Victory just released some great videos showcasing their touring bike lineup including the new Cross Country and Cross Roads bikes.  From engine, frame, and suspension, to electronics, comfort, storage and more.   You can see from the footage that Victory is quite proud of their touring bikes, as well they should be.  Since you can’t yet take on for a test drive, we figure this is the next best thing. Watch the series and let us know what you think in the comments section.

Overview:

Engine:

Frame:

Suspension:

Storage:

Comfort:

Electronics:

More pictures of the 2009 Victory dealer meeting below.

We’re just back from the Victory dealer show in St. Paul, Minnesota.  During the event, Victory showcased their new 2010 models, the most notable of which are the Victory Cross Roads and Cross Country models.  Both of these new models feature a new sand cast aluminum frame using what Victory refers to as CORE technology.  This frame is similar to the one found on the Vision, but specifically designed for the two “Crosses”.  Also common between the two bikes is the 106-cubic-inch air-cooled V-twin engine and six speed overdrive transmission, 21 gallons of storage, and 4.7 inches of rear suspension travel.  MSRP for the new bikes is impressively low at $15,999 for the Cross Roads and $17,999 for the Cross Country.

The Cross Country wears a large, fork-mounted fairing, while the Cross Roads incorporates a removable Lexan windshield. Victory claims both bikes have the lowest seats and the lightest weight in their class. Features include:

• Weatherproof hard cases offering a total capacity of 21.3 gallons; 70% more than the Yamaha Stratoliner, and 25% more than the Harley-Davidson Street Glide
• Standard chrome tubular highway bars on the Cross Roads, and forged aluminum highway bars on the Cross Country
• Adjustable rear air suspension via Schrader valve
• A standard AM/FM stereo on the Cross Country, with iPod connectivity, and optional cruise control

We were not able to test ride these new bikes, but are very impressed from a stationary seat-of-the-pants feel.  Victory had a HD StreetGlide on hand for comparison, and the ergonomics blow away those of the HD.  Unless you have a HD tattoo, it’s hard to imagine why you would choose the StreetGlide over one of these bikes.  From the way they feel sitting still, we can’t wait to give them a run down our favorite road.

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If you’re now saying to yourself “I have got to get me one of these”, then you’re not alone.  You will, however, have to wait with the rest of us.  A firm shipping date is still elusive, but unofficial word from Victory is “sometime after the first of the year.”  Production is reported to be limited, so if you think this is the motorcycle for you I suggest you send us a message or stop in and let us know you want to be on the list.

A photo gallery of Cross Roads and Cross Country pictures from the dealer show below.  Photos of the rest of the bikes on display can be found here.

We’re just back from the 2009 Polaris dealer meeting where Polaris unveiled their plans for the 2010 ATV and UTV model year.  Both lineups get some refreshing throughout the line, but the big news comes by way of the Polaris Ranger 400 and its brother the Ranger EV. Both of these units share the same, smaller, two-seat chassis, that fits in the back of a pickup truck, with many of the riding features of their full-sized counterparts: On-Demand True All-Wheel Drive with VersaTrac Turf Mode, Independent Rear Suspension, and high ground clearance.

The Polaris Ranger 400 specifically features the 455cc engine also found in the Sportsman 400 ATV. It’s a robust single-cylinder power plant that is capable of propelling the 1,050 lb UTV down the trail of across the field with surprising spirit. Polaris could have put a 600 sticker on the side of it and we would have believed them; there’s that much get-up-and-go. Despite the smaller operator’s station, the 400 feels comfortable and can easily accommodate larger and taller people. With a cargo capacity of 500 lbs and towing capacity of 1250 lbs, this “mid-sized” Ranger can still get a lot of work done.

The Polaris Ranger EV is the brother to the gas-powered 400. The EV is powered by a 30 hp/48V AC electric motor. The EV features a three range mode selector allowing the operator to select between High, Low, and Max Range. With Max Range engaged the EV is reportedly capable of running 50 miles before it needs a charge. That charge would come courtesy of a standard 110V AC outlet.

We were able to run the EV and honestly our expectations were pretty low. Just how good could an electric Ranger be anyway? Well, pretty good actually. Although it doesn’t have the snap of the 400, the EV is very capable at putting a smile on your face. There is something inherently appealing about pounding down a trail with only a little whine from the electric motor. If it weren’t for the snapping twigs, you might just be able to sneak up on that whitetail you are hunting. What’s most remarkable about the EV is that it gives you the ease of use of a golf cart with the true trail tested all-wheel-drive capability of an off road UTV. At an MSRP of $10,699, it comes at a $2700 premium over its gas burning brother. That’s not a small amount, but it does offer a low hassle and environmentally friendly UTV that is currently un-matched in the industry.

Hell for Leather reported today that the Piaggio MP3 Hybrid has been officially launched in Europe. Details of the revolutionary scooter are as follows:
Configuration:
A leaning three-wheeler combines the advantages of a scooter — traffic busting, easy parking — with something that’s easy-to-use and, most importantly, unintimidating to new riders. Unlike other, supposedly eco-friendly vehicles like the Toyota Prius, the MP3 Hybrid will never get stuck in traffic nor create congestion for other road users, thereby further reducing its impact on the environment.

Since the gasoline engine only displaces 124cc, European riders will be able to ride it on nothing but a car license or a motorcycle learner’s permit.

Fuel Economy:
The MP3 Hybrid performs like a 250cc scooter, most of those return about 90-95mpg. In similar urban conditions, the MP3 Hybrid adds 50% to that figure. In comparison, the 2010 Toyota Prius, the most fuel-efficient car sold in the US, returns only 50mpg in the combined EPA cycle.

