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So, what is this other American-made motorcycle? You probably have been hearing more about - Victory motorcycles - as well as seeing more of the Victory motorcycle models on the road. Sales of Victory motorcycles increased 56 percent during the fourth quarter 2005, as compared to the fourth quarter of 2004. This increase is attributable to improved brand recognition, the success of the Hammer and Vegas Jackpot models, a more powerful 100 cubic inch engine and a new six speed transmission, and improvements in the dealer network. Full year 2005 Victory motorcycle sales increased 34 percent over 2004, totaling $99.5 million. Victory is part of the Polaris Industries Corporation. With annual 2004 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.
In 2003 Victory motorcycle released what would become a new revolution in American motorcycles, the Victory Vegas. The Vegas was built on the Victory 92 cubic inch 5 speed Freedom engine, which boasts approximately 82 horsepower. The Victory Vegas was also revolutionary in that it was oil cooled. Yes, you will no longer have to worry about overheating while sitting in traffic or at a stop light like you do if you own a Harley Davidson. With oil cooled engines, the oil is shared between the engine and the transmission. It will take 6 quarts of AMSOIL V-Twin Synthetic motorcycle oil to fill this engine. The AMSOIL full-synthetic motorcycle oil goes well with these V-Twin engines. Providing reduced engine wear and smoother shifting. Also, longer oil change intervals make using AMSOIL a smart choice.
Victory followed up the 2003 Victory Vegas with a twist. Victory enlisted the help of legendary motorcycle builders, Arlen and Cory Ness. The Ness team took the Vegas and made a Ness Vegas model for 2004. Victory also came out with the wonderful Victory Kingpin cruiser. Same engine and frame as a Vegas but with a beefier front tire and fully dressed up for long rides. A very nice machine with deluxe touring and chrome upgrades.
With the release of these bikes and the decline of the Indian motorcycle company. Victory has become a very popular motorcycle line. For the motorcyclist that does not want to follow the crowd and buy a Harley, which looks like every other bike and does not perform that well, Victory offers the preferred solution. No doubt you will be seeing several Harley owners 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 and we encourage anyone that currently owns a Victory or even if you are looking -- check out the Kingpin Cruisers site.
With Polaris backing the Victory motorcycle products and popularity growing each year, Victory decided not to rest on its laurels. In 2005 they released the drag-style Victory Hammer, with a real beefy rear tire and dragster looks. This bike never lasted more than one day on the showroom floor. Most were pre-ordered through the Victory custom order program. An excellent review about the Victory Hammer can be found here.
Now with the Victory Hammer winning all of the "bike of the year" awards and given very positive reviews in all of the motorcycle trade magazines. Victory decided to go for a Grand Slam and introduce the Victory Vegas Jackpot. Wow, Victory motorcycles pulled out an "end-run" attack on us this year.
First the much awaited Victory Hammer motorcycle was released. These Victory Hammers were quickly sold. That fat rear tire and dragster cool looks made the Victory Hammer irresistible to the V-Twin cruiser shopper. Ok, while we are still in the afterglow of the Victory Hammer and trying to figure how we are going to go about asking the wife to let us buy one to add to the stable, Victory motorcycle performed the end-run sneak attack on us by announcing the Victory Vegas Jackpot for 2006.
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