Hard "Core" Concept Custom.
"CORE is pure motorcycle," says Polaris Lead Industrial Designer Michael Song, who participated in the design of the radical Vision Street and Vision Tour motorcycle for Victory. "We wanted to strip everything not critical and build a motorcycle that uses some of the production technologies we have incorporated into the Victory Vision. The frame and engine architecture of the Victory Vision was our inspiration, but we wanted to make a statement beyond ‘custom’ and create something completely unique."
"CORE represents the heart of Victory Motorcycles," adds Polaris Industrial Design Director Greg Brew. "We want to create a new design language, but never in a way that interrupts the function of the motorcycle. The fact is a project like CORE is as important to the design team as winning Daytona would be to an engineering team. ‘Pushing the boundaries’ is just another cliché. CORE exists to show the world how dedicated Victory is to the art and science of motorcycle design."
Certainly, CORE fits right in with the new trend of austere customs, which favors brutish minimalism over flashy confections. The 5-piece sand-cast aluminum frame is both the visual and functional centerpiece of CORE. There is no traditional bodywork and the frame incorporates the fuel, airbox, battery box and the entire electrical system.
Not build for comfort, CORE has a rigid frame and mahogany seat (which also houses the LED tail/turn/brake light). Speed is certainly an option, thanks to the Victory Freedom 106/6 Stage 2 powerplant that pumps out 113 ft/lbs of torque and nearly 100 horsepower. Exhaust is vented through stainless steel tubes and the power transmitted by a 20mm Gates belt drive. Front forks are muscular 48mm WP units. Triple disc brakes slow the Victory X-Factor wheels, which are shod with Avon rubber. The 150 rear shows that this bike is designed to do more than travel in a straight line, and a claimed dry weight of 469 pounds reinforces the minimalist theme.
"Victory stands for class-leading quality, innovation and style. Victory is American and new-always looking forward," explains Victory Vice President & General Manager Mark Blackwell. "We are all about the future of American motorcycles. I believe that CORE clearly represents that philosophy and attitude. Victory appeals most to motorcycle enthusiasts who love motorcycles and appreciate performance and innovation. To them, it’s all about the bike and riding. I believe motorcycle enthusiasts will be as excited about this new concept as we are."
Here at www.UltimateMotorCycling.com, we are definitely excited!
SPECS
• Victory Freedom 106/6: 106ci V-Twin with 6-speed overdrive
• 304 Stainless Steel left-side Scrambler high pipes
• 20mm Gates Drive Belt
• Aluminum alloy 356-T6 tempered 5-piece frame
• African mahogany seat with integrated LED tail/turn/brake lights
• Suspension: WP 48mm-diameter inverted forks with 6.3" travel
• Victory X-Factor Wheels
• Tires: Avon 130/70-18 front; Avon 150/70-18 rear
• Front Brakes: 320mm twin discs
• Rear Brake: 240mm single disc
• Carbon fiber rear fender and fork covers
• Dry weight: 469 pounds
• Seat height: 28"
• Wheelbase: 64"
• 3.25-gallon fuel tank
