RoadVitals

2005 Victory Hammer

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
6
Latest Jul 28, 2015
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
2
Latest Jul 19, 2005
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
0

Overview

Our database contains 6 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2005 Victory Hammer, most frequently naming the engine, suspension and transmission categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 5 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Engine228.6%
  • Suspension228.6%
  • Transmission228.6%
  • Fuel system114.3%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

2 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
05V326000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Jul 19, 2005
4,244 units potentially affected
The defect: ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, SOME OF THE FUEL SUPPLY HOSE LEADING FROM THE FUEL TANK TO THE FUEL RAIL MAY BE INCORRECT FOR USE IN A PRESSURIZED FUEL SYSTEM APPLICATION.
The risk: INCORRECT HOSES MAY LEAK FUEL OR CRACK. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE MARKINGS ON THE FUEL HOSE TO DETERMINE IF REPLACEMENT IS REQUIRED. IF NECESSARY, DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL HOSE WITH A NEW ONE OF THE CORRECT MATERIAL. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 1, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VICTORY AT 1-763-417-8650.
POLARIS INDUSTRIES, INC.Manufacturer number V-05-04(A)View on NHTSA.gov
05V252000

POWER TRAIN

May 31, 2005
712 units potentially affected
The defect: ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THE CAMSHAFT CHAIN DRIVE SPROCKET LOCATED ON THE CRANKSHAFT MAY HAVE CRACKED UPON INSTALLATION.
The risk: IF CRACKS ARE PRESENT, THE SPROCKET MAY FAIL DURING OPERATION. SPROCKET FAILURE COULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO LOCK UP WHICH COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF OPERATOR CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE LOWER RIGHT ENGINE COVER, INSPECT THE SPROCKET FOR CRACKS, AND REPLACE THE ENGINE OR THE NECESSARY COMPONENTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 10, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VICTORY AT 763-417-8650.
POLARIS INDUSTRIES, INC.Manufacturer number V-05-03View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

EngineFuel system
Filed Jul 28, 2015

THIS IS A VICTORY MOTORCYCLE. WHEN DOWNSHIFTING TO ARRIVE AT A LIGHT I HEARD A CLUNK IN THE TRANSMISSION AREA. SHIFTING BECAME IMPOSSIBLE WITHIN A FEW MINUTES. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS TOWED TO A VICTORY DEALER IN HARRISONBURG, VA AND 2 WEEKS LATER I WAS INFORMED THAT ONE OF THE SHIFT FORK BROKE AND FELL INTO THE TRANSMISSION AND GROUND UP 2 GEARS. ALSO INFORMED THAT THE CLUTCH WAS BURNED. ALTHOUGH THIS MOTORCYCLE IS 10 YEARS OLD, IT ONLY HAD 5330 MILES ON IT AND WAS REGULARLY SERVICED. FROM MY UNDERSTANDING SHIFT FORKS DO NOT JUST BREAK. I BELIEVE EITHER THE PART WAS DEFECTIVE OR THE DESIGN WAS DEFECTIVE. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS CONDITION AS THE MOTORCYCLE WOULD HAVE LOCKED UP AND THROWN ME OFF IF THE BREAK HAD OCCURRED WHILE I WAS MOVING AT REGULAR HIGHWAY SPEED. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS DANGEROUS PART AND CONDITION. THANK YOU. UPDATE 9/15/15*CW UPDATED 12/12/2017*CN

NHTSA ID
10744195
Incident
Jul 15, 2015
Mileage
5,330 mi
Suspension
Filed May 11, 2009

DURING A ROUTINE TIRE CHANGE, THE TECH NOTIFIED ME OF A CRACK IN MY SWINGARM. AFTER HE SHOWED IT TO ME THEY LOCATED A TAKE OFF (A USED) FROM SOMEONE WHO WANTED A CHROME SWINGARM INSTEAD OF BLACK. I WAS OFFERED THAT USED SWINGARM AT A GOOD PRICE AND HAD IT SWAPPED. I WENT BACK AND BROUGHT HOME THE ORIGINAL (CRACKED) SWINGARM. I HAVE IT AND HAVE PICTURES TOO. *TR

NHTSA ID
10268418
Incident
Oct 30, 2008
Mileage
71,000 mi
Suspension
Filed May 11, 2009

