2008 Victory Vegas Review

Introduction

Having an 100-cubic-inch Freedom V-Twin engine and a six-speed overdrive gearbox, the subject of today’s review can be considered a performance cruiser and it actually is, but what immediately betrays and totally uncovers it in front of its audience are the custom paint schemes, flush-mounted taillight and signature sculpted tank.

What I have noticed during the time I spent on the Victory is that people aren’t considering it the “other American bike manufacturer” any more, but give it its hardly gained credit.

History

2003 Victory Vegas

Being first introduced in 2003, the Victory Vision isn’t that filled-with heritage as the rest of the bikes I’m about to mention, but even from the first year, this big custom-built twin made a damn good impression. It featured a 91.96 cubic inches (1507 cc) V-Twin engine, spoked wheels, a smaller headlight, but the same characteristic stylish lines which made a difference. The bike easily stood out as it featured Black, Red, Blue, Yellow and Silver paintjobs.

Biggest technical change for 2004 model year was the addition of fuel injection while visually the Vegas had now custom stand-out wheels.

In 2005 the upgrade consisted in the electronic fuel injection system with 44mm throttle bodies. Also, the wet/multi-plate clutch was added. But what best represents that model year is the custom paintjob. Also for 2005, the Ness family pushed the Vegas even further and named it 2005 Ness Signature Series Vegas, a bike that featured custom fingerprint.

2006 brought the 8-Ball version, a totally black, Victory Vegas.

Last year, displacement increased to 100.01 cubic inches (1639 cc). Colors to mark the upgrade were Turbo Silver with Firemist Clear, Multicolored and the classic Black.

Competition

2008 Harley-Davidson Dyna Wide Glide

This fight is clearly given among American builders so the Harley-Davidson Dyne Wide Glide is its closest and fiercest competitor. It is being fitted with a 96 cubic inches air-cooled, twin cam V-Twin engine that is fed through an Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection system. This makes it even scarier for the Victory and if we take in consideration its rebel looks and the fact that for 2008 we are witnessing Harley’s 105th anniversary, there isn’t much left for the Victory to do but head towards other competitors.

2008 Honda VTX1800

Have it put up against the Honda VTX 1800, a long and lean bad boy bike which is one of the best Japanese representatives for this fight. Its 1795cc liquid-cooled 52 degree V-Twin is practically built to perform awesomely, just like the U.S. muscle bikes.

2008 Star Raider S

But together with the VTX we are also attracting the biggest and meanest custom Star motorcycle, the Rider S. This is probably the wildest looking machine which clearly reflects that Star is a maker of its own as it introduces such outstanding looking machines which are much apart from the old Yamaha models. The engine is a 113-cubic-inch (1854cc) air-cooled V-twin with four valves per cylinder and fuel injection is also present.

2008 Suzuki Boulevard M109R

Probably the best offering of them all, the Boulevard M109R. With its radical styling, the “Suzy” addresses to the riders who crave for original looks and stunning performance. Its 1783cc, four-stroke, liquid-cooled, V-Twin, DOHC, 8-valves is an incredible power and torque supplier so all of the previously mentioned have some serious worrying to do.

Exterior

2008 Victory Vegas

Once someone has been introduced to the Victory Vision, there is simply no way to second think the bike’s originality and performance looks. If I was to characterize it with a single word I would say stylish and it is all due to the excellent smoothen out apparel and fit and finish.

The chopped fenders mold perfectly on the custom chromed rims and the gas tank is sculpted basing on the V-Twin’s shape. This is proof of the fact that designers and engineers worked carefully together and aimed at a low and perfectly blended in motorcycle.

Handlebars are pulled back and so offer a more relaxed riding position and the sleekest look. There are as much chromed elements as possible: rims, forks, headlight cover, instruments, handlebars, mirrors, engine cooling fins, exhaust, rear fender ornaments, etc and the goal is to shine beautifully together with the solid colors (Black, Midnight Cherry, Supersteel Gray) and multiple colors (Midnight Blue/Black and Sunset Red with Flames).

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