Victory Motorcycles?qsrc=3044

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Victory Motorcycles

Type	Subsidiary
Industry	Motorcycle
Founded	1997
Headquarters	Medina, Minnesota, USA
Parent	Polaris Industries
Website	www.victorymotorcycles.com

Victory Motorcycles is a motorcycle manufacturer based in Minnesota, United States, which began production of its vehicles in 1998. Its parent company, Polaris Industries, created the firm following the modern success of Harley-Davidson. Victory's motorcycles are designed to compete directly with Harley and similar American-style motorcycle brands, with V-twin engines and touring, sport-touring, and cruiser configurations. The first Victory, the V92C, was announced in 1997 and began selling in 1998. Victory has been modestly profitable since 2002.^[1]

Background

Polaris, a Minnesota company with sales of approximately $1.8 billion per year, was one of the earliest manufacturers of snowmobiles. Polaris also manufactures ATVs and, until recently, personal watercraft. Seeking to diversify its product line, and observing the sales enjoyed by Harley-Davidson and other manufacturers, the company decided to produce a large motorcycle built entirely in the United States.^[2]

Victory vehicles follow the larger (and louder) American style of motorcycle defined by Harley-Davidson, rather than the more racing-inspired designs of Japanese manufacturers such as Yamaha and Kawasaki Heavy Industries, or the smaller European styles of Triumph Motorcycles and BMW.

In 2010 Polaris engaged in a major expansion of production and marketing of the motorcycle.

Models

V92C

The first model, the V92C, was debuted at Planet Hollywood in the Mall of America by Al Unser in 1997. Production began in late 1998, and the first official model year was 1999. At 92 cubic inches (1,510 cc) the V92C was the largest production engine available at the time, and sparked a race among motorcycle manufacturers to build bigger and bigger engines. All components were manufactured in Minnesota and Iowa, except the Italian Brembo brakes and the British-made electronic fuel injection system. Victory engines debuted with five-speed transmissions (later six), single overhead cams, dual connecting rods, hydraulic lifters, and fuel injection; most fuel-injection components are standard GM parts. The V92C engine was designed to be easily tuned by the owner.

The 92 cubic inch Victory engine carries 6 US qt (5.7 L) of oil in the sump, about the same as most automobiles. This makes it unlikely the engine will be damaged by low oil, but also makes it dimensionally larger than other motorcycle engines, such as Harley-Davidson, which carry oil in tanks. The sheer volume of oil can also impede engine performance in a racing environment. Top speed is about 120 mph (190 km/h) at 5,500 rpm; the ECM contains a rev limiter which can be overridden by reprogramming the EPROM. The Victory engine is air-cooled, and also circulates crankcase oil through a cooler mounted between the front frame downtubes. A section of the rear swingarm can be removed to change the drive belt or the rear wheel.

The motorcycle's designers had approached several European manufacturers, particularly Cosworth, about designing and producing the engine, but ultimately decided to design and build it in Osceola, Wisconsin. Several variations on engine-frame geometry were tried until the best configuration was found, with the crankshaft geometrically aligned with the axles, a concept developed by Vincent Racing in the late 1950s. The V92C weighed about the same as a Harley, approximately 650 pounds (290 kg). The original V92C engine produced about 55 horsepower (41 kW) at the wheel; with high-performance cams and pistons, this could be boosted to 83 hp (62 kW) and torque of 86 ft·lbf (117 N·m).

1999 Victory motorcycles were priced at approximately $12,000, somewhat less than the comparable Harley-Davidson, but considerably more than comparable Japanese bikes. Reviewers did not find the V92C, with its functional styling and square cylinders, particularly attractive. One magazine said it "looked like a self-propelled compressor."^{[citation needed]}

In its advertising Polaris emphasized the bike's American manufacture, not its performance, which was surprisingly nimble for such a large motorcycle. Many buyers wondered whether Victory would survive, and adopted a "wait-and-see" attitude. Excelsior-Henderson had recently gone into bankruptcy, but there remained stiff competition from Harley and other manufacturers, such as Titan, which produced expensive cruisers based on the Harley design, using S&S engines. Indian Motorcycles of Gilroy, CA were also selling well using modified S&S engines. Japanese producers, Yamaha in particular, soon began producing comparable motorcycles at much-lower prices, and Harley-Davidson introduced the V-Rod.

