Victory Hammer S

Specifications
Price: $19,747 Engine: 1634cc, air-cooled, 50-degree V-twin Compression ratio: 9.8:1 Valvetrain: SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder Fuel System: EFI	Transmission: 5M Final Drive: Belt Suspension F/R: 43mm inverted forks/single shock, preload adjustable Suspension Travel F/R: 5.1 in./3.9 in.	Brakes F/R: Dual 300mm discs/300mm disc Tires F/R: 130/70-R18/250/40-R18 Wheelbase: 65.7 in. Seat Height: 26.4 in. Dry Weight: 657 lb.

When pushed to select the bike they would own, most of our riders pointed to the Victory. Next to the Harley, the Victory is the toughest looking of these roughnecks. The Hammer S has the most comfortable riding position for actual cruising. Its laid-back handlebars, eye-level analog gauges and well-placed, wide footpegs drew praise from everyone. Yet despite the relaxed riding position, once the road turns twisty, the Hammer S takes a set and hangs on as long and as deep as any bike here. Even with its massive 250mm rear tire, the Hammer, with its well-tuned suspension, is easy to ride fast. Downside: On longer freeway rides, that relaxed riding position is exactly perfect to catch the pounding wind. At the heart of the Hammer S is its strong, torquey motor, though it certainly isn’t the most muscular in this test. Only the Kawa­saki was slower in the quarter-mile. The six-speed transmission has a double overdrive—great for cruising. But the transmission feels like it belongs in a tractor, not a sophisticated, modern motorcycle. And the Victory is the priciest bike here by a wide margin. Writing a check to Victory buys exclusivity: There aren’t many Hammers parked at the usual biker haunts.