We review the Victory High-Ball. Test by Jeff Ware, editor of bikereview.com.au - where you can read the full review of the Victory High-Ball Jeff Ware
I love my Highball, your review is pretty spot on apart from the brakes the rear is grabby and the front is a bit wooden, my bike has the abs as well as the bike you tested and it makes it much easier but it is always engaging in wet weather on the rear. The front brakes can be much improved with the addition of some higher spec pads. I have done air filter and pipes on mine with a PCV dyno and I got 94rwhp and 107 rear wheel ft-lb of torque with minor mods, stock numbers are around 81hp and 102tq to the rear wheel . All in all these are great bikes and I do not regret my purchase at all.
Hi mate thanks for the comments. I totally agree and my full written test mentions those things. It will be on the site late next week. I found the brakes OK but just OK. The front needs a really strong squeeze to pull up and has poor feel at the lever - agreed softer pads would work wonders - even a new lower ratio master-cylinder would be worth the effort fitting. The rear is definitely touchy and then that causes the ABS to kick in at the back, which is a pain. These things can be improved so still an awesome bike I'd park one in my garage for sure. Thanks, Jeff.
sh bro ... I know it's been 6 months but seen your comment and wanted to ask do you still feel the same way about your highball? how is it on the freeway as far as passing power? I was thinking of a M109 because it seems to pull hard through the entire Rpm range with alot of tourqe. I know these have good low end power but how's the power in higher rpm range
When you say "open pipes" are those the after market pipes with the baffles removed? Also what brand are those pipes. I really like the look of them! Thanks for a great review!
No tacho, you haven't had a look in the speedo then? Digital it is, standard. Hmm, rushed review? The switch to change modes is where the headlight flasher would be on other bikes.
Hi Michael - thanks for picking that up. My written test, which is much more in depth, includes the rpm display - I should have been clearer in my video I meant no separate tacho. I'll add a text bubble to the video now to clarify it.
Great question - didn’t ride the Hammer before Victory shut up shop... compared to the Hammer, the M109R feels heavier and a lot lazier... the Victory is easy handling and sharper. The High Ball engine is faster revving a nd busier but the M109R out grunts it.... for pure acceleration M109R wins... very different bikes though.
Nice bike! Just bought one myself. Love, love, love the look!
I love my Highball, your review is pretty spot on apart from the brakes the rear is grabby and the front is a bit wooden, my bike has the abs as well as the bike you tested and it makes it much easier but it is always engaging in wet weather on the rear. The front brakes can be much improved with the addition of some higher spec pads. I have done air filter and pipes on mine with a PCV dyno and I got 94rwhp and 107 rear wheel ft-lb of torque with minor mods, stock numbers are around 81hp and 102tq to the rear wheel . All in all these are great bikes and I do not regret my purchase at all.
Hi mate thanks for the comments. I totally agree and my full written test mentions those things. It will be on the site late next week. I found the brakes OK but just OK. The front needs a really strong squeeze to pull up and has poor feel at the lever - agreed softer pads would work wonders - even a new lower ratio master-cylinder would be worth the effort fitting. The rear is definitely touchy and then that causes the ABS to kick in at the back, which is a pain. These things can be improved so still an awesome bike I'd park one in my garage for sure. Thanks, Jeff.
sh bro ... I know it's been 6 months but seen your comment and wanted to ask do you still feel the same way about your highball? how is it on the freeway as far as passing power? I was thinking of a M109 because it seems to pull hard through the entire Rpm range with alot of tourqe. I know these have good low end power but how's the power in higher rpm range
Awesome review dude, this bike sounds absolutely amazing loving that deep rumble :)
Thanks! It is a cool rig.
Nice man, great video! That 106 is strong! The highball has that old school vibe and I digg it!
When you say "open pipes" are those the after market pipes with the baffles removed? Also what brand are those pipes. I really like the look of them!
Thanks for a great review!
the high ball is rated at 114ft lbs of trq
No tacho, you haven't had a look in the speedo then? Digital it is, standard. Hmm, rushed review? The switch to change modes is where the headlight flasher would be on other bikes.
Hi Michael - thanks for picking that up. My written test, which is much more in depth, includes the rpm display - I should have been clearer in my video I meant no separate tacho. I'll add a text bubble to the video now to clarify it.
how would you compare this to the m109r, better yet, have you ridden the Hammer, that's probably a better comparison
Great question - didn’t ride the Hammer before Victory shut up shop... compared to the Hammer, the M109R feels heavier and a lot lazier... the Victory is easy handling and sharper. The High Ball engine is faster revving a nd busier but the M109R out grunts it.... for pure acceleration M109R wins... very different bikes though.