At the press presentation on each table there were samples of each of Victory’s helmet line. I had a moment of personal amusement watching the members of the straight press oohing and aahing over the skid lids. The staff from Victory showed a short film, the “Kings of Custom” with Arlen, Cory and Zack Ness. For 2011 Arlen Ness has designed a new Vision with engraved accents and matching paint in black. Son Cory designed a Cross Country with an attractive red paint scheme and many billet bling elements. Finally grandson Zack was entrusted with a Vegas, which he attacked with a flat black finish adorned with blacked out details and an intricate silver design.
The engineers came out next and described the new “100,000 Mile” transmission. Speaking with Robert Pandya afterwards revealed that the name comes from a 100,000-mile test ride they subjected the bike to on the test rack, after which they disassembled the transmission and it showed zero wear after the test. I was glad to hear this, I’d hate to think that the transmission was expected to last only that long. The new transmission contains 40 percent new parts and the improvements have resulted much easier shifting into neutral, which I can attest to on my test rides.
Another mention that the company was trumpeting at the presentation is that because of these tighter tolerances there is less internal engine and transmission clatter making it possible to increase the exhaust volume for a more pleasing note.
As noted in the last entry, the company showed off a new concept bike designed by Roland Sands. It is designed for straight-line speed over distance, and is headed for Michael Lichter’s show in Sturgis and to El Mirage before the end of the year.
I rode a number of the different cruiser models for photographs, and was particularly impressed by the handling and power of the Vegas and Kingpin models. I expected wind buffeting from the lack of a windscreen, but the configuration of the speedometer and headlight seemed to alleviate most of the issue. The placement of the speedo also made the instrument easy to view. The Hammer models use a 250 rear tire that was a detriment to handling, the rear of the motorcycle rises as the bike turns which takes some getting used to, although the fat rear tire does look mean. The paint and finish on the Hammers was also very attractive.
After a picture session with the various models I returned to the hotel and retrieved my lady, and commandeered a Cross Country. This model was introduced in 2010, and boasts very impressive storage capacity, which Victory has enhanced even further in 2011 by offering an extra large accessory trunk. The mounting system allows for removal in maybe a minute and a half. A locking bar to protect it from thieves is also available.
While riding the Cross Country I was extremely impressed with the bike overall. The power is great, the handling is responsive and the bike is very comfortable at all speeds. This is the bike that I was most looking forward to riding from the Victory stable, and I was not disappointed in the least. I will be riding to Sturgis from the show, and more impressions will follow.
—Kit Maira
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