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Ridden & Rated: 2013 Victory Boardwalk

Long on style and long between the axles, the Boardwalk provides a relaxed ride.

Photo Credit: Kevin Wing

Greg Drevenstedt
October 4, 2012
Filed under Road Tests, Victory Motorcycle Reviews

(This Ridden and Rated Special was published in the October 2012 issue of Rider Magazine.)
Victory has done an impressive job competing with Harley-Davidson in terms of engineering and styling, but the young brand, launched by Polaris in 1998, has stood in the long shadow of Harley’s 110 years of heritage. Polaris’ recent acquisition of Indian Motorcycle, the only American marque whose history and brand recognition can stand toe-to-toe with Harley, has lifted a burden from Victory’s shoulders, allowing it to go in new directions. Victory has unveiled a bold, new logo, along with a new model, the Boardwalk, to replace the Kingpin.
Victory still competes with Harley-Davidson, of course. Just as the new Judge rivals the Fat Bob (Rider, June 2012), the Boardwalk occupies the same classic cruiser territory as the Softail Deluxe. The Boardwalk’s vintage styling includes full fenders, spoked 16-inch wheels, whitewall tires and plenty of chrome, and its floorboards, 25.9-inch seat and low, beach cruiser-style handlebar—the widest in Victory’s lineup—live up to its laidback name.
Powering the Boardwalk is the same air/oil-cooled 106ci Freedom V-twin found in all Victorys. In the Judge, it cranked out 84 horsepower and 102.7 lb-ft of torque at the rear wheel. Throttle response is direct, acceleration swift. Counterbalanced for smoothness, the engine transmits the muscular sound and feel that cruiser riders expect. The cable-actuated clutch has good engagement, the 6-speed transmission shifts smoothly and the two disc brakes provide decent stopping power.

2013 Victory Boardwalk

Riding the Boardwalk in the hills around Santa Barbara, California, I was impressed with its cornering clearance and chassis rigidity—traits common to most Victorys. Despite relaxed geometry, the wide handlebar and narrow 150-series rear tire make for easy handling. Although designed for boulevard cruising (the pillion is removable), the Boardwalk has the performance and handling chops for getting the lead out. For longer rides, you can add a windscreen, saddlebags, passenger backrest and a luggage rack.
2013 Victory Boardwalk
Base Price: $15,499 (Solid Black)
Price as Tested: $15,899 (Solid Pearl White)
Website: victorymotorcycles.com
Engine Type: Air/oil-cooled, transverse 50-degree V-twin, SOHC, 4 valves per cyl.
Bore x Stroke: 101.0 x 108.0mm
Displacement: 1,731cc
Transmission: 6-speed, cable-actuated wet clutch
Final Drive: Belt
Wheelbase: 64.8 in.
Rake/Trail: 31.7 degrees/6.7 in.
Seat Height: 25.9 in.
Claimed Dry Weight: 675 lbs.
Fuel Capacity: 4.7 gals.
MPG: 91 PON min. (avg) NA