When we visited the recent Long Beach International Motorcycle Show where about every manufacturer struts out their new rides, we were hit by sensory overload. Enough billet and chrome and paint and leather to reupholster the face of Mars and its two moons to boot. But as we waded through the acres of bikes and products, we were left with a several lasting impressions, call them indelible images.

In any case, when encountering the Victory display, it was one of those “Wow, whazup!” moments. We were familiar with the history of the bike, how it came out under the 50-year corporate banner of Polaris, better known as snow mobile and ATV people, and that at first we were a bit cool to these new American motorcycles that debuted in 1998 with the V92C. They seemed sorta bland until you rode one. But one look at the new crop of Victorys and we were shocked to our shorts. The bikes gleaming under the spotlights in the Victory exhibition area had up-to-date custom flairs, huge rear tires, radical paint jobs, six- speed tranny, EFI, chrome you could shave by, all in all a standard too high to be merely production motorcycles. But were we wrong.

We did learn that Arlen and Cory Ness, the Grand Guru of American Custom Bikes, had placed theirs hands upon the R&D shoulder of Victory, the influence of their design genius readily visible. So there were Master Builders at work here. More power to Victory for going to the Source, and as a result produced stellar motorcycles that arguably challenged some of the one-off’s displayed nearby in the bike competition. We weren’t the only ones impressed. So were the sales figures, at press time, 2005 Victory retail was up 51% over 2004.

For 2006 Victory’s stable of iron steeds includes the Victory Vegas, Victory Vegas 8-Ball, Kingpin, Hammer, Victory Touring Cruiser, and the new Vegas Jackpot. We’ll take a look at the trio of Victory Vegas models. Powered by the new 100/6 Freedom V- twin engine, the 100 cubic inch (1363cc) 50-degree V-Twin features a narrower crankcase for more cornering clearance, new cams for improved low-end torque plus the six-speed tranny with overdrive for a smoother ride and less stress on the engine.

The new colors especially kick-off Victory’s new “show quality” cruisers line-up including Black with Old School pinstriping, Nuclear Sunset with Tribal Flames, a two-tone flame yellow over Turbo silver, tow-tone graphite over Turbo Silver and solid black, Supersonic Blue and Indy Red. Even the names tell you Victory has ramped up big time. Another thing that struck us, was how seamless the body lines now flow and also the fact that they “own” their own V-Twin engine design rather than rely on a proprietary motor sourced elsewhere. In other words, Victory has its own identity, something apparent from the get-go, but now with their turn down the factory custom lane, they’ve firmly set their stamp.

The Vegas comes in three flavors, as in “standard” Vegas, Vegas 8-Ball and Vegas Jackpot. The 8-Ball features a “blacked-out” cosmetic scheme aiming at a “distilled essence.” It also uses a 5-speed tranny used on previous Victory models as well as what Victory calls the “silent chain” for the cam drive and oil pump while a helical-cut primary drive and a hydraulic cam chain tensioner further reduce operating noise. Both variations roll with a 180 rear tire. The Vegas Jackpot is described by Victory as “The Ultimate Extreme Custom” and pulls out all the stops featuring a big fat 250mm rear tire, extra chrome as standard, custom headlight, color–matched frames as well as the 6-speed OD tranny and new 100 inch motor. The bikes’ styling cues include a tip-to-tail raised spine, elegant and very sano flush-mounted taillight and sexy scalloped tank. The paint is show quality.

But while we can look at the bikes indefinitely, the ride is what makes all that eye candy icing on the cake. While the emphasis for the Jackpot is definitely on style (much of it from Victory’s head designer Michael Song), with the 21-inch front wheel, svelte bodywork, forward controls, lowered seat height (25.7 inches). Words likes smooth handling and refined performance still come to mind, and thanks to the torque yanking 100-inch motor, you can twist up your daily dose of adrenaline as well. The big back 250 rubber doughnut does require a bit more steering input while the lowered, stiffer suspension, makes the pavement irregularities more apparent. In any case, it ain’t bland any more.

And remember Victory not only offers a wide assortment of aftermarket parts and accessories, it’s the only major bike manufacturer that lets you custom order your bike straight from the factory assembly line. Place an order, name your specs, and you’re personalized Victory will be winging its way to you in about two months.

Pricing for the new Victory’s are: Hammer (base of $16,899), Kingpin ($15,999), Deluxe Kingpin ($17,499), Vegas ($15,799), Vegas 8-Ball ($13,399). The limited edition Vegas Jackpots styled by Arlen and Cory Ness feature even more billet and chrome, special billet wheels, custom stitched seats, and special signed Ness graphics.

The Cory Ness Signature model has black bodywork with blue flames, black frame and black engine. The Arlen Ness Signature comes with blue bodywork and frame with gold and silver graphics and silver engine. MSRP is $21,999.

On to Page 2...