Production Version of Victory Project 156 V-Twin Engine Debuts in New Concept

November 19, 2015

Victory Motorcycles has released the following photos and press information regarding the debut of the production engine based on the Project 156 Pikes Peak racer. The Urs Erbacher concept is known as “Ignition” and features high performance components, such as Brembo radial mount brake calipers. Victory says this engine will be featured in an “upcoming 1200cc class motorcycle.” Victory has not revealed when the production bike will debut, or be available.

We are not sure what Victory means when it says “the engine has been designed to deliver the strongest power and performance in its class.” If that class includes superbike v-twins from Ducati and KTM, that is a very tall order.

Here is the press release from Victory:

Milan Italy and Long Beach CA November 18, 2015: Victory Motorcycles today revealed the production version of the engine that powered Project 156 up Pikes Peak this summer.

It further announced that this engine will power an upcoming 1200cc class motorcycle.

The engine has been designed to deliver the strongest power and performance in its class and was shown off in a concept motorcycle built by European builder Urs Erbacher.

Erbacher is well-known in the European custom motorcycle scene taking several top awards and gaining international attention.

Erbacher’s concept – dubbed the “Victory Ignition Concept” was custom built around the first pre-production engine off of the line in Osceola Wisconsin. The concept features an aggressive stance and frames the engine with a cast aluminum chassis, performance suspension and brakes with a Project 156-inspired paint scheme.

“I’m proud not only of this build, but what it represents for the future of the Victory Motorcycles brand,” says the Swiss builder. “Getting full reigns to wrap the new engine in an interesting bike is a real highlight in my career, and from what I can see any production bike utilising this powertrain will be a fantastic ride.”

“Project 156 is a purpose built racer that took our engine design to one of the most challenging races on the planet – it was a proving ground like no other that set the bar very high for our team,” says Victory Motorcycles General Manager Rod Krois. “This engine platform will deliver on the promise of modern American muscle that is in the DNA of every current and future product we sell. Victory will continue to aggressively plot a new course for itself and where an American motorcycle brand can go.”

“Victory Motorcycle – from day one – has been a brand designed to deliver outstanding in-class-performance, reliability and handling,” says Steve Menneto, President of the Polaris Motorcycles Division. “Our new engine, Urs’ concept and news we’ll be sharing at the IMS in New York City will plot the direction not only of this fantastic new platform, but of this brand. We will continue to design and build the best motorcycles in every class we compete.”

The liquid-cooled four-valve engine has a 60-degree vee angle, utilising double overhead cams that promise to make class-leading power. Additional details of the engine will be revealed in the months to come.

For more information on the Ignition concept bike, visit www.victorymotorcycles.com/ignition.