Triumphrat

artimishoke · 10-01-2007

So I don't like the way the new 1500cc Triumph cruiser is, but I still want another bike for longer distance rides with the wife. I'm a small dude at 5'7 150lbs so the Rocket III is a bit much for me. If not for my size I'd be on the RIII.

I refuse to be another Harley clone, yet I'd like to stay in the V twin American class so I'm looking at Victory motorcycles

I test rode a 2007 Hammer S and except for the twice the power and fat rear tire it was much like my Speedmaster in feel. It has the same type of set up in my opinion.

Then again I'm looking at buying a bike to tour on so I'm looking at the Kingpin. I was stoked to see that there is an 8 Ball Kingpin this year. I like the blacked out look on a bike (hence me buying the Speedmaster in the first place).

So I guess I'd like some informed input on Victory bikes. If you do or have owned one then let me know what you think.

If you think I'm a brand traitor... the Harley forum is always open for you.

Wombat · 10-01-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by artimishoke

So I don't like the way the new 1500cc Triumph cruiser is,

What 1500cc Triumph cruiser?.

You can't ride rumours.

artimishoke · 10-01-2007

Wombat,

So I guess that is another vote for the Victory.

I got the Triumph email talking about the release of the 2008 line up on October 1st. So we'll see what is what then.

Wombat · 10-01-2007

What exactly about the non existent 1500cc Triumph is it that you do not like the way of?

artimishoke · 10-01-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wombat

What exactly about the non existent 1500cc Triumph is it that you do not like the way of?

Liquid cooled: I still have not jumped on the liquid cooled cruiser idea.

Shaft drive: I've never been into the feel of a shaft bike.

The Wait: Where the hell is this bike?!

RT · 10-01-2007

Don't own a Victory but looked at them often since my Triumph dealer sells them. Nice bike, a bit pricey I think. Ride a Rocket you might change your mind.

artimishoke · 10-01-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by RT

Don't own a Victory but looked at them often since my Triumph dealer sells them. Nice bike, a bit pricey I think. Ride a Rocket you might change your mind.

I'm setting up a test ride for later this week at the Triumph dealership. If nothing else I want to ride a 2294cc bike.

$14,999 MSRP on a Rocket III

$13,999 MSRP on an 8 Ball Kingpin

TattooedRedHead · 10-01-2007

Just curious... Why are you posting that you don't want to ride a Triumph on a Triumph forum? You haven't even TEST ridden a rocket III or any other triumph for that matter and you come here and say you don't want to own a triumph...

Umm, ok... So find a Victory forum and post how happy you are to want ride a Victory.

It's like me going to a Harley forum and saying Hi I'm Kory I've never test ridden a Harley but I dont like them and won't ride them BUT I'm really interested in triumph I'm gonna be buying one soon and having all the harley guys curse me out.

Point is... Try a America or Speedmaster, they're Triumph's and they're Cruisers, test ride them see if you're comfortable then post back. If you still don't like what Triumph can offer you I'm sure I can find a Victory Forum for you and link you there.

--Kory

BlackCarp · 10-01-2007

Read his post - he already has a Speedmaster.....

Silverado57 · 10-01-2007

If you're looking for a bike that you can ride long & hard on, the Kingpin is it.
I also have a Speedmaster & love it for what it is: a mid-size cruiser. But the Kingpin is flat out better in every way. Gobs of power, great handling, comfortable and very well made. If we're going on any kind of a 2-up ride, it'll be on the Kingpin.

I test rode the 8-Ball first, then the Vegas and then got the KP because it's made to be a touring cruiser.

The 8-Ball is a steal at that price. Very tempting, but not a tourer.
The Vegas is a smoking cruiser, but also not a tourer.
If you're 5'7", the pegs on the Victory bikes might be a stretch for you, but the Kingpin has floorboards which are VERY comfortable.

FYI, I rode a Rocket and hated it. Everyone likes something different.

Victory dealers are very willing to give test rides. If you shop around, you might even luck out and find a great deal on a leftover 2006, 2007 or demo bike.

If you're looking for more feedback from Victory owners, try the Victory forums at www.thevmc.com or www.kingpincruisers.net
Good luck!