Victory's New Touring Bike

[Schneegz]

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Link:

[R Doug]

The bike looks like a potential Gold Wing competitor.  

But, I clicked on the link and only got this...

January 16 2007  
New MCN: January 17  
By: Sarah Carnell  

Insurance rates are set to soar by 20 per cent this year according to industry experts.
   This week’s edition of MCN, out on January 17, 2007, looks at how bikers will be affected.
   The rise is reportedly a direct result of an increase in personal injury claims and uninsured drivers.
   Also in this week’s edition the R1 is tested against…. The R1.
   We try the old versus the new as well as lining them up against other sportsbikers’ favourites a Fireblade and Suzuki GSZ-R1000.

The highlights:


Victory’s radical V-twin behemoth

Get a 999 for £4,500

Westminster bike charges – meet the biker behind them

Freestyle riding coming to the UK

World Superbike testing from Phillip Island

Kenny Robert’ KR212V revealed

[CBRXXBLACKBIRD]

From the pic it doesn't look that bad.

[rauchman]

That should be a really nice bike.  If I were to get a new cruiser, I'd be giving Victory a hard look.

[Schneegz]

The bike looks like a potential Gold Wing competitor.  

But, I clicked on the link and only got this...

Unfortunately, the website doesn't give us any info.  The magazine might, but I've never seen it in Germany, so we'll have to wait for a British member of the forum to spill the beans.

[clyde]

Is a Batman suit included?

[Brad1445]

ewwwwww

[Mrs. DantesDame]

ewwwwww

[cyeager]

Looks like the result of an unholy coupling of a Roadking and Goldwing.

[Schneegz]

I just looked at it again, and I may be crazy, but I think the engine is mounted with the crank shaft oriented front to back, like a Guzzi.  

[Snowbird]

ewwwwww

I respectfully disagree. I think they styling works... reminds me of the ballsy styling Aprilia is noted for. No doubt, though, it is styling that people will react to, unlike Honda's bland designs. (Or OTOH, the highly contrived designs Honda comes up with when it tries to break out of the Honda mold.)

But, I'll need to see more before a final opinion.  

[oldmanweirdon]

I just looked at it again, and I may be crazy, but I think the engine is mounted with the crank shaft oriented front to back, like a Guzzi.  

you're right

[cworley5150]

I just looked at it again, and I may be crazy, but I think the engine is mounted with the crank shaft oriented front to back, like a Guzzi.  

I thought the same thing, but it is hard to tell in the pics.  It would make sense for them to do that.  It is a very effecient way to power a shaft drive bike.

The rest of the bike looks like the missing link in the Golwing line between the GL1500 and the GL 1800.

[Orson]

I like the fact that Victory is branching out  

with Mark Blackwell in charge (former motocross national champion) I keep holding out hope that they might get around to making something a little sporty...maybe along the lines of a V11 Le Mans  

[Schneegz]

I like the fact that Victory is branching out  

with Mark Blackwell in charge (former motocross national champion) I keep holding out hope that they might get around to making something a little sporty...maybe along the lines of a V11 Le Mans  

 I'm not holding my breath, but I would be very happy if Victory made a sporty naked bike.  Presumably, it would turn out something like the MT-01, but I would like something more like the Guzzi 1200S or the BMW R1200R.

[bogthing]

"The future's so bright, I gotta wear shades"[/i]

[tedrbr]

Haven't seen the story, but it looks more like a concept bike that a production bike.

You build a couple, have them do the bike rag publications and motorcycle show circuit, and get feedback from potential customers.
Seems to borrow from the BMW LT design, and geared for the HD Ultra Glide crowd.  1600cc o/c motor w 6-speed tranny would be expected with any new model Victory comes out with.

[Flyer]

...I wonder if it could match the 6-cylinder GW in performance?  

There would be suprise all around if't were so  
The 'Wing's 18 is an absolute gem...

[chornbe]

Now if Triumph would make that Rocket III full-dress tourer that's been rumored, then the Gold Wing would be sent home with it's tail betwixt its legs.

