2005 Victory reviews

I just purchased the 8-Ball after riding a VTX1800C for about a year and a half. I gotta tell ya, I have owned over 23 motorcycles in the past 20 years and this 8-ball has to be my favorite. The ride is smooth, the handling is tight and with the Santa Rosa Vee-twin Clubs, the sound is the best I have ever heard. The blacked out finish is similar to that of the H-D Nighttrain but much classier. The bike has power, finesse and attitude. Get you one and see for yourself. Show less

I am in love with this bike. Except for the safety course, I had never even sat on a motorcycle prior to buying the 8-Ball. I was a little intimidated at first - 620lbs with a 1502cc engine, but it turned out to be easier than I could have imagined. It handles great and has a smooth ride. Leg and arm positioning is comfortable and relaxed. Acceleration is tight at just about all speeds. Braking, etc. all great. This bike turns heads. I get looks from bikers and non-bikers at stops, gas stations -everywhere - people love this bike. Harley riders are even impressed. When I ride with my friends, they make comments about how much attention this bike gets. I would make just two small complaints. First, the engine light came on a lot. I have found out that it was only a sensor problem, but when you are out trying to enjoy the ride, you get sick of having to think about the red light. I rode it about 500 miles like that anyway once I heard that it was no big deal. Second, the bike is too quiet. While inexpensive at $13,000, who wants to shell out another $800 for a stage 1 kit to make it sound like a real motorcycle. Yeah, once it's cranked you can hear a little growl - but it needs a rumble to match its looks. All in all, about the best purchase I've ever made. Show less

I went to Harley to buy a V-rod with check book in hand. The deal was so laughable that I said you guys are crazy and walked out. I went straight to the closest Victory dealer and they made me a deal that I felt great about. They took money off of the bike, discounted the ext warrenty and threw in a helmet. I bought a 2005 Hammer and I must say that for the first few 100 miles I was very intimidated by its size, weight and the very heavy steering. Now I whip it around with ease. Other than the seat, I am thrilled with the bike. Even the Harley guys are impressed with it, ( but who cares about them ). I am getting at least 40 mpg. I feel it was a good buy and recommend this bike to anyone wanting a big power cruiser. Show less

This is my second victory. I traded in a 2001 V92C deluxe on a new 2005 Hammer 2 weeks ago. This bike is just fantastic. It has good power stock and the six speed is really great on the open roads and interstates. I just recently , yesterday, installed the stage 1 kit. It included new pipes, air filter, air filter cover and computer upgrade. This kit made a good bike an excellent bike. I would recommend this bike, or any Victory without any reservations whatsoever. Show less

I did a lot of looking then found the hammer. The more I looked the more I came back to the hammer. It is only my 2nd bike but with the looks I get the more I am convinced I bought the best bike going!!!! Show less

The bike is really sharp and seems to have a lot going for it. I just want people to be aware that there are almost no accessories available for this bike, and parts are hard to come by and expensive. Show less

I've been into sport bikes until now, and decided to slow down a bit with a cruiser but still wanted performance. I looked for a long time and was very impressed with everything I read on the Hammer.... plus I loved that fat back tire. I wasn't disappointed. The Hammer has great power and handling - it won't flip through the twisty like your CBR, but it will do the corners with relative ease. I got the black bike, with billet wheels and extra chrome, and I've been stopped by several Harley guys who are really interested and impressed with the bike. At 5'7", my only problem was the handle bars were a little too far forward for my comfort, but that was easily solved by having the dealer switch out the bars with an '05 Vegas which swept them back about 2 inches. I also want to get the driver peg rearward relocation kit once it's available, but other than that, this bike is perfect. Show less

After riding the Road King Classic for 2 years and dumping LOADS of cash into it, I sold it for the Victory. I went to Myrtle Beach bikeweek, saw the Victory setup there, and was impressed. I got back home and test rode 2 different Vegas models at the dealer. I decided that I was tired of trying to make my Harley unique. It is IMPOSSIBLE. Everyone seems to have a HD these days. The RKC was nice, but it is OLD technology. Kind of like your father's Cadillac. The Vegas has loads of power, is fun to ride, and is just plain gorgeous. Most of all, you don't see them EVERYWHERE like harleys. I will write an update after putting some miles on, but the purchase experience from TwinSpecialties in Raleigh, NC was very positive. Test ride one. Then decide. The HD mystique is overrated. Show less

I took a Hammer out for a test ride the first week of April. The dealer had one more not sold on the floor. When I returned from the test ride I informed the salesman that that one was sold too. I have gone to a few different bike events which are mostly for Harley riders. I have yet to hear any negative remarks from anyone. Mostly I get a lot of compliments about the Hammer. Guys also ask about the handling because of the fat back tire. It does take slightly more effort to lean into a corner, but once you have it into the turn it holds the curve like it's on a rail. Show less

I've had crotch rockets all of my life and I wanted something that was a cruiser but with serious performance. The Hammer is it, It is everything that you expect and more, fantastic performance, unequaled looks and finish, and plenty of power. Best investment I've made in a long time. Hope to see you on the road. Show less