During these last 2 years, Victory Motorcycles has made it clear that their brand is about American cruiser performance. A marketing statement illustrated in February 2014 by the launch of the Gunner, a big muscle throwback Bobber model, and more recently by having Victory running quarter miles in the NHRA and racing at the Pikes Peak Hill Climb. After Victory’s management, who is supposed to know a lot about the brand philosophy? Of course their marketing and advertising agency Tattoo Projects, (not a Tattoo parlor, but an agency offering strategies to help clients leave “indelible impressions”…). Its founder Rudy Banny has a long time passion for motorcycles, and as demonstrated here, knows quite a few things about customizing them.
The bike you are looking at is the result of his work using the Gunner platform to demonstrate how he thinks a modern muscle bike with American heritage should look and work. The factory model personality is never betrayed, but exaggerated through a new roughed-up retro Cafe Racer inspired bodywork and modern performance parts. Makeover owes a lot to a new tail section where the Café style seat is supported by aluminum holed gussets. A visual element making the factory swingarm look like it has been extended. Some electrics and the battery needed to be relocated and because there was no place to hide them, a smaller Ballistic unit was chosen and is now held in a custom pouch hanging on the left side of the bike.
The factory Gunner gas tank is quite big (4.6 gal. capacity) and sits on a wishbone type frame backbone. For this reason, as those who have already tried already know, it is not easy to slim it by slicing it. It implies to fabricate from scratch a new tank tunnel. The original tank was replaced by a much narrower and shorter flat sides peanut-looking unit featuring a Monza gas cap. In the front, for a more sport/performance personality, a set of very good looking Suzuki GSX-R forks held in place by a custom triple tree were installed. Above, an “aggressive” dual headlight setup. To check speed a mini speedo from MotoGadget was attached to the Biltwell bars. The Victory cast wheels were replaced by stainless steel spoke ones in factory size 3.5 x 16” wrapped in Firestone Deluxe Champion rubber. The factory Freedom 106” (1731 cc) 110 ft-lb torque engine is untouched, performance being improved by a weight loss of about 100 lbs during the makeover. The factory dual staggered slash cut exhaust system was discarded and replaced by custom headers ending with stainless steel cones. All the fast guys should love this display of American engineering muscle. (photos @ tattoo projects) Tattoo Projects.
Would have been happy to help them with some accessories since they are only 10 miles away.
Hands down the coolest looking Victory out there. Amazing job guys.
A seat with a hump in the back does not a cafe´ racer make….
Bobber? Faux Rat Rod? Unimpressive?
What’s up with the surplus tractor tires?
Hey, Max. Bobber or Cafe Racer inspired doesn’t mean Bobber or Cafe Racer. I read inspired.
A great “Victory”
Those tires turn it into an instant LOSER…
Interesting, likable, and ridable come to mind.
Two things stand out to my eye. The forward controls and pegs should be relocated to mid bike and where is the oil cooler?
The comments seem to be mostly about the press release wording, and the front tire. Ignoring those words, me thinks it’s a cool looking bike. I’d like to ride it.
I’m an idiot; it’s editorial. Even more reason not to damn the bike for the words.
Once again, some folks just can’t get past stereotypes and get onboard with something that has a new flavor. I’d ride the hell out of this bike. Personally I’d like to see a two into one, but I didn’t build it, so it’s what makes the builder happy.
Well done…except the tires.
Seat too skinny for the bike. But a good custom Victory overall.
I like it.
Polaris/Victory could easily build a factory version, clean up the rough spots and make it more friendly for mass consumption, but keep this general character. Hey Victory are you watching and listening? I hope so. I know you don’t lie to spend money on changing anything in the Vegas line of bikes except paint each year, but maybe its time to mix it up a bit.
I like the idea of it, and it’s a style I’ve been waiting years for H-D to try out with the V-Rod engine.
Certainly nice to see a scooter without a radiator……
Nice stance.
But those wheels are from an era when US roads were a disaster, requiring massive tires to keep ya planted in your seat….. not a design queue that goes with a sports ride. Not a good design match in And the rubber-band looks out of place somehow…. IMHO anyway.
Otherwise i like it.
-nicker-
They should’ve asked Arlin & Cory for a little design finesse..but a valid attempt to strip off a bunch of weight..except for those tires..have fun when it rains with this one..
I like it but don’t get all the hard work and mount a rusty fuel tank. Fake patina sucks.
I think it looks tough, you nailed it without breaking the bank.
Seems like the comments are about 50-50
Me, an exercise toward young “hipster” cool…
Effort is there & it looks nice, if you like that sort of thing.
Too much for my old body !!!
Cool!
“Too much for my old body” as well. Best looking Victory so far. I think it is a cool looking bike.
If I was 30 years younger , I would be all over it.
Good Job.
Kevin
First victory I actually like. Well done.
Best Victory yet,well done………..
needs a triumph / BSA motor , just sayin .
You took a good looking, well engineered bike and made it ugly and uncomfortable to ride.
I don’t get it.
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