(Photos by Brian Nelson, Robert Pandya and Victory Motorcycles)
You can click on any of the following photos to view them full size and as a slide show.
For 2011, Victory’s slogan “The New American Motorcycle,” has been dropped in favor of a more dynamic and evocative: “Fuel It,” clearly demonstrating that Victory knows it’s time to finally shake that newcomer label off. After all, the Minnesota-based marque has been designing from the ground up, manufacturing and introducing its very own motorcycles on a regular basis since 1998.
To show off its new line to the print and internet press, Victory had chosen a killer venue: Gateway Canyons Resort and Auto Museum, http://www.GatewayCanyons.com/ in Colorado. Yours truly and a gaggle of moto journalists had a chance to throw a leg over just about every model in the Victory line, taking them through miles of semi-deserted and breathtaking canyon roads that surround the area.
A number of us also took advantage of Victory’s offer to take touring bikes on a long-range adventure. The exciting and eventful two-day trek would have us travel around 800 miles through Colorado and Wyoming, ending up in Sturgis, SD for the Rally. I took this opportunity to revisit the Victory Cross Country, a model we particularly liked last year, and see how it may have improved since then. We will publish the road test very soon on Bikernet, so stay tuned.
If no clean-sheet model is launched for 2011, there are however many significant changes taking place across the entire Victory range. Let’s have look at them.
More Power, More Grunt!
The big news comes from the engineering department, as Victory is ditching the 100-inch V-twin and 5-speed transmission. Instead, all motorcycles are now powered by the Freedom 106-inch V-twin and a redesigned 6-speed transmission. This means that the 8-Ball models get to roll with the 106/6 rig. Can you say value?
Victory offers two versions of the Freedom 106/6 engine now. The Freedom 106/6 Stage 2 V-Twin has a special Stage 2 cam package and unleashes 97 horsepower and 113 ft.-lb. of torque. This engine powers all cruiser models, including the three 8-Ball cruisers, the Vegas Jackpot, the Hammer, Hammer S, the Vegas, the Kingpin, Hammer 8-Ball, Vegas 8-Ball and Kingpin 8-Ball and the Zach Ness Signature Series Vegas 8-Ball.
Next is the The Freedom 106/6 Stage 1 V-Twin. It puts out 92 horsepower and 109 ft.-lb. of torque and powers all 2011 touring models. This includes the Vision Tour, Cross Country, Cross Roads, Cory Ness Signature Series Cross Country, Arlen Ness Signature Series and Vision Tour.
A Smoother, Quieter Driveline
The now-standard 6-speed Victory gearbox has received an overhaul, reporting for duty with 40 percent of its components entirely reworked. If the transmission’s general layout remains more or less the same, notable changes have been made from within, including new gear tooth counts, larger bearings, increased gear width on the 6th gear, and the use of a helical common gear set for 1st, 4th and 6th gears. Work has been done on the primary gears as well, with the use of updated tooth geometry for quiet operation.
According to Victory the combination of all these internal changes result in a 66 percent reduction in driveline backlash and up to 10 dBA less gear noise. As a bonus, the Victory engineers were able to increase the sound output of the stock mufflers, so you have a better aural riding experience.
Another notable addition to this list of driveline improvements is the neutral assist that’s been added to the mainshaft design. It prevents missed neutrals when stopped, and eliminates the degradation of neutral finding as the clutch wears and the oil gets close to needing a change. Transmission gear durability was also on Victory’s mind as the gearboxes are now covered by a 100,000-mile warranty. And maintenance intervals have been extended from 3,000 miles to 5,000 miles, which should come as a relief for people who put miles on their Victory.
Put Yer Junk In Da Trunk
A quick-release trunk is now available for both the Cross Roads and Cross Country. The trunk may look streamlined but it has a gargantuan capacity, allowing for storage of two full-face helmets. The trunk lid seals securely, is lockable and provides the bike with a high-mounted taillight. It’s a great addition to these bikes and takes them up one notch into the realm of long-range touring machines.
Chassis Updates
For 2011, a variety of chassis updates are on the table: all brake calipers, lower belt guards, floorboards and rotors are now black. Fork clamps for all cruisers and Cross Roads become black, while the Jackpot keeps chromed clamps and Cross Roads remains brushed/clear.
All models get a new speedometer featuring a large LCD display with clock viewable at all times, a tachometer, diagnostic readout, a visible fuel gauge (on Cross Roads only,) and a gear indicator. It activates and tells you which gear you have engaged upon releasing the clutch. Nifty when you have 6 gears to choose from these days!
The Hammer and Hammer S come with a separate analog tachometer, and all Kingpins have pull-back driver floorboard mounts for improved riding comfort.
Lastly, a new side-stand is used on all models; it has a built-in hook for easier access.
The Cross Roads CORE Custom Program
Traditionally, the only way a rider got a customized bike from a manufacturer is through a custom order program. Victory is taking this idea further by letting a rider customize a new bike, see how the selected components look on the bike, and take it home right away! With the Victory Cross Roads CORE Custom Program, you select the bike color, saddlebag style and highway bar style, and add a windshield, if desired. There are 48 different possible combinations, and a display at Victory Dealerships will allow riders to see how their selections look – on an actual motorcycle in the showroom!
ABS Standard On Victory Vision
The Victory Vision wasn’t left alone for 2011 and comes with a number of improvements including a standard Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) on the Vision Tour and Arlen Ness Signature Series Victory Vision. There are also new tubular handlebars that offer easy steering control and can accept mounts and clamps for accessories such as cup holder and electronics. The dampers have been removed from the side storage compartment covers for easier opening and passenger handholds have a black, textured finish for durability and improved grip. Redesigned exhaust tips now resemble those of the Victory Cross Country.
Looking at the comprehensive line of motorcycles that Victory has been developing over more than a decade now, we can see that this American manufacturer has vision, purpose and the ability to deliver a relevant and competitive product, even in our fragile economy. I will leave you with this with: how cool would it be it Victory went after an even younger crowd next year. What if they enlisted the help of, say Roland Sands, having him put his brand on a de-raked Vegas featuring adjustable inverted front end, big brakes, cartridge rear shock and a high, bobbed tail?
More information that we have space to print here is available on the Victory website, so feel free to pay them a visit by clicking on the banner below and get to know a Victory dealer near you.
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