Victory Hard-Ball makes a case

Called the Hard-Ball, the bike will launch in Australia next month. It's basically the High-Ball with hard, lockable luggage (bags) and it comes in any colour you want ... so long as it's matte black. 

Victory external relations manager Robert Pandya calls the Hard-Ball a "bad-ass custom bagger". 

The bike retains the menacing look of the High-Ball with its ape-hanger bars, which surprisingly are quite comfortable and can be angled back for easier reach for shorter riders. 

But it's a step up in price to $26,495 drive away considering the High-Ball is $19,995. 

The only additions are red pinstriping on the paintwork and wheels, four more litres of fuel capacity for touring and a massive 92 litres of luggage space. It also weighs 45kg more.

Its hard bags are lockable with the ignition key and they are top-loading so your luggage doesn't spill out on the road when you open them. 

Otherwise, it's a High-Ball underneath with the 106 (1731cc) v-twin engine with 72kW of power and a whopping 153Nm of torque like the rest of the Victory fleet. 

Drive is via a low-maintenance belt with a six-speed overdrive gearbox. Retro design is enhanced by the 18-Inch laced wheels and stopping power is guaranteed by big twin discs up front and ABS. 

On a short drive during the Victory Judge launch in Palm Springs, California, the Hard-Ball handled, stopped and turned well for its size. But most of all it turns heads.

Victory Hard-Ball

Price: $26,495 ride away
Warranty: 2yrs unlimited km
Service: 8000km
Engine: 1731cc v-twin, 73kW/153Nm
Fuel Tank: 21 litres
Transmission: 6-speed, belt drive
Dimensions: 2652mm (L), 1670mm (WB), 667mm (Seat), 148mm (Clearance)
Dry Weight: 345kg
Suspension: inverted cartridge telescopic forks; mono-tube gas rear shock
Brakes: 300mm discs, ABS
Tyres: 130/70 B18 (front), 180/60 R16 (rear)