VICTORY HAMMER S (2007 - on) Review

Victory Hammer S motorcycle review - Riding

At a glance

Owners' reliability rating:	5 out of 5 (5/5)
Power:	88 bhp
Seat height:	Low (26.4 in / 670 mm)
Weight:	High (657 lbs / 298 kg)

Prices

New £14,495

Used £7,500 - £9,500

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Overall rating

Next up: Ride & brakes

4 out of 5 (4/5)

The Victory Hammer S is the latest product of America’s fledgling ‘second’ motor company with a slightly sportier stance and image than the stock Hammer due to mean black slathered everywhere and gorgeous Performance Machine Gatlin wheels, the rear wearing a massive 240-section tyre. Performance cruisers don’t come any flashier than the Victory Hammer S.

Ride quality & brakes

Next up: Engine

3 out of 5 (3/5)

All things considered (huge weight, ridiculous back tyre) the Victory Hammer S's handling is pretty good. Yes, its tracking, steering and manouvrability can be something of a handful and take some getting used to but most cruiser riders will never try throwing it around in a way it wasn’t really intended for anyway.

Engine

Next up: Reliability

4 out of 5 (4/5)

The Victory Hammer S's ‘Freedom’ V-twin is a stormer, the brakes and suspension shame anything from Harley and all the controls are smooth and slick like only a quality, factory bike can be.

Reliability & build quality

Next up: Value

4 out of 5 (4/5)

At standstill, the Victory Hammer S is simply stunning: Mouth-watering, gorgeously-applied paint and chrome; Masses of sublimely-crafted alloy; and finish and detailing that wouldn’t be out of place at the best custom chows on the planet. The Victory Hammer S is, quite simply, exquisite.

Value vs rivals

Next up: Equipment

3 out of 5 (3/5)

At £14,495 the Victory Hammer S is £500 more than the stock Victory Hammer, but then those wheels are worth more than that. That also makes it more expensive than any Harley bar the Ultra Classic Electra Glide. But think on this: the Victory Hammer S has a far better motor and is much better equipped, only you can judge the value, or not, or their respective badges. Find a Victory Hammer for sale

Equipment

4 out of 5 (4/5)

There are no common or garden, or in any way crude cycle parts and components, on the Victory Hammer S. Performance Machine wheels are the cream of the US custom scene and usually retail for well over £1000. Brakes are Brembo, hoses braided steel. Flash and brash it is.

Specs
Engine size	1634cc
Engine type	Air-cooled 8v V-twin 6 gears
Frame type	Steel tube double cradle
Fuel capacity	17 litres
Seat height	670mm
Bike weight	298kg
Front suspension	43mm inverted telescopic forks, no adjust
Rear suspension	Single shock, preload adjust
Front brake	2 x 300mm front discs with four-piston Brembo calipers
Rear brake	300mm disc with twin-piston caliper
Front tyre size	130/70 x 18
Rear tyre size	250/40 x 18

Mpg, costs & insurance
Average fuel consumption	48 mpg
Annual road tax	£117
Annual service cost	-
New price	£14,495
Used price	£7,500 - £9,500
Insurance group	17 of 17 How much to insure?
Warranty term	Two year unlimited mileage

Top speed & performance
Max power	88 bhp
Max torque	110 ft-lb
Top speed	120 mph
1/4 mile acceleration	12.98 secs
Tank range	130 miles

Model history & versions

Model history

2007: Victory Hammer S launched.

Other versions

None.

Owners' reviews for the VICTORY HAMMER (2007 - on)

1 owner has reviewed their VICTORY HAMMER (2007 - 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 (2007 - on)

Summary of owners' reviews
Overall rating:	5 out of 5 (5/5)
Ride quality & brakes:	4 out of 5 (4/5)
Engine:	5 out of 5 (5/5)
Reliability & build quality:	5 out of 5 (5/5)
Value vs rivals:	4 out of 5 (4/5)
Equipment:	5 out of 5 (5/5)

5 out of 5 Hammer S

16 January 2010 by Pauld999

I'm not quite sure how the previous write of the review above can make comments without either owning or even riding a Victory. I have a 2009 Hammer S which has a slightly larger engine, a 106 cu.inch V-twin. I find the build quality superb and the paint finish second to none. The engine has a great deal of torque and will pull with vigor in all gears at almost any speed. I was surprised at how well it handles and it has a fair amount of ground clearance unlike other bikes in the 'cruiser' category. I wouldn't class this bike as your typical cruiser and more of a muscle bike, it shrugs off the typical image of the cruiser by it's aggressive styling and performance. The brakes are very positive and bring the bike to a stop with a feel of confidence. All of the bike uses premium parts and a build quality that puts a Harley to shame. I would not have considered a Harley as I don't like the whole image that it brings and the Victory looks almost a custom build that seems to attract the buyer that wants a bespoke looking and modern bike with attitude. I never really considered this style of bike until I rode one and after that I was hooked. Try one and you might well be pleasantly surprised.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Engine 5 out of 5

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Equipment 5 out of 5