The Victory Kingpin was released in 2004, following the success of the Vegas. Victory used the greater tuning capacity of cartridge forks and revised spring rates and damping to improve ride quality, and the model became one of the brand’s Custom Cruisers.
Victory Kingpin at a glance
| Released | 2004 |
|---|---|
| Class | custom cruiser |
| Platform | Vegas |
| Engine at launch | 1,510 cc (92 cu in), five-speed |
| Engine from 2006 | 1,600 cc (100 cu in), six-speed |
| Power (2010) | 85 hp (63 kW) |
| Torque (2010) | 106 lb·ft (144 N·m) |
| Fuel capacity | 4.5 US gal (17 L) |
| Final drive | carbon-fibre reinforced belt |
| Versions | Kingpin, Kingpin Deluxe, Kingpin Tour, Kingpin 8-Ball |
Based on one source: the Kingpin and Kingpin 8-Ball sections of the English Wikipedia article on Victory Motorcycles. There is no separate Wikipedia page for the model.
History of the Victory Kingpin
Following the Vegas
The Kingpin was released in 2004 after the success of the Vegas. Victory took advantage of the greater tuning capacity of cartridge forks and revised front and rear spring rates and damping to improve ride quality. The standard Kingpin and Kingpin Deluxe began with the 92 cu in (1,510 cc) engine and five-speed transmission, and were upgraded to 100 cu in (1,600 cc) and six speeds for 2006. The Kingpin is considered part of Victory’s Custom Cruisers.
Deluxe, Tour and 8-Ball
The Kingpin Deluxe added luxury items for riders looking for more comfort. For 2007 the Kingpin Tour was added: a Deluxe fitted with an integrated tour pack or trunk, introduced when the Touring Cruiser was dropped. The Kingpin 8-Ball was based on the Kingpin platform and, like the Vegas 8-Ball, was black with black highlights in place of chrome. It carried the 100 cu in (1,600 cc) engine with a five-speed gearbox and, described as a “blank canvas”, was popular with customisers.
Specification
The 2010 Kingpin used the 100 cu in (1,600 cc) four-stroke 50° V-twin with 85 hp (63 kW) and 106 lb·ft (144 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. The Kingpin 8-Ball had the same engine output and a five-speed gearbox.
Design and features
- Cartridge forks: greater tuning capacity than the forks of the earlier cruisers.
- Revised suspension: new spring rates and damping improved ride quality.
- Deluxe equipment: luxury items for riders looking for more comfort.
- Tour pack: the 2007 Kingpin Tour came with an integrated trunk.
- 8-Ball finish: black paint and black highlights instead of chrome.
Victory Kingpin versions
- Kingpin (2004 onwards): the standard custom cruiser.
- Kingpin Deluxe: extra luxury equipment.
- Kingpin Tour (2007): a Deluxe with an integrated tour pack or trunk.
- Kingpin 8-Ball: black finish, 100 cu in engine and five-speed gearbox.
The Kingpin followed the Vegas and shared its platform, and it sat alongside the Hammer in the cruiser range. More in the Victory collection.
Video: Victory Kingpin Vs. Fatboy
Video on YouTube.
Sources
- Victory Motorcycles, English Wikipedia: Kingpin, Kingpin 8-Ball, specifications
