If you’re a motorcycle enthusiast, you’ve probably heard of Victory Vegas bikes. In this Victory Vegas motorcycle review, I’ll list all its features and specs, so you can decide if it is the right bike for you.
The American motorcycle maker Victory Motorcycles was founded in 1997. In 2003, they launched their very first Victory Vegas motorcycle. Its stylish low-slung looks, predictable handling, low seat height, and linear power delivery were reasons for its popularity. It successfully attracted both casual and seasoned riders.
Victory Motorcycles was profitable for several years. Sadly, they failed to sustain it and had to cease operations in 2017. Nonetheless, many bike enthusiasts have immortalized the brand by maintaining or restoring their Victory motorcycles up until now.
Read on to learn more about the Victory Vegas motorcycle, its different models, and its distinct features.
About the Victory Vegas Motorcycle
The American motorcycle maker Victory Motorcycles was founded in 1997. However, it was only in 2003 that they launched their very first Victory Vegas motorcycle. Its stylish low-slung looks, predictable handling, low seat height, and linear power delivery were among the reasons for its popularity. Both casual and seasoned riders were impressed by its features.
The modern success of Harley-Davidson bikes was one of the reasons why Polaris Industries established Victory Motorcycles in 1997. Its first product was the V92C bike which they released in the United States in 1998.
Victory Motorcycles struggled in their early years until they gradually gained popularity in 2002. Michael Song, who used to be Victory’s designer, created a chassis design totally different from the earlier Victory bike models.
There were three Victory Vegas motorcyclemodels released between 2003 and 2010. These included the Victory Vegas, the Victory Vegas 8-Ball, and the Victory Vegas Jackpot.
Let’s take a look at their features and how they are distinct from each other:
Victory Vegas
If you like the chrome, you would surely love the Victory Vegas bike.
Victory Motorcycles introduced Vegas to the public in 2003. It used the Freedom engine, which originally formed part of the Victory V92TC Touring Cruiser bike. Other than that, everything else incorporated in Vegas was new features.
This bike model initially had a 1,510 cc engine (92 cu in) and 5-speed transmission. However, this was enhanced in 2006. It was then upgraded to a 1,600 cc engine and 6-speed transmission.
Aside from the regular Vegas model, Victory also released the Vegas Low variant during this time. It featured a lower seat measuring 25 mm and repositioned foot pegs. Its handlebars measured 51 mm further back compared to the regular model.
2010 Victory Vegas Specs
The latest Victory Vegas model features a 1,600 cc engine which produces 85 horsepower (hp) and 106 lb-ft of torque. It has a 4-stroke 50-degree V-Twin engine.
Its fuel capacity measures 4.5 U.S. gallons. Also, it has an electronic fuel injection system featuring a dual 45 mm throttle body.
As for its primary drive, it is a gear drive with a torque compensator. It has a 6-speed constant mesh transmission and a carbon fiber reinforced belt for its final drive.
Victory Vegas 8 Ball
If the Vegas was in chrome, the Victory Vegas 8-Ball bike was powder coated in black.
It was initially launched with a 1,510 cc engine and was later upgraded to a 1,600 cc engine in 2006. In 2011, the transmission was also upgraded from 5 speed to 6 speed.
Forming part of Victory’s 8-Ball Cruisers, this bike radiates attitude wherever it goes. It features black bodywork, triple clamps, fork sliders, handlebars, and wheels. This model is wicked, impressively combining custom-inspired style with American muscle.
Vegas 8-Ball Specs
Let’s take a look at the specs of the Vegas 8-Ball based on the following categories:
Engine Specs
Transmission Specs
Chassis Specs
Dimension Specs
Tires Specs
Power System Specs
1. Engine
This bike model features the Freedom 106/6 V-Twin engine with a displacement of 1731 cm3. The bore and stroke measure 4.0 x 4.3 inches or 102 mm. It has a compression ratio of 9.4:1. Its fuel system is an electronic fuel injection featuring a dual throttle body measuring 45 mm.
2. Transmission
The Vegas 8-Ball features a 6-speed overdrive or constant mesh gearbox. It has a wet multi-plate/diaphragm spring clutch.
The primary drive has a gear drive with a torque compensator. As for its final drive, it features a carbon fiber reinforced belt.
3. Chassis
In terms of front suspension, it has a single monotube gas or preload-adjustable measuring 75 mm. Its rear suspension features a telescopic fork measuring 130 mm.
The front brake features a single 300 x 5 mm, floating rotor and 4 piston caliper. The rear brake has a single 300 x 5 mm, floating rotor and a two-piston caliper.
