Observations from Jap Cruiser to Victory Vegas 8 Ball

[Dangsta]

So I've had my 8 ball for just over a week now. My last ride was a very respectable Suzuki S83 but I've now gone for the full-on American, mean as, fully blacked out, long, low and loud....you get the idea. Really enjoyed my last bike but wanted to experience what the whole american thing was all about (without any bandana's, chaps or tassles etc).

So...enough background. In the week I've had my new ride I've been stopped in the supermarket by a guy wanting to know about it...I've had a group of Harley riders give me the thumbs up as they rode along (previously been completely ingnored by most Harley owners), I've left a shop to find a group of riders from the pub next door waiting for me to come out so they could say how cool my bike was...one salesman from Mitre 10 came out with me after I'd bought something 'cos he wanted to hear me start it up and I had a note stuck on the bike from a parking warden saying that they thought my bike was "beautiful". What's even better is that I haven't had to worry about guys from the Triumph owners group trying to spit on my bike (which I was told they did whenever they see a Jappa).

I'm generally a little on the shy side so don't tend to enjoy being the centre of attention but this is f#ckin brilliant! I'm experiencing a whole new element of owning a cruiser and I have to say...owning this particular cruiser is totally different to anything I've ever experienced.
D

[tri boy]

So, what about the bike.
Better to live with than the Suzuki etc?

[Dangsta]

So, what about the bike.
Better to live with than the Suzuki etc?

Oh yeah...sorry bout that. Yep, very happy with the bike. I know people don't rate the S83 for handling but I had no concerns there and thought it handled quite well. It was also completely bulletproof mechanically and had a enough power (for a cruiser) to do everything I wanted. The stock seat on the S83 was hideous though so not brilliant for long trips. This was my benchmark.

My first impression of the 8 Ball was that compared to the S83 it was very..very long and the skinny front wheel made it difficult to handle at town speeds. Its also got a fuck-load of power so if I give it too much beans from a standstill, I can feel it wanting to wheelie. Basically, it was definitely harder to ride initially. Now I've gone through the break in period I'm much more used to it. I'm finding myself muscling round tight corners with no problems. The power is still slightly tricky between first and second on roundabouts but all up, no big deal. I'm 6"1 and 100kg's and this bike is a dream on longer trips. Really comfy stock seat and ergonomically awesome. Its got 9000k's on the clock so I guess the test will be when I've got 20+k's. So far so good.
D:drinknsin

[AllanB]

Nice ride. Those Triumph riders need a conrod shoved up their arses if they are spitting on anyone's ride. Fuckwits deserve a group of Jap bike riders to stop and have a good long crap over their Triumphs. I'll ride with anyone on any brand of bike, but NOT with arseholes like that.

[gammaguy]

Just remind them their Triumphs are probably built in Thailand

[skippa1]

Oh yeah...sorry bout that. Yep, very happy with the bike. I know people don't rate the S83 for handling but I had no concerns there and thought it handled quite well. It was also completely bulletproof mechanically and had a enough power (for a cruiser) to do everything I wanted. The stock seat on the S83 was hideous though so not brilliant for long trips. This was my benchmark.

My first impression of the 8 Ball was that compared to the S83 it was very..very long and the skinny front wheel made it difficult to handle at town speeds. Its also got a fuck-load of power so if I give it too much beans from a standstill, I can feel it wanting to wheelie. Basically, it was definitely harder to ride initially. Now I've gone through the break in period I'm much more used to it. I'm finding myself muscling round tight corners with no problems. The power is still slightly tricky between first and second on roundabouts but all up, no big deal. I'm 6"1 and 100kg's and this bike is a dream on longer trips. Really comfy stock seat and ergonomically awesome. Its got 9000k's on the clock so I guess the test will be when I've got 20+k's. So far so good.
D:drinknsin
I wouldn't be too concerned with it "trying to wheelie" my old one took a heap of effort to get the front wheel off the ground. More likely to break traction at the rear end...;)

[Big Dave]

Nice ride. Those Triumph riders need a conrod shoved up their arses if they are spitting on anyone's ride. Fuckwits deserve a group of Jap bike riders to stop and have a good long crap over their Triumphs. I'll ride with anyone on any brand of bike, but NOT with arseholes like that.