The Plug:
A common modification for super nerdy Prius owners is a plug, enabling them to recharge their batteries at home or at the office and then run on electricity-only for longer and faster. That also enables them not to suck down gasoline to recharge the battery when electricity, even from coal-fired power plants, is created far more efficiently and is so easily available.

Electric-Only Operation:
Many European cities are rapidly defining areas open only to electric vehicles. In electric mode, the MP3 can access these areas. Additionally, you never need use gasoline for short trips just super-cheap electricity.

Lithium Ion Battery:
More energy density and reliability than NiMH or LiPo cells, Lithium Ion means higher performance, lighter weight and increased longevity. Expect the batteries to last the vehicle’s lifetime.

Range:
Unlike all-electric competitors, the MP3 Hybrid’s range is indefinite. Need to take a long trip? Just stop at gas stations and top up.

It’s Coming To America:
Piaggio Group President and CEO Paolo Timoni exclusively revealed to us that the MP3 Hybrid will go on-sale in the US Q1 2010 for around $8 or $9,000.

Read more about the Piaggio MP3 Hybrid here and here.

Whether you’re commuting, shopping or simply going from Point A to B, getting there should be all the fun. So without further ado, allow us to introduce you to Honda’s all-new SH150i: your first-class ticket to world-class fun, guaranteed to get you wherever you’re going with style—and a smile. The SH150i is the perfect blend of cool and cutting-edge, combining progressive styling and plenty of room for two with a fuel-injected 153cc four-stroke engine, Honda V-matic transmission and Combined Braking System delivering the potent, reliable performance one has come to expect from a Honda. No wonder it’s the most popular scooter in Italy!

The all-new SH150i. Proof that a scooter can be both practical and fun. Request more information.

Engine	4-stroke, liquid cooled, single		Max Speed	~55 mph
Displacement	153 cc		Gas Mileage	~75 mpg
Fuel System	fuel injection		Seat Height	30.9 in
Transmission	CVT (automatic)		MSRP	$4,499
Weight	279 lbs		Our Price	Inquire

The U.S. Government’s recently approved stimulus package includes tax breaks for consumers who purchase new on-road two or three wheeled motorcycles or scooters in 2009.

The law, officially designated as the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, allows buyers of “qualified motor vehicles” to take a tax deduction for state or local sales or excise tax imposed on the purchase, up to $49,500 of the purchase price. The deduction applies to NEW purchases made between February 17 and December 31, 2009, and taxpayers do not need to itemize to claim it.

Key Tax Break Points
• Vehicles eligible for the tax deduction are all on-road two and three wheeled vehicles weighing less than 8,500 pounds and is limited to the tax on up to $49,500 of the purchase price

• The deduction applies to vehicles purchased between February 17, 1009 – Dec. 31, 2009

• Only new on-road two- or three-wheeled motorcycles or scooters are eligible

• The tax deduction is for state or local sales or excise tax imposed on the purchase

• Single taxpayers with an adjusted gross income over $125,000 and married tax payers with an adjusted gross income over $250,000 are not eligible

• The law also includes a new 10 percent tax credit, up to $2,500 for motorcycles (two or three-wheeled vehicles) with electric motors manufactured primarily for use on public streets, roads and highways purchased by December, 2011

The biggest model in Vespa’s current range, the new 300 Super is actually 278cc and makes only slightly more power than the GTS 250 (less than 1bhp more, torque is up 2lb/ft) on paper. Ride it though, and the power difference is noticeable. We haven’t seen the power curves, but the seat of our pants tell us that it’s make more power lower at lower RPMs. Plus, we like the discreet styling differences like the vents in the engine cover that are mirrored on the chrome exhaust. Vespa intends for the 300 Super to evoke classic performance models like the 90SS. Whether you pick up those cues or not, you’ve got to love the combination of sporty looks and classic styling. We are big fans of getting maxi-scooter performance in a standard scooter package. Plus, there is some fun and status involved with simply having the fastest and most powerful Vespa currently being made. We are just now beginning to take delivery of this Super-Vespa. They will no doubt be in fairly short supply in the beginning, so if you are interested in getting your name on what is currently the ultimate performance Vespa we recommend doing it soon.

Photos of our newly arrived unit below:

A Honda chpper?  Yes, it’s really a Honda. With all the chopper styling you could ever want, the Fury has style like no other metric production bike we’ve seen lately (or ever!). Powered by a 1300cc liquid-cooled V-Twin engine, the Fury is a laid-back beauty with a super-stretched wheelbase, a nice low 27-inch seat height, and a fat 200-series rear tire paired with a slim 21-inch front wheel. And at a price starting at $12,999, this might single-handedly keep the chopper culture alive a little while longer.

Honda’s Fury microsite: Fury Unleashed

Victory’s CORE concept explores the most essential components of motorcycle design, stripping the two-wheeled form down to its bare essentials. It features:

• 106 cubic inch (1,731 cc) air-cooled V-Twin
• 6-speed overdrive transmission
• An alloy 356-T6 tempered 5-piece frame formed by molten aluminum getting poured into a sand core
• 320mm dual discs up front, and a single disc 240mm rear
• WP 48mm-diameter inverted forks and a rigid rear (with no suspension)
• An African Mahogany seat with integrated LED tail/turn/brake lights
• Seat height: 28 inches
• Fuel capacity: 3.25 gallons
• Dry weight: 469 pounds

No word on whether this is a design exercise or something the guys at Victory are actually considering.  I want one.  What about you?

Also check out a slideshow of the CORE development process: