2005 Victory Kingpin™
User Reviews
-
Great All-Around Bike
By (I am an Owner) on Jul 21, 2014I have had motorcycles for almost 50 years and they have included the legendary Norton, the worshiped Harley Knucklehead and the much loved Moto Guzzi. Others have included everything from Vespas to Japanese Dirt Bikes and a few in between. That said, this is the best bike I have ever owned.
...
The engine is a textbook case of how to build the absolute best air (actually air/oil) cooled V-Twin. Engine noise is a pet peeve of mine, and I am glad to report the Vic is the quietest air cooled motor I've ever come across. And it has no discordant vibes to get in the way of the v-twin throb. The gear-driven primary probably goes a long way to make this so. The VicI makes the '97 Harley Evo Superglide I had sound and feel like a bucket of bolts. And those Evo engines were better engineered than the current built-by-accountants Twin Cams by far.
The handling is like a cross between my old Norton and Moto Guzzi sport bikes. Very stable but not quite on rails like the Guzzi. Tightly responsive like the Norton, albeit a 700lb Norton! It tells me the frame is very rigid and well thought-out.
I have the smallest Vic engine, the 92 cubic inch/1507cc and it is a blast to ride with torque just where you want it. The fuel injection mapping is spot on without a flat spot or hesitation anywhere. Mine does have the stage 1 performance upgrade though, with throaty sounding (not loud) pipes, a reflashed ECU and a low-restriction intake.
Last but not least, I love the Kingpin's versatility. It can go naked or just as easily can go with bags and fairing or windshield. Similarly, it's just as happy going 2-up or solo. I plan on transforming mine into a bagger this winter to include a batwing-type fairing. I makes a great looking bagger.
Rating breakdown
-
I'll be ridding, where will you be?!
By (I am an Owner) on Jul 27, 2009The Kingpin provides the confidence in handling of a sport bike, with the comfort and stability of a cruiser. The Kingpin weighs around 700lbs, which is light for a cruiser.
Jill and I can attest to the comfort of the factory seat, along with the stability and handleing, having made ... a trip from Kansas City, Missouri to Georgia and back in five days last October. We had rain on the way down for two days and high gusting winds for two days on the way back.
70 to 90 comes in the length of a tour bus with a light twist of the wrist.
I have witnessed quarter mile runs in the mid to low twelve with only stage one upgrades installed (owners ridding not professional or factory riders).
I have already laid claim to one of the first 2010 Cross Countrys at our local Victory dealer after seeing pictures and reading the features and specs.
Rating breakdown