2008 Victory Kingpin Review

Introduction

Victory offers the stylish-looking Kingpin model, a veritable stretched-out American cruiser which apart from looking good also has a thing or two for performance and comfort. Built for the long haul, this cruiser offers a low seat, stretched out riding position and the Victory Freedom 100-cubic-inch V-twin mated to a six-speed transmission to back the engine up when the going gets tough.

History

2004 Victory Kingpin

First produced and marketed in 2004, the first Kingpin was fitted with a fuel injected 91.96 cubic inches V-twin SOHC four-valves engine and a five-speed gearbox. The belt final drive was also there from the first moment. Also, the stretched-out cruiser look is what contributed at the model’s individualization.

A year later, the engine’s fuel injection system was upgraded to a 44mm throttle bodies Electronic Fuel Injection system.

For 2006, the engine had gone up to 100 cubic inches and a sixth gear was added to the already efficient gearbox. To mark this update the maker offered a whole lot of paint schemes from which the customers will choose: Black, Indy Red, Supersonic Blue, Super Graphite over Turbo Silver, Sedona over Stone Beige, Silver over Black with Cosmic Flames, Pearl White over Stone Beige with Cosmic Flames.

In 2007 we witnessed the Kingpin being painted Black, Turbo Silver with Firemist Clear and Multicolored. But what’s most important for 2007 model year is the addition of the Kingpin Tour to the lineup. This last model came with a windscreen, topcase and sidecases.

2008 brought yet another model, the Kingpin 8-Ball. What sets this new bike apart is the blacked-out body paint, engine, wheels and bars.

Competition

2008 Honda VTX1800R

Its Japanese replica is the Honda VTX1800R, a timeless looking machine that features classic, deeply valanced fenders, cast aluminum wheels, staggered dual exhaust with mako-style muffler tips, wedge-shape mirrors and as many chromed elements as possible. But apart from the fact that these two look much alike, Honda’s engine gets enough close to the Victory’s in order to prove being a great competitor. A fuel injected 1795cc liquid-cooled 52-degree V-twin; SOHC with three valves per cylinder engine has never disappointed anyone, did it?

2008 Road Star

Also taking part at this fuel-injected battle is the 2008 Road Star. The Star is definitely an impeccable looking bike with the cruiser look that everybody got used to, but now that 2008 brought fuel injection to the 102-cubic-inch air-cooled 48-degree V-twin; pushrod OHV, four valves per cylinder engine, it can be set up against the best in the business.

2008 Suzuki Boulevard C109R

But when it comes to big classic cruisers featuring valanced fenders or not, there is no way not to mention the new Suzuki Boulevard C109R. This machine, like all the other ones mentioned, is characterized by the timeless classic look, but its centerpiece is the 109-cubic-inch engine fitted with fuel injection system. The greatly powered and imposing Boulevard C109R is indeed a competitor for the Victory and for any other big bike that considers itself a cruiser.

Exterior

2008 Victory Kingpin

With the Kingpin Victory managed to create another daring looking motorcycle on which the Freedom engine will make a damn good impression. It has the largest fenders I’ve seen on a production motorcycle and the fact that it is American justifies everything.

Built around the engine, the stylish gas tank with its smooth and clean lines introduces us to the wide and low seat. It is known that when it comes to cruisers, the V-twin must look imposing and yet stylish just how the one on the Kingpin does due to its displacement and chromed cooling fins. Also chromed are the 18” wheels, the forks, the headlight cover, the instruments, the headlights and mirrors, virtually everything that could shine brightly did exactly that. Even more examples would be the swingarm, rear fender ornaments and signal lights covers.

Color options for 2008 are Black, Midnight Cherry, Supersteel Gray and two-tone Sands Metallic/Black, Black with Flames.

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