Victory's Next Step

VICTORY'S NEXT STEP

ROUNDUP

WHICH WILL IT BE? That was the question left with us after Victory’s 2007 press introduction held at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles this past summer. After company spokesmen rolled out new models and talked market share and business plans, we

all were asked to adjourn to a smaller room for the unveiling of the above four concept drawings of Victory’s in-the-works full-rig touring bike.

At that point, we were told.. .nothing. Or at least nothing specific, not expected model year, powerplant, equipment or price. Victory did allow that the bike would

be based largely on one of the drawings and wouldn’t incorporate elements from the others. “We don’t believe you can mix these kinds of ideas-it needs to come from one person,” said Director of Polaris/Victory Industrial Design Greg Brew.

Victory wouldn’t even say which people in the depart-

ment had done which drawing, just that the company needs to make this bike and “is aiming to re-define the American motorcycle touring experience.”

Such a motorcycle is, of course, the natural progression for Victory to essentially complete its lineup, but the company also feels that the commercial possibilities are very strong.

“The fastest growing segment continues to be the luxury-touring segment,” said PR man Tony Meirovitz. “Harley-Davidson has close to 75 percent market share. It is our hope to be able to bring a nice American alternative.”

Which alternative it will be can actually be partM ly up to you. CW readers are invited to visit www.victory motorcycles.com to express opinions about the four concepts. So if you like one, let ’em know.

As for 2007, most of the lineup returns with minimal changes, including custominspired headlights and lighter cast swingarms on selected models. Æ Biggest news is that the Touring Cruiser,

last of the old-generation bikes, has been replaced by the Kingpin Tour-featuring locking saddlebags and top box, windscreen, touring passenger seat and floorboards, as well as special fender trim.

Also new for ’07 is the Hammer S, a limited-edition machine with muscle-carinspired paint, red powdercoated Performance Machine wheels and the same fat,

250mm-wide Dunlop rear tire as on the standard Hammer.

Two new Ness Signature Series Vegas Jackpots, meanwhile, get fresh custom paint schemes, wheel designs and diamondcut engine fin edges.

So, aside from the concept —~ sketches,

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which Victory bought a 25percent stake in 2005-the next natural question is what comes after the luxury tourer.

“Could Victory be something else beyond heavy cruisers and touring?” offered VP of Motorcycle and International Operations Mark Blackwell. “The answer is a clear yes.” Blackwell went on to say that teams from each company were visiting the other’s factory and that it would be much more likely for Victory to get KTM’s engineering assistance on a performance engine than to see a rebadged Austrian Twin in the future.

Added Meirovitz, “Believe me, there are a lot of people within the walls of Victory that want a competitive ^ American sportbike, and there is definitely a possibility in that regard.”

-Mark Hoyer