Victory Motorcycles defeated
Polaris Industries has axed its Victory brand. Thanks for the wild styling and great rides, says
quick-dismounting panniers that pillions can access on the move, etc. The $30,995 Magnum might look like one of those highly-impractical custom motorcycles upon first encounter, but you’ll soon discover the well-sorted touring bike beneath the disguise.’’
Victory Vision Tour Arlen Ness Signature Series, tested 2010, priced $42,000
Engine: 1731cc air-cooled fuelinjected V-twin, 69kw (92bhp) at 3000rpm, 148Nm at 2500rpm.
Hot: One of just 150 Nessautographed Visions to be offered to the world.
Not: No reverse gear on a bike this heavy.
‘‘The quelling of the V-twin’s vibes is but one attribute of the Vision’s revolutionary threepiece chassis, which is close in concept to that of a Britten superbike’s, and also uses the V-twin engine as a stressed member. Getting rid of the usual tubular cradle frame has resulted in several gains – the aforementioned low seat height allied to generous ground clearance, and the ability to sling the air-adjustable rear monoshock beneath the bike where it doesn’t eat into luggage space.’’
Victory Highball, tested 2010, priced $25,995
Engine: 1731cc air-cooled dohc 8v 50-degree V-twin stoked by fuel injection to develop 72kw (98bhp) at 7500rpm and 153Nm of torque at 3000rpm.
Hot: Tasteful retro design creates a people magnet; Victory’s best powertrain; comfy ride.
Not: Ape-hanger handlebars won’t be to everyone’s taste; limited cornering clearance.
‘‘If the Highball looks custommade, it displays none of the dynamic pitfalls that usually come with the territory. Victory’s starting point was the existing chopper-esque Vegas cruiser model, and they reined in the wheelbase of that bike, steepened up the steering geometry, and fitted a fat front tyre mounted on the 16-inch front wheel. The result is a bike that steers and handles much better than its limited footpeg clearance will allow. You feel that the Highball is just getting its groove on as it charges into a turn with some of the sweetest steering in cruiser-bike sector... then the pegs smack noisily into the road.’’