Vegas No Gamble

VEGAS NO GAMBLE

SCORE ONE FOR FIRST IMpressions. Victory’s new Vegas cruiser, unveiled to dealers this past August at Sturgis, shows all signs of being a clear-the-bases grand slam. Victory General Manager Mark Blackwell called initial reactions “fabulous,” adding that the custom-order program (Roundup, September) was also going well.

Famed father-and-son customizers Aden and Cory Ness, who helped lay down the new bike’s look, like what they

see, too. “We’re really thrilled,” said Aden Ness. “They did a great job on it. The gas tank was a big thing. It really zoomed the bike up. They’re a bunch of young guys, smart guys. They’re willing to do stuff, and it sure shows.”

Dealers are already taking orders. “I’ve got two deposits,” reported Dean Cross of Warner Outdoor in Bloomington, Minnesota. “It’s awesome. It’s what we’ve been waiting for. For a mass-produced bike to be that custom, they did a great job. It also lends a lot more credibility to the Victory line. People know Victory is a player in the market, and it’s here to stay.”

Jeff Whaley of Polaris/Vic tory of Cummin, Georgia, echoed Cross’ enthusiasm. “I absolutely love the motorcycle.

I believe it’s the direction Victory needed to take. This is the future. It’s what everyone is looking for-curves and waves, the way the seat fits into the gas tank. It’s like a single mold. Reaction from our customers has been overwhelming. Biggest problem? It’s not coming out until March or April!”

As expected, the Vegas will retail for $14,999. Polaris West/Victory Motorcycles in Katy, Texas, the largest Victory dealer in 1999 and 2000, has three deposits. “It’s a greatlooking motorcycle,” says owner Rick Luebeck. “It’s finally going to bring Victory to the front of the pack.”

Luebeck also applauded Victory’s custom-order plan. “I don’t think the consumer totally understands yet just how cool that whole deal is,” he said. “We take off thousands of parts every year that end up back in a warehouse. Sooner or later, we have tens of thousands of dollars worth of new parts getting carted off for scrap.”

Look for a riding impression of the Vegas in the coming months. Matthew Miles