2005 VICTORY HAMMER PREMIUM BEING DRIVEN ON AN INTERSTATE TRAVELING 65 MPH WENT OVER A DIP IN THE ROAD. THE REAR TIRE SUDDENLY BEGAN TO DRAG AND LOCK; ABLE TO PULL TO SIDE OF ROADWAY. INSPECTION SHOWS THAT CAST ATTACHMENT POINT ON SWINGARM FOR SHOCK LINKAGE FRACTURED ON BOTH SIDES, RESULTING IN SWINGARM NO LONGER BEING SUPPORTED BY SHOCK LINKAGE. RESULTED IN COMPRESSION OF REAR OF BIKE WITH REAR FENDER AND SUBFRAME RESTING ON REAR TIRE. DEEP GASHES IN TIRE FROM STRUCTURES ON UNDERSIDE OF FENDER, MELTED RUBBER, AND DISCOLORED PAINT ON FENDER FROM HEAT, AND TORN WIRING. *TR

NHTSA ID
10268402
Incident
May 9, 2009
Mileage
9,000 mi
Transmission
Filed Dec 20, 2008

13 MONTHS AFTER I BOUGHT MY VICTORY HAMMER NEW THE 2ND GEAR BEGAN TO SKIP BETWEEN 3200 AND 3600 RPM'S. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE 2ND GEAR TRANS RACK. PARTS FREE. LABOR $1500. THAT HAPPENED AROUND 8,000 MILES. 24 MONTH LATER @18,000MILES 2ND GEAR STARTED TO SKIP AGAIN BUT THIS TIME IT LOCKED UP ON ME IN TRAFFIC. I HEARD SOMETHING BREAK AND A LOT OF CLATTER SO I QUICKLY GOT OVER TO THE SIDE AND THEN IT LOCKED UP. $4,000 FOR PARTS AND LABOR FOR A NEW TRANSMISSION. ALL PARTS REPLACED. ALL BROKEN PARTS IN MY POSSESSION. THEY INCLUDE A BROKEN SHIFT FORK, AND TEETH BROKEN ON 4 OF THE 6 GEARS. *TR

NHTSA ID
10252357
Incident
Jul 20, 2008
Mileage
18,000 mi
Engine
Filed Jun 2, 2008

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VICTORY HAMMER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE AS IF THE VEHICLE SHIFTED OUT OF THE CORRECT DRIVESHAFT. HE PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER FOR INSPECTION. HE NOTICED THAT THE LOWER BELT OF THE BELT SYSTEM SPONTANEOUSLY FRACTURED AND BECAME JAMMED IN THE MOTOR. HE PLACED THE VEHICLE INTO NEUTRAL AND THEN REVERSE IN ORDER TO REMOVE THE BELT FROM THE MOTOR. THE CONTACT IS IN THE PROCESS OF NOTIFYING THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 8,894. UPDATED 06/25/08. *LJ UPDATED 06/25/08

NHTSA ID
10229498
Incident
May 31, 2008
Mileage
8,894 mi
Transmission
Filed Aug 16, 2006

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING AT 30 MPH, THE TRANSMISSIOIN SEIZED CAUSING THE REAR WHEEL TO LOCK. THE DRIVE BELT HAD TO BE CUT IN ORDER TO ROLL THE VEHICLE OUT OF TRAFFIC. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SERVICE DEALER. THE SEIZURE WAS DUE TO FRACTURED TEETH ON THE 2ND GEAR PLATE AND A BENT AND BROKEN SHIFT FORK SUPPORT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. UPDATED 11/09/06. *JB

NHTSA ID
10165607
Incident
Aug 7, 2006
Mileage
31,060 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

SAF-16-01

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

A STOP RIDE MEANS THE CONSUMER MUST NOT OPERATE THEIR VEHICLE UNTIL THE REPAIR IS COMPLETE. We have been made aware that some dealers are incorrectly communicating the importance of STOP RIDE communications.

060502

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

TURN SIGNAL WIRE COLOR AND POLARITY QUESTIONS ADDRESSED. VOICE OF VICTORY. *TT

0501

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM

LOWER BELT GUARD FAILURES CAUSED BY AFTERMARKET EXHAUST PIPES THAT EXIT NEAR THE LOWER BELT GUARD. *TT

050601

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

BATTERY MAY BE LABELED INCORRECTLY ON 2005 VICTORY HAMMER. *TT

041102

SUSPENSION

SUSPENSION RIDE HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURE SIMPLIFIED. VICTORY 2003-2005 VEGAS, KINGPIN, & HAMMER. *TT

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Victory Hammer by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2017100—
2013010—
2012010—
2011000—
2010100—
2009000—
2008100—
2007000—
2006200—
2005Viewing620—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.