2012 Victory Hammer Review

Intro

The Victory Hammer is a muscular, blacked out cruiser with the disposition of a drag bike. It features an inverted front fork, a fat 250-mm rear tire, and distinctly inverted front forks. Much of the Victory Hammer’s striking visual appeal stems from its blacked out aesthetics, which leave ample space for customization. Victory Motorcycles in general are known for providing riders with a wide selection of custom options to choose from and the Victory Hammer provides a splendid matte black canvas to work with, for those who enjoy customizing bikes. Apart from great potential for customization, the 2012 Victory Hammer also delivers plenty of raw power and attitude. Powered by a hearty V-twin engine, the Victory Hammer offers plenty of performance and smooth ride quality to go along with its stealth bomber looks.

Apart from all that black paint, visually the 2012 Victory Hammer is defined by its sporty bodywork, which includes a short front fender and a high-cut rear fender that complements its massive 250mm rear tire. The front forks are inverted and there is a removable black cowl for covering the passenger seat when taking solo rides. The bike is powered by a 106-cubic-inch six stage two V-twin with a fuel injection system. The counter-balanced, air-cooled V-twin generates 113 lb. ft. of torque, while the six-speed transmission delivers true overdrive capability, along with a neutral assist that makes it easier to locate neutral when shifting. The six gears feature a helical cut that makes shifting smoother and easier in general. Throttle response is excellent, thanks to the bike’s massive reserve of low-end torque. In addition to its sport-inspired fender, the Hammer also features a low seat that makes it easy for riders to reach both the instruments and the ground. This low seat inspires confidence when riding and helps to make the 2012 Victory Hammer one of the most comfortable models in the cruiser class. The 8-Ball’s classic cruiser looks are bolstered by the inverted front fork out front. However more than just an aesthetic touch, the inverted front fork also helps facilitate the Hammer’s handling, which is exceptionally light and nimble by cruiser standards. Like the front forks, the bike’s 250mm rear tire is for much more than mere appearance. The fat tire makes the 2012 Victory Hammer look like a real road machine. But in this case, the bike has the goods to back it up, and the extra fat rear tire helps the Hammer stay glued to the road, even in difficult conditions or weather. The removable passenger cowl can easily be yanked to allow for a passenger and can just as easily be replaced when you’re riding solo again. The Hammer has taken blacked out to an all-new level with even the pipes and the bullet headlight housing being blacked out like midnight in an air raid.

The 2012 Victory Hammer offers riders a nearly ideal balance of sport bike styling and cruiser muscle. The dual disc brakes up front provide enough stopping power to bring the bike under control when you need to. The bike’s extreme solid black color scheme makes it the perfect starting point for dipping into Victory Motorcycle’s deep well of customization possibilities. Stylish, comfortable, and yet brimming with raw power, the 2012 Victory Hammer is a great bike for riding around town on, or for loading up the saddlebags and taking an extended cruise down the highway.

New For 2012

  • For 2012, the Victory Hammer has been outfitted with a new Freedom 106 V-twin engine.
  • Thanks to its new engine, the 2012 Victory Hammer has been given a 39 percent increase in displacement.

2012 Victory Hammer Specs

  • Model: Victory Hammer
  • Engine Type: 1731cc four-stroke, 50 degree V-Twin
  • Bore and Stroke: 101 x 108mm
  • Compression ratio: 9.4:1
  • Valve Train: Single overhead camshafts with four valves per cylinder, self-adjusting cam chains, hydraulic lifters
  • Induction: Electronic Fuel Injection with dual 45mm throttle body
  • Ignition: Electronic
  • Transmission: Six-speed overdrive constant mesh
  • Final Drive: Carbon Fiber Reinforced Belt
  • Fuel Capacity: 4.5 gallons
  • Estimated Fuel Economy:
  • Brakes (Front): 300mm floating rotor with four-piston caliper
  • Brakes (Rear): 300mm floating rotor with two-piston caliper Suspension (Front): Inverted Cartridge telescopic fork
  • Suspension (Rear): Single, mono-tube gas with cast aluminum swing arm
  • Wheelbase: 65.7 in
  • Rake: 32.7 degrees
  • Trail: 140 mm
  • Seat Height: 26 in
  • Curb Weight: 682 lb.
  • Tires (Front): 130/70R18 Dunlop Elite 3
  • Tires (Rear): 250/40R19 Dunlop Elite 3

Accessories

  • Stage 1 Shotgun Exhaust System – 50 State (Black or Chrome)
  • Chrome Highway Bar
  • Drag Bar
  • Chrome Ness Fly Bar
  • Driver Floorboard Kit
  • Lock and Ride Mid Windshield
  • Touring Seat with Passenger
  • Leather Saddlebags

Key Competitors For The 2012 Victory Hammer

  • Triumph America
  • Yamaha V Star Classic
  • Honda Shadow Spirit 750
  • Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 883
  • Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom