Just four Victory models will make it to the markets of Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) for 2017, with the brand new Octane leading the cruiser charge. Bagger and Touring motorcycles will no longer be on offer in the EMEA region, in anticipation of new models in the near future.
For the 2017 model year, Victory Motorcycles has announced an EMEA line-up that has shrunk to four 'Modern American Muscle' cruisers: the Judge, the Gunner, the High-Ball and the Octane. The Bagger and Touring models Cross Country, Cross Country Tour, Vision and Magnum that were previously available in these markets will be discontinued as of 2017 – although they will still be available in North America.
According to the official press release, the new Euro 4 emission regulations are the obvious culprit of this strategic decision. The 2016 stock of the discontinued models will still be on offer during 2017, taking advantage of the one-year leeway allowed by European rules for existing models that do not comply to the new emission norms.
The 2017 Cruiser models will come with no significant changes, except for some new color variations and enhanced equipment lists.
Apparently Victory is planning to release some new models in the future that will be in full compliance to the European rules.
"We look to a bright future at Victory, learning from our past successes, while not forgetting the models that have made us the brand we are today," said Rodney Krois, Victory Motorcycles General Manager. "Octane was the start of a new direction for Victory Motorcycles and we can now get ready for the next chapter. Sure, we're sad to see some models leave the EMEA region, but what follows will be even more exciting."
The revised EMEA line-up now looks like this.
Octane
The Octane took center stage in 2016 as Victory capitalized on the racing success of the Project 156 at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. The former Indian Scout motor was used for the introduction of a new power cruiser model family, with the Octane taking over the role of the patriarch.
For 2017 the Octane will be offered in two new colors; Matte Pearl White and Gloss Black with green graphics added to the Matte Super Steel Grey guise in which the bike was first introduced.
Victory also announced a new line of accessories for the Octane that include a 2-into-1 performance exhaust intake, bar end mirrors, a gun fighter seat, a complete line of billet style parts, a tank bag and a solo rack bag.
Gunner
Powered by the 106 ci (1,737 cc) Freedom V-twin motor, the Gunner is the essential bobber in Victory's line-up. It comes with no changes for 2017 and will be offered in Suede Titanium Metallic and Suede Sagebrush Green Metallic colors.
Judge
The Judge is designed to convey a muscular look with its drag handlebars, thick 16-inch cast wheels and of course the torquey Freedom V-twin engine. It will be available in the Gloss Sunset Red color with black striping and the characteristic '106' side plates.
Highball
The bobber with the ape hanger handlebars gets a new color scheme for 2017, the striking Nuclear Sunset Orange. Joining the existing Matte Black version, the new color version distinguishes itself with white-walled tires.
Source: Victory Motorcycles