Do you believe everything you read on the internet?

[Big Dave]

What's even better is that I haven't had to worry about guys from the Triumph owners group trying to spit on my bike (which I was told they did whenever they see a Jappa).


Somebody has been pulling your leg. The last TOMCC ride I went on - I took a Harley Trike and there was some ribbing and a welcome.

[Dangsta]

Somebody has been pulling your leg. The last TOMCC ride I went on - I took a Harley Trike and there was some ribbing and a welcome.

Mate..no-ones pulling my leg, I've experienced it first hand. Also, I think your "ribbing and welcome" would have been a bit different if you'd have turned up on a Kawasaki. Just sayin

[Dangsta]

I wouldn't be too concerned with it "trying to wheelie" my old one took a heap of effort to get the front wheel off the ground. More likely to break traction at the rear end...;)

Thanks man. Compared to the S83 it felt like it wanted to wheelie but I'm kind of getting the hang of it now. I've definitely felt that "skipping" at the back as the traction goes so I know what you're saying. To be honest....it was more of a light kind of feeling at the front as I took off with too much ooomph. It felt like the front of the bike was less planted and it wouldn't take much to get the wheel up but that was mostly due to me riding it like my old bike. I'm really getting a feel for it now and it won't take long before I get all Zen and start riding like I'm part of the bike rather than the dude on top of it trying to hang on.

[Big Dave]

>>(which I was told they did)<<

Uh huh. It was the same welcome as the guy on the Firestorm and the Wing.

285841

This was a fund raiser.

Club runs are Triumph only - but even so, I've observed several of their events - as a club they are good bastards. Just ordinary enthusiasts. Quite similar to the Victory owners group in fact - but with dirtier fingernails.

There are individual knob jockeys on all brands. But gobbing on bikes isn't club policy.

FWIW I really like the 8 Ball.

[Dangsta]

>>(which I was told they did)<<

Uh huh. It was the same welcome as the guy on the Firestorm and the Wing.

285841

This was a fund raiser.

Club runs are Triumph only - but even so, I've observed several of their events - as a club they are good bastards. Just ordinary enthusiasts. Quite similar to the Victory owners group in fact - but with dirtier fingernails.

There are individual knob jockeys on all brands. But gobbing on bikes isn't club policy.

FWIW I really like the 8 Ball.

Sorry mate...the guy I was with saw my post and let me know he was only joking about the spitting thing. Looks like I'm a bit on the gullible side. My apologies. D

[Smifffy]

Sorry mate...the guy I was with saw my post and let me know he was only joking about the spitting thing. Looks like I'm a bit on the gullible side. My apologies. D

That's ok, as long as you've been spitting on trumpies in the meantime. :2thumbsup

[98tls]

Post up some pics of said 8 Ball eh..

[scumdog]

It will get even more beterrer once ya get some tassles, bandana and chaps chap!:banana:

[98tls]

It will get even more beterrer once ya get some tassles, bandana and chaps chap!:banana:

Chuck in some cheeries and its a spit comp....:msn-wink:

[Dangsta]

It will get even more beterrer once ya get some tassles, bandana and chaps chap!:banana:

got them on order mate. I'm going for ass-less chaps for the easy access.

[Arrowolf]

Nice to see,there is one more happy victory rider. Everything you wrote, happened to me too. No contact to harleys or triumph riders.
I was always happy with my Honda Shadow. But when i saw first time the highball,i told my wife it is time to upgrade the two weels.
Since four month now i got a lot of attention and answered a lot of questions about my bike. It`s sometimes funny, when people say: didn`t know about a harley victory,is it a new model?
Were do you get parts for your 8 ball from?

