Victory had sufficient endurance that I really thought it was going to offer The Motor Firm one thing to fret about. With the may of Polaris behind it, that principle really had a bit weight to it. Everyone knows how that turned out, although one could make the argument that the problem is stronger than ever with Polaris resurrecting Indian.

Nonetheless, nipping on the heels of the Harley Softail in 2009 was the Victory Vegas 8-Ball. Coming at Harley with a less expensive price ticket, its 100 cubic-inch V-Twin (of which the aesthetics I’ve all the time preferred), and its stealth black remedy, the Vegas 8-Ball bought a bunch of updates for 2009. Right here, former E-i-C Kevin Duke takes one for a spin in and across the seashores of Daytona and tells us what it’s prefer to journey.

2009 Victory Vegas 8-Ball Overview

A commuter-ized cruiser

Like lots of our moto brothers, we regularly succumb to the ability of glitz. Greater typically appears higher, a lot in order that we generally overlook a few of the interesting bikes that help a producer’s flagships.

Living proof: the Victory Vegas 8-Ball. Cynics may say it’s merely a de-contented Vegas and subsequently undeserving of consideration. Nevertheless, this elitist perspective would overlook what’s a really competent and classy cruiser priced about $2,000 cheaper than a comparable Harley-Davidson Softail.

The Vegas 8-Ball first appeared in 2005, nevertheless it’s since had loads of updates. Key amongst them is the addition of the highly effective 100 cubic-inch engine which now produces a claimed 85 hp and 106 ft-lbs of torque. This mill bought a bunch of enhancements in ’08, together with bigger 45mm throttle our bodies as a part of a brand new, sequential, closed-loop fuel-injection system.

A discount within the compression ratio to eight.7:1 allowed extra aggressive ignition timing, bumping up energy marginally. A redesigned oiling system allowed the usage of a smaller oil cooler that’s much less obtrusive. An annoying ticking sound from early Freedom motors was alleviated by slower valve closing speeds and longer closing ramps, and extraneous noise is additional damped by further sound-deadening ribbing on the engine’s major cowl.

The 8-Ball’s darkish theme is offset by a couple of shiny parts. Be aware the accent baggage and windshield fitted to our check bike.

The Vegas 8-Ball is distinct from the upmarket customary Vegas primarily by its black theme. Lots of the Vegas’ chrome bits obtain darkish finishes on the 8-Ball. The one remaining chrome is discovered on the exhaust, headlamp nacelle, devices and the clutch and brake levers. The 8-Ball additionally does with out the Vegas’ sixth gear, cool headlight and detachable passenger seat (and footpegs). As compensation, the $13,799 8-Ball is available in at a value $2,500 cheaper than the Vegas’ $16,299 MSRP.

Using cruisers with a backpack isn’t cool, however you continue to want a spot to stash your stuff.

A lean and classy {custom} cruiser with a couple of sensible additions.

As with all 2008-and-later Vegas fashions, the 8-Ball will get the Stingray cast-aluminum wheels which are mentioned to be almost 16 lbs lighter than the earlier hoops. On the 8-Ball, the swirl-pattern 5-spoke wheels are partly black and partly machined/polished, a gorgeous combo that works nicely with the ’Ball’s black theme. Additionally new is a twice-brighter LED taillight. Different adjustments embody the elimination of the fast-idle lever, redesigned handlebar grips and a smaller airbox cowl.

Though missing the overdrive sixth gear of Victory’s Freedom 100/6 powertrain, the 8-Ball’s SOHC, 50-degree V-Twin nonetheless impresses. With 1634cc of displacement, the New American Motorbike’s engine compares favorably with The Motor Firm’s 96 cubic-incher, providing a large unfold of torque and larger horsepower numbers.

The absence of overdrive isn’t a difficulty until you propose an abundance of freeway miles, and even then the engine is clean sufficient that vibration doesn’t trigger annoyance. The gearbox gives stable, constructive shifts, and driveline lash is sort of non-existent. Mirrors are unobtrusive however very usable.

The leather-based device bag blends proper in with the remainder of the equipment.

As a sibling within the Vegas line, the 8-Ball model retains the custom-cruiser format. The entrance finish is led by a slender (80/90-21) entrance tire and is balanced out again by a 180/55-17 Dunlop. A chopper-ish 32.9-degree rake is compensated by a comparatively quick 126mm of path to create a nimbler package deal than you may count on. The 635-lb (dry) machine could be very straightforward to maneuver with a non-radical peg and bar positions plus a reasonably broad rear tire. A low 26.5-inch seat top retains the bike accessible to quick riders.

The 8-Ball additionally did a great job at ironing bumps on the imply streets of our Daytona, helped by 66.3 inches of actual property between the wheels. The 43mm non-adjustable fork gives a beneficiant 5.1 inches of journey whereas the preload-adjustable shock gives a reasonably clean journey with simply 3.9 inches of journey. As compared, the rear finish of a fat-tired Vegas Jackpot we sampled on the identical time was noticeably harsher.

The Vegas collection, with only a single entrance disc brake and a thin 21-inch entrance tire, by no means set any information for brief stopping distances, however its 4-piston caliper and 300mm entrance disc does an efficient job at slowing the bike. Finest if a rider additionally incorporates some energy from the 2-pot caliper and same-size disc out again.

The brand new Stingray wheels on the 8-Ball garnered loads of compliments.

We rode the Vegas 8-Ball extensively round Daytona Seaside throughout Bike Week, and we had been frequently impressed by the bike’s pleasant manners and the flexibility supplied by bolting on a couple of equipment. The addition of the windshield makes for an enormous enchancment in rider consolation, particularly at greater speeds, and there all the time gave the impression to be one thing needing stuffing within the helpful saddlebags.

There’s no scarcity of attention-stealing machines at Bike Week, however the understated 8-Ball drew a fair proportion of eyeballs in its route. There’s little question Victory’s trademark scalloped gas tank has been an enormous development in model since debuting in 2003, and it’s accented by a visually pleasing ridge operating alongside the middle of the tank prime that’s mimicked within the entrance and rear fenders. A 4.5-gallon capability will yield almost a 200-mile vary between fill-ups.

Daytona’s seashore is clean sufficient to roll down an 8-Ball.

So, what we’ve right here with the Vegas 8-Ball is an enormous hunk o’ cruiser for a comparatively small quantity of coin. H-D’s related black-themed Night time Practice rings in at $15,899, a $2,100 premium over the 8-Ball. The Harley is provided with a 6-speed tranny and passenger lodging, however its motor can’t cling with the Vic.

The 8-Ball proved to be a enjoyable mount whereas scooting by way of Bike Week’s sights and sounds, being each trendy and sensible. Nobody must know the bike is a little bit of a discount, which now features a limited-time 5-year guarantee.

Duke’s Duds

Lid: HJC Jacket: Shift Vendetta Gloves: Shift Bullet Pants: Levis 501 Boots: Icon Shades: Oakley

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