Throwback to the Golden Age of Victory Motorcycles
While the elimination of Victory Motorcycles might seem like old news to many riders, it’s still a decision that has some people upset. That’s understandable, especially if you were a true fan of their style choices and functions. And while we can continue to be a bit confused by the decision Polaris Industries has made, that still doesn’t defeat the fact that these bikes will be no more.
We’re going to dive into what the 2015 Victory motorcycles can offer riders, and which bike might be the best choice for you. There are some seriously interesting design choices in this lineup, whether that be ‘funky’ and ‘out there,’ and a more classic look akin to a Harley. Either way, you’re sure to find a ride that piques your interest, all while making your pocket happy!
The Gunner:
This bike is super efficient, simplistic, and aesthetically pleasing. Victory classifies this bike as a ‘bobber,’ and while we can understand the reasoning behind it, this is a big bike. It weighs in at 649-pounds, which means you’d be hard-pressed to call this thing a ‘bobber.’ Looks wise, though, we see where they’re coming from. While this bike is pretty close to the ground with a low seat height (at 25-inches), it handles turns really well and is an effortless ride.
The braking on this particular choice could have a little more sensitivity, but it’s hard to count that as a negative with the ease at which this thing rides. This is an assertive and aggressive looking bike, especially with its metal-edged and black wheels. It sports a more classic look that most of its counterparts, so if that’s what you’re looking for, take a look at this.
Source: Ingles Cycle Center YouTube
The Hammer 8-Ball:
The bike is not for the faint of heart and demands respect from anyone that rides it. The bike has a neat idea for the passenger seat, which allows you to remove the black cowl for when a friend wants to ride, but still allows it to look sleek and fierce when unoccupied. The ride includes a V-twin engine that’s going to give you all the torque you could hope for. This bike is a really excellent cruiser option and excels at just about everything you’d expect it to. The engine is paired with 6-speed gearbox tech, which means this is all about smooth riding.
The hammer also offers a great ability to customize this bike as much as you want, so you can give it precisely the kind of personality you’re looking for. It’s decked out in a pure, black gloss color and looks just as sleek standing still as it does riding. If there’s one specific bike design that victory is known for, it would be its cruisers, which means that the 2015 Hammer 8 is really well thought out and designed.
The Vegas 8-Ball:
The first thought that comes to mind when taking a look at this bike? Damn, those stingray wheels. It’s the staple style choice for this bike, and it catches the eye for all the right reasons. It’s got great stopping power because of its front 300mm floating discs, which makes for a really efficient ride.
This bike is a super comfortable bike to ride on because of its low seat height and pulled back handlebars, so you really don’t have to reach too far for anything. It’s solo seat not only adds to the style of the bike, but it also adds to a relaxed riding position. If you want the option of a passenger to ride with you, it’s as simple as customizing it with an accessory passenger seat.
Source: americanmotorcycle YouTube
The High-Ball:
This is a super custom-looking bike, right down to the finish on it. It sports some 12-inch wheels that are accented with beautiful, whitewall tires, and it's got bobbed fenders that give it a serious personality. The Highball likely got its name because of its high handlebars, and while it might not be the most comfortable long-term position, you’ll be sure to feel pretty damn cool because of it.
If you do want that comfort for the long road rides, you also have the option of setting the bars back in a lower position. It’s a simple bike that gets down to the basics but keeps a really classic look. Are you looking for 110 ft-lb torque? Look no further; this baby will match those needs. If you’re looking for a really overstated bike with tons of tech on it, this isn’t for you. This is for the riders that just want an excellent ride with a bike that just gets down to the basics.
Source: At Your Leisure YouTube
The Cross Country 8-Ball:
If you’re a bagger fan who loves the decked out, gloss-look finish, you need to take a ride on this thing. If you’re more of a matte finish person, you should probably stay clear, because this bike is super slick. Even though it’s technically not a touring model-this particular one is considered a bagger-this is still an excellent choice for the long haul rides. It has an ample amount of storage and has a comfortable seat, so you won’t be hoping to hop off this thing anytime soon. It’s on the border of looking a little too back heavy, but because of the design and finish, Victory has managed to balance it out well with the style.
