We don’t know if people are gonna ride this bike around the bright Vegas streets or not, but we do know they’ll be accommodated in a much comfier riding position as a result of Victory’s efforts to make it a little more forgiving on the back and legs and so allow riders to take it down the open road more often. In fact, three Vegas models are available: the simple model, the 8-Ball and a Limited Edition claimed to be their baddest motorcycle yet.
Introduction
85-hp fuel injected V-twin engine
Victory took a thorough look over the Vegas models before calling them 2010 model years and the fact is they didn’t had much to improve in the engine and tranny department. As a result, you’ll find the 2010 Victory Vegas being powered by the same consecrated, counter-balanced 100 ci / 1,634 cc, 4-stroke, 50° V-Twin engine, also called Freedom. The 85 horsepower and 106 ft-lb of torque motor is mated to a six-speed overdrive transmission on the simple Vegas and to a five-speed transmission on the new Vegas 8-Ball model. Basically, this last one is nothing more than a demonstration of power (or muscle, if you will) and it will most likely get to be ridden down the boulevards rather than on highways.
For 2010, the seat of the new Vegas has been lowered with 1.4 inches and it is now found at 25.2 inches from the ground, just like on the Vegas 8-Ball. On both models, the footpegs have been brought 2.25 inches closer to the rider, while the Vegas gets 2-inch pull-back handlebars. Given these changes, we’re expecting a rather comfortable riding position and can’t wait to actually get on one.
Like on all 2010 Victory models, you get electronic fuel injection and belt final drive, while chassis engineers can brag about the 43 mm diameter conventional forks offering 5.1 in /130 mm of travel and a single, mono-tube gas capable of 3.0 in/76 mm travel and working together with a preload adjustable spring.
Looking at the eye-catching rims, it’s hard to spot the brakes, but the 300 mm floating rotor with 4-piston caliper at the front and 300mm floating rotor with 2-piston caliper at the back aren’t there to look nice, but to actually provide the needed stopping power in all riding situations. More on that later!
Victory Vegas Limited Edition
Meanwhile let’s see what makes the 2010 lineup even more special: Victory Motorcycles introduces its quickest motorcycle ever produced. The 2010 Victory Vegas Limited Edition motorcycle represents the leanest and meanest Victory ever offered. Featuring the Freedom106/6 with Stage 2 cams, The Vegas LE pumps out 97 Horsepower and 113 ft/lb of torque, and features a Bonneville Salt Flats inspired paint scheme to let everybody know how serious it is.
“We wanted to honor racers that have brought Victory Motorcycles to the Bonneville Salt Flats,” says Victory Product Manager Gary Gray. “Bonneville is one of the most harsh racing environments on the planet, and racers such as Gregor Moe, Laura Klock of Klock Works, Matt Waring of MBW and others have helped show the potential of our motorcycles to the world. So we started with our lightest bike and our largest most powerful engine and added a Limited Edition paint scheme to create a unique motorcycle, plus we priced it aggressively.”
A particularly unique feature of the Vegas Limited Edition is that each owner will choose from one of four color schemes at the time of ordering. The order session will close in February and motorcycles will be delivered in March. A total of 100 Victory Vegas LE motorcycles will be built, each one featuring a limited edition plate on the motor.
Given these facts, the 2010 Victory Vegas models come with much better credentials and yet don’t drift away from their unique style and still get a fair share of competitors.
We can’t help not notice how the Victory Vegas managed to squeeze its way on the market for almost seven years now, but it still has a tough battle to undergo with also very popular models such as the Harley-Davidson FXDWG Dyna Wide Glide, Star Raider and Raider S.
The Harley might come with a fairly smaller V-Twin engine (96 ci / 1584 cc) developing 92 ft lbs @ 3000 rpm, but it has a big fan club to stand by it, while Victory is just working on that. The bike also has a low seat (25.5 inches) and weighs in at a decent 647 lbs dry.
2010 Star Raider S
The Stars are probably the best customs to put against the two Victory Vegas motorcycles simply because the style is very appropriate, not to mention the 113 ci / 1854 cc, air-cooled, V-Twin motor, which is fuel injected (like the Harley’s) and is coupled only to a five-speed transmission because of the massive torque developed by the big V-Twin engine. You get belt final drive as well, a higher seat (27.4 inches) and a wet weight of just 692 lbs.
Exterior
2010 Victory Vegas
Victory originally started to produce the Vegas as a pretty regular custom, but this model gradually grew to become one of the most representative in the American manufacturer’s motorcycle lineup. Today, the base model is still being characterized by the smooth flowing lines of the fenders and gas tank, while the even lower seat contributes to the aggressive allure that this bike has. Probably Victory’s most inspired move in what concerns the Vegas is the black Stingray pair of wheels. These make the thing look like it’s moving even when it’s not. Both the tip-to-tail spine and the split-tail gas tank are Vegas characteristics, while anybody can live with a generous headlight and taillight. The colors available for the 2010 Victory Vegas are both solids (Solid Pearl White) and multiple (Two Tone Sunset Red & Pearl White) and look enhanced by the multitude of chrome pieces.
2010 Victory Vegas 8-Ball
The first thing that sets the 2010 Victory Vegas 8-Ball apart from its simple sibling is the Solid Black color and the lack of chrome. Instead, it has a blacked-out 100 ci Freedom V-Twin engine, blacked-out bars and also black Stingray wheels. You get the classic headlight, no passenger seat and a little bit more attitude I guess.