Victory had a distinct advantage over Titan, Indian and Excelsior-Henderson: its parent company, Polaris, had deep pockets and long experience in manufacturing recreational vehicles. Polaris hoped to tap into the Harley market but was aware Victory's sales might remain flat no matter how many they made. There were rarely more than 25 on the payroll, and initial production runs were about 2,500 units a year.

Both Indian and Excelsior-Henderson built new factories based on unrealistic sales projections (Excelsior-Henderson tooled up to produce 20,000 motorcycles per year), and ultimately went into bankruptcy.

Dealers came and went because the Victory alone could not support a dealership. The engine covers were sandcastings, and chrome tended to flake off.

In 2002, the Freedom Engine was introduced. It had the same dimensions as the old engine but better power output, and with rounded cylinders and smaller oil cooler it was much more attractive visually. The V92C became known as the Classic Cruiser, and was phased out of the model lineup after the 2003 model year, but remains a favorite with Victory riders. There was also a Special Edition version featuring special upgrades in 2000 and 2001 model years, and Deluxe models for several years.

V92SC SportCruiser

Offered in 2000 and 2001, the V92SC SportCruiser offered higher ground clearance, adjustable via a simple 2-position bolt setup on the frame under the seat. It met a weaker than expected market, and did not sell well.

V92TC Touring Cruiser

Offered from 2002 through 2006, the TC featured a longer swingarm, re-designed seats, and the new Freedom Engine. The relatively tall seat height and roomy ergonomics made the bike ideal for larger riders. The Freedom Engine displaced 92 cubic inches (1,510 cc), but put out significantly more power and torque than the original engine. The 2002 model and later TC also accepted the 100 cubic inches (1,600 cc) big-bore kit, which increased torque further with the addition of upgraded exhaust. Later models featured rubber mounted handlebars and revised suspension settings. Deluxe versions (V92TCD) were also available with extra features popular at the time. With the deletion of the Touring Cruiser at the end of the 2006 model year, the last of the original V92 motorcycles was retired from the lineup.

Vegas

In 2003, Victory introduced the Vegas, a more visually attractive motorcycle than its predecessors. The Vegas' styling guidelines came from Arlen and Cory Ness, noted custom bike builders, and offered a totally new chassis design. The Freedom engine carried forward from the TC, but the rest of the bike incorporated new features. The Vegas debuted with the 92 cubic-inch engine and 5-speed transmission, but was upgraded to a 100 cubic inches (1,600 cc) engine and 6-speed transmission for the 2006 model year. The Vegas Low has a 1 in (25 mm) lower seat, repositioned foot pegs, and handlebars 2 in (51 mm) further back than the regular Vegas model.^[3]\

The Vegas is considered part of Victory's Custom Cruisers.^[4]

2010 Vegas Specs

100ci/1634cc engine produces 85 HP and 106 ft-lbs of torque

Engine: 4-stroke 50° V-Twin

Fuel capacity: 4.5 gals

Fuel System: Electronic fuel injection with dual 45mm throttle body

Primary Drive: Gear drive with torque compensator

Transmission: 5-speed constant mesh

Final Drive: Carbon Fiber Reinforced Belt^[5]

Vegas 8-Ball

The Vegas 8-Ball was powdercoated in black where the Vegas had been chromed. It debuted with the 92 cubic inches (1,510 cc) engine, and was upgraded to 100 cubic inches (1,600 cc) in 2006.

The Vegas 8-Ball is considered part of Victory's 8-Ball Cruisers.^[6]

2010 Vegas 8-Ball Specs

100ci/1634cc engine produces 85HP and 106ft-lbs of torque

Engine: 4-stroke 50° V-Twin

Fuel capacity: 4.5 gals

Fuel System: Electronic Fuel Injection with dual 45mm throttle body

Primary Drive: Gear drive with torque compensator

Transmission: 6-speed constant mesh

Final Drive: Carbon Fiber Reinforced Belt^[7]

Kingpin/Kingpin Deluxe/Kingpin Tour

Following on the success of the Vegas, the Kingpin was released in 2004. Victory took advantage of the greater tuning capacity of cartridge forks, and revised both front and rear spring rates and damping to improve ride quality. The Kingpin Deluxe added luxury items to attract riders looking for more comfort. The Kingpin and Kingpin Deluxe began with the 92 cubic inches (1,510 cc) engine and 5-speed transmission, but were upgraded to the 100 cubic inches (1,600 cc) engine and 6-speed transmission for the 2006 model year. For 2007 the Kingpin Tour was added, which was a Deluxe outfitted with an integrated tour pack or trunk. The Kingpin Tour was added when the Touring Cruiser was dropped.

