Spied! Victory Sport Cruiser

SPIED! VICTORY SPORT CRUISER

ROUNDUP

THINGS ARE HEATING UP AT Victory Motorcycles, Polaris Industries’ bike division. Just last year, the ATV, snowmobile and watercraft manufacturer launched its first two-wheeler, the V92C. Now, blurry spy photos culled from Victory’s California proving grounds have surfaced. Rather than the expected bagger, though, the year-2000 V92SC is more of a backroad weapon.

“We’re trying to create our own niche in the cruiser segment-a sporting cruiser,” says a company spokesman. “We’re targeting people who like to ride a little harder, but who don't want a pure sportbike. Or someone who’s been a sportbike rider, but can’t quite deal with the fetal riding position anymore.” While the V92C’s doublecradle steel-tube frame remains intact, a 9 percent boost in engine output, beefed-up brakes and suspension, and more aggressive ergonomics give the SC a greater canyoncarving bias. “It’s not a sportbike,” cautions the spokesman, “but it is designed to make the rider feel like a hero.” Specifically, there are new cams, airbox updates, revised fuel-injection mapping and a 2into-1 exhaust. A 50mm Marzocchi fork replaces the previous 45mm unit, the Fox shock has been upgraded, and twin front Brembo four-piston calipers squeeze 300mm floating rotors. There’s also added cornering clearance, footpegs instead of floorboards and 17-inch wheels wearing sticky, low-profile Dunlops. “It has a 180mm-wide rear tire,” enthuses the spokesman.

As noted, ergonomics are more aggressive, aided by a flatter Superbike-style handlebar and a recontoured one-piece seat. The headlight are standard-issue V92C, but the wraparound fenders are gone, replaced by smaller, trimmer pieces. Somewhat curious is the single ovalsection muffler. “The exhaust is half dirt-tracker, half sportbike,” explains our contact, “but with a cruiser flair.”

While it isn’t targeting a specific motorcycle, Victory admits that the V92SC will compete with Harley’s Dyna Super Glide Sport. “Feature by feature, the FXDX doesn’t have what this bike has,” alleges the official. “The V92SC is an FXDX with $6000 in aftermarket parts.”

In related news, Polaris is leaving its Minneapolis offices for a 33-acre, 130,000-squarefoot facility in Medina, Minnesota. The new corporate campus will have a national training and service center, and house 300 employees. Estimated cost is $17 million, and move-in is scheduled for January, 2000.

Matthew Miles