Victory 2010: New Models, New Technology, New Attitude Recession be damned, Victory’s 2010 lineup features new touring models, new chassis technology and a new, more aggressive, edgier approach to aesthetics. Presented to the motorcycling media at the avant-garde Disney Music Hall in downtown Los Angeles, the visual standout of the lineup other than the special edition Ness family models is the Cross Country tourer. Aimed directly at the Harley-Davidson Street Glide, the Cross Country offers more baggage capacity, a lower seat height, and extended floorboards that combine with adjustable foot controls. Power comes from the company’s Stage 1 V-twin, a 50-degree, SOHC, 4-valve-per-cylinder, 106 cubic inch engine that delivers a claimed 92 bhp and 109 lbs.-ft. of torque. Perhaps most significant, however, is the Black and Graphite with Extreme Skulls color scheme, an appearance package that sets the bike apart from almost any other cruiser on the road. The Cross Country and the more conservatively styled but technologically similar Cross Roads are based on Victory’s new CORE chassis technology. Victory’s CORE concept bike, on display at shows prior to the 2010 new model introduction, provided a visual indication of Victory’s direction for its new chassis design. A sand-cast, twin-spar aluminum frame, the CORE chassis keeps the overall weight of the bikes at the lowest level in the class, and keeps the center of gravity low for easy maneuverability at low speeds. Other technological advances include the new linked ABS system for the company’s Vision touring model, baffles inside the airbox that minimize intake noise and in what is a significant change for the touring crowd cigarette lighter-style power outlets that actually match up with the majority of accessories on the market. That edgy attitude toward graphics is reflected elsewhere in the lineup. For example, the company’s 8-Ball styling motifs blacked-out, minimally chromed, bad-ass looking bikes are found throughout the lineup, with even the big, cushy Vision available in an 8-Ball version. That version differs from the standard Vision in more than just color. The rear suspension is one inch lower, the seat loses an inch of cushion and is moved forward an inch, placing the rider lower and closer to the handlebars. On the cruiser side, the company’s Hammer, Vegas and Kingpin now all come in 8-Ball versions. All offer lower seat heights and foot controls positioned closer to the rider. Victory has released only four MSRPs at this time. MSRP for the Cross Country is $17,999; the Cross Roads $15,999; the Vegas 8-Ball $17,999 and the Hammer 8-Ball $14,499. For more information, contact www.victorymotorcycles.com.