Bonneville America Forums Forums General Motorcycle Forums Other Bikes Speedmaster Review

Yes, a Speedmaster.
And before anyone goes off on me, you can go back and read all those posts where I swore everlasting devotion to my Speedmaster.

Anyway, after putting almost 300 miles on the new Victory Kingpin, I noticed my Speedmaster hadn't seen the light of day in about a week. So after work today I decided to take the bike out on some of my favorite county roads.

OK, so it didn't start on the first try like the Kingpin, and took longer to warm up.
Pulling out of the driveway, I started wondering if I had left a phone book on the seat or something. What was with this weird riding position all of a sudden?
Set the idle back down after a mile and turned north. Oh yeah, I have to shut the turn signal off, don't forget that.
Hey, am I running on one cylinder or something? Well, compared to the KP I am.
Coming to a stop, I can feel the higher center of gravity. Not as stable at low speeds as the KP.
I took the Speedy up one of my favorite twisty country roads and had to wrestle it through the turns. Really got to crack the throttle to get enough power to pull through the turns. Just yesterday we were out 2-up & I had the KP leaned over so far I dragged the footboard through one turn.
Whoa, watch those cagers. Somehow, they don't seem to see the Speedy as quickly as they do the KP.
Finally got home and put the Speedmaster back next to the KP.

So what does this all mean? How could a bike I so thoroughly loved suddenly seem so alien? The KP out-performs the Speedmaster on every level. Yet somehow, the Speedy is still fun to ride.

I guess I'm just really lucky to have two very cool but very different cruisers. Both are unique bikes that turn a lot of heads and get lots of compliments. The Speedy will now be my mid-sized solo cruiser, and the Kingpin will be mostly for 2-up cranking.

Note to Hinckley. When you make the rumored 1500 cruiser, be sure to keep the center of gravity low.

Is this the future for the beloved speedy?

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watch those cagers. Somehow, they don't seem to see the Speedy as quickly as they do the KP.

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Might have something to do with the color. Enjoy amigo!

Did you notice any difference in the cornering clearance between the Kingpin and the Speedmaster, besides the boards dragging? Often with cruisers, a lower center of gravity means lower ground clearance, and I'd hate to give that up.

With an MSRP of $15,999 for the Kingpin, I would hope it would outperform the $8500 Speedmaster. What's nice about the Kingpin is Victory didn't put that humongous back tire on it like a lot of their other bikes.

Sal, I haven't checked the actual clearance but I can tell you for whatever reason the KP leans over easier and farther than I ever did with the Speedy.

The only huge tire Victory uses goes on the Hammer and Vegas Jackpot. The rest of the Victory lineup uses human-sized tires.

Erwin, I don't thisk I will sell the Speedy, but Joan thinks I will. We shall see.

The Ness signature series also has the wide rear tires. I've never seen an actual figure posted for the ground clearance on our bikes. I wonder what it is?

I don't know if you saw my recent post, but I just test rode a Victory Hammer and a Speedmaster back to back at the Honda Hoot. I ride a Road Star that I have modified with a 21" front and 180x18 rear, so that is what I have to compare to. I REALLY didn't like the 250 rear tire on the Hammer. The Speedy was a joy to ride with more ground clearance (lean angle) then either my modified Roady or the Hammer. Your Vegas is probably more like my modified Roady, a lot more torque then the Speedy but HP about on par with a good tweaked Speedy.

For the record, my stock, off the show room floor Road star dyno'ed at 63HP and 93lb/ft torque. I haven't re-dynoed it since rejet, airbox and pipe mods.

I guess this may be one of those "to each his own" kinda things. I really wanted to ride the TBA but I assume the TSM is close enough and I LIKED IT!!. I'm convinced that I'll have a TBA before long....but I am keepin' the Star!

Phil
06 1700 R* Dyno

I've always loved the Honda VTX headlight. Where'd you score yours?

That's a nice looking bike. I do think HONDA should put a metal name tag on their tanks like triumph does. I personally would like the looks a lot better.

But then you would know it was a Honda.

Soren

That's right, Winslow, stir the pot...

Hey FriarJohn,
I got it from hondadirectline.com. It's the cheapest that I've found OE Honda parts. All totaled about $200 for all the necessary parts and pieces.

Phil

I'm not sure where all this Honda talk came from? I thought we were talking Victory, SM and R*. (LOL)

Phil

Even the Hammer with the big tire, when you get used to it has as much lean as the Triumph you just have to hold it down as it wants to self right. Its a matter of intestinal fortitude as the bike is longer with a bucket of torque and a lot heavier. The Kingpin has a fabulous ride! It is made for the highway but likes the curves too.

The 100 CID Victory is just under 100 HP and 100 lbs of torque. You really can't compare it to the little Triumph. They are both good in their own classes.

That is a pretty yamahondaharley

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The 100 CID Victory is just under 100 HP and 100 lbs of torque.

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That must be the mfg quote. I believe they actually dyno at the rear wheel around 62/65hp and around 90ftlb. very similar to Road star #'s

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That is a pretty yamahondaharley

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LOL! Thanx.

Phil S.

those 100ci vics with the stage one all dyno around 80-90 at the wheel with about 100Ibs

Frank

I took a quick spin on an 8balll recently. I LIKED it. I LOVE the SM.

2 different bikes. I'd challenge the "handles better in the twisties" comment though.

I think the '07 SM is ROCK solid. both in a straight line and in the heavy twisties.

the victory is a sweet bike but right now, I prefer the triumph. (and it isn't a $$$ thing-believe me) Ridden correctly, it will at least keep up with most any cruisers out there.

I too hope that triumph offers a kick ars 1500 this year...my dealer will know more this september.

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those 100ci vics with the stage one all dyno around 80-90 at the wheel with about 100Ibs

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You're right, The numbers I had seen were the older 98ci bone stock. Of course a stage one mod is gonna look good compared to stock #'s.

Phil S.

So many great bikes out there, so little time (& moola)

I wish those darned Powerball people would get it right -
just one pull is allz I ask