I still dont currently own a Hammer, but do have my eye on one. I like the way the bike sits and feels, but have no idea how it feels after.... say.... 200miles...

SO my question to those who have done some longer range touring on this bike is: how does it fair?! Can you ride all day, take a break, and jump back on for another long ride?

My current bike which is an Suzuki Bulevard M50 is ok for about 120 miles tops, after that you want to run into the nearest ditch just to end the agony. Also the M50 kills my back, it really doesn't do well on bad roads and just jars you to death. So with my next bike I really hope to address these issues.

If I don't get the hammer, it will HAVE to be an HD fat bob :crzy:, those bikes seem like couches on 2 wheels and I see many owners put over 10k miles in the first year of riding, which seems to be proof that it's one comfy SOB.

I suggest you look into the reliabilty and mechanical soundness, design and maintenance before you buy a HD...HDs are inferior to the Vic and Im not trying to get a dig on them. If you plan on riding alot and you dont want to worry about it the Vic will be your best choice.

I was kind of under the impression that reliability of HDs has improved in the recent years?! Anyway, it's about the only other option besides the hammer that I am willing to consider at this point. I have to like the looks and be comfy to the extent possible. I would just rather NOT take the Harley route. It's just too cliche.

For me it's really just about being able to be comfortable on the bike on a daily basis. Long trips or not, I just don't want to be hurting after 3 consecutive days of riding to work, which is about 20 miles back and forth. Of course it would be nice to be comfortable on longer trips too. Too bad dealerships don't loan them out for a week to help you make your decision. LOL!

I was kind of under the impression that reliability of HDs has improved in the recent years?!
So has Kia's reliablity, but I still wouldn't buy one. :rolleyes:

The hammer's great if you like to lay the hammer - if you like to tour, a kingpin or a cross bike would accommodate you better, but I guess you've already taken those off your list. That being said, I suggest test riding a few Vics. Even though the test ride won't be a touring trip, you will notice what fits you better and keeps you in the most comfortable position.

As far as touring on a fat bob, all I can say is make sure you have good roadside assistance. :ltr:

wow... you guys like to knock HD! Well, I guess that's understandable, especially given the history of how Victory brand bikes came about in the first place. Cool, I like it! :cool:

At one point I swore that I would never touch HD with a 10ft pole, but I am having a heck of a hard time finding a non-softail muscle/power cruiser, that is COMFORTABLE!. Especially if trying to stick with American. I might have to also interview the Thunderbird, but reviews seem to say it's not a good medium to long range bike.

I have a softail now, no thanks never again... unless! It's something very special that's built just right and is just too cool to pass up. That's why the Hammer will be the ONLY exception I will make to this rule.Yes, I think it is that freakin' cool! :D

Anyway, i just know that on short test rides you get excited and don't really get to see how your body aligns with the bike for a longer range. So this is why I hoping to get some input here. I guess you guys will not knock your own even if it's not the most comfortable. I can see getting a real objective opinion might be challenging here, lol! Understandable. :rolleyes:

Anyone about 6ft tall wanna PM me a quick impression of longer ride experience?! Please... :o

I'd hate to plunk down the money and 300 miles later realize this was not quiet the right move.

... I guess you guys will not knock your own even if it's not the most comfortable. I can see getting a real objective opinion might be challenging here, lol! Understandable. :rolleyes:

You're funny. :ltr: Even though I did not directly say it, I did suggest you're looking at the wrong Victory model if you're searching for long range comfort. Not bashing the hammer, but the hammer was not designed for touring. Wide rear tire, stiffer and shorter suspension travel, more aggressive riding position make the hammer into the opposite of a couch type bike. The Vision is the ultimate touring couch. And then there's the rest of the Victory line-up, fitting right between those two extremes. Good luck with your research. thumb up

But everything else is just... so big, heavy and ughly... :mad:
(I know this is not the forum to say this, but that's why I posted in the Hammer section :p)

I can't see rockin' a big grangpa bike like the vision or the cross. Might as well buy a freakin' minivan!

I think there is a huge opportunity for SOME company out there to make a good looking COMFY bike. Why can't there be something comfortable on a smaller sleeker frame?!

Harley seems to have gotten pretty close with the fatbob, cuz they got even someone like me, who always was anti-harley, to consider this model.

Believe me, I will exhaust all other options before I get a harley, there has to be something else out there. I might also have to check out the Thunderbird and the VTX1800(used, cuz they don't make it anymore). The problem with the bird is I hear it's not that comfortable, and the VTX1800 is carburated and old... ugh... just can't win.

VTX1800 is carburated and old... ugh... just can't win.

Im pretty sure your wrong but Im not a honda man so if someone knows feel free to chime in....the 1800 are EFI the 1300 is carbd. but i would agree they are ugly..but great quality

I can't see rockin' a big grangpa bike like the vision or the cross. Might as well buy a freakin' minivan!

