Victory’s new Freedom

Victory’s latest machines may have conventional looks but there’s nothing old fashioned about the bikes’ technology.

For 2002, all Victory’s get a new “Freedom” version of the firm’s 1507cc, SOHC, eight-valve V-twin engine. The new motor features a higher compression ratio – up from 8.5:1 to 9.2:1 – redesigned combustion chambers, new camshafts and a new management system for the fuel injection.

The result is a claimed 25 per cent power increase. Victory has never given any figures for its engines in the past, but the old motor made around 80bhp – so the new one should be touching on 100bhp, enough to give it a serious performance advantage when compared to similar-sized Harleys. The equivalent H-D motor, the 1450cc Twin Cam 88, makes around 70bhp.

While the new engine is the only change to the firm’s mainstay model – the V92C – Victory has also launched a new touring version of the bike, the V92TC, for 2002.

The new machine is based on the existing V92C – the ” 92 ” stands for 92 cubic inches – but gains a new chassis and built-in, lockable panniers to put it up against machines like Harley’s Road King.

The frame is extended by two inches – increasing the space for the rider and adding extra stability, albeit at the cost of some of the stock bike’s handling. The suspension – dealt with by the same rear monoshock and upside-down forks as the stock bike – has been re-tuned to increase ride comfort.

For a little extra, riders can even opt for the new V92TC Deluxe – which features all of the above along with extra additions like a sissy bar and wire wheels rather than alloys. No prices have been announced yet, but when the bikes go on sale expect to pay a premium over the stock V92C’s £12,000.

The bikes should be available in the UK in early 2002.