Victory Vegas Limited Edition
The 2010 Victory Vegas Limited Edition motorcycle comes in four limited edition colors – Fireball Red, Competition Yellow, Pearl White and Turbo Silver – all adding up to the bad boy look this cruiser can give even to a nerd.
"Although lacking the overdrive sixth gear of Victory’s Freedom 100/6 powertrain, the 8-Ball’s SOHC, 50-degree V-Twin still impresses. With 1634cc of displacement, the New American Motorcycle’s engine compares favorably with The Motor Company’s 96 cubic-incher, offering a wide spread of torque and bigger horsepower numbers." – motorcycle
"The 8-Ball weighs the same as a regular Vegas so performance remains. On our test ride in the Texas Hill Country, the 8-Ball was a willing companion even when we leaned it down to the footpegs. Dial it back to a more relaxed pace and the 8-Ball happily eats up the miles." – popularmechanics
2010 Victory Vegas 8-Ball
"We noticed that when we leaned into the turns the bike responded accordingly. If we wanted to make a sharp turn, we could. And for the gradual sweepers, a slight shift with our seating position was all it took to keep it tucked tightly into the curves, sticking to the asphalt." – hotbikeweb
"Though not terribly roomy front-to-rear, the saddle is wide and firm enough to provide support for more than a test-sit in the showroom. The riding position, which places your feet forward on pegs, remained comfortable after a couple of hours on the highway." – motorcyclecruiser
Price
Although Victory offers two special Vegas models in 2010 – the 8-Ball for an MSRP of $13,799 and the Limited Edition at a starting price of $15,999 – it is the standard bike that is the most expensive with its $16,599 price tag.
Conclusion
With the 2010 Vegas models, Victory simply made it possible for riders to benefit of the same riding thrill for more miles than even before, while looking bad ass and leaving everybody wondering which custom bike builder pulled that off. Little will they know that you’re riding a mass produced model…at least until they start asking around and turn into Victory fans themselves.
This 100ci/1634cc engine serves up 85 horsepower and 106 ft-lb of torque for responsive acceleration and great power. It has Closed Loop Fuel Injection with overdrive.
6 Speed Overdrive Transmission
There’s smooth shifting through the greats, and in 6th - which is a true overdrive - the RPMs drop for smooth, efficient highway cruising. Plus, there’s still power for passing without downshifting.
Foot Pegs Repositioned Rearward 2.25 Inches
The lower controls are positioned closer to the rider and slightly higher, putting them easy in reach, regardless of inseam length. The result is confident control and comfortable riding.
Black Stingray Wheels
Wheels need to look good standing still, and roll with reliable precision when the bike’s in motion. These wheels do it all, showing style when parked and rolling smooth and true on the open road.
2-Inch Pull-Back Handlebars
With these 2" pullback bars, the hand controls are easily within reach for comfortable, confident control. The bar positioning also provides natural leverage for easy steering.
Tip-to-Tail Spine
This is signature Vegas styling. Nothing says "custom" like beautifully styled bodywork, and nothing compares to the raised spine that runs the length of the Vegas-family models.
Split-Tail Gas Tank
Custom builders only wish they could create works of art like the signature split-tail Victory tank. It sweeps back with an elegant flare and merges with the seat in smooth style.
Super-Low Seat Height (1.3 Inches Lower)
The lowered seat and new, rearward positioning of the hand and foot controls put a rider in a comfortable position to enjoy the ride and confidently stay in command on the open road.
Super-Bright LED Taillight
The leader of the pack needs a taillight that is easy to follow - this in the one! It is exceptionally bright and super-stylish with its smart design and flush mounting.
2010 Victory Vegas 8-Ball
Blacked-Out 100 Cubic Inch Freedom V-Twin
This stealthy-looking 100ci/1634cc engine delivers 85 horsepower and 106 ft-lb of torque, ample power for city sprints and highway cruising. Electronic Fuel Injection keeps it smooth and efficient.
5 Speed Transmission
Enjoy smooth, easy shifting with this proven, reliable 5-speed transmission.
New, Lowered Seat (1.4" Lower)
The lowered seat and new, rearward positioning of the hand and foot controls put a rider in a comfortable position to enjoy the ride and confidently stay in command on the open road.
Multi-Led Taillight
The leader of the pack needs a taillight that is easy to follow - this in the one! It is exceptionally bright and super-stylish with its smart design and flush mounting.
Streamlined Seat
This seat provides a rider with a comfortable riding position and it’s styling complements the smooth, low profile of the bike.
Blacked-Out Bars
These handlebars are blacked-out to complement the 8-Ball styling treatment, and their design gives a rider natural leverage for easy steering.
Repositioned Foot Pegs (2.25 Inches Back)
The lower controls are positioned closer to the rider and slightly higher, putting them easy in reach, regardless of inseam length. The result is confident control and comfortable riding.
Classic Headlight
The styling of this headlight is classic and straightforward and the illumination it provides is effective at lighting up the way for great cruising.
Black Stingray Wheels
Wheels need to look good standing still, and roll with reliable precision when the bike’s in motion. These wheels do it all, showing style when parked and rolling smooth and true on the open road.
The Victory Vegas LE features:
Victory Vegas Limited Edition
Limited Edition Salt Flats Inspired Paint Scheme
Victory’s baddest Freedom 106/6 speed with Stage 2 cams
Each of the 100 vehicles is numbered from the factory
Big 106 race plate graphic on the sides
Color Matched Frame and Swing Arm
Blacked out forks, engine, and other bits
Passenger Seat and Pegs included (not shown in press images)
Customers choose from 4 different limited edition colors:
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