Trying to make up my mind and it's driving me nuts... Kingpin or Vegas?

[Jaak]

Hey guys, new to the forum, love what I've been reading..  Love the Vics, been looking at them for about a year and a half and I keep friggen flipping between the Kingpin and the Vegas as to which I want.

Test rode a Vegas, and loved it.   Love the styling, love that fat rear tire.   But....  I also love the Kingpin's styling, and want one with bags.   I wonder how the handling is different between the two, since both the front and rear wheels are different, and ultimately I'm concerned that for long trips the Vegas won't be as nice a ride.     

Any insight you can share?  I know I'm gonna have to ride both, but if I do that equipped with your comments in my head, I do believe it'll help.

Thanks for reading, and yes, I'm one of those guys that stares when you ride by, and wishes I had one under me.  I might have even given you a thumbs up.

Jim

[kwhancock]

If you rode the Vegas with the 250 rear, it was the Vegas Jackpot. Nice bike. The Kingpin handles better (because it doesn't have that huge rear tire) and is better for long rides. But damn that JP is sweet looking.

[Jaak]

Yeah, it was a 2010 Vegas Jackpot and I LOVE how they look, but I was wondering about what that tire did to the handling...  But I LOVE how they look...  Damn..

[diamonbird]

It's all about perspectives, so ask yourself what do you want to do with those bikes!? Ride or Look at it!?
The Jackpot will run all day long with a Kingpin but will you be comfortable........go test ride each one at a dealer near you(if you can find one).
Go to YouTube and look at some videos of both bikes!   

[Jaak]

Honestly it was the Jackpot that got me thinking, damn, that's sweet!  But I've always liked the Kingpin's looks too.

I test rode a Jackpot and found I really had to pull the bike over in to corners, I guess 'cause of tht big meat on the back.   

For the Kingpin, I think the handling would be better and if I found myself needing a mitt full of front brake in a corner, I would guess that it's wider front tire would feel more stable.

I'm thnking that my brain will love the Jackpot at first sight, but my brain will love the Kingpin better in a relationship...  Besides, the better half wants to ride with me and I know she'll like the Kingpin better for that.  (as much as I'm trying to be a selfish SOB and think only of myself... LOL!)

[Half_Crazy]

The differences are not only in the rear, but in the front. Notice the KP has inverted forks and an 18" front wheel, where the JP has conventional forks and a 21" skinny front wheel.

The Kingpin also has floorboards, but the pegs and controls from a Vegas bolt right on if boards are not your thing (like me).

The Kingpin is BY FAR the best handling Victory steel-framed bike due to the more reasonably sized rear tire, the more sensibly sized front tire, and the inverted Mazocchi front end.

If you intend to mount saddlebags... maybe a touring saddle... possibly a fairing/shield... the syling of the Kingpin is will make sense, where a Jackpot looks kinda funky as a bagger...







 

[Jaak]

Thanks I appreciate the feedback and you're confirming what I've been thinking might be true.

I think the best solution is to buy both.  (looks in wallet) Uh, never mind... I still have to pick one.

[blewis20x]

I just got the 8 ball and am in LOVE with it. My only complaint is the damn stock bars in my lap. I'm 6 ft tall and as soon as I got the bike home (2 hr ride) I yanked them things up about 6 inches and reindexed the controls. Looks a little goofy with the controls swept upwards, but its not uncomfortable by any means. I'm looking for a different set and the ones on the hammer i believe have a hi and lo setting.  Anyway the handling especially at slow speeds is much more comfy, and i can make a uturn now without the ends punching me in the gut. Good luck and whatever u get you're gonna love it too.

[Jaak]

Picking up my '08 Kingpin 8-ball this weekend! 

Polaris says it's black by the VIN.   Obviously, that's only partly true. 

[kingpinblackout]

Great choice. I have an '08 Kingpin 8ball as well and you will love it much less the people who come up and talk to you if you head to bike nights as well. Congrats on the bike and I'll look for you on the road

[Jaak]

Well, here comes the broken record that you've heard so many times.....

I freakin' love this bike!

Can't get enough of it, and already done a few little things to it.  Signal lens changed to smoked to get rid of the orange, backrest and floorboards for the passenger, which my g/f loves and I've got a few other things on order.

I could spend 3-4 grand on parts already, but I'm telling myself to put my wallet back in my pocket and just ride.  I love riding this.  Did I mention I love riding this?

Damn...

 

[diamonbird]

Nice! I just wanted to let you know..........You've only just begun!
Looks like it's just got stage one.
Look here     http://www.lloydz.com/  ........this is where the fun begins and the wallet starts to dwindle.

[Jaak]

Nice! I just wanted to let you know..........You've only just begun!
Looks like it's just got stage one.
Look here     http://www.lloydz.com/  ........this is where the fun begins and the wallet starts to dwindle.

LOL, thanks...  Yeah, I've already spent money on a bunch of little things, and I'm still spending.  I'm trying to leave the motor alone.  Been there with my 2005 SRT8 Magnum and took that two ton pig in to the high 11's at the drag strip.  Spent more on that car (not including the purchase) than the bike cost me!  So far, I'm good with the bike's performance.    But I am tweaking it's looks a bit.  Hope to black it out some more in the winter.  But right now, I just love riding it!

Picked up the Ness engraved engine covers for it.  The black pie wedges from Polaris are pretty cheap, so they're on order.  If I like them, they'll stay on.  Ordered a headlight in black, and Ness fly bars as well.  Just when you think "It's good the way it is, I'm not gonna change it." the next thing you know, the credit card is coming out of your pocket...

[Half_Crazy]

So far, I'm good with the bike's performance.

Don't lie... you know you want to do this on your Kingpin...

Larry vs Drag Bike

Joe on Ol' Yella

[Jaak]

Yeah, I probably will take it to the dragstrip at some point, 'cause I have with my cars.... 

But I'm good with the power.  (so far)

The modding never ends it seems, but it has slowed down.

Bars, headlight, and cheese wedges have all been changed.  I really dig how it looks.