Well, I'm 35 and I love everything about my cross. I've fallen in love with it when they first came out and nothing else out there could come close to compete with it. But, everyone's taste is different. You should do more research, and test ride a few bikes before you narrow yourself to two models though. Let the bikes talk to you, and you'll end up with a better match. Last thing you want is to rush into the wrong bike and be stuck with it for a while.

Marius, have you considered a Vegas?? Comfort is what I was looking for when I was shopping, and is why I choose the Vegas: Comfy and looks badass IMO. I sat on many HDs and compared to mine, they felt like I was sitting on concrete. As soon as I sat on the Vegas I melted.

I'm 5'8" though, but extensions for the controls come in 2 and 4 inch options. Mine is perfect for my height, I do have back issues as well, but they completely disappear once I get on mine and go. The longest ride I've taken is about 150 miles stopping only to have a smoke and fill up. Then back on the road with no soreness, fatigue, hip or leg cramps. I love the Hammer too, but it's riding position does not look like it would facilitate longer rides.

Anyway...check it out bro

Marius,

My hubby has a Hammer and the seat is okay, but his butt does get tired on long rides. He is replacing it with a Corbin saddle (but that's been a whole other ugly story... still trying to get the very slick, custom painted Corbin saddle to actually fit the bike... had to drill holes himself and having difficulties getting it lined up properly).

We haven't taken it on a ride over 200 miles yet so I couldn't tell you if it's miserable or not.

Good luck!

Look at a Star (Yamaha) Raider, pretty comfy

But everything else is just... so big, heavy and ughly... :mad:
(I know this is not the forum to say this, but that's why I posted in the Hammer section :p)

I can't see rockin' a big grangpa bike like the vision or the cross. Might as well buy a freakin' minivan!

I think there is a huge opportunity for SOME company out there to make a good looking COMFY bike. Why can't there be something comfortable on a smaller sleeker frame?!

Harley seems to have gotten pretty close with the fatbob, cuz they got even someone like me, who always was anti-harley, to consider this model.

Believe me, I will exhaust all other options before I get a harley, there has to be something else out there. I might also have to check out the Thunderbird and the VTX1800(used, cuz they don't make it anymore). The problem with the bird is I hear it's not that comfortable, and the VTX1800 is carburated and old... ugh... just can't win.
Welcome to the forums Marius... I honestly think you should have posted in the general forum to get differnt views on multiple bikes but thats just my thoughts... Lucky for you I always just got to active... lol... JK

I must say I think once you do your research you might see why so many of the replies are pro VIC, not knocking HD because I ride a VIC but simply saying machine wise for the dollar I got exactly what I wanted when I USED to think I would find it in HD. Im gonna side with Junk on this one as after reading your posts several times so I can reply what I think I hear you asking, I think the Vegas 8ball is a fair comparison to the FatBob. I am including links to both reviews and the numbers don't lie. VIC is less weight, longer wheel base, lower seat and when you get down to long term maintenance going to cost you less when it comes to scheduled.
http://www.ultimatemotorcycling.com/2012-harley-davidson-fat-bob-preview

http://www.ultimatemotorcycling.com/2012-victory-vegas-8-ball-preview

As for the thunderbird... Don't have anything to pass to you however you mentioned a VTX1800.. I ride with a good freind who has one (performance) and what a mean machine! BUT, you mentioned weight. A whopping 774 dry... That is almost 140 pounds more than the Vegas and 100 pounds more than the FB. BTW, it is EFI but while you may like the power, I don't think the sound will do it for you.

As for VIC power plants, check out segments 1-4 of this link and before you watch, yes the mech is bias to VICS but it gives a GREAT view of how a VIC power plant is built.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGkFPUeNUqc

I was like you until last September, on the fence of getting the HD I knew I wanted but the price is what stopped me and then I came across my 04 TC. All I can say is when Crossroads and the rest came off so PRO VIC, it is only because they have spent 100's of miles in the saddle and the proof is in the machine. As for comfy, stock seats is stock seats... Its worth the investment to me, I have a VERY comfortable Mustang, can't go wrong with corbin but I think like Junk pointed out, where are the controls/feet riding? For me, I added a 4x1.5 riser to my stock bar and WOW! I can ride all day with no back ache. Before, ehhhh, the pain was there.

So, hopefully you have more info to help with your decision. I may still own an HD someday but I will always be riding a VIC. Personally, after looking at a youtube video on the FATBOB so I could possibly answer your question better, I think you should look for an 06 SC.... thumb up Stage 1, 2in1, KN and lowered... just my two cents.. Im going back to work... well not really, am reading the forums instead.. :-) Keep us posted on your thoughts.