The fairing will offer some great potential against various weather forecasts. It’s equipped with an audio system to help add a soundtrack to the roads you ride, along with an audio cord to hook up to your phone so that you’re not at the mercy of the radio. The low seat height also allows for your feet to be closer to the ground, so that you have a bit more control of the bike when you come to a stop. If the glaze on this bike doesn’t get you, the comfort sure will.
Source: Action Power Sports YouTube
The Magnum:
This is a ride choice that is surprisingly fluid. It’s got some excellent throttle response and operates nicely because of its calibrated ABS. This is also a great option for longer rides because of its sound system with USB and the ability to connect to Bluetooth. This is a loud bike, so if you’re looking for something a little more understated in looks, dynamics, and sounds, this might not be the choice for you. It’s got a huge front wheel (at 21-inches) which adds to a really interesting styling appeal that you can’t see with the other bike options in this family.
The seat is a little more ‘scooped’ than some of the other choices, but that helps to add to the general flow of the bike. This bike sports some really interesting graphics choices, which helps to give it a big personality. It has a large analog display to top it off, which means the Magnum really does come with a variety of bells and whistles. The boomerang windshield doesn’t interfere with vision and helps to disperse some wind resistance. Overall, this bike is also a great travel choice!
Source: Motorcycle USA YouTube
The Cross Country:
When it comes down to it, the Victory Cross Country is a really great bagger motorcycle. When you first take a look at it, you might think that it looks a bit too weighted and assume that it might be slow. However, that’s really not the case with this bike option. The Cross Country is surprisingly quick and easy to ride for a bike of its size. It is also isn’t overly loud, which one might anticipate with a bike that weighs in at 900-pounds but is also rides much more smoothly than many riders would assume.
This bike is sure to keep you comfortable, no matter the weather or temperature that you’re riding in, because of its heated grips and seat. The fairings and large windscreen will offer ample wind protection, so if you’re looking for a bike that will operate well in many different climates and roads, you might just want to try this one on for size. If you’re like a bike with the basics, you should probably stay clear, because in what world does a butt warmer sound basic to you?
Source: Motorcycle USA YouTube
The Vision:
What’s the first thing we can say about this bike? Well, it easily has the most ‘interesting’ look out of the whole 2015 family, and that could be both a great or bad thing, depending on your taste. You can tell the designers on the Victory Vision were going for a much more innovative and modern feel than a classic one, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. This bike is so ridiculously comfortable (as is probably obvious from just a picture of it) which means it’s a really great touring option.
If you’re looking for something that looks like a Harley Touring model, you will be disappointed to know that this isn’t the bike. When it comes to the visual design, they could not be more opposite. However, if you’ve been tired of the traditional ‘Harley’ look than you need to take the vision out for a test drive. The engine sounds powerful and feels powerful. The Dunlops on this bike aren’t the strongest. They won’t handle in the rain very well, but that durability promises that you won’t have to buy new ones anytime soon. This bike was meant for touring!
The Cross Country Tour:
When it comes to great touring options from the Victory family, this might just be the best choice. While its storage looks plentiful, you’d be surprised to find out that it can hold more than you’d ever realistically bring along with you. It might just have the most storage potential when comparing it to other options that aren’t just in the Victory family. The rear air shock promises that it will handle bumpy roads surprisingly well for a bike of its size, and it handles corners far more easily than you would anticipate.
In general, the Victory Cross Country Tour can be a bit deceiving, but for all the right reasons. The typical issues you’d expect with a touring bike don’t seem to be problems that the Cross-Country Tour struggles with. The tilted-up floorboards help to make turning more efficient, and on top of that, they add plenty of space for you and a traveler to rest your feet comfortably. This bike isn’t a great option if you’re just looking for something to ride around town, but then again, why would you be looking at a touring model if you don’t have the intention of adventure?
Whichever bike you decide to take a ride on, all of them are great options for a variety of reasons. And while Victory’s defeat may not give riders the most confidence in the brand, it still was a very successful brand. They had some great bike options, they were just dealt a less than stellar hand of cards.But again, if you can pick up one of these options with a killer price deduction, then what’s not to like?
Note: RumbleOn is an Amazon Affiliate, dedicated to reviewing the best and safest gear and more, for riders everywhere. We may receive commissions if products are purchased from them.
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