New York, Jan. 20, 2012 - Detroit might have been a better venue for Victory to reveal its new muscle-car-flavored Judge cruiser, but we can see why the New York International Motorcycle Show was chosen as the spot to unveil Victory's first 2013 model. For one, the Big Apple is known for its hard edge, sharp patter and no-BS sensibility. And that seems to be what Victory wants us to think the new Judge is all about. There's no fat, long, shiny , Vegas-y vibe here. The Judge looks to be no bags, but all business, which is probably why it debuted at the New York IMS show.
Rolled out as a 2013 early model release, the Judge holds no surprises in the engine bay, which frames the signature Freedom 106/6 50-degree air/oil cooled, fuel-injected V-Twin (attached to a six-speed gearbox). What's different is the Judge's drag-style handlebar and bodywork, which is all new, as is the fresh low-profile taillight, fender struts and new EFI covers between the cylinders. The bodywork is deeply sculpted, and a good chunk of the powertrain and other components are blacked out. Chunky 5-spoke cast wheels are meant to evoke the mag wheels seen at race tracks back in the 70s. Graphics are minimal, and the headlight looks -- well, kind of oddly-shaped for a Victory. This one's actually round, and sits right below a single instrument gauge.
The Judge rolls on the aforementioned new 16-inch wheels shod with Dunlop 491 Elite II tires (130/90 front, 140/90 rear) with raised white lettering. The rear fender is short and austere, further emphasizing the muscular intent.
A quick look at the rest of the spec sheet shows a traditional telescopic fork up front and a mono-tube shock taking up the rear, providing 5.1 inches and 3.0 inches of travel, respectively. With a wheelbase of 64.7 inches, a rake of 31.7 degrees and 6.7 inches of trail, you could argue that Victory is aiming for snappier handling than its other machines, though those numbers are the same as found on the recently announced Hard Ball as well.
What's surprising is that Victory manages to squeeze in a rider- friendly 25.9-inch seat on the Judge. The Judge shares some similarities with its Hammer S and Hammer 8-Ball stablemates (and yes, we see the resemblance too), such as a 4.5-gallon fuel tank, but the Judge weighs in at about a dozen pounds less and foregoes the fat 240mm rear rubber of those bikes.
A single 300mm disc with a four-piston caliper in front and 300mm disc with two-piston caliper in the rear provide the Judge's stopping power.
You can get the Judge in Gloss Black (13,999) or the more vibrant Suede Nuclear Sunset or Sunset Red, ($14,399).
Specifications: 2013 Victory Judge
| MSRP: | $13,999 - $14,399 |
|
| Engine |
| Type | air/oil-cooled,50 ? V-twin |
| Displacement, | Bore x stroke 1731cc, 101 x 108mm |
| Valve train SOHC, | 4 valves per cylinder |
| Compression ratio | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel System EFI, | dual 45mm throttle bodies |
| Transmission | 6-speed; multiplate wet clutch |
| Final drive | belt |
|
| Chassis |
| Wheelbase | 64.8 in. |
| Rake/trail | 31.7 degrees / 6.7 in. |
| Front suspension | 43mm fork; 5.1 in. travel |
| Rear suspension | single damper; 3 in. travel |
| Front brake | 300mm floating disc, 4-piston caliper |
| Rear brake | 300mm disc, 2-piston caliper |
| Front Tire | 130/90-16 Dunlop 491 Elite II |
| Rear Tire | 140/90-16 Dunlop 491 Elite II |
|
| Dimensions |
| Overall length | 92 in. |
| Seat height | 25.9 in. |
| Fuel capacity | 4.5 gallons |
| Dry weight | 660 lbs. |
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