The Kingpin is considered part of Victory's Custom Cruisers.^[8]

2010 Kingpin Specs

100ci/1634cc engine produces 85HP and 106ft-lbs of torque

Engine: 4-stroke 50° V-Twin

Fuel capacity: 5.8 gals | Fuel Capacity on 8-Ball: 4.5 gals

Fuel System: Electronic Fuel Injection with dual 45mm throttle body

Primary Drive: Gear drive with torque compensator

Transmission: 6-speed constant mesh

Final Drive: Carbon Fiber Reinforced Belt

Kingpin 8-Ball

The Kingpin 8-Ball is based upon the Kingpin platform, and like the Vegas 8-Ball is black, with black highlights in place of the chrome highlights of the standard Kingpin Model. It carries the 100 cubic inches (1,600 cc) motor, and has a 5 speed gearbox. It is considered to be a "blank canvas" and thus is popular with motorcycle customizers.

The Kingpin 8-Ball is considered part of Victory's 8-Ball Cruisers.^[9]

2010 Kingpin 8-Ball Specs

100ci/1634cc engine produces 85HP and 106ft-lbs of torque

Engine: 4-stroke 50° V-Twin

Fuel capacity:4.5 gals

Fuel System: Electronic Fuel Injection with dual 45mm throttle body

Primary Drive: Gear drive with torque compensator

Transmission: 5-speed constant mesh

Final Drive: Carbon Fiber Reinforced Belt^[10]

Hammer

The Hammer, introduced in 2005The Hammer is considered part of Victory's Muscle Cruisers.^[11]

2010 Hammer/Hammer Sl Specs

106ci/1731cc engine produces 97HP and 113ft-lbs of torque

Engine: 4-stroke 50° V-Twin

Fuel capacity: 4.5 gals

Fuel System: Electronic Fuel Injection with dual 45mm throttle body

Primary Drive: Gear drive with torque compensator

Transmission: 6-speed constant mesh

Final Drive: Carbon Fiber Reinforced Belt

Hammer 8-Ball

In 2010, Victory released the Hammer 8-ball. With a lowered seat and smaller engine the bike is marketed as a cheaper and less loaded alternative to the Hammer and the Hammer S. It is one of the few bikes in Victory's lineup that remains a 5-speed.^[12]

The Hammer 8-Ball is considered part of Victory's 8-Ball Cruisers.^[13]

2010 Hammer 8-Ball Specs

100ci/1634cc engine produces 85HP and 106ft-lbs of torque

Engine: 4-stroke 50° V-Twin

Fuel capacity: 4.5 gals

Fuel System: Electronic Fuel Injection with dual 45mm throttle body

Primary Drive: Gear drive with torque compensator

Transmission: 5-speed constant mesh

Final Drive: Carbon Fiber Reinforced Belt

Vegas Jackpot

Debuting in 2006, the Jackpot is, in Victory's own words, an "extreme custom." It features the 100 cubic inches (1,600 cc) (later bikes feature the 106 cuin)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.^[14]

The Vegas Jackpot is considered part of Victory's Muscle Cruisers.^[15]

2010 Vegas Jackpot Specs

106ci/1731cc engine produces 97HP and 113ft-lbs of torque

Engine: 4-stroke 50° V-Twin

Fuel capacity: 4.5 gals

Fuel System: Electronic Fuel Injection with dual 45mm throttle body

Primary Drive: Gear drive with torque compensator

Transmission: 5-speed constant mesh

Final Drive: Carbon Fiber Reinforced Belt^[16]

Ness Signature Series

Motorcycle customizer Arlen Ness and his son Cory Ness teamed with Victory in 2003 to create a limited-edition model based on the Vegas. The bikes they developed used many Ness aftermarket billet aluminum accessories, custom paint schemes and their signatures on the side panels. In 2005, they added the Kingpin to the lineup. In 2006, the Jackpot was the basis for the Ness Signature Series. It featured 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. For 2007, the Ness Signature Series is based on the Jackpot.

In 2010 Arlen Ness and Cory Ness created two more limited-edition Victorys; The Arlen Ness Vision and the Cory Ness Jackpot.^[17] Created as limited editions the bikes have custom paint & wheels, Ness chrome, diamon-cut engine heads, and are numbered and signed.^[18] Aside from the custom work the two bikes have the same specs as their non-limited edition cousins.

