|
|
 |
Niche Dweller
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 Victory Hammer S
Basem Wasef
04/01/2007
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Photography by Kevin Wing
|
Shifting the 6-speed is somewhat notchy, but sure; the Victory
Kingpin Touring, its more sensible cousin, produces more buttery shift
action. Firm, but not shockingly powerful stops are produced by dual 300mm
floating rotor 4-piston Brembo brakes, and the 2-piston rear brake
offers limited doses of additional decelerative force before locking up in
futility.
Riding posture is neither ready nor cartoonishly reclined, and the
handlebars are well positioned for long rides. While the seat features a small
lip at the rear that keeps the rider in place during hard acceleration, its
presence must be consciously avoided during extended rides, as it can easily
become an irritant and force the rider to scoot forward.
At the end of the
day, the Victory Hammer S fulfills its mission of creating its own niche in the
already niche-oriented power cruiser market. With nods to traditional
styling and adherence to air-cooled technology, the bike keeps one foot in the
company’s winning formula of appeasing traditionalists, while adding a touch
modernity. Don’t let the vintage Victory logo fool you; this bike hangs with the
hot rods, pounding the road with an urgency that befits its namesake.
www.victorymotorcycles.com
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