Doubt it. The GL1800 has a frame designed and built by the sport bike team, and some pretty neutral weight transfer to handle cornering and acceleration. Straight line, probably. On real roads, I'm dropping money on the GL all day long.

(I've ridden one, so perhaps I'm a tad biased)

$.02

[tedrbr]

Yeah, it's pretty hard to beat the GW's 125 lb./ft. of torque.  I'm having trouble looking up the torque specs on the latest Victories, but I don't think they're near that figure.  

Now if Triumph would make that Rocket III full-dress tourer that's been rumored, then the Gold Wing would be sent home with it's tail betwixt its legs.    Nearly 150 lb./ft. of torque on the Rocket - if only my Wing riding dad would listen to me, but no, his blood runs, erm.......,  red.    

The '05 Hammer 1600cc V-twin is dynoed at 74.0 hp at 4500 rpm and 89.0 lb-ft at just 2800 rpm, and comes close to that again at 4300 rpm, with a wet weight of 697 lbs (think the Wing might be pushing a wee' bit more weight around....).  The Hammer's 6-speed helps with high speed cruising as well with .92:1 ratio for the overdrive.  Don't figure Victory would be coming out with yet another power plant and tranny beyond the 100/6 for any touring bike at this time.

Course, if raw power and speed is everything to you, get a Y2K and be done with it.

[FlowBee]

Nice Pacific Coast.

Where's the trunk?

[RenegadeVT]

You guys are right, looking closely at the picture it looks like the cylinders stick out the side.  With the kind of ugly body work, it is like a Norge on a bad hair day!!!!!

[baldheadeddork]

Presented without comment:

[sprint EX]

 Paging George Jetson.....

[jschmidt]

For the Norge, every day is a bad hair day.

[noside]

Fugly.  

[zzr pilot]

There was a rumor a few years ago to that effect - that Victory would make a sport-naked bike that would be out this past year.  But it never happened, and their concept bikes today seem to be on a different course entirely, like with that bulbous 800 Vision automatic futuristic scooter thing.

EEEWWWW! that Vision thing looks like a sperm with the tail cut off!

[jschmidt]

It looks so... Canadian.  

[cyeager]

SOOOOOOO ugly.

Seriously, I generally like ugly bikes, but my god that is unspeakable. If you hired a team of NASA scientists specifically to make the ugliest machine they possibly could I dont think they could even come close.

[Jeff]

It's definitely reality. My neighbor works for Polaris and has been working on this project.

It's not my style, but I think it's kinda nice. I have to reserve final judgement until I see it in person, but I kinda get a retro-futuristic kinda vibe. The fairing looks rather BMW, while the rear is more retro/swoopy.

Jeff

[BEEF706]

Seems to be a hard crowd to please; if you take a risk, somebody will make fun of you, and if you don't they call you Honda . Personally I don't think I would like it but it sure is cool to see an American company trying something that doesnt look like it was made in 1963 (besides Buell)

[Flyer]

It looks so... Canadian.  

"If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all".
                                                           -Thumper's Mom

[Brad1445]

It looks better in those last two shots.

[Schneegz]

It definitely does not have a longitudinally mounted crank shaft like I thought it did from the MCN pic.  Obviously this isn't my kind of bike, but I wish Victory the best of luck.  If this bike brings in a lot of revenue, maybe they'll continue to expand their lineup and include something more sporty.

[dagwood]

Very cool!  

I'm digging the styling.  Kinda like a '59 Caddy.

[Schneegz]

LOTS MORE FROM MOTORCYCLE USA.

[Cpl Punishment]

Not Canadian, more Japanese stylee. Although, I suspect the chrome work will last several thousand years.

Now, this is a real bike:

[Moo_Vin]

I sort of like the styling, very 1950's Cadillac-with-fins.

When I think of the competition:  Honda GW with it's 6-cyl torque monster.  Honda ST1300 with it's buttery-smooth 4.  The FJR1300 with it's sport ergos.  The BMW K1200LT with it's inline 4 torque...

It seems to me that this motorcycle is in a different class with it's V-twin and hp numbers in the 80's.  Sort of like bringing a knife to a gun-fight.