Tim

wow... you guys like to knock HD! Well, I guess that's understandable, especially given the history of how Victory brand bikes came about in the first place. Cool, I like it! :cool:

At one point I swore that I would never touch HD with a 10ft pole, but I am having a heck of a hard time finding a non-softail muscle/power cruiser, that is COMFORTABLE!. Especially if trying to stick with American. I might have to also interview the Thunderbird, but reviews seem to say it's not a good medium to long range bike.

I have a softail now, no thanks never again... unless! It's something very special that's built just right and is just too cool to pass up. That's why the Hammer will be the ONLY exception I will make to this rule.Yes, I think it is that freakin' cool! :D

Anyway, i just know that on short test rides you get excited and don't really get to see how your body aligns with the bike for a longer range. So this is why I hoping to get some input here. I guess you guys will not knock your own even if it's not the most comfortable. I can see getting a real objective opinion might be challenging here, lol! Understandable. :rolleyes:

Anyone about 6ft tall wanna PM me a quick impression of longer ride experience?! Please... :o

I'd hate to plunk down the money and 300 miles later realize this was not quiet the right move.

I had a nighttrain which is like a jackpot, your layed out forward after awhile your arms get tired. Then I had a fat boy which is different riding position. Your hands will go numb. Throttle lock cruise is still no help. The motor rotation is the vibration harmonics into the hands. The Vic motor timing is different as not as radical as a HD. Never once did I have trouble with any of my bikes. The 2000 on up motors are better than the older ones on the HD. Buy what you want.

Then I had a fat boy which is different riding position. Your hands will go numb. Throttle lock cruise is still no help. The motor rotation is the vibration harmonics into the hands. .

Its funny that you said that..I pulled about 3 cars back and 1 lane over from an HD fatboy the otherday and as soon as he stopped his hands came off the handle bars and he began to shake them like they hurt or like they were numb..Now I know why..

I'm 6 foot even and I've done several 300 mile a day rides on mine. A few thoughts...

First, the stock seat sucks. It's hard as a rock. I have to get off every 60 miles to stretch and give my butt a rest. I have the Victory touring seat but never use it because I don't like how it looks on the bike.

Second, with standard controls I rest the back of my heels on top of the pegs on long trips to stretch out.

Honestly, I've taken my Hammer on a 3200 mile round trip (6 days) and loved it. I do have the touring seat installed and it makes a world of difference from the stock seat. I do have the pegs two inch forward, im only about 6' and it feels great. Only thing I dislike is seems to only get about 110miles to the tank, so you stop often anyway. Also if your interested I have hard bags that pop off and on, no wind screen. Speakers though it they are awesome for those long rides.

Like what has already been said,You need to pick the right Model for what you are wanting to do with it,Otherwise you will be dissatisfied and blame the bike for not being what you thought it should be. The cross Country would be great for what you are wanting to do and it is far from being Grandpa bike

I'm 6'3" 280lbs and went from the Hammer to the XC partly because - A. They aren't good for long trips (at least in my book)
B. Very difficult on a passenger (Wife rode once and never again, some would say that's a blessing, but we like to ride together)

So we ended up after a year or so getting an XC, and would never go back.

I still dont currently own a Hammer, but do have my eye on one. I have no idea how it feels after.... say.... 200miles...

SO my question to those who have done some longer range touring on this bike is: how does it fair?!

For some people, riding something uncomfortable is a badge of honor. "Bad ass" in the current vernacular.

Cruisers in general are uncomfortable. Most have little suspension travel to give them that "low boy" bad ass look. To compound matters, they force your feet forward so that your bad ass (and lower back) takes a pounding from all the road's imperfections.

With your feet forward, the wind acts as a Suzanne Sommer's Thigh Master as it tries to spread your legs. The isometric exercise will help keep your ass tight if a little bruised from the lack of adequate suspension.

Instead of leaning into the wind, you lean back and the wind does its best to decouple you from the handlebars. Proper riding technique is to stay light and loose on the bars, but when you are struggling to hang on and have added a set at head level, only those who practice S&M need apply.

There are ways to improve things by adding a windscreen, some wing deflectors, floorboards or at least foot pegs with heel rests, and sensible handlebars that are positioned where your arms would fall naturally before you.

As to the Hammer in particular, it has decent handlebars that keep you upright if not cant you a little forward. But because the pegs are still before you, you need to consciously consider your posture so as not to let your back straighten it's natural curvature. I don't think much of the Hammer's seat, but I'm sure the aftermarket has a decent alternative.

As to the enormity of a Grandpa touring rig, mine weighs a whopping 73 lbs more than the Hammer. It also has a proper rider & passenger seat, two voluminous side bags, and carries and extra gallon and a half of fuel.

Its funny that you said that..I pulled about 3 cars back and 1 lane over from an HD fatboy the otherday and as soon as he stopped his hands came off the handle bars and he began to shake them like they hurt or like they were numb..Now I know why..

