The muscle-cruiser market is a pretty tough one. Tough bikes and tough competition, too, because there are a heap of good ones vying for attention. Victory is strengthening its toehold on the Aussie scene by continuing to hit it with the Hammer.
The Hammer S hits hard. It’s an impressive bike which, when I tested it soon after it arrived in Australia (Vol 58 No 21), immediately made an impact on me. I liked it – a lot.
Nothing’s changed that in the meantime. When this testbike wheeled out of the roller door of Victory’s new Sydney dealership, I remembered how cool its lines were. In red and black, it has presence and solidity, those familiar stripes branding it as a sporty machine, not just a cruiser. The black handlebar, forks and other parts that might be shiny chrome on lesser motorcycles add to the tough look of the Hammer S.
The massive-looking, all-black V-twin is the centrepiece, though, and it’s not just gorgeous, it goes well. The 1731cc donk pumps out almost 72kW and has tons of torque, of course, with red-blooded acceleration from any revs. There’s no undue vibration, just enough to prove it’s real, and its responsiveness and pace are spot-on.
If Victory did much about the gear-shift, though, they need to do more. Admittedly this bike was 22km old when I rode away, and after 700km or so the shift action was improving as the system bedded in, but the gunshot-like crack as it slotted into first made me look out for marauding WRX hijackers. Other gear changes weren’t much better, but the ’box is at least direct and positive.
I’d forgotten how much the riding position sits you bolt upright in the breeze. Most other muscle-cruisers cant you forward so you’re hunched into the wind, and they’re more comfortable for it. Much over 110km/h is hard work on the Hammer.
The steering, heavy at first thanks to the fat rear tyre, soon becomes second nature, and the firm suspension suits the Hammer’s hard-riding ethic. Its brakes are up to it and it’s easy to learn to push this thing along at a speed that’ll surprise a few sportsbike riders. It was good to get back on the Hammer S and renew an old mateship.
Protect your Victory. Call Shannons Insurance on 13 46 46 to get a quote today.
