An '05 Kingpin, to be precise.
My Triumph dealer is also a Vic dealer, so while they were making a few adjustments to my TBA, the dealership's owner urged me to try out the Vic.
Frankly, I've been thinking of getting something a little heavier than the TBA, and the Vic was one of my considerations, so I was quite interested to ride it.
Friends, stick with your TBA's or Speedys (not that you weren't planning to!). For one thing, the Vic vibrates. Especially the tank, which you feel in your legs. I had thought the feeling of power would be significantly greater than with the TBA, as the engine is twice the capacity. It does pull, but it doesn't have that feeling of catlike readiness to leap ahead that my TBA has. More like a big, strong truck than a sports car. Loved the big Brembo brakes, though.
Also, while keeping in mind that this was a bone stock bike and the Stage 1 would have made a big difference, the engine noise was more of a rattle than anything else. Not a very pleasant sound, I must say.
I did a few curves and a bit of freeway, and it did seem to handle well. The seating position would make most Speedy owners feel right at home...a little forward lean to reach the bars, unlike the TBA.
For the money, you could buy one TBA AND one Speedy. My verdict? A nice bike, but not worth the money.
Your Mileage May Vary (YMMV).
Philip
