@@PabloCruise1 1 out of every 4 will be back to dealer in first year, and that is a fact. 26% but if you mean the best by making alot of noise with the least amount of hp then yes i can agree with that.
Best looking ever? Victory made some nice looking rides but best looking EVER? Here are a few bikes, that in my opinion are right up there with Victory in style. The Vincent Black Shadow. A classic. Looks great from any angle. - The Yamaha YZR500. One of the cleanest race bikes ever. - The Norton Commando. May look even better than the Vincent. Brit bike styling at it's finest. - The Harley Davidson XLCR "Cafe' Racer." May not have been a great bike quality wise, being from the dark ages of AMF, as well as being rejected by the Harley traditionalists but it just looked bad ass! Highly sought after today.
Agreed!!! As my very first bike. I can completely agree with you. Out of a hundred different brand bikes in the showroom in which I purchased mine; I can tell you this bike stood out the 06' Vegas. I couldn't be more pleased with my purchase. For investors and if I had the financial gain, This motorcycle brand has the potential to continue to be competitive in the market. Harley is struggling right now due to their R&D and I feel, since Polaris owns both Victory and Indian, it is constantly competing against itself which is why it led to Polaris's decision to shutdown Victory. It is unbelievable and unfortunate that this brand has come to an end in 2017. Hopefully a good investor can see the potential in this company and reimagine it. I'm telling you, every single one of their bikes still has customers. Who's with me on this thought?
I owned 4 gsxrs and finally decided to get a cruiser, found a 2016 hammer s with a 1000 miles on it, got it home threw freedom pipes , lloydz timing gear, Lloyd's torque tubes and a lloydz fuel tuner on it and all I can say is, its one hell of a bike. I couldn't be happier with it.
Ah, late to the party as usual! Very nice list, Sir. I'm a Vision Pilot and would not have another before it, but it's pretty hard to argue with the number one pick. The Jackpot specifically. What an epic mistake it was to kill Victory. Instead of maintaining a window to look forward and keep the momentum going, they shorted themselves and got locked into this whole heritage bit. Ironically, if you look at the newer stuff, it's looking less heritage and more Vic every day! They are realizing that you can only take that schtick so far. And now that that POS Scott Wine is gone from the company, who knows what the new leadership will do. I don't know that Victory will ever re-emerge as a brand, but perhaps some of that great Victory DNA will find its way into more of the design philosophy moving forward. But I digress! Since I am biased towards the Vision, I'm gonna list the 5 Victories that I would also have or have as a sister bike if there was room in the garage for another! - Magnum X-1................. Had this bike existed in 2014, I may well be riding that bike instead of the Vision. - Hammer S..................... By far my favorite Vic Steel frame bike. Would make a perfect Sister bike to my Vision. - Cross Country............... Specifically a 2012 Corey Ness Special Edition. Love the forged bars. - Kingpin.......................... Another great looker. Barely finished behind the Hammer in my book. - Gunner.......................... Could be one of the most under rated bikes in the whole lineup. So that is my story and I am sticking to it! If anyone is out there reading this, what would make your list that is not on mine and why? I still have my 2014 Vision and ride it all the time. I will never part with this bike. I'm already making plans to freshen it up while parts are still available. You just can't beat a Vision. Cheers!
Thanks for watching folks. Let me know if you agree with this list or let me know what your Top 10 would look like if not. Don't forget to give a like if you enjoyed the video and subscribe for more! Cheers folks!
I test rode 3 bikes with the Vegas as my intended purchase. I loved the styling of it and when i sat on it, I was 99% sure it was what i wanted. On the test ride day, i was looking at Vegas, Gunner, Octane, and the Highball. That was the order of my choices as well. I hated the ride of the Vegas, the way my back was slouched and the shock absorption of the road into my low back and tail bone. I cut the Vegas. Next was the Highball and was hesitant about the ape hangers in regards to handling. First turn out of the driveway and i was lovin it. The ride was comfy and everything just fit. I took on the Octane next and man was it fun! I can lean it low and it had a decent amount of high end speed with plenty of torque off the line. The comfort was meh, i didn't like the seat and it looked like a mini bike under my 6ft 240lb frame. Unfortunately the demo was done and didn't get to ride the Gunner. I didn't need to ride it because I was set on the Highball. After 5000 miles i was cut off by a driver but got another Highball that was preowned and already set up with arlen ness goodies all over and broken in at 5000 mi so i took it as a sign and im still rollin with it. I will continue to ride Victory as long as i can find them.
