Innovative Concept Makes A Statement That Goes Beyond
Mere 'Custom'
MEDINA, MN (Jan.16, 2009) - When the Victory Motorcycles design
team decides to build a concept motorcycle, they go all-out and
push every aspect of their own performance.
Leveraging decades of design and fabrication experience and the
considerable knowledge that comes only from designing full-on
production motorcycles, Polaris Industrial Design Director Greg
Brew, Lead Industrial Designer Michael Song and the Polaris ID
staff decided to build one of Song's concept sketches into a
full-scale machine.
The motorcycle came by its name for several reasons. The design
team felt the name CORE perfectly reflects the essence of this
concept motorcycle.
It is, in fact, the raw "core" or center of a motorcycle. There
is no traditional bodywork; the motorcycle
is effectively turned inside-out with its architecture completely
exposed. It also accentuates the innovative frame design and the
process that is used to make the cast aluminum frame: the molten
aluminum is poured into a sand core, which is removed when the
casting process is complete.
The Victory CORE concept motorcycle incorporates technologies
and construction methods that only a major manufacturer could
engage.
Song, known for his design input on the Victory Vision
luxury-touring models that debuted in 2007, chose to go a
completely different direction with his latest design project.
"CORE is pure motorcycle," Song said. "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."
One notable difference between the Victory Vision Street and
Tour production motorcycles and the CORE Concept Motorcycle is the
absolute absence of bodywork on the CORE.
In fact, the concept bike's frame is the body, incorporating
fuel, airbox, battery box and the entire electrical system.
Maintaining the minimalist theme, the motorcycle is a rigid
frame without rear suspension and features a contoured mahogany
seat. The overall impression is a thin, low, sharp and purposeful
motorcycle that is elemental and fierce at the same time.
Built around a Victory Freedom® 106/6 Stage 2 power plant
(1731cc), producing 97 horsepower / 113 ft/lb, the CORE introduces
a completely modern take on an American motorcycle using both
personal design values and industrial production techniques.
Brew is excited about the opportunity to showcase his team's
skills in real metal and rubber.
"CORE represents the heart of Victory Motorcycles," he
said. "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."
CORE is as important to the Victory Motorcycle brand as it is to
the design staff. According to Victory Vice President & General
Manager Mark Blackwell, the Victory CORE Concept Motorcycle
perfectly reflects the brand position of Victory.
He also feels it comes at a great time, during Victory's 10th
Anniversary and just when the company is moving to further sharpen
its brand position.
"Now that we are in our 10th year and have a fairly complete
line of premium cruiser and touring motorcycles, it is clear what
we stand for, and who we appeal to most. Victory stands for
class-leading quality, innovation and style.
Victory is American and new - always looking forward. 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."
The Victory CORE Motorcycle Concept will be unveiled at the 28th
annual Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows in New York
City.
A press reveal is scheduled for the morning of January 16, 2009,
and a consumer presentation will take place that afternoon at 2:30
p.m. (EST) and the following morning.
The consumer presentations will be a great opportunity for
motorcycle enthusiasts to meet the Victory designers whose concepts
will shape the future of modern American motorcycles.
For information about Victory Motorcycles and the 2009 model
lineup that's currently available in Victory dealerships across
North America, visit www.victorymotorcycles.com.
For more information on the International Motorcycle Shows, log
on to www.motorcycleshows.com.
ABOUT POLARIS
With annual 2007 sales of $1.8 billion, Polaris designs, engineers,
manufactures and markets all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), including the
Polaris RANGER™, snowmobiles and Victory Motorcycles for
recreational and utility use. Polaris is a recognized leader in the
snowmobile industry, one of the largest manufacturers of all
terrain recreational, utility and side-by-side vehicles (ATVs) in
the world, and rapidly making impressive inroads into the
motorcycle cruiser and touring marketplace under the Victory®
brand.
The Victory Motorcycle division was established in 1998,
representing the first all-new American-made motorcycle from a
major company in nearly 60 years.
Polaris also enhances the riding experience with a complete line
of Pure Polaris apparel, accessories and parts, available at
Polaris dealerships.
Polaris Industries Inc. trades on the New York Stock Exchange
under the symbol "PII," and the Company is included in the S&P
Small-Cap 600 stock price index. Information about the complete
line of Polaris products, apparel and vehicle accessories are
available from authorized Polaris dealers or anytime from the
Polaris homepage at www.polarisindustries.com.
FEATURES & SPECS
FEATURES
- 106/6 Victory Freedom® V-Twin
- Aluminum alloy - AL 356-T6 - Tempered 5-piece frame
- Victory X-Factor Wheels
- 304 Stainless Steel left-side Scrambler high pipes
- Carbon fiber rear fender and fork covers
SPECS
- Victory Freedom® 106/6: 106-ci (1731cc) V-Twin with 6-speed
overdrive
- Aluminum alloy 356-T6 tempered 5-piece frame
- 304 Stainless Steel left-side Scrambler high pipes
- Carbon fiber rear fender and fork covers
- Victory X-Factor Wheels
- Tires: Avon 130/70-18 front; Avon 150/70-18 rear
- Front Brakes: 320mm dual discs
- Rear Brake: 240mm single disc
- Suspension: WP 48mm-diameter inverted forks with 135/160mm
travel
- 20mm Gates Drive Belt
- African Mahogany seat with integrated LED tail/turn/brake
lights
- Dry weight 469 lb./212.7 kg
- Seat height 28"/71.1 cm
- Wheelbase 64"/162.56 cm
- 3.25 gal./12.3L fuel tank