If you don`t know, ask Victory on the official facebook page, the will get in touch with you and provide you with an addresse of the nearest polaris shop. They have all the online data and can get the OEM parts.

Have fun on your bike and spread the (Victory) word.
Arrowolf:headbang:

[Dangsta]

Post up some pics of said 8 Ball eh..

285859

There ya go.

[Bren]

Chuck in some cheeries and its a spit comp....:msn-wink:
Oh hell yes! what a load of fun that was!

[scumdog]

Chuck in some cheeries and its a spit comp....:msn-wink:

Doesn't work with black bikes!:bleh:

[Bren]

There ya go.

Would look much better with light painting.....ya want me to photo it in wangas, or will ya come over to Palmie?

[98tls]

285859

There ya go.

:niceone:Very nice it is to fella,enjoy.

[Dangsta]

Nice to see,there is one more happy victory rider. Everything you wrote, happened to me too. No contact to harleys or triumph riders.
I was always happy with my Honda Shadow. But when i saw first time the highball,i told my wife it is time to upgrade the two weels.
Since four month now i got a lot of attention and answered a lot of questions about my bike. It`s sometimes funny, when people say: didn`t know about a harley victory,is it a new model?
Were do you get parts for your 8 ball from?

If you don`t know, ask Victory on the official facebook page, the will get in touch with you and provide you with an addresse of the nearest polaris shop. They have all the online data and can get the OEM parts.

Have fun on your bike and spread the (Victory) word.
Arrowolf:headbang:

Thanks mate. I used to have a 98 Honda Shadow as well and really enjoyed it. Great bikes. The only issue I ever had was when the petcock started leaking gas. Given I parked next to the smoko shelter at work I had to get that fixed pretty sharpish eh:crazy:

Funny thing is that I'd been looking at Harley's on tardme and going to the dealers on the reg for must have been 12 months. Came close a couple of times but just couldn't pull the trigger on a superglide or wideglide. I think part of the issue was that I knew that if I got a Harley, I'd probably see another better one for sale afterwards and be gutted. Stumbled across the 8 Ball on the internet and less than a week later I owned it. I'm still lovin the Harley's but don't think I'll ever own anything but a Vic from now on.

Thanks for the heads up re the website. The only thing I'm after would be a chin spoiler and maybe a bullet windscreen. The Highball's a great looking bike. First chance I get I'm gonna take one on a test ride. Cheers
D

[Dangsta]

Would look much better with light painting.....ya want me to photo it in wangas, or will ya come over to Palmie?

Hell I'd come to you. That way I can get a ride in...:yes:

Just PM me with the details and I'm in....cheers dude.
D

[Wayz]

Nice mate, I've always liked the look of the 8 ball....have you ridden a harley? If so how does it compare, am interested in an honest opinion.

[Dangsta]

Nice mate, I've always liked the look of the 8 ball....have you ridden a harley? If so how does it compare, am interested in an honest opinion.

Cheers. Took a 03' WideGlide for a spin but never spent too much time on one. Obvious difference was the Dyna shakin the shit out of me at low speed but that's part of the joy of riding a Harley. As soon as I picked up speed it smoothed out and at lower speeds it was kinda cool. Felt higher and probably more "planted" on the Harley but also felt that it was it a big, heavy big block. The Harley was easier to ride from the get go....the 8 Ball was just plain strange initially with it being so long and low which made for a really cautious first few hours on it. I remember the kick stand on the Harley being a complete pain in the arse as when I stopped, I couldn't seem to find it with my foot.

I'd say the Harley felt more solid and was easier just to jump on and ride and the stock 8 Ball is a better fit ergonomically for a taller rider, feels much smoother and slicker but....well its not a Harley if you know what I mean. I know I'd be pretty stoked to own a newish wideglide or an 03 anniversary edition FXDX and be really happy with it. The right one just didn't turn up, I've ended up with the 8 Ball and I'm really diggin it.

