Introduction
Victory took a thorough look over the Vegas models before calling them 2010 model years and the fact is that they didn’t had much to improve in the engine and tranny department. As a result, you’ll find that the 2010 Victory Vegas is 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 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.
2010 Victory Vegas 8-Ball
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. We shall later on see about that.
Given these fact, 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.
Competition
We can’t help not noticing 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 and the Star Raider and Raider S.
2010 Harley-Davidson FXDWG Dyna Wide Glide
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.
2009 Star Raider S
The Star Raider and Raider S 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 up to become one of the most representative ones 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.
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2010 Victory Vegas 8-Ball
Custom bikes are strongly related to choppers and we all know how bad those things handle, but they make the rider look like there’s nothing to stop him from anything and that’s pretty much what customs try to achieve. This is also the case with the Vegas bikes only that this year they managed to make them a little bit friendlier and much more pleasurable. On both models, the handlebars are at quick reach, so are the footpegs for the feet and the low seat allows all riders to flatfoot the ground easily.
The first impression that the riding position gives you is more than positive for the category and all keeps getting better and better. Because of the low center of gravity and massive torque supplied by the engine from just above idle, the bike’s weight (645 lbs, respectively 638 lbs dry) seems to be lost. This makes parking in tight spaces quite easy, even when pushing the thing with your legs, while cruising relaxed down the boulevard is the easiest possible thing on any of the two Vegas models.
We’ve come to find that the engine is as responsive as we remembered it from our last ride on the Vegas and user-friendliness isn’t out of the equation despite the large displacement. The bike’s overall dimensions are quite generous as well and although I don’t see it filtering slow speed traffic very soon, it is the sweetest ride once you show it the open road. We made sure that we were on the base model when getting there so that we can use the six-speed overdrive. Doing so, we noticed that the level of vibrations is significantly reduced and the engine still has plenty of grunt left in order to overpass traffic ahead.
2010 Victory Vegas
Although a straight patch of road is what the Vegas will always enjoy, cornering doesn’t turn your ride into a nightmare precisely because of the low center of gravity, proper steering geometry and good weight distribution. The bike doesn’t feel like it’s going to tip over even when the pegs are scraping the asphalt, but that’s most often a signal that you should break harder before corners. This Victory’s breaks are quite confidence-inspiring, but only when you apply both the front and the rear. Using only the front brake, like you would do on sport bikes for example, won’t have the same result as on that type of rides because of the 32.9° / 4.9 in rake and trail. So when you hit both brakes you’re in for a fast stop, preferably without adventures.
You rarely get to see a custom bike with a windscreen, but if the Vegas was mine, I’d made sure the bike has that because the wind blast hitting your chest and face at speeds of over 70 mph is anything but forgiving. Still, the bike remains stable and doesn’t vibrate enough to bother you.
The suspensions soak up bumps nicely although we could have lived with a little bit more wheel travel than the three inches at the rear. A bumpy section of the road will, indeed, leave a bad fingerprint on your riding experience, but that’s what happens on all rides, not just on the Vegas.
Overall, we must say that both the Vegas and Vegas 8-Ball are quite satisfying pieces of engineering both in and out of town. They do attract a lot of attention and, despite the fact that most people won’t recognize it, you know you’re riding something special, as special as a Star Raider can be.
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.
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2010 Victory Vegas
Engine and Transmission
Engine Type: 4-stroke 50° V-Twin
Cooling Type: Air / Oil
Displacement: 100 ci / 1,634 cc
Bore x Stroke: 101 x 102 mm
Compression Ratio: 8.7:1
Valve Train: Single overhead camshafts with 4 valves per cylinder, self-adjusting cam chains, hydraulic lifters
Fuel System: Electronic Fuel Injection with dual 45mm throttle body
Fuel Capacity: 4.5 gal / 17.0 ltr
Exhaust: Staggered slash-cut dual exhaust with crossover
Oil Capacity: 5.0 qts / 4.75 ltr
Charging System: 38 amps max output
Battery: 12 volts / 18 amp hours
Primary Drive: Gear drive with torque compensator
Clutch: Wet, multi-plate
Transmission: 6-speed overdrive constant mesh; 5-speed constant mesh on the Vegas 8-Ball
Final Drive: Carbon Fiber Reinforced Belt
Chassis and Dimensions
Front Suspension: Conventional telescopic fork, 43 mm diameter, 5.1 in 130 mm travel
Rear Suspension: Single, mono-tube gas, cast aluminum with rising rate linkage, 3.0 in/76 mm travel, preload adjustable spring
Front Brake: 300mm floating rotor with 4-piston caliper
Rear Brake: 300mm floating rotor with 2-piston caliper
Front Wheel: 21 x 2.15 in
Rear Wheel: 18 x 5.5 in
Front Tire: 90/90 21 Dunlop Elite 3
Rear Tire: 180 55-B18 Dunlop D417
Length: 96.0 in / 2,439 mm
Wheelbase: 66.3 in / 1,684 mm
Seat Height: 25.2 in / 640 mm
Ground Clearance: 5.3 in / 135 mm
Rake/Trail: 32.9° / 4.9 in / 126 mm
Dry Weight: 645 lbs (293 kg); 638 lbs / 290 kg on the Vegas 8-Ball
GVWR: 1,151 lbs / 523 kg
Other
Solid Colors: Solid Pearl White; Solid Black on the Vegas 8-Ball
Multiple Colors: Two Tone Sunset Red & Pearl White
2010 Victory Vegas
2010 Victory Vegas
Counter-Balanced 100 Cubic Inch Freedom V-Twin
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
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.
Picture Gallery
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