Now if Polaris developed a 4 that fit into that chassis, along the line of the Yamaha Royal Star Venture, I think they'd have a player.

[Schneegz]

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[baldheadeddork]

Nice ass. Shame about the face.

[HipGnosis]

There is NO way I would EVER ride a bike with the tail light THAT LOW!!

Mist from morning dew is gonna fade it out and any car or truck thats behind you in a commute won't even see it.
 

[Cpl Punishment]

Right. Enough. That bike looks like something out of Dallas (big shoulders, big hair) and the styling is, well it is utter shite.

Nice bike, shame about the hairdresser.

Is there a national protection society for animals in the States? Can they be called?

Put the poor bloddy thing in kennels, wait till its fur drops off and re-home it.

[Dustytrump]

 It looks like it came from one of those "Transportation in the year 2001" trailers from a 1960's movie

[Cpl Punishment]

 It looks like it came from one of those "Transportation in the year 2001" trailers from a 1960's movie

Now, that makes me want to get one.

[jed]

Nice ass. Shame about the face.

Wow.  That's the first time I've heard that not in reference to a multistrada!

[Cpl Punishment]

Wow.  That's the first time I've heard that not in reference to a multistrada!

Now I'm above ground, well, I say, I say-POO!!!

[jed]

Now I'm above ground, well, I say, I say-POO!!!

Have you switched meds with one of your clients again?

[tedrbr]

SOOOOOOO ugly.

Seriously, I generally like ugly bikes, but my god that is unspeakable. If you hired a team of NASA scientists specifically to make the ugliest machine they possibly could I dont think they could even come close.

Actually, were it NASA, you'd just have some very expensive graphics of ugly bikes... no real hardware actually produced.....and lots of reports as to why you didn't yet.

[Cpl Punishment]

Actually, were it NASA, you'd just have some very expensive graphics of ugly bikes... no real hardware actually produced.....and lots of reports as to why you didn't yet.

This is the sort of mama bike that could do with electrolosys, or some serious bleaching. And that's a shame.

[stk0308]

I'm still trying to understand how some of you could think this had a longitudinal motor    You didn't see the big honking chrome twin in the frame?  One cylinder in front of the other?

This bike is not a direct Goldwing competitor.  It's a direct Ultra/BMW12RT competitor.  With preipheral opposition to GoldWing/K12LT.  Perspective folks, perspective.  Not everything rotates around the Goldwing  

[tag2501]

Maybe it looks better in the flesh?

Pictures look like the offspring of a Cylon warrior and a Vespa scooter

[cyeager]

I'm still trying to understand how some of you could think this had a longitudinal motor    You didn't see the big honking chrome twin in the frame?  One cylinder in front of the other?

The original post has been updated. The picture was quite ambiguous. The photo was from an angle which made the bizarre fairing gas tank think look like it might have been a jug sticking out the side. No one really expected that to simply be a bulbous piece of pointless plastic, so we assumed it was something that made sense.

[Connierider]

Looks like PeeWee Herman was doing LSD and thought of a motorcycle to ride on his TRIP!..............it's FUGLY!!!!

[ctfz1]

Wouldn't buy it, love to ride up o it. IT's got the look... Dali.

[Paul Barnard]

I'm more of a function over fashion person, so I don't care how it looks.  I wonder how it performs as a luxury tourer and if it will be priced competetively.

[Mac]

Looks to me as if Arlen Ness had a hand in its design. He likes those swoopy shapes.

[stk0308]

Looks to me as if Arlen Ness had a hand in its design. He likes those swoopy shapes.

Both him and his son do alot of consulting with Victory.

[R.Markus]

I like the rear end (without the trunk on it). The front isn't too bad.

I just can't get over the open engine area showing that old ass looking twin in there. I can't really explain why...it makes the rest of the bike seam like a facade, trying to hide the fact that it's just another cruiser twin. Maybe it's just that a bike that shape should have the engine mounted transversly like a Guzzi. Those huge front and rear fenders and fairing beg to have a larger engine sticking out the sides that way.

