2008 Victory Vegas Low
When it comes to riding a cruiser everybody expects at a comfortable riding position, cowboy-like feet arrangement and preferably pullback handlebars and before I got on the 2008 Victory Vision I was also reviewing all of these features. After spending a full weekend in its seat and going almost 350 miles, the bike proved that I was right when forming a good impression immediately I see all of those features gathered on a power cruiser.
A 26.5 inches seat was exactly what I needed in order to feel like I could go on and on forever and I’m not going to lie, it can really go as long and as hard as you feel like pushing it.
For starters, the 100 cubic inches air-cooled 50 degree V-Twin is a real torque provider. From as low as 1500-1600 RPM, the engine announces it enjoys pulling strongly and this will help you between red lights where you’ll be willing to leave traffic behind and go your own way. Frankly, I would preferred the DOHC fuel control system, but the single overhead camshafts acting on four valves per cylinder are enough efficient to keep anyone satisfied.
Cruisers tend to rev higher and higher these days and although I won’t enjoy a drag race with the Suzuki Boulevard M109R, the big Victory is more than decently powered and the rider will enjoy a strong mid-range as far as the city barriers allow it.
But who says that you should ride it in town? Personally, I went and picked it up and during my enthusiastic departure, I managed to test it in this unforgiving environment, but the open road is where it belongs. Here is where the riding position won’t become a nightmare and the seat will show off its plusses immediately. It is also the best time to see how such a bike handles…wonderfully, that is. It has a low center of gravity and corners are happily taken by the Vegas and although you won’t scrap the footpegs at the first courageous lean over, I recommend keeping in mind that the straight line is its best friend and that’s all I’m saying.
The suspensions have 130mm front and 100mm rear travel so they will soak up easily and have all to do with the smooth riding experienced on this cruiser. Even after six hours of riding, stopping only for gasoline and tea, my back wasn’t screaming for help. I guess that the Victory Vegas is just one of those bikes with which a rider gets familiar and never wishes to go down from.
2008 Victory Vegas Low
On the highway, the maximum speed I have experienced was close to 110 mph in top gear, which is sixth, by the way. There is no wind protection or aerodynamic position so you will struggle to cover some ground at such speeds. It is a good thing though that there are no bothering vibrations.
I very much appreciate this bike’s transmission. The six-speed overdrive constant mesh values best the engine’s power and torque leaving the rider with the simple task of changing a gear or two, depending on what roads its adventure takes it. The belt drive passes unheard and that is one of the bike’s advantages compared to the competition (not the Star, of course).
During the bike’s development the manufacturer wanted to find the potential owner’s opinions and many concerned the front brake which shouldn’t be that powerful at such a thin wheel. As a result, both front and rear brakes feature 300mm discs with four piston calipers front and 2 piston calipers rear. This way, the stopping power is being distributed more effectively and safety reaches higher levels.
Price
With an MSRP of $15,999, the Victory Vegas is being situated among the most advantageous power cruisers out there.
Conclusion
Victory motorcycles are truly reliable and awesome performing so it is too bad that its name is slightly being shadowed by the oldest motorcycle maker. Maybe if there would have been created on another continent we would have witnessed a greater success, the one that it is worthy of.
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