VICTORY HAMMER 8-BALL (2010 - on) Review

Year: 2013

Recently bought my Hammer, I do love its made me smile again. Against it: seems like some lag in the gearbox which I'll have a look at. Power seems a lot more than my 1700 Thunderbird in all ways. I had the 2300 Rocket before the Thunderbird and the Victory Hammer I feel is more like that that the Thunderbird. But I will say I think the Thunderbird is the most forgiving cruiser I've ridden, (best handling). But I wouldn't swap the Hammer back in.

Done 1000 miles and fitted a stage one slip on exhaust kit, it now sounds like it should. Cracking the throttle at traffic lights produces a wide grin and lets all traffic know you're there. Servicing is very reasonable because intervals are now 5000 miles, there are no major services and current rates are £160 a pop. I'm surprised this is not publicised more. The ride is firm well controlled and comfortable. Pegs grounding early is a cruiser trait that sportsbike fans need to get their head around and accept. The only things I would like added is a fuel guage and a second front disc. It is a bike that is otherwise difficult to fault. Fit and finish are excellent compared to other bikes in this class and overall although not a cheap bike it represents good value for money.

Had the bike a week, only managed about 200 miles so far because of the weather but I'm very pleased. The motor is a peach with plenty of lazy power to give serious shove in any gear and there are enough vibrations to give some character without becoming uncomfortable. The gearbox is very precise and and easy to use with 6th giving 60 mph at about 2000 rpm. The intruments are all contained in the one chrome covered unit, giving an clean unfussy look that I like. There is a digital rev counter and you can scroll through this with the odometer and trip by use of the headlight flasher type switch on the left bar which is a sensible and convenient. There is a gear indicator and a clock with the usual idiot lights included withing the dial also. It's a shame a tank guage wasn't included in the scrolled displays instead of just a fuel light. Handling is excellent for this type of bike just needing a bit more counter steering than a roadster type bike, this is good considering that 250 mm rear tyre. Being 6'3" I am swapping the foothangers for standard Hammer ones to give me the important 2" extra legroom. I'm also swapping the handlebars for Dragbars because it's no fun hanging on with bent arms on the motorway. The build quality seems top notch and I'm hoping to have a long association with this bike to prove it.

Had bike for a year, never worried about single front disc, brakes fine. Does tend to ground cornering too fast but you get used to that. Previously had the Vegas 8 ball and prior to that a string of Kawasaki cruisers. Love the bike.