Motorcyclist Online Homepage Subscribe Now
Get Adobe Flash player

Victory Kingpin Motorcycle Road Test

The Vegas got the Victory motorcycle brand into the race. The new Kingpin closes the gap. From the June 2004 issue of Motorcyclist Magazine.
February, 2009
2004 Victory Kingpin Rear Side View
Photography by Kevin Wing... 
   
  read full caption
2004 Victory Kingpin Rear Side View
Photography by Kevin Wing.
2004 Victory Kingpin Front Side Lean View
If the Vegas was a wake-up... 
   
  read full caption
2004 Victory Kingpin Front Side Lean View
If the Vegas was a wake-up call, the Kingpin is Victory's needle-in-the-heart adrenaline shot to sleepy-eyed Vulcans and lethargic Fat Boys.
2004 Victory Kingpin Blue Side View
Between August and October,... 
   
  read full caption
2004 Victory Kingpin Blue Side View
Between August and October, you can custom-order a Kingpin or Vegas set up just to your liking a Victory's website. Options include flashy paint jobs and host of other factory-installed pieces.
2004 Victory Kingpin Gauge View
Although it lacks the ectensive... 
   
  read full caption
2004 Victory Kingpin Gauge View
Although it lacks the ectensive bells and whistles (and tach) or early Victory instrument clusters, the new speedo does live out in front of the handlebar, where you can see it, and not hidden atop the tank.
2004 Victory Kingpin Purple Side View
Love 'em or leave 'em, fat-fender... 
   
  read full caption
2004 Victory Kingpin Purple Side View
Love 'em or leave 'em, fat-fender designs from Arlen and Cory Ness add distinctive styling flair to the Kingpin.
2004 Victory Kingpin Front Side Lean View
The Kingpin is the motormouth,... 
   
  read full caption
2004 Victory Kingpin Front Side Lean View
The Kingpin is the motormouth, V-twin party guest that breaks furniture and makes everyone smile; you can't ignore 'em, and you want 'em to stay because it's, well, just more fun.
2004 Victory Kingpin Red Side View
Cheers & Jeers Engine: 9... 
   
  read full caption
2004 Victory Kingpin Red Side View
Cheers & Jeers
Engine: 9
Strongest among 1500/1600 twins
Drivetrain: 8 Smoother and quieter than most big Vees
Handling: 7 Fork and wheels transform response
Braking: 7 Powerful and controllable
Ride: 7 Firm, rarely harsh, smile-inducing at speed
Ergonomics: 7 Plush saddle, floorboards, heel-toe shifting
Features: 5 Chintzy functional details; long options list
Refinement: 7 Long and low styling; Vegas fuel tank a miss
Value: 7 Midway between Japan and Milwaukee
Fun Factor: 9 It's tough to beat
Verdict: With its mechanical enhancements, classic styling and true cruiser panache, the Kingpin is a major player
2004 Victory Kingpin Engine View
At its core is the Freedom... 
   
  read full caption
2004 Victory Kingpin Engine View
At its core is the Freedom engine, now the strong arm in the 1500/1600cc V-twin class.
2004 Victory Kingpin White Side View
Specifications MSRP: $14,999... 
   
  read full caption
2004 Victory Kingpin White Side View
Specifications
  • MSRP: $14,999
  • Engine type: a-o/c 50-deg. V-twin
  • Valve arrangement: sohc, 8v
  • Bore x stroke: 97.0 x 102.0mm
  • Displacement: 1507cc
  • Compression ratio: 9.2:1
  • Transmission: 5-speed
  • Final drive: belt
  • Weight: 693 lb. (wet), 666 lb. (tank empty)
  • Fuel capacity: 4.5 gal.
  • Rake/trail: 32.8 deg./5.43 in. (138mm)
  • Wheelbase: 66.5 in. (1690mm)
  • Seat height: 26.5 in. (673mm)
  • Front suspension: 43mm inverted-cartridge fork, nonadjustable
  • Rear suspension: single shock adjustable for spring preload
  • Horsepower: 75.8 @ 5250 rpm
  • Torque: 90.8 ft.-lb. @ 3250 rpm
  • Corrected 1/4-mile*: 12.89 sec. @ 102.2 mph
  • 0-60 mph: 4.36 sec.
  • 0-100 mph: 12.79 sec.
  • Top-gear roll-on, 50-70 mph: 4.70 sec.
  • Fuel mileage (low/high/average): 32/43/38

    *Performance with test-session weather conditions corrected to sea-level standard conditions (59 degrees F, 29.92 in. of mercury)

  • Ford Ranger Research
    Ford Ranger Read detailed reviews on the all new Ford Ranger and compare it with other vehicles you may be thinking of buying. With available rebates and prices, you can find a new Ranger for $23,395.00. It has drivers side crash test ratings of 5 stars and passengers side crash test ratings of 4 stars. Other similar vehicles are the Hummer H2 and the GMC Sierra.

    Latest News

     
    First Ride: 2004 Victory Kingpin Motorcycle
    Like a busload of errant conventioneers pulling up at the Palomino Club, we absolutely love Vegas—the Victory Vegas V-twin cruiser, that is. We raved about the thing after our first ride last... more
     
    2004 Victory Kingpin
    Like a busload of errant conventioneers pulling up at the Palomino Club, we absolutely love Vegas--the Victory Vegas V-twin cruiser, that is. We raved about the thing after our first ride last fall,... more
     
    2004 Victory Kingpin
    Like a busload of errant conventioneers pulling up at the Palomino Club, we absolutely love Vegas--the Victory Vegas V-twin cruiser, that is. We raved about the thing after our first ride last fall,... more
     
    Superbike Motorcycle Road Test - Roadwork
    Motorcyclist Magazine's motorcycle road test the Superbikes 2000. The Honda CBR 929 RR, Kawasaki ZX 9R, Suzuki GSX R 750, Yamaha YZF R1 view the results. - Motorcyclist Magazine... more
     
    Motorcycle Road Test: 2004 Kawasaki Vulcan 2000
    In the never-ending race to build the biggest V-twin, Kawasaki has just fired a big-inch salvo across the bows of the worthy oppositions' front-line cruisers. Imaginatively dubbed the Vulcan 2000,... more

    More Related Content