Among the top models found in the 2009 Victory lineup are the Kingpin and Kingpin Tour, the only classic cruisers built by the new American bike manufacturer. Their clear purpose is to counteract Harley-Davidson and its infinite success, not by copying it, but by introducing a whole new concept of freeway motorcycles.
Introduction
Not as filled-with heritage as the competition, but backed up by the impressively smooth-performing and reliable fuel-injected 100 cubic inch (1,634cc) V-Twin motor that puts down 85 horsepower and 106 ft-lbs of torque, the two Kingpin models are expected to further disseminate the Victory name in every corner of the world that at one time in its existence was introduced to paved surfaces. That data translates in immediate departures from standstill and more than decent passing power.
Of course, that also implies the six-speed overdrive constant mesh transmission. Given to the impressive torque, there will not be necessary to change the gear if you are rolling down the open road in fifth and need to pass up station wagons that will instantly have the kids glued to the side windows as you role next to them. “Don’t wave to them!” , said mom and dad, but there are no ears to hear them.
The bad boy look is not only given by the timeless looks of the bike, but also by the relaxed riding position with floorboards next to the engine and the handlebars smoothly following the gas tank’s lines. Those bars are sustained by a pair of inverted forks that are meant to make handling the easiest thing and have no problems riding this cruiser as aggressively as you may dare. Don’t be fooled by the heel-toe shifter, the Kingpin has sporty velleities too.
The Kingpin started completing Victory’s lineup ever since 2004 when it was introduced as the bold-looking cruiser featuring a 91.96 cubic inches engine mated to a five-speed gearbox. The air-cooled V-Twin engine was fuel-injected from the very beginning, which meant a lot, and the power was transmitted to the rear wheel through a belt drive. This feature can also be found on the 2009 model year.
In 2005, the Kingpin would have received the Victory electronic fuel injection system with 44mm throttle bodies, something that made the bike a little bit more potent and a more worthy to be taken in consideration alternative. The inverted cartridge telescopic for was present all along.
Two years after the bike’s launch, its manufacturer decided that it was time for a big revamp, one that it would imply many unique color schemes, but, most importantly, an engine that had undergone a steroids treatment. Yes, the fuel-injected, 100/6 Freedom V-Twin was introduced and it brought a whole new kind of excitement to the now famous Kingpin. Also, the six-speed tranny found its place on the bike that year and the event was carefully marked with a host of color schemes rarely seen on a production bike: Indy Red, Supersonic Blue, Super Graphite over Turbo Silver, Sedona over Stone Beige, Silver over Black with Cosmic Flames and Pearl White over Stone Beige with Cosmic Flames.
In 2007, Victory puts in practice its plans to extend the success of the Kingin to a larger category of riders, especially the ones that prefer long trips that involve luggage, a second passenger that would also travel in complete comfort, as well as decent wind protection. Introducing the all-new Victory Kingpin Tour! A Kingpin with a screen, sidecases and topcase, the new cruiser left no room for mistakes in the heads of future Victory riders. The frame, engine and rims were matte-black painted for a classy look.
It has indeed followed a short, but fulfilled evolution, with only color changes in 2008 and the upcoming success of the 2009 model year.
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