber mounted handlebars, and a revised shifting mechanism. 2004 and later Vegases also offered the option of cast wheels. The Vegas debuted with the 92ci engine and 5-speed transmission, but was upgraded to the 100ci engine and 6-speed transmission for the 2006 model year. Kingpin/Kingpin Deluxe Following on the success of the Vegas, the Kingpin was released in 2004. Major differences include: 18 inch (457 mm) front wheel, larger fenders, larger, more comfortable seat, inverted front forks with cartridge damping, and floorboards. Victory took advantage of the greater tuning capacity of the cartridge forks, and revised both front and rear spring rates and damping to improve ride quality. The Kingpin Deluxe adds a clear windshield and saddlebags to make a very pleasant touring cruiser. The Kingpin and Kingpin Deluxe began with the 92ci engine and 5-speed transmission, but were upgraded to the 100ci engine and 6-speed transmission for the 2006 model year. Hammer Based on the Vegas platform, but engineered for the following features: 250 rear tire custom developed for Victory by Dunlop, 100 cubic inch (1.6 L) engine, 6-speed overdrive transmission, triple Brembo disk brakes. The 250 mm Dunlop rear was the largest production tire at this Time, giving the Hammer a distinctive, custom look. True to its name, this Vegas based "enforcer" commands attention immediately and effectively. Vegas 8-Ball Based on the Vegas platform, the 8-Ball was engineered for a darker look with a blacked-out engine, solo seat, and many blacked-out components. It debuted with the 92ci engine, but was upgraded to 100ci in 2006. It is currently the only 100ci engine in Victory's lineup that still uses the 5-speed transmission. It is also the least expensive model in the Victory lineup. Vegas Jackpot Debuting in 2006, the Jackpot is, in Victory's own words, an "extreme custom." It features the 100ci Freedom V-Twin engine and 6-speed transmission, a 250 mm rear tire, a color-matched frame and extensive custom styling with bold paint schemes. It is designed to be Victory's top of the line custom. Ness Signature Series Famed motorcycle customizer Arlen Ness and his son Cory Ness teamed with Victory in 2004 to create a limited edition model based on the Vegas. The bikes they developed used many Ness aftermarket billet aluminum accessories, as well as custom paint schemes and their signatures on the side panels. In 2005, they added the Kingpin to the lineup. In 2006, the Jackpot is the basis for the Ness Signature Series. It features many chrome accessories, a custom seat built by Danny Gray, custom billet aluminum wheels, and the signatures of Arlen and Cory Ness on the side panels. | ||||||||
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