2009 Victory Kingpin Preview

Competition

Built against classic Harley models, the Kingpin manages to reach a sufficiently high level of success and become worthy of being compared with the 2009 Harley-Davidson Softail Deluxe, a cruiser that, contrary from the Kingpin, goes back to the days when it was all about an engine, two wheels and a pair of handlebars. The nostalgic look would apparently set it apart from the modern Victory, but the fight is between retro and this other interpretation of the word classic.

2009 Harley-Davidson Softail Deluxe

The engine on the Softail Deluxe is a 1584cc V-Twin also mated to a 6-speed gearbox. It develops 89.70 ft-lbs of torque at 2750 rpm and, because a manufacturer such as Harley-Davidson doesn’t consider necessary mentioning the horsepower, we can only approximate it at around 77 hp.

2009 Harely-Davidson Softail Classic

The Kingpin Tour also finds itself a competitor in the Harley-Davidson lineup and it is called the Heritage Softail Classic. Like the Victory Tour, this is an extension of the simple model so it features the same engine and chassis, while the screen and saddlebags come as the distinctive touch and the main difference between the models.

Exterior

2009 Victory Kingpin

Riders visiting Victory showrooms are immediately caught up by the cruiser’s design as this one only needs a dummy to make it look like cruising on the showroom’s floor. It features classic flared fenders, a custom-like headlight and smooth gas tank built around that massive V-Twin that sends a pair of chromed pipes to the rear end, covering the belt final drive located on the right side of the rider.

For 2009, Kingpin models receive a pair of new, Stingray cast wheels that reduce weight and also improve the visual of the bike, leaving no room for impish comments about it.

Like on any classic cruiser, chrome is a must so it can be found on the rims, headlight cover, forks, handlebars, engine, exhaust, and many more pieces.

The bike’s smooth, flowing lines culminate in a 26.5 inches seat height. Handlebars are pulled back at the rider for a stress-free riding position, while the floorboards position isn’t demanding on the legs and the commands are reached easily.

Color options for both 2009 models are: solid black, solid blue ice, solid super graphite 2 tone Blue Ice/Pearl White w/Carbon stripe, 2 tone Midnight Cherry/Pearl White with Carbon stripe.

Price

The MSRP for the simple model situates at the decent level of $16,399 while the fully accessorized model known as the Tour costs $18,399. Can’t believe the color option doesn’t make a difference, but in the end that’s an advantage.

Conclusion

Although not heavily revised, but carrying on proudly in Victory’s lineup, the two Kingpin versions are indeed decent alternatives for most notorious bike builder ever. This last’s throne will start shaking if such models keep on appearing, but not in the near future…I suppose. Victory likes taking its time with new models so that they deserve the attention they benefit of when being launched and the buck spent on them.

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