4. Dimensions
The bike’s overall length measures 2,461 mm or 96.9 inches. Its seat height measures 640 mm or 25.2 inches, while the wheelbase measures 1,704 mm or 67.1 inches. As for the ground clearance, it measures 135 mm or 5.3 inches.
In terms of weight, this bike model measures 309 kg or 681 lbs. Its fuel capacity is 17.0 liters or 4.5 gallons.
5. Tires
The specs of the front tire include 90 90-21 54 H. Whereas the specs of the rear tire consist of 180/55B18 74H.
6. Power System
When it comes to the power system, the charger type is 38 amps max output. The features of its normal charging time include YTX20HL-BS/12 volt 18 amp hour 310 CCA hours.
Victory Vegas Jackpot
The Victory Vegas Jackpot is described as an “extreme custom” bike. In fact, it was the top-of-the-line custom bike offered by Victory. It was part of Victory’s Muscle Cruisers.
It was initially launched in 2006 and featured a 1,600 cc Freedom V-Twin engine and 6-speed transmission. Also, it had a rear tire measuring 250 mm. Also, its frame had matching colors. It had extensive custom styling with bold paint schemes. Several enhancements were made in the later Jackpot models.
This bike is ideal for riders who are interested in a custom and unique look to their machines that are, at the same time, affordable.
Vegas Jackpot Specs
Let’s take a look at its specs according to the following categories:
Engine Specs
Transmission Specs
Chassis Specs
Dimension Specs
Tires Specs
1. Engine
The Vegas Jackpot bike features an air-cooled, 4-stroke, 50-degree V Twin engine and a displacement of 1,731 cm3. Its bore and stroke measure 4.0 x 4.3 inches or 102 mm, while its compression ratio is 9.4:1. It has an EFI fuel system.
2. Transmission
The gearbox features a 6-speed overdrive manual transmission. It has a wet multi-disc manual clutch. Its primary drive is gear, while its final drive is a carbon fiber belt.
3. Chassis
In terms of chassis, this bike has a steel frame. The front suspension features a telescopic fork measuring 43 mm. At the same time, it features a preload-adjustable mono-shock rear suspension.
It has a 300 mm floating rotor, 4 piston caliper front brake. As for its rear brake, it features a 300 mm floating rotor, 2 piston caliper.
4. Dimensions
The Vegas Jackpot measures 2,464 mm or 97 inches in overall length. It has a seat height of 653 mm or 25.7 inches. The wheelbase is 1,704 mm or 67.1 inches, and the ground clearance is 135 mm or 5.3 inches.
It weighs 296 kgs or 653 lbs. Its fuel capacity is 17.0 liters or 4.5 gallons.
5. Tires
Specs for the front tire of the Vegas Jackpot include 90/90 21. At the same time, the specs for the rear tire consist of 250/40 R18.
Victory Vegas Review
Here’s my Victory Vegas review according to the following category:
Ride Quality and Brakes
Engine
Reliability and Build Quality
Value Vs Rivals
Equipment
Overall Rating
1. Ride Quality and Brakes
The Victory Vegas bike is capable of handling spirited riding through the bends. Its ground clearance is decent, which impressively prevents too much weaving or wobbling.
It only has one brake upfront, but it does its job really well. If you prefer a rapid stop, you can supplement the front brake with a foot-full of the rear.
2. Engine
This bike is not only impressively quick for a cruiser, but it also has remarkable acceleration. It performs better than expected with its 106 ft-lb of torque and a smooth 5-speed gearbox.
3. Reliability and Build Quality
The Victory Vegas is remarkably well built. In fact, many bikers would probably agree that it can be considered better than its equivalent Harley Davidson model. Suffice to say that you wouldn’t have any major problems with Victory Vegas regarding reliability.
4. Value Vs Rivals
Owning a Victory Vegas will definitely give you great value for money. Given its design, style, and overall performance, its price is not bad at all.
5. Equipment
The Vegas bikes have an impressive appearance. But when you look into their features, you’d say that they are minimalist at best. Suffice to say that their parts and accessories are most likely available in the aftermarket.
Motorcycle Wing Foot Pegs Footrests
In Closing
The American motorcycle maker Victory Motorcycles was founded in 1997, and it was only in 2003 when they launched their very first Victory Vegas motorcycle. Its stylish low-slung looks, predictable handling, low seat height, and linear power delivery were reasons for its popularity. It successfully attracted both casual and seasoned riders.
Victory Motorcycles was profitable for several years. Sadly, they failed to sustain it and had to cease operations in 2017. Nonetheless, many bike enthusiasts have immortalized the brand by maintaining or restoring their Victory motorcycles up until now.
Vegas bikes are stylish, have powerful performance, and are affordable. These are the reasons why riders still love to own one now. The parts and accessories are affordable too and are still readily available in physical and online stores.
