Freedom Refined
FREEDOM REFINED
BIGGEST NEWS FOR Victory in 2008 is, of course, the new Vision touring bike. But the Minnesota manufacturer also has made significant changes to its bread-and-butter (brats-and-beer?) cruiser models.
The heart of the matter is a much-refined Freedom 100/6 powertrain. Like the 106-cubic-incher used in the Vision, engine development focused on increased power and improved durability with reduced noise and vibration. A closed-loop EFI system is new all the way out to the more-stylish airbox. Quelling mechanical noise is a new primary drive with redone torque compensator and a
spring-loaded split driven-gear on the clutch to control clunks. Cam profiles are refined for quieter operation. Finally, first gear is lower and sixth is taller. Claimed output is 85 horsepower and 106 foot-pounds of torque. Improved brakes also debuted, and the hydraulic clutch that’s standard on the Vision is now available as an accessory for other models.
A couple of new machines join the lineup. The $15,999 Vegas Low offers a seat height dropped more than an inch below that of the standard Vegas (to 25.2 inches), while floorboards and handle-
bar grips are both about two inches closer to the rider. Narrower, scalloped sidecovers make reaching the ground easier.
Joining the blacked-out budget brigade is the Kingpin 8-Ball. Like the popular low-priced Vegas model of the same name, most components are painted/coated in black to lower the chrome bill. The “8-pin” also uses a fivespeed transmission, but is otherwise mechanically identical to the regular Kingpin. Despite the deleted sixth gear, all the engine/EFI refinements apply to both 8-Balls. Price is $13,999, or $2400 lower than the standard bike’s.
On the premium side, the limited-edition, $23,699 Ness Signature modelsbased on the wide-tired Vegas Jackpot-return with new paint/graphic schemes.
include goldor silver-leaf “Victory” branding on the tank, as well as billet wheels, black engines with diamond-cut cylinders and heads, and lots of extra chrome. -Mark Hoyer
