Two Wheels

Victory Motorcycles reveals Ignition concept in Milan

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Victory Motorcycles is a thoroughly American motorcycle manufacturer. But that didn't stop it from heading to the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan this week with a custom cruiser created in Europe. The Victory Ignition concept bike you see here was born of a collaboration with drag racing champion Urs Erbacher and his company Fat Attack Custom Bikes AG out of Switzerland.

The Ignition concept is based on Project 156 – Victory's new 1,200cc, 60-degree V-twin engine that powered its run up Pikes Peak this year, mounted in a cast frame that looks pretty much ready for production. The engine is set to power a new range of Victory bikes starting in the new year, with liquid cooling, quad-valve pistons, dual overhead cams... all the latest technologies you might expect in a more performance-focused sport bike, but in a cruiser engine.

To that engine, Erbacher and his team fitted custom headers and an Akrapovic muffler. The whole thing rides on a fully adjustable suspension, with Marzocchi forks and Ohlins rear shock. Mounted to it are a pair of 17-inch alloys, coated in Metzeler Racetec Interact tires. The front brake is furnished by Brembo. All the accessories, however, are custom crafted for the concept bike.

The result, as you can see, looks pretty badass, blending racing cues with those of a custom cruiser. What we're looking forward to most, however, is what Polaris' cruiser division will do with the engine next year once it reaches production. In the meantime, you can scope out the full gallery of images of the Erbacher's Ignition concept in the slideshow above.
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Victory Motorcycles reveals production engine based on Project 156 and signals next product

Milan Italy and Long Beach CA November 18, 2015: Victory Motorcycles today revealed the production version of the engine that powered Project 156 up Pikes Peak this summer.

It further announced that this engine will power an upcoming 1200cc class motorcycle.

The engine has been designed to deliver the strongest power and performance in its class and was shown off in a concept motorcycle built by European builder Urs Erbacher.

Erbacher is well-known in the European custom motorcycle scene taking several top awards and gaining international attention.

Erbacher's concept – dubbed the "Victory Ignition Concept" was custom built around the first pre-production engine off of the line in Osceola Wisconsin. The concept features an aggressive stance and frames the engine with a cast aluminum chassis, performance suspension and brakes with a Project 156-inspired paint scheme.

"I'm proud not only of this build, but what it represents for the future of the Victory Motorcycles brand," says the Swiss builder. "Getting full reigns to wrap the new engine in an interesting bike is a real highlight in my career, and from what I can see any production bike utilising this powertrain will be a fantastic ride."

"Project 156 is a purpose built racer that took our engine design to one of the most challenging races on the planet – it was a proving ground like no other that set the bar very high for our team," says Victory Motorcycles General Manager Rod Krois. "This engine platform will deliver on the promise of modern American muscle that is in the DNA of every current and future product we sell. Victory will continue to aggressively plot a new course for itself and where an American motorcycle brand can go."

"Victory Motorcycle – from day one – has been a brand designed to deliver outstanding in-class-performance, reliability and handling," says Steve Menneto, President of the Polaris Motorcycles Division. "Our new engine, Urs' concept and news we'll be sharing at the IMS in New York City will plot the direction not only of this fantastic new platform, but of this brand. We will continue to design and build the best motorcycles in every class we compete."

The liquid-cooled four-valve engine has a 60-degree vee angle, utilising double overhead cams that promise to make class-leading power. Additional details of the engine will be revealed in the months to come.

For more information on the Ignition concept bike, visit www.victorymotorcycles.com/ignition

The display at EICMA, the international trade and consumer show, will be open for the public starting Thursday November 19, and continues through the weekend. The Polaris stand is located in Hall 13. For more information log on to www.eicma.it/en/.

Fans of American performance motorcycles are encouraged to keep an eye on Victory Motorcycles in the coming weeks for more new product and concept motorcycles announcements.

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