[Snowbird]

Pardon if a repost:

http://www.motorcycledaily.com/19january07_victory2008vision.htm

[chornbe]

I'm still trying to understand how some of you could think this had a longitudinal motor    You didn't see the big honking chrome twin in the frame?  One cylinder in front of the other?

People sometimes see what they want to see...? I dunno. It's Victory, for Pete's sake, not Guzzi.

This bike is not a direct Goldwing competitor.  It's a direct Ultra/BMW12RT competitor.  With preipheral opposition to GoldWing/K12LT.  Perspective folks, perspective.  Not everything rotates around the Goldwing  

It *might* be a Harley competitor... maybe. But I doubt it, over the long haul. It'll be a niche bike, then later, a foot note.

[FlowBee]

I'll bet it looks a lot better in gloss/matte black.   It would be "slimming".

[RenegadeVT]

I was at the market unveiling at the New York show yesterday.  They had Richard and Kyle Petty sitting on the 2 bikes.  That was actually kind of cool.

But the bikes are uglier in person than the pictures.  I love the look of the other Victories, in fact I think they are some of the prettiest bikes around even though they are cruisers.  But the new touring bike is the ugliest mf’ing bike I have ever seen!!

These things are bulbous, over designed and really nasty looking.  Everyone in the crowd seemed a little stunned, there was no applause or anything.  But the market will decide.

[nanbil]

   

[jschmidt]

Looks to me as if Arlen Ness had a hand in its design. He likes those swoopy shapes.

He owns a Victory dealership.

[bikerfish1100]

man, that thing is so freaking ugly you're gonna have to sneak up on gas pumps to get any fuel into it

[Black Ice]

man, that thing is so freaking ugly you're gonna have to sneak up on gas pumps to get any fuel into it

   Sorry...I just threw up in my mouth a little.

[sane_man]

Makes the Rune look like a Classic.  

[pearsonm]

Gawd I hate cruisers.

[gritsngravy]

Nice to see an American manufacturer create a new style touring machine.  

BZZZZZZZZZZ that's your alarm clock going off, time to wake up, you live in the UNITED STATES, big V-Twin cruisers sell BIG TIME , many have been asking for a modern touring cruiser, here it is.  

It's not about raw horsepower, it's about style and feeling.   Like it or not it's here.   You may go back to sleep now.

[sagerat]

It's the love child of an ST1300 and an H-D Electra-Glide.

Have a good friend from Dallas and she'd agree on the Big Hair, Big Hair and would add other aspects of bigness to the comment.  She's also enters a room early, if you catch my drift.  No she won't do pics.  

[rauchman]

I was at the IMS show in NYC today and got to see this bike.  Maybe I'm the odd one out here, but I would take this any day of the week over it's competing H-D.  It is a cruiser based touring bike.  It's not meant to compete w/ the Goldwings, FJR's and what not.  Personally, I thought it looked way better in person than in the pictures.  I think Victory has it all over H-D.

[vguy]

Rule Number One: Never arrive on a bike that gets laughed at.  

[baldheadeddork]

After this no one will ever dare call the Hayabusa ugly...

 

Naw, they just can't call it the ugliest.

[zarly]

I have a question abouth the I'm with stupid icon... does that mean that you think the person you quoted is stupid, or that you agree with what they said and you think the bike is ugly? I'm so cofuse...

[jschmidt]

I have a question abouth the I'm with stupid icon... does that mean that you think the person you quoted is stupid, or that you agree with what they said and you think the bike is ugly? I'm so cofuse...

It's a secret.  

[Nitro]

Not my kinda thing, but give em credit..a  lot of people pay a fortune to customize their cruisers and still not have  the whole package like this...Kinda the harley for  2050!!  cool....

Probly a beauty for doing the  tanker cruise thing!  When i win the lottery i will get one for those 2 up days....

[Schneegz]

Not my kinda thing, but give em credit..a  lot of people pay a fortune to customize their cruisers and still not have  the whole package like this...Kinda the harley for  2050!!  cool....

In 2050 Harleys will run on hydrogen fuel cells...



and they will look and sound exactly the same as they do now.  

[oilcan]

horrible. dropping it would cause a sizemic tremor.

