2009 Victory Cruiser reviews

I have been riding street bikes for about six years now and this bike is just like the title says. I didn't just buy a Victory, I bought a piece of heavenly comfort and performance. My 8-Ball is very subtle yet impressive. Even after putting the first thousand miles on my bike, I still get that "first time" feeling every time I hop on it. Show less

I love my 8-Ball! This is my first bike and I could not be happier. I looked at Harleys and could not justify paying $17,000+ for a new bike. I could not be happier with Victory, the bike rides and handles great. Show less

This is my first "cruiser" style bike. I owned a sports bike eight years ago and was ready for a new one. I considered both styles of bikes for over a month. After sitting on a cruiser I decided this would be my choice. Then it came time to determine which make to go with. I knew I wanted American made but Harley's were beyond my budget (for a new one). My wife was OK with me getting a bike as long as it "worked" and lasted. My friend, a Harley rider, recommended Victory and had nothing but great things to say. I began reading and learning more about Victory and was convinced. The Vegas 8 Ball was a bit above my budget but it had exactly what I was looking for: style and power. I love my 8 Ball! Show less

I just bought it a few days ago and I love this bike. I had been looking at them for a couple of years and just had this deal fall into my lap. I got the bike with no cash down in Melbourne Florida at the place was great to deal with. I traded in a Kawasaki Voyager 12 and in a round about way my Sportster 883. I have to say that this bike is so far ahead of both the Kawasaki and the Harley that there is no true comparison. On the highway it takes the grooves and bumps far better than the Voyager 12 or the Harley. The bike is smooth to run. In town it is simple to maneuver and I have no complaints. I was very surprised on its tracking and handling. With the Harley the rear end was light and always wanting to get out from under me. The brakes on this are the best as well. As for performance... WOWWWWWWWWWWW!!! This thing can move and I mean right now! Yet control is always right there. Positive tracking again is the best I have ever seen. You will not be disappointed in this bike. It is top notch all the way. I also find that is is getting around 55-58 mpg. which is another plus over the Kawasaki or the Harley which were both in the 30's at best. What more can you ask for? Show less

Plenty of power, head turning good looks. I test drove a few Harleys in the same price range and they didn't do it for me. Coming off a crotch rocket I needed POWER! I took a test ride on a Hammer, ended up buying the Vegas for that big 21" up front. It's a great looking bike, handles better than my Ninja. Being a part of an MC means I have to have a bike that will stand up to scrutiny and will take the miles. I got what I need. Show less

I kicked a lot of tires before this bike. I went to the dealer with my wife. They had it running and waiting for me. This was early April, 2007. My wife sat on the bike and in 30 seconds she was like this is the one. Of course it had the optional seat on it. Then we took it for a ride. In a 1-mile trip I knew I had to have this bike so we bought it. I love this bike and would never hesitate to buy another. My Harley buddies tell me I either have to slow down or get another bike cause they can't catch me. One of the best thing is I can ride this bike for a couple of hours, get off it and walk just fine - no numbness like when I rode brand X. Show less

It's a great bike. I love most everything about it. I must say though, the stock seat and exhaust need to be changed. It was well worth the money. Show less

My first cruiser after riding sport bikes, sport tourers, dual sports and naked bikes; I finally found a bike that satisfies me. Sure I can't push it in the twisties like a sport bike, but the comfort, power, and looks are a fair trade. The one complaint that I have is that a few of the components were pretty cheap looking considering the price. I'm primarily referring to the turn signals. Also, the stock exhaust is a little too tame. It would be nice if it had just a little more bite to it. Show less

I've been riding a 1000cc crotch rocket for over a decade and decided I was sick of the speeding tickets and wanted to step into the cruiser world. I spent a great deal of time researching before choosing Victory, and I haven't looked back since. The bike stock (purchased mine with the swept exhaust) sounds incredible! There is a nice crackling rumble when idling and really becomes throaty once you open up the throttle, but you can still cruise in and out of your neighborhood without upsetting all your neighbors (provided you stay out of the throttle). Whoever wrote the review saying they were getting 20-something miles to the gallon is crazy. I bought this bike to commute into work and back. It's exactly 26 miles from my driveway to the parking garage at my work. I make this trip eight times on a tank (four days of work/52 miles round trip). So I get over 200 miles to a 4.5 gallon tank. Do the math, that's averaging 46 miles to the gallon. I'm probably getting 50 on the freeway. So having a huge motor and getting that kind of fuel efficiency is awesome. I really didn't expect that. The bike definitely doesn't lack torque and I get more comments on and off the bike than I ever did with my tricked out Gixxer 1000. Thanks Victory, I LOVE the bike. Show less

There are a lot of people who try to find things wrong with Victory. It is beyond reasoning (Maybe they are just trying to justify paying more for the somewhat comparable Harley). I have noticed that what some are calling cam noise is actually the transmission. Nothing wrong with it, it is just synchronized. I have a 2007 Hammer S and the new bikes have an improved transmission now (less noise). My bike does have upgrades - exhaust, power commander and intake. I haven't found a Harley that can beat me yet, not even an improved VROD Muscle that a local owns. Here is something to chew on. Some believe that if the bike doesn't shake your teeth it lacks power. The truth is the Victory is balanced. Keep on rattling your teeth as I pass you. Oops, you can't see me as your eyeballs are shaking as well. Power, try 97 HP stock right out the dealer door with 113-ft. lbs. of torque. Aftermarket upgrades can boost that considerably. The only problem I have is finding the after market accessories and that is getting better as companies strive to fill the demand. Show less