The bold design of the Victory Vegas Jackpot comes back with new graphics and new colors for 2009, not to mention an extra dose of torque for big V-twin fans. This stylish steed also gets a new, hydraulically-controlled clutch that’s easier to modulate.

Simple, captivating, sexy and charismatically, the new 2009 Victory Vegas Jackpot is arguably a masterpiece on two wheels.

Torque to spare
Even more potent than its predecessor, the 2009 Vegas Jackpot benefits from a new, adrenaline-inducing, 1,731-cc (106 cu in), twin-cylinder engine that generates 97 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 113 pounds-feet of torque at just 3,100 rpm -- including nearly 100 from a low 2,000 rpm. Thanks to an electronic fuel injection system and balance shaft, vibrations are mitigated (yet still noticeable), which makes the riding experience more pleasant, even at higher revs where the V-twin catapults riders at every shift.

Speaking of which, the six-speed transmission delivers precise, convincing gear changes in part thanks to the aforementioned hydraulic clutch. The latter not only requires less effort from the rider but it also increases progressiveness while offering an improved engine feel for superior riding fun.

Surprising comfort
The most radically-styled machine in the lineup will surprise many by offering the friendliest and most comfortable riding position among all Victorys -- at least based on my own measurements, which are much shorter and lighter than the boss’! Even though the rear suspension lost 30 millimetres of travel two years ago (now at 100 mm) for the sake of low-profile styling, the Jackpot still impresses on the comfort front. With me and my 70 kilos on the seat, the shocks never bottomed out, even on particularly bumpy stretches with rear preload set at minimum.

The front fork does a commendable job, too. It soaks up the worst road imperfections and filters the harshest vibrations before they resonate all the way to your shoulders, something few rivals can brag about. On the other hand, cornering performance is not on the same level; the bike does not always obey to rider inputs because the massive rear tire (250-mm wide) is reluctant to change directions. The trade off seems to be more linear accelerations as well as surprising stability and agility in traffic.

The most radically-styled machine in the lineup will surprise many by offering the friendliest and most comfortable riding position.