The Victory Hammer was introduced in 2005 as part of Victory’s Muscle Cruiser line. Its defining feature was a very wide rear tyre, chosen both as a styling statement and to limit wheel spin from the engine’s torque.
Victory Hammer at a glance
| Introduced | 2005 |
|---|---|
| Class | muscle cruiser |
| Engine (2010) | 1,740 cc (106 cu in) Freedom V-twin |
| Power (2010) | 97 hp (72 kW) |
| Torque (2010) | 113 lb·ft (153 N·m) |
| Transmission | six-speed |
| Fuel capacity | 4.5 US gal (17 L) |
| Rear tyre | very wide with a squared-off profile |
| Versions | Hammer, Hammer S, Hammer 8-Ball |
Based on one source: the Hammer and Hammer 8-Ball sections of the English Wikipedia article on Victory Motorcycles. There is no separate Wikipedia page for the model.
History of the Victory Hammer
A muscle cruiser for 2005
The Hammer joined Victory’s range in 2005 as part of its Muscle Cruiser line. The very wide rear tyre was both a visual design feature and a way to reduce wheel spin caused by the engine’s torque. Its squared-off profile gave the bike unusual low-speed handling.
Hammer S and Hammer 8-Ball
In 2010 Victory released the Hammer 8-Ball with a lowered seat and a smaller engine, marketed as a cheaper and less loaded alternative to the Hammer and Hammer S. It was one of the few bikes in the range that stayed with a five-speed gearbox; the 2011 model was upgraded to the 106 cu in engine and a six-speed. The 8-Ball bikes came in one colour at a lower price with fewer add-ons.
Specification
The 2010 Hammer and Hammer S used the 106 cu in (1,740 cc) four-stroke 50° V-twin with 97 hp (72 kW) and 113 lb·ft (153 N·m), a six-speed gearbox, electronic fuel injection with dual 45 mm throttle bodies, a 4.5 US gal (17 L) tank and a carbon-fibre reinforced belt final drive. The Hammer 8-Ball of 2012 had the same engine output.
Design and features
- Wide rear tyre: a visual feature that also reduced wheel spin under torque.
- Squared-off profile: the tyre gave unusual low-speed handling.
- Freedom V-twin: the 1,740 cc engine produced 97 hp in 2010.
- Six-speed gearbox: standard on the Hammer and Hammer S.
- 8-Ball version: a lower seat, a smaller engine at first and a lower price.
Victory Hammer versions
- Hammer (2005 onwards): the original muscle cruiser.
- Hammer S: the 2010 specification with the 106 cu in engine.
- Hammer 8-Ball (2010): lowered seat, 100 cu in engine and five-speed gearbox.
- Hammer 8-Ball (2011–2012): upgraded to the 106 cu in engine and six-speed gearbox.
The Hammer was built on the Vegas platform and sat alongside the Kingpin in Victory’s cruiser range. More in the Victory collection.
Video: Victory Hammer Road Test
Video on YouTube.
Sources
- Victory Motorcycles, English Wikipedia: Hammer, Hammer 8-Ball, specifications
