VICTORY HAMMER (2003 - on) Review
At a glance
| Owners' reliability rating: | |
|---|---|
| Annual servicing cost: | £500 |
| Power: | 88 bhp |
| Seat height: | Low (26.3 in / 669 mm) |
| Weight: | High (657 lbs / 298 kg) |
Prices
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesVictory’s second generation customs (which also includes the Vegas, 8-Ball etc) are a world on from the original V92 clunkers and, on paper at least, have more than enough to give Harley-Davidson a run for its money. The Victory Hammer is no exception
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineWith decent suspension, brakes and a purpose-built modern turbular steel cradle frame, Victory’s customs have always been respectable handlers. But the new Ness range is truly impressive. The Victory Hammer is distinguished from the lithe and low Vegas by wearing a massive 250-section rear tyres, smaller 18-inch front wheel (in place of the Vegas’s skinny 21-in hoop) and decent usd forks and twin discs. So if you want a handler, the Victory Hammer is the one.
Engine
Next up: ReliabilityRec-styled Victory Hammer engine came under the remit of custom legend Arlen Ness when he redesigned the whole Victory range and the results are fabulous. The Victory 50-degree V-twin was always modern and stompy enoughy to embaress Harley’s old warhorses with oodle of grunt, now, in the Victory Hammer, it looks the part, too.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueStill fairly early days for Victory (and they’ve got an awful long way to go to match 100-years-plus Harley) so, to a degree, the jury is still out on the Victory Hammer. No massive reliability issues, though, the Victory Hammer's engineering is all on the durable side and finishes and components are good, however.
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentThese latest Victorys are truly impressive pukka American customs. Victory Hammers look the biz have a great engine and chassis, are well built and ride well too. The only question is, if you’re going to spend £12,000 on an American cruiser is it good enough to prise you away from Harley. Logically, the answer’s yes, but logic rarely plays a part in these sorts of decisions… Find a Victory Hammer for sale
Equipment
Victory Hammers live by the mantra ‘less is more’ but again, what they do have is generally very high quality: Polished billet aluminium abounds as does thick paint and chrome. Switchgear, clocks and brakes are all higher spec than equivilent Harleys too. All told, the Victory Hammer is a quality item.
Specs |
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| Engine size | 1634cc |
|---|---|
| Engine type | 50-degree 4v V-twin, 6 gears |
| Frame type | Steel tube double cradle |
| Fuel capacity | 17 litres |
| Seat height | 669mm |
| Bike weight | 298kg |
| Front suspension | None |
| Rear suspension | Preload |
| Front brake | 2 x 300mm discs |
| Rear brake | 300mm disc |
| Front tyre size | 130/70 x 18 in |
| Rear tyre size | 250/40 x 18 in |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
|
| Average fuel consumption | 45 mpg |
|---|---|
| Annual road tax | £121 |
| Annual service cost | £500 |
| New price | £12,995 |
| Used price | £7,600 - £8,500 |
| Insurance group |
15 of 17 How much to insure? |
| Warranty term | Two year unlimited mileage |
Top speed & performance |
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| Max power | 88 bhp |
|---|---|
| Max torque | 98 ft-lb |
| Top speed | 120 mph |
| 1/4 mile acceleration | 11.6 secs |
| Tank range | 142 miles |
Model history & versions
Model history
2003: Victory Hammer launched.
Other versions
Victory Vegas: As Victory Hammer but with skinny 21-inch front wheel, convemntional forks, single discs, black finished engine.
Victory Vegas 8-Ball: As Vegas but even more stripped down with single seat and tempting £1500 reduced price.
Victory Vegas Jackpot: Long and low extreme custom version of Vegas.
Owners' reviews for the VICTORY HAMMER (2003 - on)
2 owners have reviewed their VICTORY HAMMER (2003 - on) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.
Review your VICTORY HAMMER (2003 - on)
Summary of owners' reviews |
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| Overall rating: | |
|---|---|
| Ride quality & brakes: | |
| Engine: | |
| Reliability & build quality: | |
| Value vs rivals: | |
| Equipment: | |
| Annual servicing cost: | £500 |
Version: Hammer S
Year: 2011
The Hammer S is old school American v-twin with modern touches and all the better for it. Great build quality, big old engine, big back wheel and big presence. Decent brakes and suspension are exactly the modern touches you want in the package but subtle it ain't! The words to describe the handling are definitely not flickable or nippy. Having said that if you are buying a cruiser, superbike handling won't be the priority on your purchasing list. Once you get used to the handling it is very capable but you are very aware of ground clearance being limited, if not get to know a good cobbler! This bike is about personality, looks and enjoying the vistas as well as being an engaging ride.
Heavy bike and the brake performance is good but has to be to deal with that weight. Inspires confidence without being exceptional. Ride quality is firm to say the least but comfortable for a couple hours. Cured my numb bum issues with a pair of gel packed cycling shorts.
Solid, maybe a touch agricultural but you feel it will still be pulling like a train in 30 years time. Gear box again is dependable but not for speed demons. It's a big Vtwin done the American way but with fuel injection for piece of mind.
Well built , with quality but needs an owner who enjoys using polishing cloths and the odd bloodied knuckle cleaning those lovely wheels.
Lots on every day parts shared with other bikes, ie brake pads used on several popular Japanese bikes, so alot cheaper to maintain than alot of exotica!
Basic, and i like that about it. No electronic aids, just simple and raw. Have stuck with metzler tyres at both ends, like the 260 on the back. Slightly less happy on greasy roads!!
Buying experience: Bought privately, haven't had an issue
Year: 2007
Annual servicing cost: £500
Have owned and rode my victory hammer for over 7 years now and with over a 120,000 miles on it still runs as well as it did when new. No oil being burnt or leaked; bike has original clutch and starter. Most reliable and low maintenance bike I have ever owned. Every where I go people often come from all the way across a large parking lot just to look at the bike. Many men who don't know that the bike is no longer being made have made the statement to their wives "that's the bike I want to get" So sad such a well built American made bike fell from the " Easy Rider" movie promotion of a much less performing turd called Harley Davidson! I love blowing them off every time one of them challenges the Hammers reality! If it wasn't for the Easy Rider movie made in the sixties Harley Davidsons antiquated ole motors would have never survived to this day! Bored and stroked for that Harley sound instead of performance becomes quite evident to their owners as they hear the Victory's beast leave them behind........
Certainly not as comfortable as the heavy loaded down cruisers with their soft mushy suspension; but I have gone 3 times across the states and ride close to 20,000 miles per year. The handling and the braking have several times kept me from accidents that I am sure a big loaded touring bike would have left the riders very injured if not dead. A few Harley fanatics have left the road trying to stay in the curves with "The Beast".
Engine delivers plenty of everything the rider needs; most of all dependability.
120,000 miles and oh well the gas pump in the tank started to get a little noisy...
tires oil and brakes.
The engine and brakes are my favorite features of any bike and the Hammer definitely has both.
