Victory's sleek new cruiser brings out our inner bad boy. Witness the tiny round headlight, drag handlebars, numbered plaques, retro-looking tires with white lettering, all in a clean, high-quality package.

Victory's sleek new cruiser brings out our inner bad boy. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour/Auto123.TV)

Power and character
Similar to the rest of the lineup, the 2013 Victory Judge is powered by a 1,731cc 50-degree V-twin with air/oil cooling. It produces 97 horsepower 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 electronically controlled cut-off point.

Power distribution remains very linear at all times thanks to the latest generation of the Bosch electronic fuel injection system, not to mention the counterbalancing shaft that mitigates unwanted vibrations and lets you feel nothing but pure mechanical thrills.

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. And let's not forget the intoxicating decibels of the stock exhaust system, which does just enough to voice the fury of the engine without disturbing the entire neighbourhood.

Decent ergonomics and wicked looks
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. It's not radical position, but one that still demands some flexibility and obviously isn't ideal for several hours of highway riding.

Hailed as one of the lightest models in the Victory lineup, the Judge boasts an ultra-low rider's seat and centre of gravity. This makes low-speed manoeuvres easier, even though the long wheelbase and 300 kilograms (660 lbs) favour stability over agility.

The Judge offers a sporty cruiser riding position. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour/Auto123.TV)