I did it all the time, it is terrible with your hands gong numb. Wife liked the vibration, this why you see a lot of chicks on the back of Harleys. Rubber mount is even worse.

Im six foot 240 pnds and love my HAMMER 2010 for long rides When I ride with my group we generally ride about 50 miles than take a small break than another 40 or 60 and take a break Well you get the picture We love to ride and love to stop and chat on the way as well I have ridin it 320 miles with only stoppin a few times and suprisingly I was ok So far so good

Problem is that you're looking at a cruiser when your needs clearly dictate that you need a tourer.

I love my Hammer S, but it's not any good on a ride over 2 hours... and that's pushing it.

Stock seat sucks. My new Corbin dual-tourer also sucks as it turns out... oh well, lesson learned.

Stock pegs cramp me up badly, at 6' with a 34" inseam. I switched to Kuryakyn Swingwing pegs and I'm totally 100% happy. I can stretch out, I have 3 or 4 different foot positions, and I can fold them back up when I need to. I won;t go to forward controls or peg extenders because they can't be reverted back like this.

You have zero wind protection, you have zero storage, you have the worst possible pillion seat for a passenger if you keep the stock seat on there.

But then again, I bought it for a cruiser, not a tourer. I am buying a bagger this year for trips in excess of 100 miles, or when I just want more convenience and storage.

Once I rode a Cross Country, I knew what I'd be buying. It is freakin amazing.

I have looked at a LOT of Harleys. Road Glide, CVO Street Glide, Fat Bob, CVO Softail Convertible and others... and while they SOUND great, even the CVO 110s aren't going to give the performance that the Vic motors do. I hated being rattled around and vibrated like the bike was about to die at every light, cramped cockpits, left-side imbalance (heavy primaries), and the fact that nearly every bike I passed on the road... was the same bike I was riding. Even on a nearly $40,000 CVO Street Glide (my fave of the bunch), I still felt like I was riding a "me too" bike.

I don;t hate on Harley, I just prefer the lower maintenance, better power, better handling and longevity of Victory.


Whichever way you go, the Street Bob and Hammer are NOT going to fit your needs.

I understand the difference between the cruiser and the touring bike But as my hammer stands as a cruiser I still take it on trips of 200 to 400 miles and have a ton of fun !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have made things on my bike a little more comfortable for me but if I wanted a touring bike with a windshield id just drive my car LOL Sometimes i look at some touring models and they remind me of a convertable car LOL Anyway all is well to each his own and I love the comfort of my HAMMER !!!!!!!!!!!!!! Even on long rides

With a little bit of effort, a hammer can be converted into a comfortable ride....the Vic aftermarket touring seat is actually pretty good...Memphis shade and you've got protection.....a quick search on my posts and you'll see a hammer with 15000 hard miles of trips I've done plus another 7000 miles of weekend trips.....then in about ten minutes, I can snip it into the barebones muscle cruiser with a few quick disconnects and a wrench......

That 250 rear does have benefits on interstate highway with crosswind....

How does the Victory Bandit seat compare to the Victory Touring seat? I haven't even ridden with my touring seat on because I can't get past the way it looks on it.

I would sell the Hammer short on long distance riding. That really depends on the rider(s). I met an older guy the other day who looked to be in his late 60's and about 6'3" tall. He has a 2 yo Hammer that he and his wife have put 30,000 miles on. Tough old birds for sure and he's just fine with the Hammer for long distance riding. He's not into Interstate/Superslab rides as much as back roads and highways.

True. Him and his wife are more the exception in today's society but I admire them both. I also wouldn't rule out the Kingpin. Great bike! Mine is my 3rd Vic after a JP and XC. Granted; I'd rather ride the XC on the longer trips but if I were younger; the Kingpin would be just fine. You can set them up so many different ways too; and just in a matter of minutes.

If you can pay cash; don't be afraid to by a good used Vic. There are deals to be had if you're patient. Then you can use any left over cash to personalize it for you and your lady.

Im pretty sure your wrong but Im not a honda man so if someone knows feel free to chime in....the 1800 are EFI the 1300 is carbd. but i would agree they are ugly..but great quality

Correct...1800 EFI and 1300 is carbd. I currently ride the 1800 and am looking to come to victory...

With a little bit of effort, a hammer can be converted into a comfortable ride....the Vic aftermarket touring seat is actually pretty good...Memphis shade and you've got protection.....a quick search on my posts and you'll see a hammer with 15000 hard miles of trips I've done plus another 7000 miles of weekend trips.....then in about ten minutes, I can snip it into the barebones muscle cruiser with a few quick disconnects and a wrench......

That 250 rear does have benefits on interstate highway with crosswind....

I have that seat and it is pretty comfortable and the wife likes it also. The Memphis shade helps when it is cool or you do not feel like eating alot of bugs.