[Cpl Punishment]

This thing is a crime against both nature and "design". Kill it, stop posting any more and put the little monster safely to sleep. Vile.

[mcoyote]

Well, when I saw a pic of that thing inside I threw up in my mouth, but in the light of day it's looks like a passable competitor for the Electra-Glide (in truth, it probably runs and handles better).

[1Rider]

You guys are right, looking closely at the picture it looks like the cylinders stick out the side.  With the kind of ugly body work, it is like a Norge on a bad hair day!!!!!

  Are you guys looking at a differenct set of pictures? I can clearly see a standard vee twin, and a belt drive pully on the rear wheel.

[Mookie]

Aside from the fact that I think all touring bikes are ugly (even yours), I think it's an interesting design.  Really it boils down to how functional it is.  People buy VStroms and Multi's and they are butt-ass ugly too, but they work.  

[jschmidt]

I think it is fine for people who want that choice to have it. Leave it to the Canucks to bring it to us.

[Baz]

Just a suggestion.....

But if you somehow feel you may look cool riding one of these, I might suggest that some suicide planning would be in order...

It's just not worth it for you to go on anymore!

[Black Ice]

I have a question abouth the I'm with stupid icon... does that mean that you think the person you quoted is stupid, or that you agree with what they said and you think the bike is ugly? I'm so cofuse...

I was going to answer that until I saw who it was.  But I'll answer it anyway for the nooblets.

The IWS icon denotes agreement, and helps us not take ourselves too seriously.  It also gives Zarly an excuse to post something, which is always a good thing.  

OK...usually.

Well...sometimes.

Um....  

[brianhe]

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My 12 YO daughter just said "If it was a person, it would be the creepy buff guy wearing a gray trenchcoat in the corner."

[Joey Stalin]

That's pretty much the ugliest bike I've ever seen.

[jschmidt]

I have to admit its growing on me, particularly as something that it might be fun to ride once -- while wearing a Zoot Suit.

[blackbeltrider]

If you push the envelope (any envelope, be it styling, speed, lifestyle, etc.)too far, it usually tears.

I'm trying to figure out where the outboard motor clamps on.

[R Doug]

Well, I just saw this thing in person at the Cleveland bike show.

All I have to say is while there are bikes out there that we may deem ugly, this thing is just OVER THE TOP ugly.  

[Vic Ape]

I think it is fine for people who want that choice to have it. Leave it to the Canucks to bring it to us.

???? Victory is American (Polaris).

Lee

[UFO]

Not retro enough to appeal to diehard cruiser types.
Not high tech and sporty enough to appeal to the long distance/sport-tourer types.

But just ugly and weird enough to appeal to a tiny segment that won't garner Victory any sales.

Good luck!

[Schneegz]

I'm surprised this thread is still going!  

[UFO]

I'm surprised this thread is still going!  

I just saw this thread last night.

BTW, am I the only one that thinks the front end looks like a giant clown mouth trying to gobble up the front wheel and anything that gets close to it?  Disturbing.

[BEEF706]

I just saw this thread last night.

BTW, am I the only one that thinks the front end looks like a giant clown mouth trying to gobble up the front wheel and anything that gets close to it?  Disturbing.

Now THERE's an image i will have trouble getting out of my head .... can't sleep clowns will eat me

[Snowbird]

I was going to answer that until I saw who it was.  But I'll answer it anyway for the nooblets.

The IWS icon denotes agreement, and helps us not take ourselves too seriously.  It also gives Zarly an excuse to post something, which is always a good thing.  

OK...usually.

Well...sometimes.

Um....  

Stated another way, it means you agree, but you're not about to drop pants for the guy/gal over it.

[Snowbird]

Now THERE's an image i will have trouble getting out of my head .... can't sleep clowns will eat me

I think you all are going to be surprised at the sales success of this bike. Without the top box, it's far less demanding on the eyes. "Demanding?" Yes, it demands the internalization of a new aesthetic.

[Cpl Punishment]

I think you all are going to be surprised at the sales success of this bike. Without the top box, it's far less demanding on the eyes. "Demanding?" Yes, it demands the internalization of a new aesthetic.