Vision Street and Vision Tour

Introduced in February 2007 as an addition to the 2008 lineup, the Vision is a touring configuration. It comes in two versions, the Street, which includes a full fairing and hard saddlebags; and the Tour, which also has a hard trunk. The Vision offers a low seat height and a wide range of luxury electronics.^[19] In 2010 Victory changed the Street version to an 8-Ball.^[20]

2010 Vision Specs

106ci/1731cc engine produces 92 HP and 109 ft-lbs of torque

Engine: 4-stroke 50° V-Twin

Fuel capacity: 6 gals

Fuel System: Electronic Fuel Injection with dual 45mm throttle body

Primary Drive: Gear drive with torque compensator

Transmission: 6-speed constant mesh

Final Drive: Carbon Fiber Reinforced Belt

Vision 8-Ball

The Kingpin 8-Ball is considered part of Victory's 8-Ball Cruisers.^[21]

2010 Vision 8-Ball Specs

106ci/1731cc engine produces 92HP and 109ft-lbs of torque

Engine: 4-stroke 50° V-Twin

Fuel capacity: 6 gals

Fuel System: Electronic Fuel Injection with dual 45mm throttle body

Primary Drive: Gear drive with torque compensator

Transmission: 6-speed constant mesh

Final Drive: Carbon Fiber Reinforced Belt

Cross Country

New for 2010, the Victory Cross Country Motorcycle is a hard-bagger cruiser with a handlebar mounted fairing. It has a Freedom V-Twin Engine, 21 gallons of cargo capacity, 4.7 inches of suspension travel, floorboards, cruise control and an MP3-compatible sound system.^[22]

Specs

106ci/1731cc engine produces 92HP and 109ft-lbs of torque

Engine: 4-stroke 50° V-Twin

Fuel capacity: 5.8 gals

Fuel System: Electronic Fuel Injection with dual 45mm throttle body

Primary Drive: Gear drive with torque compensator

Transmission: 6-speed constant mesh

Final Drive: Carbon Fiber Reinforced Belt^[23]

CrossRoads

New for 2010, the Victory Cross Roads® Motorcycle, had the most horsepower and cargo capacity in its class. Its 106-cubic-inch Freedom® V-Twin Engine and 21 gallons of cargo capacity, cruiser styling, comfortable seating, a wind-blocking windshield - were designed to give the rider "an appetite for the open road."^[24]

Specs

106ci/1731cc engine produces 92HP and 109ft-lbs of torque

Engine: 4-stroke 50° V-Twin

Fuel capacity: 5.8 gals

Fuel System: Electronic Fuel Injection with dual 45mm throttle body

Primary Drive: Gear drive with torque compensator

Transmission: 6-speed constant mesh

Final Drive: Carbon Fiber Reinforced Belt^[25]

8-Ball versions

There are four bikes that come in 8-Ball versions: Hammer, Vegas, Kingpin, and the Vision. 8-Balls come in one color and have a cheaper retail price tag. The bikes are basically the same as their counterparts but generally come with less add-ons. Example: The Vision 8-Ball does not come with the passenger backrest/trunk.^[26] The 8-Ball versions of the bikes are also lower or have a lower seat.

Marketing contest

In 2010 Victory marketing manager Josh Kurcinka announced a contest in which ten people won a lease on one of the two new Victory touring bikes: Cross Country or Cross Roads. The entrants had submitted a 90-second video explaining why they deserved a lease on a new bike and what they had planned for the summer. Contestants were asked to outline four different and doable road trips. Victory judged the entries based on plausibility of trips, content and originality. Submissions were taken online and at Industry Trade Shows like the New York International Motorcycle Show. Beginning in May 2010, winning riders began taking a series of road trips each month through August 2010 from two to five days each. Riders documented their experiences through blogs, videos and photos sharing both their reviews of the bikes and the sites they visit along the way.^[27][28]

Owners' clubs

The Victory Motorcycle Club is an independent, not-for-profit group of Victory motorcycle owners and enthusiasts that began in 1998 as a Yahoo online chat site by several owners of Victory Motorcycles. The club has grown from a small group of enthusiasts to an international club with more than 2,700 paid members and 11,000 guests in the United States, Canada, Great Britain and Germany. As of July 2010^[update] there are 61 local chapters.^[29]

References

External links

• Victory Motorcycles official site