Victory Launches New Motorcycle in the United Kingdom
18 July 2000
American-Made Victory Motorcycles Makes U.K. Debut with Heavyweight Cruisers
MINNEAPOLIS - The first new American motorcycle company in more than 60 years will make its debut in the United Kingdom today with the launch of Victory Motorcycles. Named "Cruiser of the Year" its two first years in the United States, Victory plans to shake up the United Kingdom's heavyweight cruiser market."Victory Motorcycles is an alternative to bikers looking to show their independence with the advanced technology and superior styling of a modern American heavyweight cruiser," said Tom Tiller, President and CEO, Polaris Industries Inc., parent company of Victory Motorcycles. "Victory is delighted to bring the American riding experience to motorcyclists in the U.K."
Launched in the United States on July 4, 1998 -- Independence Day -- Victory is launching two models today in the U.K.: the 2001 Victory V92C Cruiser and the 2001 Victory V92SC SportCruiser(TM).
The Victory V92C is a made-in-the-U.S.A. heavyweight cruiser featuring a unique combination of looks, performance, and sound, which makes riders feel like they are king of the road. With a displacement of more than 92 cubic inches (1507 cc), its engine is one of the largest V-twins available.
The Victory V92SC SportCruiser(TM) -- a first of its kind hybrid -- offers riders superior handling, braking, outstanding power and overall performance. It has 50-mm front forks, the largest on any cruiser motorcycle, as well as a Fox(TM) rear Shox and a 180 mm-wide rear tire that delivers incredible traction.
Victory Motorcycles are priced competitively, starting at $13,399 for the V92C and the V92SC in the United States.
Owned by $1.3 billion Minneapolis-based Polaris Industries -- a leading manufacturer of recreational vehicles -- Victory Motorcycles are key to the company's international growth.
"Victory Motorcycles represents a tremendous growth opportunity for our company," said Tiller. "Victory has achieved success in the U.S. and we expect our motorcycle to experience the same success overseas."
E.P. Barrus Ltd. is the distributor of Victory Motorcycles in the U.K. Barrus has distributed Polaris all-terrain vehicles and personal watercraft since the early 1990's.
"Barrus has a long standing reputation for dealing with innovative and quality products. The Victory motorcycle fulfils both these criteria," said Robert Glen, Managing Director E.P. Barrus Ltd. "Victory is a true performance cruiser. We are not only delighted, but excited to be appointed Victory's first international distributor."
Victory Motorcycles are available at more than 300 dealers in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. Victory also sells a complete line of parts, garments and accessories to accompany its motorcycles.
Victory Motorcycles is a division of Polaris Industries Inc. Polaris designs, engineers, manufactures and markets snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles, Victory Motorcycles, personal watercraft and the Polaris RANGER for recreational and utility use. Polaris is the largest snowmobile manufacturer in the world and one of the largest U.S. manufacturers of ATVs and personal watercraft. Polaris Industries Inc. trades on the New York Stock Exchange and Pacific Stock Exchange under the symbol "PII", and the company is included in the S&P SmallCap 600 stock price index.
E.P. Barrus Ltd. is responsible for the U.K. distribution of leading engine-powered brands. The company supplies household names within the Marine, Vehicle, Farm & Garden and Industrial markets.