D

[Bren]

I've ended up with the 8 Ball and I'm really diggin it.

D

Now that my friend is the nuts and bolts of it...Ya love it! what more is there to say, everything else is irrelevant.
:clap:

[Banditbandit]

It will get even more beterrer once ya get some tassles, bandana and chaps chap!:banana:

What do you think he is? A member of Village People ???

[Banditbandit]

I've ended up with the 8 Ball and I'm really diggin it.

D

I've wondered about the Victory bikes (especially the Eight-Ball) for a while - there's a Harley owner sneaking around in my subconscious somewhere (because I don't want to completely root him out) ... but they are such big clunky beasts ... the Eight-Ball looked like a good machine instead ...

Thanks for the write up - Maybe one is in my future ...

[Flip]

Glad you enjoy the 8 ball.

I have been known to spit on the occassional jap bike from time to time.

[Wayz]

Cheers. Took a 03' WideGlide for a spin but never spent too much time on one. Obvious difference was the Dyna shakin the shit out of me at low speed but that's part of the joy of riding a Harley. As soon as I picked up speed it smoothed out and at lower speeds it was kinda cool. Felt higher and probably more "planted" on the Harley but also felt that it was it a big, heavy big block. The Harley was easier to ride from the get go....the 8 Ball was just plain strange initially with it being so long and low which made for a really cautious first few hours on it. I remember the kick stand on the Harley being a complete pain in the arse as when I stopped, I couldn't seem to find it with my foot.

I'd say the Harley felt more solid and was easier just to jump on and ride and the stock 8 Ball is a better fit ergonomically for a taller rider, feels much smoother and slicker but....well its not a Harley if you know what I mean. I know I'd be pretty stoked to own a newish wideglide or an 03 anniversary edition FXDX and be really happy with it. The right one just didn't turn up, I've ended up with the 8 Ball and I'm really diggin it.

D

Awesome mate thanks for that, I currently own an 04 custom sporty 1200cc, and am putting my feelers out there for a big block, victory has crossed my mind a bit as of late but trouble is there are none at any Hamilton dealers.....thanks again mate.

[Dangsta]

Awesome mate thanks for that, I currently own an 04 custom sporty 1200cc, and am putting my feelers out there for a big block, victory has crossed my mind a bit as of late but trouble is there are none at any Hamilton dealers.....thanks again mate.

I know what you mean. I live in Wanganui and the bike was in Hastings. Dealer ended up riding to Palmy to see some mates and we did the swap outside a cafe. Unless you're lucky enough to be close to a dealer, you're gonna have to compromise. Auckland would be you're best bet I guess. Nice day trip and a few test rides.....nice:cool:

[Banditbandit]

Glad you enjoy the 8 ball.

I have been known to spit on the occassional jap bike from time to time.


Sometime back in the 1970s when I was an active 1%er I urinated on a Honda (there are many things in my past I am not proud of ... as well as quite a few that I am. This is a not proud one ...)

Now I like passing Harley's at something around 180 klicks - and when I get in front so they can hear the exhaust noise, changing up a gear ... recently one big block opened the throttle and tried to chase me ... so I changed up again as I was only in fourth when I passed him .. he backed off after that ...

[scumdog]

Sometime back in the 1970s when I was an active 1%er I urinated on a Honda (there are many things in my past I am not proud of ... as well as quite a few that I am. This is a not proud one ...)

Now I like passing Harley's at something around 180 klicks - and when I get in front so they can hear the exhaust noise, changing up a gear ... recently one big block opened the throttle and tried to chase me ... so I changed up again as I was only in fourth when I passed him .. he backed off after that ...

