Hammer S. Vs Night Train
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 69
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From: Gilbertsville, Pa
Hammer S. Vs Night Train
I guess you can chalk me up to one of those guys whodid not realize what he wanted when buying a bike….but in just 5k miles I realize I want something bigger than my Sportster 1200C. I figure I can take the trade in hit now and enjoy the up and coming years of riding a little more or take the hit later while riding out the value. I’m not made of money but I do ok and for me, taking the hit now is the choice I am making.
So, now onto the bike dilemna. I really like the Victory Hammer S (bad HD boy, bad!) and test rode one today and pretty much fell in love with the power and comfort of it. I asked the guy to work up a price and it was close to where I wanted to be. Being the responsible consumer, I went home and started to make some phone calls to other dealers to compare prices. After a few hours I got the price exactly where I wanted to be. So here I sit, I can take delivery tomorrow or whenever for that matter or I could go get a Night Train which I like equally as well.
Being this is an HD forum, I don’t need to tell you about the Night Train but the Hammer does have an edge in the power department. Fit and finish, HD is going to win every time compared to anything IMO but the Hammer isn’t too shabby either. The 250 rear wheel is just downright awesome and when you see one of these coming down the street it doesn’t look like every other bike.
Then loyalty kicks in! I feel like I am abandoning my brothers (I guess I literally am, my brother with whom I ride almost every mile has a Dyna). Everywhere you go, there are Harleys, everywhere!
So give me you opinion between the two and which one you would rather own keeping in mind that up front costs are equal, would you stay or would you go? Be honest if you’re staying because of loyalty!
troutspinner
So, now onto the bike dilemna. I really like the Victory Hammer S (bad HD boy, bad!) and test rode one today and pretty much fell in love with the power and comfort of it. I asked the guy to work up a price and it was close to where I wanted to be. Being the responsible consumer, I went home and started to make some phone calls to other dealers to compare prices. After a few hours I got the price exactly where I wanted to be. So here I sit, I can take delivery tomorrow or whenever for that matter or I could go get a Night Train which I like equally as well.
Being this is an HD forum, I don’t need to tell you about the Night Train but the Hammer does have an edge in the power department. Fit and finish, HD is going to win every time compared to anything IMO but the Hammer isn’t too shabby either. The 250 rear wheel is just downright awesome and when you see one of these coming down the street it doesn’t look like every other bike.
Then loyalty kicks in! I feel like I am abandoning my brothers (I guess I literally am, my brother with whom I ride almost every mile has a Dyna). Everywhere you go, there are Harleys, everywhere!
So give me you opinion between the two and which one you would rather own keeping in mind that up front costs are equal, would you stay or would you go? Be honest if you’re staying because of loyalty!
troutspinner
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 11,068
Likes: 1,477
From: Texas! Ya mean there's someplace else?
RE: Hammer S. Vs Night Train
If I only had 1 bike - HD. If I had 2 bikes - HD & HD.
I'm not a "consumer" of bikes. I keep 'em for 10 - 20 years. If Victory is around in 20 years will there be plenty of parts, support, etc.? Probably not. That makes 'em a "pass" in my book. Looks-wise they don't cut it for me; too metric-looking, too many hard angles, fit & finish not where it ought be, just doesn't flow.
But each to his.
I'm not a "consumer" of bikes. I keep 'em for 10 - 20 years. If Victory is around in 20 years will there be plenty of parts, support, etc.? Probably not. That makes 'em a "pass" in my book. Looks-wise they don't cut it for me; too metric-looking, too many hard angles, fit & finish not where it ought be, just doesn't flow.
But each to his.
Novice
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
RE: Hammer S. Vs Night Train
I have always been one whos I dont care what u ride as long as u ride. I have alway had jap bikes, I recently sold my Yamaha rd star warrior and purchased an 07 street glide they both have there ups and downs, comfort going to the harley, fit and finish on the harley ahhh not so good wires and other lines hanging all over the place. In 3000 milesI have already had to replace a part of the wiring harness under the rear fender due to the tire rubbing it. On the other hand the rd star definatly had it in the power dept. and the ease of do it urself accesories, but I couldn't ride more than 350 or 400 miles a day, so I guess its all in what u want.
Here is the kicker though I work for a victory dealer and the hammer and the vegas jackpot are just bad *** and they have it all covered power, comfort, and rideability and I totally agree with you they dont look like any other bike. You should go to your local dealer and take a test ride.
So unless you are just die hard harley guy you should really give the hammer some thought.
Here is the kicker though I work for a victory dealer and the hammer and the vegas jackpot are just bad *** and they have it all covered power, comfort, and rideability and I totally agree with you they dont look like any other bike. You should go to your local dealer and take a test ride.
So unless you are just die hard harley guy you should really give the hammer some thought.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,049
Likes: 5
From: IOWA
RE: Hammer S. Vs Night Train
So if your willing to take a hit on your sporster now to trade on one these two bikes, I assume you plan on keeping the new bike for some time. I would choose the one that you think will still be in business down the road. I drive by our local Victory dealer everyday and I swear the same group of models have been there all summer.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 474
Likes: 0
From: Woodbridge, VA
RE: Hammer S. Vs Night Train
I thought about a Victory, but seein as how they closed the shop up here about 8 mos after it opened, and not very many dealers around I'm just kinda wonderin if they'll still be around in a few years.
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 614
Likes: 2
From: Indiana, USA
RE: Hammer S. Vs Night Train
Honestly, I would get the Hammer S. There's two of them by the local Subway sometimes and they look awesome. Not to mention I'm not a huge fan of the Night Train. Plus, you already said the Hammer is comfortable and has more power. Comfort and power are pretty much the only necessary requirements for a purchase, other than the cash. 
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,836
Likes: 1
From: 2000 Softail FXST
RE: Hammer S. Vs Night Train
Before I bought my Roadking (used) I considered buying a new Triumph. The new Triumph cost less than the used Harley. In the end I chose the Harley because I always wanted a Harley (I just didn't want to pony up the money). The other factor inchoosing Harley was parts and accessories availability.No matter how old my bike gets I'llbe able to find parts for it from a variety of sources, I'm not so sure that applies toall bikes equally.Good luck with your choice.
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13,389
Likes: 26
From: Windham,Maine
RE: Hammer S. Vs Night Train
It never hurt anyone to shop around,do what your heart desires it shoud not change the person you are.
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 11,317
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From: Tucson, Az
RE: Hammer S. Vs Night Train
There are too many nice bikes out there to be stuck on one brand. If you see something you like, try it. If it doesn't work, try something elose. You've got the rest of your lifetime. Use it.
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Joined: Aug 2007
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RE: Hammer S. Vs Night Train
Victory makes some good engines and transmissions but IMO they really screwed up by letting Arlen Ness get his hands on their bikes. He has to be the worst designer in the industry. They look completely gay now-have you seen that Victory Vision monstrosity? I wouldn't be surprised if that's the bike that kills Victory. Harley moves slowly but they always have style, that's why they've been around for 105 years.