Make room for the Kingpin. Last year, at the unveiling of the its Vegas, which was obviously the first in a new generation of Polaris Victory motorcycles, Victory promised new-motorcycle introductions of equal gravity for the next few new-model seasons. At the end of July, it made good on that promise by showing two new motorcycles to its dealers. The Kingpin headlines the new bikes, but the Arlen Ness Signature Vegas is sure to turn heads as well.
Victory also discontinued its original model, the V92C, known as the Classic Cruiser last year. With the added new models that leaves the Minneapolis-based motorcycle maker with four models in its line-up. However, all four models use the same, powerful, responsive 1507cc Freedom engine that has powered Victory motorcycles for the last couple of years.
The highlight of its announcements is the new Kingpin, which shares many of the styling influences of the pretty, popular Vegas but with a fatter, more comfortable, more solid look. Victory representatives characterized the Kingpin's style as "large and in charge."
Set on the basic Vegas chassis, the Kingpin has over 200 changes from the Vegas, including 18-inch wheels and low-profile tires at both ends with a wider tire and wheel than the Vegas up front, inverted cartridge-type fork legs up front, vibration-absorbing floorboards and matching polished forged-aluminum foot controls, plusher dual-density saddles for rider and passenger (with an even larger passenger saddle available as part of the optional touring package), and recalibrated rear suspension. In conjunction with the new fork, the revised rear suspension claims to make the Kingpin the smoothest-riding Victory ever.
The Kingpin's more massive style comes from fuller, skirted fenders, a deeper headlight and the revised saddle, but the fuel tank is the same 4.5-gallon vessel used on the Vegas. The fenders add a few inches to the overall length (99.1 inches versus 96.3 for the Vegas). Victory lists the dry weight for the Kingpin as 639 pounds -- pounds more than the Vegas -- and GVWR has been raised a similar amount. Saddle height (26.5 inches) and wheelbase (66.5 in.) specification figures are the same as for the Vegas, but the Kingpin has a fraction of a degree less rake and two-tenths of an inch more front-wheel trail than the Vegas.
Kingpin with tour package...
Kingpin with tour package.
The "Deluxe Touring Package" includes a medium-height windshield, fork-mounted wind deflectors, leather-covered lockable hard saddlebags, the plusher passenger seat, passenger floorboards, passenger backrest, and front fender trim. Buyers can order one using Victory's Custom Order Program, where the bike is built at the factory with the options the buyer selects. In addition to the touring package, the options include a chrome package, different wheel styles and types, optional handlebar, high-intensity headlight, choice of floorboards or footpegs, and colors for the engine (silver or black), frame (silver or black) and bodywork (four each solid or combination), all priced in a manner that reflects the fact that you are not buying the standard part as well. All of Victory's 2004 models can be ordered through this program starting right now and running until October 27. See the Victory website for details.
Arlen Ness Signature Series Vegas
Famed customizer Arlen Ness and his son Cory helped design the Vegas, and now Victory will produce very limited numbers of an Arlen Ness Signature Vegas. The bike showcases the customizers' work and the parts they have built for Victory's successful Vegas. The Arless Ness version of the bike is the ideal choice for buyers who want a special Victory and are willing to pay to own it. (How much they'll have to pay we don't know yet, but we will post prices as soon as Victory provides them to us.
Unique paint. | 
Special engine covers. | 
Arlen's mark. |
The Arlen Ness Signature Series Vegas features chrome on almost every unpainted part that it will stick to -- swingarm, fork sliders, triple clamps, foot controls and supports, and handlebar clamps, risers and switch housings. The bike is hand painted in a black-cherry fade and has a custom-stitched saddle. Then a truck load of Ness billet is installed: wheels, grips, mirrors, and timing and primary covers. You also get Ness drag bars, Ness ignition cover, and Ness signature side covers. Victory claims that, despite all that billet, the Victory Vegas Arlen Ness Signature Series version weighs the same 620 pounds (dry) as a standard Vegas, but we'll have to see that on our own scales before we believe it.
Victory has not stood still on its carry-over models. The Vegas gets new billet wheel styles, and the rear wheel is wider this year, 5.0 inches (180mm) instead of 4.5 in. (170mm). In addition the selection of optional wheels has been enlarged with new cast-wheel options. New mirrors, used throughout the line, claim to offer better visibility and reduced vibration.
In addition, there are more accessories and more options in the Custom Order Program (COP), including a chrome package, a touring package, and more paint variations. Some accessories, such as the HID headlight (which was a $500 accessory), have been incorporated in the COP (the HID leadlight is a $250 option if ordered as original equipment).
The Touring Cruiser (or TC) is the only motorcycle that still uses the original Victory frame style. The latest version of Victory's travelling bike has been massaged to provide more of the comfort that long-distance riders require from traveling motorcycles. Changes for the 2004 model year include suspension refinements, vibration-isolated handlebar, a softer saddle, and the new mirrors. A windshield and hard saddlebags are standard parts of the package, but other options for the TC are available through the Victory COP.