Probably thought "I've chased that chicken-shit loser on his fancy bike off, fucker had to change gears to get away..":lol:

[skippa1]

Sometime back in the 1970s when I was an active 1%er I urinated on a Honda (there are many things in my past I am not proud of ... as well as quite a few that I am. This is a not proud one ...)

Now I like passing Harley's at something around 180 klicks - and when I get in front so they can hear the exhaust noise, changing up a gear ... recently one big block opened the throttle and tried to chase me ... so I changed up again as I was only in fourth when I passed him .. he backed off after that ...

You must have a small penis:yawn:

[Flip]

285993

10 char

[Banditbandit]

You must have a small penis:yawn:

Bwhahahaha ... I have never had any complaints from women ... It's more that I remember the bullshit 1%er attitude I used to have ... (and still have to a certain extent) and I just like stirring up Harley Diddleson riders ...

[Grubber]

Do you believe everything you read on the internet?

Just what i was going to say.
I ride a triumph and haven't felt the need to spit on anything but my boots.

[Grubber]

Sorry mate...the guy I was with saw my post and let me know he was only joking about the spitting thing. Looks like I'm a bit on the gullible side. My apologies. D

And this is how it starts aye!!!!

[Big Dave]

Sorry mate...the guy I was with saw my post and let me know he was only joking about the spitting thing. Looks like I'm a bit on the gullible side. My apologies. D

All good. Just reporting what I have observed. I do the same with the HOGS or RATS or Boulevard or Vic riders et al.

I guess it's the experience of having ridden and partied with all of them through my gig. They are all similarly diverse groups of folks - just with different tastes in bikes.

Anyone 'hating' on a type of machine needs to get a life - because everyone operating them is different.

Digging what you have is a different story! Hope the 8 Ball serves you well.

[Big Dave]

Oh and this thing was a blast. Trask Turbo bolts on.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/A9qHyUZzVdg?list=PLffKghZj7wNxkuOyKmYqORT0hKbOqrcX c" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>

[Dangsta]

Oh and this thing was a blast. Trask Turbo bolts on.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/A9qHyUZzVdg?list=PLffKghZj7wNxkuOyKmYqORT0hKbOqrcX c" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>

Wow...its like the same but totally different. Must be a blast to ride.
Bit gutted today cos a guy from work likes my bike so much, he's going to buy the other one that's for sale on TM in Napier. I know that imitation is the greatest form of flattery but I'd have liked to be the only 8 Ball owner at work for longer than 2 weeks. Is it possible to be really happy for a guy but at the same time hope the bank tells him to fuck off?:angry2:

[Dangsta]

All good. Just reporting what I have observed. I do the same with the HOGS or RATS or Boulevard or Vic riders et al.

I guess it's the experience of having ridden and partied with all of them through my gig. They are all similarly diverse groups of folks - just with different tastes in bikes.

Anyone 'hating' on a type of machine needs to get a life - because everyone operating them is different.

Digging what you have is a different story! Hope the 8 Ball serves you well.

Thanks and totally agree with you. Every biker I've hung out with regardless of what they've ridden has been really cool with an interesting war story or two to share. Now the good weathers hopefully gonna start to kick in, I'm looking forward to some big group rides and catching up with more of them. Cheers
D

[Moi]

What about this for a suitable mod...



286054

[BIG DOUG]

Can't say I've ever seen a belt drive for a victory and that bike isn't a victory.

[Moi]

Can't say I've ever seen a belt drive for a victory and that bike isn't a victory.

Perhaps not, but I do like the visual pun

[Wayz]

Sometime back in the 1970s when I was an active 1%er I urinated on a Honda (there are many things in my past I am not proud of ... as well as quite a few that I am. This is a not proud one ...)

Now I like passing Harley's at something around 180 klicks - and when I get in front so they can hear the exhaust noise, changing up a gear ... recently one big block opened the throttle and tried to chase me ... so I changed up again as I was only in fourth when I passed him .. he backed off after that ...

I'm guessing you we're kicked out of Muppets MC for telling lies haha