I do agree, I've come to own my second victory motorcycle just recently. The fact that they're not being made anymore didn't have any bearing on my purchase. These bikes are extremely Stout and reliable. My first was a Vegas 8 Ball, my second is a beautiful Boardwalk. Good video 👍👍
I've been riding and owning a lot of motorcycles since 1965. Never gave Victory motorcycles much thought, but when I rode and been riding my sons 2009 Victory vegas 8 ball that really changed my mind. Love that bike.
Hardballs number 1 mate, the unicorn of the family. I fell in love with it back in 2012 then finally found one in 2017 5days before they pulled the pin on the best bike I've ridden. Sad day 09/01/17
My '99 V92C has been a heck of a first bike. It definitely has its quirks but it's been perfectly reliable even with almost 35,000 miles on it. I didn't get to choose it (17th birthday gift from my grandfather last year) but I'm so glad that I got pulled into the world of Victory.. amazing machines!
Great tribute to maybe the greatest American bikes ever. Owned four of these beast. But... thank you so much, sincerely, Polaris, for buying Indian and letting us down; kind of depressed, I switched to ADV (Yamaha’s) and won’t ever ride anything else! Super Tenere all the way. Now that’s riding.
I have a 2014 Victory Cross Country 8-Ball. I always dreamed of having a Harley. Then Victory came out. When I was finally in a position to purchase, I went and rode both. The comfort of the Cross Country can't be ignored. The bike handles and performs amazingly well too. I love that thing and don't know that I will ever part with it.
I've owned a Hard Ball (had to sell when times were tight), a Cross Country, and now a Vegas. The Hard Ball is my favorite, and I would have put it at number 10 for that reason. I had a custom painted fairing and trunk, and being able to add and remove them both in 5 minutes made the bike feel like 2 different machines. I would have placed the Cross Country above the Magnum.
I have a special place in my heart for my 2006 Kingpin , plenty of power for two up riding . Comfort level is great with passenger and rider floor boards . Back in the day it was one of the first factory customs that did and still does turn lots of heads . Just my humble opinion . I am also bummed
+robert peaks thanks for the comment. I honestly don't think there was a 'bad' Victory motorcycle and compiling this list was difficult and the result of many conversations down the pub. Haha.
I totally agree with you , I'm not bummed by your statement . I'm bummed that Polaris is dropping Victory for the Slingshot and Indian was what I meant . I'm a firm believer in ride what you want and like what you ride . I own two cruisers of different brands , love them both . Keep doing what you are doing . Its all good .
+robert peaks absolutely. I don't think Slingshot will be a long-term success. It's too eccentric for many potential customers in a fairly small and already crowded market.
Got a 04 Kingpin and just bought a 2011. Just for it's longevity it deserves to be in the top 10. The Boardwalk was basically the same bike, they just changed the name.
My all-time favorite Cruiser is the HD V-ROD MUSCLE (I actually own 2 of them). My 2nd all-time favorite Cruiser is the VICTORY Hammer; superior engineering for an air-cooled machine and absolutely BEAUTIFUL! Naturally I'd put the Hammer at the top of the VICTORY list (not everyone appreciates ape-hangers & funky front wheels).
Picked up a Vegas 8 ball this week, after 12 years without bike I heartily agree. That custom look, the raw torque and the fact its NOT a Harley have made this 46 year old ex sports bike rider a very happy fat dad.....
Holy...! 😳 How come I've never heard of Victory Motorcycles before this video??? They're freaking amazingly gorgeous! By far the best looking cruisers I've ever seen! And yes, as of today, I'm in the market for one!!!
Completely agree - I own a 2005 Vic Vegas 8 Ball. It's the 92ci freedom engine but with the Conquest Custom Ground Pounders, the S&S Intake, Power Commander and other stylish upgrades, it's def a head turner and a major fun time to ride... I doubt I'll ever get rid of her...
I just picked up a 2016 XC a few weeks ago and I love it. Just made a video on it. It’s the third Victory I’ve owned. Started out with a 2004 Vegas with the 92 ci and 5-speed, then I got a 2012 High Ball and now this 2016 XC. Such a shame they stopped making them. I’d love to see Polaris revive Victory in some way I’m the future.
I've owned a Victory Vision and Kingpin for a few years now, and I just got a 2013 Victory judge a few weeks ago. Out of the three bikes the Judge, is the toughest looking and possibly the fastest motorcycle out of the three. I still love to jump on my Vision or kingpin when I go out of town.
Solid review. I'm proud to say I've got a Hammer and couldn't be happier. Few minutes down the road and I'm grinning. Riding position so so comfortable and serves to make you feel like you're King of the Road. Hunch over a bit and you can launch it aggressively whilst still being comfortable... oh so much fun. ^5 to anyone who owns a Victory you've proved yourselves very astute.