Hmmmm...looks like its about to take a dump to me. If that's the new aesthetic.

[jschmidt]

I think you all are going to be surprised at the sales success of this bike. Without the top box, it's far less demanding on the eyes. "Demanding?" Yes, it demands the internalization of a new aesthetic.

I'm wondering the same thing. I wonder what the aimed-age demographic is?

[Brad1445]

he I bet the bike does well.  the more I look at it, it really is a cohesive consistent design that adds a sort of 1950's American Car Flair to a market that pretty is not important in.  Goldwing - BMW tour bikes.  I bet its comfortable and they sell every one they can make, just not to me.

[ss2]

[WarER4X]

I saw the new Victory at the IMC this past weekend.  I took a couple of pictures, but overall, I didn't like it very much (but didn't hate it either).  Most unusual bikes tend to grow on me.  I don't know if this one will or not.  A couple of things (others may have already addressed this): it is not shaft drive (the belt can be seen in the photos already in this thread); the engine is mounted transversely, like any other American V-twin (not a Guzzi).

The wouldn't let anyone sit on it, which I think is pretty stupid at a motorcycle show... especially when there is more than one on display.  Keep one behind the ropes to stay pretty and let people sit on the other one.  Stupid manufacturers.  Kawasaki did the same thing with the new Connie, though, they only had the one display model.

-SR-

[BryanAZ]

Well, by reading all of the posts, I say Victory is succeeding at Brand 101 - create a design that will differentiate yourself from your competitors.  Will it sell?  I don't know.  What I do know is that although HD is selling 300k+ units in the USA annually, there are is a base of people whom want an American cruiser but don't want an HD.  These people are fueling Victory's industry leading growth (granted, from a small base).  

[sane_man]

Well, by reading all of the posts, I say Victory is succeeding at Brand 101 - create a design that will differentiate yourself from your competitors.  Will it sell?  I don't know.  What I do know is that although HD is selling 300k+ units in the USA annually, there are is a base of people whom want an American cruiser but don't want an HD.  These people are fueling Victory's industry leading growth (granted, from a small base).  

What is the reason why these people want an American cruiser?  

It's been well documented that HD's have a list of parts, not made in the US of A.  Goldwings are all pretty much made in Ohio by American workers.  What is the difference?

This also applies to every American-made car or truck, full of foreign parts and metric fasteners.

[hazra]

What is the reason why these people want an American cruiser?  

It's been well documented that HD's have a list of parts, not made in the US of A.  Goldwings are all pretty much made in Ohio by American workers.  What is the difference?

This also applies to every American-made car or truck, full of foreign parts and metric fasteners.

It's because the company is American owned, not because of where it's built.  I'd bet that there are more Japaneese cars made here than American ones... US workers are cheaper than Japaneese workers.  Question... since when do metric fasteners have anything to do with where something is made?

[RenegadeVT]

I was in NYC at the unveiling, audience response was subdued, so I am not sure how well the broad market will take to it.  I think it is one of the top 10 ugliest bikes every built.  I think it may be successful by Victory terms, based on their sales volumes, but it will not be successful across the broad market.  It will take sales away from the Goldwing and possibly some Road Glides, but that is about

[sane_man]

It's because the company is American owned, not because of where it's built.  I'd bet that there are more Japaneese cars made here than American ones... US workers are cheaper than Japaneese workers.  Question... since when do metric fasteners have anything to do with where something is made?

I said most vehicles have metric rather then standard fasteners.

HD's have Japanese carbs, forks, brakes, and many other bits and pieces.  My point is what is so American about them if it ain't all-American?  

[zarly]

I couldn't find a picture but isn't this thing the same bike that Stalone road in Judge Dredd?  

[blueridgerider]

Rule Number One: Never arrive on a bike that gets laughed at.  

SCREW YOU!

[tshelver]

PC800 meets 50s Caddie meets HD Glide...  

Not for me, I don't have that strong a stomach...

[Black Ice]

I couldn't find a picture but isn't this thing the same bike that Stalone road in Judge Dredd?  

Nah.  You can tell because the LawMaster 4000 actually looked pretty cool.