To this day, seasoned motorcyclists still look back at Victory V-twin Cruiser Motorcycles with fondness; the brand used to garner a dedicated worldwide fanbase with its sleek and performance-driven designs.
Although it has no longer dominated the American motorcycle industry, Victory still deserves some tributes for its memorable contribution to the motorcycle industry. My article will take you down memory lane to see where they were made; keep scrolling!
Table of Contents
Who Makes A Victory Motorcycle?
Polaris, a then-famous American producer of ATVs & snowmobiles, created the Victory line in 1998 to mirror Harley-Davidson’s raving success. All models are made in America (Minosetta and Iowa/Spirit Lake) to ensure they are 100% American-styled.
The very first Victory model (V92C) was introduced in 1997 before going on sale in 1998. With innovative sport-touring configurations and custom V-twin cruisers, its success was to be expected. Motivated, the brand continued to produce new models, such as the extreme custom Vegas (2003) and Hammer S (2005).
Things seemed to go extremely well for Victory by the 2010s despite certain financial difficulties. Even in 2016 – one of the toughest moments of the company – there were no serious struggle signs at all. Hence, everyone firmly believed the brand would stay in reign for a few more decades; unfortunately, this expectation fell short.
Victory was struck in its last year due to a severe lack of rational assets, few model upgrades compared to last years (aside from paint/coating), and insensible investments into 3-wheeled and electric motorcycles.
Is Victory Motorcycles Still In Business?
No. In 2017, Polaris (the company that owned Victory) released official announcements via the press that it would start winding down Victory’s operations. Victory failed to establish significant market shares and achieve sustainable profitability back then.
Hence, Polaris saw no reason for Victory to continue its production. Such a bitter ending saddened the hearts of millions of Victory fans – though frankly, they should have seen it coming.
We admit that Victory productions of touring bikes, baggers, and road vehicles are high-quality and expertly crafted; nevertheless, the brand could not live up to its original goal (beating Harley Davidson) and, thus, ended up being cast out of the competition.
To make up for Victory’s discontinuation, Polaris purchased Indian Motorcycles (which, despite its name, is an American brand) in 2010-2011. This acquisition is part of the reason why Victory had to be shut down, as Polaris wishes to pool more funds and resources on expanding/nurturing Indian Motorcycles instead.
Still, those who have already purchased Victory bikes do not have to freak out; Polaris confirms all replacement parts and repair packages would be available for at least another 10 years to assist existing Victory motorcycle owners. Warranty coverages and extra services for the V-twin engines will also remain on dealer offerings.
Are Victory Motorcycles Good?
Yes, they are. For over two decades, Victory has snatched the hearts of millions of cyclists due to extreme horsepower, performance, comfort, and much smoother rides than other giant twins.
Plus, with efficient balance and low-center gravity, its handling is almost unmatched. The high-build steel frames are a lovely cherry on top, ensuring maximum longevity of 300,000 miles!
Not to mention, aesthetic-wise, Victory motorbikes are to die for. The brand’s creative design team sought inspiration from most 1930s to 1940s motorcycling scenes, mixing numerous classic fender elements to manifest a distinct aesthetic never seen on other bikes of the same era. It looks incredible under the glowing sunset red of Pikes Peak or Denali.
Some readers might wonder: if the Victory design is THAT good, why were these bikes discontinued? As mentioned, Polaris (Victory’s parent company) did not have enough financial stability to sustain Victory’s expensive production capacity costs; hence, it decided to channel facilities, organizations, and expertise to Indian Motorcycle instead.
But the disappearance of Victory from the American motorcycle market does not kill the dedication and pride of dedicated Victory enthusiasts; in fact, their loyalty to the brand only strengthens – another crystal-clear proof of how exceptional these bikes’ performances have been in a series of road trips.
100+ Victory motorcycle club are still active in America and at least 5 other countries; the brand is truly a road king!
Some Great Victory Motorcycles To Consider
There is a wide range of options – after all, Victory has been around the corner for several decades – but V92C, Vegas, Kingpin, and Gunner are still the best choices for cross roads, especially for average to advanced riders during a cross country tour.
- Victory V92C: As the brand’s first successful model, V92C impresses with a customizable seat height (for single seats), 1,510-cc engine, 92 cubic inches, six-speed constant mesh, and additional power of 83 HP (horsepower).
- Victory Vegas Jackpot: Those who wish for a stylish, power sports bike would fall in love with Vegas; the powder-coated chrome and sweeping lines make it a sight to behold on common streets.
The wide range of luxury electronic drift brakes, impressive torque compensator (106 ft of torque), and great compression ratio only make things better.
- Victory Kingpin: The bike features distinct tank designs and blank slates for 100% extensive custom styling. And who doesn’t have their minds blown by the premium brake components, multi – plate hydraulic lifters, and cozy passenger backrest?
- Victory Gunner: This bobber-style bike arrives with a 1731cc cam engine head, low chassis design, two-in-one exhaust, and a super aggressive Hammer 8-ball charcoal/custom paint scheme.
Conclusion
Victory V-twin motorcycles and freedom engine setups rarely receive negative feedback, so their bitter shut-off in 2017 is quite a blow to cross country touring motorcycle enthusiasts. Nevertheless, lots of its classic models are still available in cruiser markets – not to mention tons of clubs and biking communities.
That’s right; Victory might cease its motorcycle business, but its legacy and competitive stance in a true American road trip will live on forever.
See more:
