Test Drive: 2007 Victory Vegas 8-Ball

The local dealer offers test drives, so we picked out the Victory Vegas 8-Ball. The Vegas 8-ball had the least chrome of any bike they had -- a totally blacked out engine -- so I figured I'd give it a shot. I really like the looks of it, and had read great reviews in Rider Magazine.

We took the bike unescorted on a dealer-prescribed four mile circuit, through city streets and a twisty parkway, and back to the dealer. Too short of a run to really get a feel for the bikes, but much better than simply staring at the bike on the showroom floor, and even better than sitting on the bike while the salesman holds it upright.

The 8-Ball was well balanced with weight down low. Easy off the stand and comfortable to sit on. Ergonomics were comfortable. I had never ridden with foreward controls and found them to be comfortable, more than I expected. Handling and throttle response were excellent.

The acceleration doesn't compare favorably to the V4 Honda Magna that I currently ride, but it was better than the Goldwing GL1100 I'd previously owned, and better than the Victory Kingpin Tour, which I also test drove. The Tour is a great bike, but is weighted down with bags, and it does affect the acceleration off the line.

The engine made an unfamiliar sound, a whine that varied with the engine speed. It was noticeable on both the 8-Ball and the Kingpin Tour, but moreso on the Tour, which I attribute to the windshield focusing some of the sound back at the driver.

But the 8-Ball was a nice looking bike, and would merit a closer look if I were ready to purchase a new bike. I really like the styling, though I recognize that that's a personal preference. The stock solo seat would have to be replaced with a two-up seat, in my case, but otherwise it looks ready to ride.


This review was snipped from a longer post of mine, which included several test drives at two different dealerships, plus the tale of getting there and back.