The Victory Vegas was introduced in 2003 as a new custom cruiser with a chassis designed by Michael Song. It carried the Freedom V-twin from the Touring Cruiser and became the basis for a whole family of Vegas models, from the Vegas Low to the High Ball and Jackpot.
Victory Vegas at a glance
| Introduced | 2003 |
|---|---|
| Designer | Michael Song |
| Class | custom cruiser |
| Engine at launch | 1,510 cc (92 cu in) Freedom V-twin |
| Engine from 2006 | 1,600 cc (100 cu in) |
| Power (2010) | 85 hp (63 kW) |
| Torque (2010) | 106 lb·ft (144 N·m) |
| Transmission | five-speed; six-speed from 2006 |
| Fuel capacity | 4.5 US gal (17 L) |
| Final drive | carbon-fibre reinforced belt |
| Family | Vegas, Vegas Low, Vegas 8-Ball, High Ball, Jackpot |
Based on one source: the Vegas, Vegas 8-Ball, High Ball and Vegas Jackpot sections of the English Wikipedia article on Victory Motorcycles. There is no separate Wikipedia page for the model.
History of the Victory Vegas
A new chassis for 2003
In 2003 Victory introduced the Vegas, designed by Victory designer Michael Song with a completely new chassis. The Freedom engine was carried over from the Touring Cruiser, but the rest of the bike was new. It debuted with the 92 cu in (1,510 cc) engine and a five-speed transmission and was upgraded to 100 cu in (1,600 cc) and six speeds for 2006. Victory placed the Vegas among its Custom Cruisers.
Vegas Low and Vegas 8-Ball
The Vegas Low had a seat 1 in (25 mm) lower, repositioned foot pegs and handlebars 2 in (51 mm) further back than the regular Vegas. The Vegas 8-Ball was powdercoated black where the Vegas was chromed; it started with the 92 cu in engine, moved to 100 cu in in 2006 and received the standard Vegas six-speed gearbox from the 2011 model year. The 8-Ball versions were sold in one colour at a lower price with fewer add-ons.
High Ball and Jackpot
The High Ball, first introduced in 2012, was a bobber with apehanger handlebars, wire wheels and suede black-and-white paintwork with painted logos instead of badges. For 2014 two versions were offered: the original paint scheme with Judge cast alloy wheels, and suede black with red flames on wire wheels; both used a Judge headlight. The Vegas Jackpot debuted in 2006 as what Victory called an “extreme custom”, with the 100 cu in Freedom V-twin and six-speed transmission (later 106 cu in), a 250 mm rear tyre, a colour-matched frame and bold paint. It was the top of Victory’s custom line and was classed among the Muscle Cruisers.
Design and features
- New chassis: a completely new design by Michael Song for 2003, rather than a development of the V92 frame.
- Freedom V-twin: 1,510 cc at launch, 1,600 cc from 2006.
- Six-speed gearbox: fitted from the 2006 model year.
- 8-Ball finish: black powdercoating instead of chrome and fewer add-ons.
- Jackpot rear tyre: a 250 mm rear tyre and a colour-matched frame on the extreme custom.
Victory Vegas versions
- Vegas (2003 onwards): the standard custom cruiser.
- Vegas Low: a lower seat, repositioned foot pegs and handlebars 2 in further back.
- Vegas 8-Ball: black finish, 92 cu in at first, 100 cu in from 2006, six-speed from 2011.
- High Ball (2012): a bobber with apehangers, wire wheels and suede paint.
- Vegas Jackpot (2006): the extreme custom with a 250 mm rear tyre and 106 cu in later.
- Ness Signature Series: limited editions by Arlen and Cory Ness based on the Vegas from 2003 and the Jackpot from 2006.
The Vegas chassis also underpinned the Kingpin and the Hammer, and the first Victory cruisers are described in Victory V92. More in the Victory collection.
Video: 2014 Victory Vegas 8-Ball Test Ride
Video on YouTube.
Sources
- Victory Motorcycles, English Wikipedia: Vegas, 8-Ball, High Ball, Jackpot
