The new 8-Balls are the Hammer and the Vision. The Vision 8-Ball is a blacked-out budget version of the Vision Street (which it replaces) as you might expect, but goes its own way in a couple of respects. For one, considering its less tour-oriented mission, it's two inches closer to the pavement, with a seat height of just 24.5 inches. Special wheels also drop the unsprung weight on the this 8-Ball, compared to the tourers. Unlike other 8-Balls, it's got the full-on 106-inch motor with six-speed transmission combo found in the other Visions. Like the other Visions the 8-Ball sports a new airbox for quieter intake noise. The Vision 8-Ball is offered for $17,999.
The new Hammer 8-Ball brings a darker look (and lower price) to Victory's aggressive muscle cruiser. With blacked-out parts all around, the Hammer also has a more traditional round headlight (not the diamond-shaped one on most Victorys), no tachometer, and a single front brake rotor. It makes do with Victory's lower-spec 100-inch motor and five-speed, and sports a more compact rider ergonomic triangle and is lowered a half inch from the standard Hammer. Unlike the older 8-Balls it comes equipped with a rear seat, not just a solo. The Hammer 8-Ball is $14,499.
Besides these new models, Victory announced a host of improvements and changes to the existing fleet, the biggest news in the upgrades to the top-of-the-line Vision Tour Premium. For 2010 it gains even more bells and whistles like linked ABS, new brakes for quieter and stronger response, new higher-definition audio display, standard 12-volt accessory outlets, and an easier-to-reach sidestand.
The Vegas got dropped to a low 25.2-inch seat height, more pulled-back handlebars and pegs (2" and 2.25" respectively). The other continuing models all recieved new paint.
2010 VICTORY CROSS COUNTR...
2010 VICTORY CROSS COUNTRY
Back for another go-round, and definitely not going with the affordability theme from this year's lineup, are the Arlen and Cory Ness Special Edition bikes, with Cory and Arlen gussying up the same model as last year with a Cory Ness Vegas Jackpot and a Arlen Ness Vision. Arlen's touring rig features a dropped and chopped version of the Vision with no trunk, much like the 8-Ball. Very unlike the 8-Ball is the raft of custom features and accessories Arlen's version has on it. Finish-wise everything is either blacked-out or chromed, while the wheels are billet aluminum (as are lots of the accessory parts), the badges are lighted, the engine has a diamond-cut treatment on the fins and the chopped windshield is adjustable for height.
Cory's Jackpot features many of the same accessory changes as his dad's ride, but with a distinctly harder edge, starting with spiked billet grips (ouch!). Old school pinstriping plays along the tank and fenders, while the custom paint flows onto even the headlight shell and frame.
Victory might be in a tough spot in these challenging times with nothing but big bikes to sell, but with an eye on future generations of riders and the near fanatical nature of their supporters, they look to come out strong in 2010.