I ride a victory as well and mine is a 2015 cross country and i absolutely love the motorcycle me personally the cross country is my favorite bike but thats just me everyone has their favorite motorcycle that they like
I agree. Had the Vegas 8-ball and it was both the most comfortable and fastest cruiser I'd rode on. If Victory were still around and it wasn't getting close to the end of the parts life span I'd still be on one.
The 2014 8-Ball is only my second bike, but I did a lot of research and test riding before I purchased it. I've got it kitted out just how I like it with crossbow exhaust, Power Commander and a set of Torque Tube intakes. For comfort I've added a set of highway bars, removable semi-rigid leather bags and a quick release windshield. I can easily convert it for ripping around town or long distance cruising. I plan to ride it until the wheels fall off. Only then will I consider looking at an Indian to replace it.
Great Vid. Vegas at 1 surpised me but after your rationale it make perfect sense. I'm a HD owner but I'm buying a Victory as a 2nd bike. I do love the Hard Ball, Magnum & Vegas Jackpot. I especially like the 2010-11 Jackpots with Chrome wheels. Just as an aside I'm 6'4 and I'm yet to find a Victory that is not suited to Bill & Tall riders. I've had many HD's & you always spend money on getting it to fit ...
+New Jack the only one you may find a bit cramped is the midpeg Euro version of the Gunner and the Judge. Some great deals on at the moment and I can see them holding their value once people realise you can't get them anymore. Thanks for the comment.
I mostly agree with the list especially first place. The only one I really didn't care for was the ape hanger but I never did dig that style, even though I kind of get it. Good video!I will definitely miss Victory, iwas hoping to get one soon. I thought they were different, to me like a modern cruiser and Indian more like a classic. I tend to prefer modern.
You have no idea how happy you just made me my friend because I'm so happy anyways because I just bought a Victory Vegas 8-Ball and when you said that was your number one pick!!!! And nothing personal to the squares out there because it is indeed hip to be square though I'm not LOL, the position of the can I purchase to Victory Motorcycle from a square. Reason why I say that is because that person had no vision as to what he had or be able to appreciate what are you at so you let the bike go to me for $2,500 Yes you heard it right the bike only has 5000 miles on it! I didn't even investigate this bike before I bought it I just test drove it love the power loved the look love the feel between my legs. I bought it yesterday I'm checking it out on RU-vid today to see you what it stood in the motorcycle world and lo and behold number one! Awesome I'm feeling that so much and so happy my motorcycle is freaking awesome gorgeous!
I have to agree with you 100%, I love my Victory and I do ride the 2013/14 Orange Madness Jackpot, which has to be the standout Jackpot of them all...it's now a collectors ride 😎 🍻🇦🇺
I 100% agree with your description of the Vegas and #1 Victory model. I may be partial because I own the original 2003 Vegas. Best looking stock cruiser of all time. Reliable, comfortable (with a Mustang seat), powerful, and stylish "custom bike" look. I also agree with your #2 choice, the Octane. Love the looks. Although I have never ridden one, I would like to add one to my collection.
Hi my name is Joe and recently bought an 06 vegas 8 ball and I love it for all reasons you noted and then some and do believe that you got the order correct and plan on keeping mine forever .
Thank you for your list as I am looking at buying a Victory Vegas. I've own a Harley Sportster 883 Custom's, which is my 2nd HD 883. But the Victory Vegas is a step up in power, handling, and style, which I like.
Do your research first and make sure the bike is sound and well looked after. I made this video nearly 6 years ago and at the time Polaris said they'd continue to make parts for 10 years. With only 4 years of that commitment left I am told by many that some parts are already hard to source. That said, you can still get parts for many bikes that are many decades out of production. Specialist sites like VictoryOnly should help and if Victory manages to grow its cult status, its likely that parts will still be able to be sourced.
Very Nice Video and Enjoyed watching it but don't agree with your Number Ratings but still enjoyed .. Just in Case Curious I would have rated the the Cross Country #1 and the Kingpin # 2 ..
