Victory Motorcycles->ke1801 isn't playing hard-ball with its customers; they just have a bike called Hard-Ball that they pulled the covers off recently in Long Beach, California.
In typical High-Ball fashion, the 2012 Victory Hard-Ball arrived in one no-nonsense color: Matte Black with tasteful red pin striping. For an old-school look, the bike received black spoke wheels - 18" on the front and 16" on the rear - shod with blackwall Dunlop Elite tires. The Hard-Ball’s triple-disc brakes with standard ABS are fully modern binders.
The 1731cc Freedom 106 provides a spirited ride with a wide spread of power on the High-Ball, and despite a little larger fender on the front end, steering is still light enough, even with the absence of a fairing most baggers or tourers sport. The Hard-Ball also features a single-overhead cam with four valves per cylinder and self-adjust cam chains with hydraulic lifters. The 106 Freedom V-Twin also breathes through a modern Electronic Fuel Injection with dual, 45mm throttle bodies, and split dual exhaust with a crossover pipe for enhanced performance. The powertrain is mated to a 6-Speed overdrive transmission with "Neutral Selection Assist and helical-cut gears to ensure every shift is as quiet and smooth as the one before."
As for handling, the chassis design of the bike comes with a longer wheelbase (65.7" worth), a higher seat (26.25"), and more ground clearance (5.8"). The Hard-Ball also adds some touring amenities, safety and comfort, including a larger air-deflecting battery cover, split dual exhaust, and a longer rear fender.
Find out more about the Victory Hard-Ball after the jump.
2012 Victory Hard-Ball
- Make: Array
- Model: 2012 Victory Hard-Ball
- Engine/Motor: 4-stroke 50° V-Twin
- Transmission: 6-speed overdrive constant mesh
- [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
106 CUBIC-INCH FREEDOM V-TWIN
At the heart of Hard-Ball sits the Freedom V-Twin power plant, expertly balanced for perfectly controlled explosion that delivers 109 ft. lbs. of hole shot torque. Maestro of the motorcycle world, it’s what keeps man, machine and highway working together in perfect harmony.
6-SPEED OVERDRIVE TRANSMISSION
The highest performing transmission on the road receives the power generated by the massive V-Twin and seamlessly turns it into something you can use. Neutral Selection Assist and helical-cut gears ensure every shift is as quiet and smooth as the one before.
APE-HANGER HANDLEBARS
Make a statement with two fists in the air. These blacked-out apes are what give the Hard-Ball its signature profile. Feel a little less simian? Pull ‘em down low for a more relaxed, but no less intimidating riding position.
18-INCH LACED WHEELS
Old-school lace design with a red tire stripe. A style that sets the stage and informs the world what riding is still all about. Throw a leg over a Victory Hard-Ball. Wherever you want to go from here, these wheels will take you.
RED PINSTRIPING PAINT FINISH
Custom style never came so dark. The Victory Hard-Ball and its custom pinstriping design lets everyone know that this bike is built to cross the line.
HARD BAGGER STORAGE
21 gallons of hard bag storage allows you to hit the road for as long as you want. You’ll have plenty of cargo space for yourself and another rider’s carry on if you choose to leave the solo gig behind.
ABS BRAKES
Standard on the Hard-Ball, the Victory Anti-Lock Brake System doesn’t discriminate between dry, wet or rock-strewn pavement. ABS is not for sissies, it’s allowing you and your Hard-Ball to own the road more than anyone else. No matter the conditions, ABS monitors what the wheel is doing and gives you consistent, smooth braking from the handlebar lever down to the rubber on the road.
SPECIFICATIONS
Engine Type |
4-stroke 50° V-Twin |
Cooling System |
Air / oil |
Displacement |
106 ci / 1731 cc |
Bore X stroke |
101 x 108 mm |
Compression Ratio |
9.4 : 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 |
5.8 gal / 22 ltr |
Exhaust |
Split dual exhaust with crossover |
Oil Capacity |
5.0 qts / 4.75 ltr |
Charging System |
48 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 |
Final Drive |
Carbon Fiber Reinforced Belt |
Length |
104.4 in/ 2652mm |
Wheelbase |
65.7 in/ 1670mm |
Seat Height |
26.25 in / 667 mm |
Ground Clearance |
5.8 in / 148 mm |
Rake / Trail |
29.0° / 5.6 in / 142 mm |
Dry Weight |
758Lbs / 345 Kg |
GVWR |
1360 lbs / 618 kg |
Handlebars |
Ape Style Bars |
Storage |
21.3 Gallons |
Front Suspension |
Inverted cartridge telescopic fork, 5.1 in/ 130 mm travel |
Rear Suspension |
Single, mono-tube gas, Cast aluminum with constant rate linkage, 4.7 in/ 120mm travel, Air adjustable |
Brake System type |
ABS |
Front Braking System Type |
Dual 300mm floating rotor with 4-piston calipers |
Rear Braking System Type |
300mm floating rotor with 2-piston caliper |
Front Tire |
130/70 B18 Dunlop 491 Elite II with Red Tire Strip |
Front Wheel |
18 X 3.5 in Black Spoked |
Rear Tire |
180/60 R16 Dunlop Elite 3 with Red Tire Strip |
Rear Wheel |
16 X 5.0 in Black Spoked |
Color Options |
Matte Black with Red Pinstriping |
QUOTES
RiderMegazine ---- "After presenting R. Lee “Gunny” Ermey, the former Marine Corps drill instructor best known for his roles in Full Metal Jacketand on History Channel’s “Mail Call,” with a custom USMC-themed High Ball on December 9 at the International Motorcycle Show in Long Beach, California, Victory Motorcycles pulled the covers off a new model, the 2012 Victory Hard-Ball."
Ultimatemotorcycle ---- "No matter what motorcyclists decide, there's one thing not so debatable: it's definitely one bad-ass machine. And it should be, considering its basically a baggified High Ball with over 21 gallons of cargo space, a different exhaust, a passenger seat and a huge safety-enhancing feature - Victory ABS."
Motorcycle-Usa ---- "Victory Motorcycles made a Hard-Balling bagger out of its High-Ball and Cross Roads. Victory again thumbs its nose at conventionalism and throws a hard-riding bagger with apes out there. Not everybody wants to hide behind a front fairing but can appreciate having the convenience of some bags when it’s road-trippin’ time. The 2012 Victory Hard-Ball is the happy median."