VICTORY  MOTORCYCLES  

- BIKE & COMPANY  REVIEW

So, what is this other American made motorcycle? You probably now know about Victory motorcycles. Plus, you're seeing more Victory motorcycles on the road. Sales of Victory motorcycles increased 56 percent during the fourth quarter 2005, as compared to the fourth quarter of 2004. Here in 2008, we expect continued growth. This increase is attributable to improved brand recognition, and the success of the Hammer and Vegas Jackpot models, plus, a more powerful 100 cubic inch engine, a new six speed transmission, and improvements in their dealer network. 2005 Victory motorcycle sales increased 34 percent over 2004, totaling $99.5 million. You may be aware that Victory is part of the Polaris Industries Corporation. With annual sales of $1.8 billion, Polaris designs, engineers, manufactures and markets snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), Victory Motorcycles and the Polaris RANGER for recreational and utility use.

It was in 2003 that Victory motorcycle released what would become a new revolution in the American motorcycles industry. The Victory Vegas. The Vegas was built around the Victory 92 cubic inch 5 speed Freedom engine which boasts approximately 82 horsepower. The Victory Vegas is also revolutionary in that it is a oil cooled engine. Yes, you will no longer have to worry about over heating while sitting in traffic or at a stop light (much like you do if you owned a Harley-Davidson.) With oil cooled, the oil is shared between the engine and the transmission. It takes 6 quarts of AMSOIL V-Twin Synthetic motorcycle oil to fill this particular motorcycle engine, providing reduced wear and smoother shifting.

Victory followed up the 2003 Victory Vegas with something new. Victory enlisted the help of legendary motorcycle builders, Arlen and Cory Ness. Father & son took the Vegas and made a 'Ness Vegas' model for 2004. That same year, Victory also came out with the very cool Victory Kingpin cruiser. Same engine and frame as a Vegas but with a beefier front tire and full dress. An excellent machine with deluxe touring and many chrome upgrades. With the release of these bikes and the then decline of the Indian motorcycle company. Victory has become very popular with the motorcyclists that don't  follow the crowd and buy a Harleys. Harley-Davidson owners have been seen trading in their overproduced 100th anniversary Harley-Davidson for a sleek, high performance, excellent handling Victory. With the 2003 release of the Vegas and the 2004 release of the Kingpin, more Victory motorcycle enthusiasts are appearing on the market. For the Victory motorcycle rider, there are also high-quality online Victory Motorcycle Clubs such as the -- Victory Kingpin Enthusiast's Group --. The Kingpin Cruisers (www.KingpinCruisers.net) site is free and offers its members loads of -- free technical advice, custom Victory Kingpin T-shirts, and an online Victory aftermarket parts store. The club really is for all late-model Victory motorcycles. Victory encourages anyone that currently owns a Victory motorcycle (or even if you are just looking) tocheck out the Kingpin Cruiser's site.

With the money Polaris bring to the table backing the Victory motorcycle products, Victory's popularity is growing rapidly each year. So, Victory decided to not rest on its laurels. In 2005 they released the drag-style pro-street Victory Hammer. With a beefy rear tire and cool, dragster looks. This bike never lasted more than one day on any showroom floor. Most were pre-ordered through the Victory custom order program.

Then, the Victory Hammer won most of the "Bike of the Year" awards and was given  positive reviews in every one of the motorcycle trade magazines. Then Victory decided to go for a grand slam and introduced the Victory Vegas Jackpot. Hence, Victory motorcycles pulled out an "end-run" attack on the Amercian public. First the much awaited Victory Hammer motorcycle was released. While we were all still basking in the afterglow (and figuring out how we're going add another bike to the stable), Victory finished their ‘sneak attack’ by announcing the equally amazing Victory Vegas Jackpot in 2006. By 2007 Victory’s model line-up had grown to eight mean street machines. The Vegas, The Vegas Jackpot, The Vegas 8-Ball, The Hammer, The Hammer S, The Kingpin, The Kingpin Tour and the new Limited Edition Arlen & Cory Ness Vegas Jackpot Signature Series with all the style & custom features that made Arlen & Cory Ness a household name in the motorcycle industry. Here in 2008, with the revolutionary bagger The 2008 Victory Vision, the future seems very, very bright over at "the other American motorcycle company."