As an owner of a 2012 Vegas Jackpot (now my ever evolving Chopper Project Bike) and a 2013 Cross Country Tour, I agree with your placement of the Vegas as number 1, especially, of course, in Jackpot trim. As an A&P Aircraft Mechanic who has moved into aircraft maintenance tech writing with an airline's Engineering Dept, I look at performance, features and solid engineering over fluff, catchy advertising slogans and slick merchandising when deciding where to spend my money. I looked at many bikes before buying these two Victories and determined no-one offered the same value in a big V-twin. I almost even bought a 2013 Hammer-S as my 3rd bike but then decided the Ducati Diavel made more sense to fill the slot of my Muscle Cruiser. This year I added a new Kawasaki Ninja ZX14R as my race-style bike. I thoroughly enjoy each of these bikes for their specific riding purpose. Only a 2017 Big Dog semi-custom (if there were such a thing) with modern engine and fuel system would be more satisfying than my raked out Jackpot chopper, now with 23" front wheel and 300mm rear tire. I used to think it was cool when people showed up to rides with early Indian models or pre-AMF Harleys because they owned some heritage and mojo that was no longer commonly available. I am now beginning to view my Victorys that way and appreciate what they offer in their particular riding experience. Ciao Brothers!
+Dennis Tubbs excellent comment! I am sure Victory will be looked back on favourably in years to come. Enough to make a resurgence? Who knows. Your Jackpot sounds awesome. Safe riding buddy.
+Peter C interesting list thanks for sharing. It would be interesting to know, what for you, puts the Vision at the top? I have a feeling that it might become a future classic.
Octane was the cruiser that got me into cruisers, it was different from your typical Harleys no hate intended but was actually surprisingly fast handle surprising well and looked suprisingly nice
Didn't even want another bike and then saw a Midnight Cherry Vision on the street and it changed my mind instantly... was 30 years since I had bike before that day and bought one a month later. Any bike that can do that should be No.1 on the list (totally not biased ;) ).
@@RebelRides Oh yeah... in my garage right now impatiently awaiting spring so we can go practice in a parking lot together :) Here's a video of it made by the guy I bought it from: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-yNgC9EFWQiQ.html
I owned a 2004 Victory Touring Cruiser. Nice bike with nice saddle bags. It should have at least been mentioned.... I traded it straight across for a 2008 Suzuki M109R.... The Victory was a better bike with a lot more comfort... It has a Russell Day long seat...
I Love my 2002 V92C. Runs like a dream & makes me want to ride. It calls me by my name. Going on Lady ride today. Peace & I enjoyed your video. Have you seen Harley & the Davidson's? Excellent. I will have a Harley too, keeping my V92 though.
I first rode the Jackpot in 2008 at a test drive and fell in love with it, finally purchasing a new 2011 Lady Luck model. besides being kickass right out of the box. I added some Ness Ram Bars, X Box exhaust, Victory saddle bags and chromed the rims. WOW strangely enough people luv my custom and simply do not know what it is. I am going to get a X-1 someday. So yes I agree with your pick of # 1
I have a 2007 Victory Jack pot premium pearl white with the flame's lot's of people think I built it from scratch,hehe and always' draw's lot's of look's,looking to add a magnum x-1 to the stable as well
Just got the 2015 Victory Vegas 8 ball off an auction few others bid on. I Love it! Although, I have to admit while I was paying for it I kept thinking; "Oh my, do I really want another bike like my Triumph Trident that broke every time I took it out. Never further from the truth. All I can hope is they ressurect the line because I'm loving this bike.
I would like to see it resurrected but I don't think there's much chance of it. We're already seeing bikes from Indian that look like they were originally being designed for Victory. Even the modern Scout was originally developed for Victory (which we saw as the Octane). Still you've got a cracking bike there. Those Vegas 8-Balls are awesome.
Great video I’ve watched it a few times. My inputs would be Kingpin, Vegas, Octane, and Cross Country for my top 4. I’ve owned a 07 Jackpot and 13 Cross Country. I’m about to buy Octane very soon. I have also owned 5 different Indians with my current one being the Challenger.
Great choices and right on with the vegas. I've had my Harley Deuce for 14 years and was sooooo close to buying a vegas. They just drip with the X factor.
Bought a 2013 Hard Ball. pulled the apes because of shoulder issues, put wide beach bars and dark tint winshield and this bike is good to go.....handles like a sportbike, but easy to maintain
I truly enjoyed and agree with your assessment. I believe Polaris did a terrible job of marketing the Victory line of motorcycles. I ride a 2009 Vision. I cannot count the number of times people have asked me when this bike came out. Every person who has confronted me has said they never seen anything like this bike and where can they find one. Labor Day 2017 a group of riders from had rented 14 Harley Davidsons and were getting off a tour bus near the Grand Canyon. My wife and I were riding up to the park. They came over and were asking me about my bike. I thought surely if they rode Harley’s they would know about this bike. Nope. It’s like the world was left out of knowing about these bikes on purpose.
Awsome vid! My 2007 jackpot draws crowds wherever I go. Went from HD to Victory because of the custom look right out the assembly line. Great handling and balance. RIDE SAFE...