2012 Victory Hard-Ball Preview

Tom Roderick
by Tom Roderick

Joining the High-Ball in Victory’s expanding stable of models is the 2012 Hard-Ball. The black-as-night iteration of the High-Ball’s ape-hanger profile brings a touch of touring convenience with the addition of saddlebags.

In addition to the black and pinstriped luggage are obvious additions such as the two-person seat, crashbars, floorboards, lower fairing and split exhaust. Not as immediately apparent are some of the changes Victory incorporated into the Hard-Ball to better suit its longer-mileage persona.

The re-styled fuel tank holds 1.3 gallons more petrol, and the wheels, while still spoked, increase in size as well. The front grows in diameter to 18 inches, from 16 inches on the High-Ball, and carries a 130/70 R18 Dunlop 491 Elite II, while the rear grows in width from 3.5 inches on the High-Ball to 5.0 inches on the Hard-Ball wearing a 180/60 R16 Dunlop Elite 3. The span between wheels grew by nearly an inch to 65.7 in from the High-Ball’s 64.8 in.

Rake and trail figures are more relaxed, 29.0° / 5.6 in vs 31.7° / 6.7 in, weight increases by 92 lbs (dry), and so does ground clearance by 1.1 in. Seat height, at 26.25 inches, is 1.25 inches higher the High-Ball’s.

Up front the the Hard-Ball features an inverted fork and gains a second brake disc while the braking system is of the ABS variety. Engine and drivetrain remain unchanged from the High-Ball model.

Price and availability are TBA.

ENGINE
Battery12 volts / 18 amp hours
Bore x Stroke101 x 108 mm
Charging System48 amps max output
ClutchWet, multi-plate
Compression ratio9.4 : 1
Cooling SystemAir / oil
Displacement106 ci / 1731 cc
Engine Type4-stroke 50° V-Twin
ExhaustSplit dual exhaust with crossover
Final DriveCarbon Fiber Reinforced Belt
Fuel Capacity5.8 gal / 22.0 ltr
Fuel SystemElectronic Fuel Injection with dual 45mm throttle bodies
Oil capacity5.0 qts / 4.75 ltr
Primary DriveGear drive with torque compensator
Transmission6-speed overdrive constant mesh
Valve trainSingle overhead camshafts with 4 valves per cylinder, self-adjusting cam chains, hydraulic lifters

CHASSIS

Dry Weight751 lbs / 340 kg
Ground Clearance5.8 in / 148 mm
GVWR1360 lbs / 618 kg
Length104.4 in / 2652 mm
Rake/trail29.0° / 5.6 in / 142 mm
Seat Height26.25 in / 667 mm
Wheelbase65.7 in / 1670 mm

SUSPENSION

Front SuspensionInverted telescopic fork, 5.1 in / 130 mm travel
Rear SuspensionSingle, mono-tube gas, air adjustable, constant rate linkage, 4.7 in / 120 mm travel

BRAKES

Brake System TypeABS
Front braking systemDual 300mm floating rotor with 4-piston calipers
Rear braking system300mm floating rotor with 2-piston caliper

WHEELS & TIRES

Front Tire130/70-18 67H Dunlop 491 Elite II
Front Wheel18 x 3.5 in Spoked
Rear Tire180/70-16 Dunlop Elite 3
Rear Wheel16 x 5.0 in

COLOR

ColorsBlack with Red Pinstriping
Tom Roderick
Tom Roderick

A former Motorcycle.com staffer who has gone on to greener pastures, Tom Roderick still can't get the motorcycle bug out of his system. And honestly, we still miss having him around. Tom is now a regular freelance writer and tester for Motorcycle.com when his schedule allows, and his experience, riding ability, writing talent, and quick wit are still a joy to have – even if we don't get to experience it as much as we used to.

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