No. 1
2015 Victory Judge
Launched in 2013, the Judge brings out our inner bad boy. Similar to the rest of the lineup, it makes good use of a 1,731cc 50-degree V-twin with air/oil cooling that produces 97 hp at 5,000 rpm and 113 lb-ft of torque at just 3,100 rpm, most of which is available at half that engine speed. Even when it drops below 2,000 rpm, the twin-cylinder can re-accelerate without hesitating or complaining -- all the way to 5,000 rpm near the rev limiter.

When riding solo, the Freedom 106 engine delivers the kind of performance that puts the Victory Judge among the best muscle cruisers on the market. Horsepower and adrenaline seem to flow in the same delightful rush, barely disrupted by the crisp-sounding gear shifts of a firm and sharp 6-speed transmission.

The Judge offers a sporty cruiser riding position, with the feet not too far up front, the arms gently extended, and the chest slightly leaned toward the fuel tank. When you find yourself on a small, winding road, the bike delivers surprisingly good balance and handling, partly because there's no big, fat rubber in the back; in fact, the rear tire (140/90-16) is just a tad wider than the front tire (130/90-16). The Judge even fares pretty well on city streets that are a bit rough, giving you the impression of riding a medium-displacement steed.

Unfortunately, this model has now disappeared from the brand's Canadian portfolio, so you'll have to head south to buy one. Regardless, the Victory Judge is Moto123.com's top performance cruiser of 2015.

Photo: Victory