Meet the Gunner
MEET THE GUNNER
IGNITION
NEWS
Victory's 2015 "factory bobber"
THE GUNNER EMBRACES THE STRIPPED-DOWN ETHIC
The Victory cruiser line’s hallmark since the first model rolled off the line in 1998 has been its focus on performance, which makes the earlyrelease 2015 Gunner a natural move as the company works to evolve its product line and fill the many stylistic niches in the laidback V-twin world.
And so, the Gunner embraces the stripped-down ethic (largely within the confines of the parts bin) but retains elements that the company feels “serious riders” would want in a bobber-style production machine. Meaning a Freedom 106ci 50-degree V-twin powers the Gunner, its fourvalve heads (and hydraulic lifters) making this one of the best-running cruiser engines on the market. The engine, gearbox, and primary drive have continued to be refined over the years. Major upgrades came in 2011, with redesigned shift dogs and strategic use of helical gears to both quiet operation and reduce drive lash. Neutral assist was also added.
Expect output to be similar to that of the 2013 Judge, which, on the CUV □ynojet 250i dyno, produced a healthy 81 hp at 4,810 rpm and 95 pound-feet of torque at just 2,920. Combine this power with a not-bad-for-acruiser claimed dry weight of 649 pounds and the Gunner (expected by the time you read this) should move along well. Steering quality also should be similar to the Judge since the chassis geometry (32-degree rake), wheelbase (64.8 inches), and tire sizes (130/90-16 front, 140/90-16 rear) are the same.
The new 24-spoke wheels are a nice touch, teaming with Suede Titanium paint and a 25-inch-high solo seat to give the $12,999 Gunner its distinct look.
Mark Hayer
