Victory Combustion Conceptualizes a Future American Cruiser

Called the Combustion concept, it's the third in a series of new show bikes presented by Victory to preview the next generation of motorcycles soon to roll out of the factory in Iowa. For cruiser enthusiasts, this could very well be the hottest concept bike yet.

Like the European-designed Ignition concept revealed at EICMA and the competition-spec Project 156 that raced up Pikes Peak, the Combustion concept is built around Victory's new engine design. The fresh powerplant is a classic 60-degree V-Twin like a proper cruiser should have, but liquid-cooled and with four valves per cylinder to take it into the modern age – and with 1,200cc of capacity for plenty of grunt. The engine is slated to power a series of new models to come from Victory starting next year.

To showcase the new engine, Victory brought in Zach Ness – third-generation custom motorcycle builder and grandson of the legendary Arlen Ness. Zach and his team crafted as sleek a take on the classic American cruiser as we've ever seen, with sculpted bodywork rendered in semi-matte silver with subtle flame pin-striping. The headlight faring is taught, the fenders short, and the MagnaFlow exhaust kept high and tight. The whole thing rides on wire-spoke alloys with Brembo brakes to keep it all in check. Of course, it has no mirrors, 'cause who needs those, right?

Victory revealed the finished product this weekend at the International Motorcycle Show at the Javitz Center in New York. Having already visited Portland, Sacramento, and Long Beach, the traveling motorbike expo will next be touring to Miami, Dallas, Minneapolis, Chicago, and Phoenix.