Victory Motorcycles Hammer 2010, Hammer 8-BALL 2010 User Manual
California Proposition 65 Warning
This product contains or emits
chemicals known to the state of
California to cause cancer and birth
defects or other reproductive harm.
The text is printed on 100% recycled
with 40% post-consumer waste (PCW).
1
2010 Owner’s Manual
Hammer
®
Hammer® S
Hammer 8-Ball
™
2
Copyright© 2009 Polaris Sales Inc.
All material in this publication is based on the latest product information at the time of publication. Due to constant improvements in the design
and quality of production components, some minor discrepancies may result between the actual vehicle and the information presented in this
publication. Depictions and/or procedures in this publication are intended for reference use only. No liability can be accepted for omissions or
inaccuracies. Polaris Industries reserves the right to make changes at any time, without notice and without incurring obligation to make the
same or similar changes to previously manufactured vehicles. Any reprinting, reuse or redistribution of the material in this document is
expressly prohibited.
Features of VICTORY Motorcycles are covered by U.S. Patents: 6,976,691; 6,407,663; D489670; D482311; D482304; D481980; D481973;
D474142. Refer also to the patent label on the motorcycle.
POLARIS, THE WAY OUT, FREEDOM, HAMMER, VICTORY and VICTORY MOTORCYCLES are registered trademarks of Polaris
Industries Inc. DUNLOP is a registered trademark of Dunlop Tire Corporation.
Printed in U.S.A.
P/N 9922437
3
Table of Contents
Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Reporting Safety Defects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Component Identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Instruments, Features and Controls . . . . . . .31
Pre-Ride Inspections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68
Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .124
Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .136
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .141
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .151
Identification Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .156
Maintenance Record. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .157
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .160
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5
Introduction
Thank you for choosing a VICTORY motorcycle, and welcome to our world-wide family of Polaris owners. At
Polaris, we’re passionate about producing an exciting line of utility and recreational products for our customers:
• Snowmobiles
• All-terrain vehicles (ATVs)
• RANGER utility vehicles
• VICTORY motorcycles
For the safe and enjoyable operation of your vehicle, be sure to follow the instructions and recommendations in this
owner’s manual. If your owner’s manual is misplaced or damaged, please purchase a replacement from your VICTORY dealer. This manual should be considered part of the motorcycle and should remain with the motorcycle when
ownership changes.
All references in this manual to RIGHT, LEFT, FRONT or REAR are from the operator’s perspective when seated in
a normal riding position. If you have questions about the operation or maintenance of your motorcycle after you've
read this manual, please see your VICTORY dealer. To locate the nearest authorized VICTORY dealer, call 1-800POLARIS or visit www.polarisindustries.com.
VICTORY motorcycles comply with all federal, state and local safety and emission regulations for the area of
intended sale.
6
Safety
About the Owner's Manual
Failure to follow recommended precautions and procedures could result in severe injury or death. Always heed all safety
precautions and follow all operation, inspection and maintenance procedures outlined in this manual.
Please read your VICTORY owner’s manual. This manual contains information essential to safe riding and proper
maintenance of the motorcycle. Anyone who rides the motorcycle (operators and passengers) must read the owner's
manual before riding.
Read and understand the information found in the safety section, and bring the manual with you when you ride. Following the safety precautions and procedures will add to your riding enjoyment and ensure a safe ride.
Understand and follow all inspection and maintenance procedures outlined in this manual. Following these procedures will ensure that your motorcycle remains in safe operating condition at all times.
WARNING
7
Safety
Safety Terms and Signal Words
The following signal words and symbols appear throughout this manual and on your vehicle. Your safety and the
safety of others is involved when these words and symbols are used. Become familiar with their meanings before
reading the manual.
The safety alert symbol indicates a potential personal injury hazard.
WARNING
A WARNING indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION
A CAUTION indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury.
NOTICE
A NOTICE indicates a situation that may result in property damage.
8
Safety
Safe Riding Practices
Improper use of this motorcycle can result in serious injury or death to you, your passenger and others. To minimize the risk of
injury, read and understand the information contained in this section before operating the motorcycle. This section contains safety
information specific to the VICTORY motorcycle, as well as information about general motorcycle safety. Anyone who rides the
motorcycle (operators and passengers) must follow these safety precautions.
Motorcycling has inherent risks. You can minimize those risks, but you can't eliminate them completely. Even if
you're an experienced motorcycle operator or passenger, read all of the information in this safety section before operating the motorcycle.
• Your ability to safely operate the motorcycle depends on your judgment and your use of safe riding habits. Take a
rider education course from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation or another qualified instructor. The course will help
you develop or refresh your expertise in safe riding habits through instruction and riding. For information on
Motorcycle Safety Foundation rider education courses in your area, call 1-800-446-9227 or visit their web site at
www.msf-usa.org.
• Read and understand all information in this owner's manual. It contains safety information specific to individual
components and operations.
• Pay close attention to the motorcycle maintenance requirements in this manual. For additional information or assistance with technical services specified in the manual or required by mechanical circumstances, see the VICTORY
Service Manual or your authorized VICTORY dealer.
WARNING
9
Safety
Safe Riding Practices
Design characteristics affect how you should ride the VICTORY motorcycle.
• The motorcycle is designed for on-road use with one rider and one passenger. See page 14.
• Do not exceed the gross vehicle weight rating (see the specifications section beginning on page 151 or the certifica-
tion label on the steering head). Riding off-road, riding with more than one passenger, or carrying weight exceeding the maximum weight rating can make handling difficult, which could cause loss of control.
• Some VICTORY motorcycles are equipped with saddlebags, a windshield, and a passenger backrest as standard
equipment. To maintain stability, be prepared to reduce the operating speed of motorcycles equipped with these
items.
10
Safety
Safe Riding Practices
Follow these general safe riding practices:
• Before each ride, perform the pre-ride inspections. See page 43. Failure to do so may result in damage to the motorcycle or an accident.
• Follow all break-in procedures during the first 500 miles (800 km) of operation. See page 57. Failure to do so can
result in serious engine damage.
• Until you're thoroughly familiar with the motorcycle and all of its controls, practice riding where there is little or no
traffic. Practice riding at a moderate speed on various road surfaces and in different weather conditions.
• Know your skills and limits, and ride within them.
• Allow only licensed, experienced operators to ride your motorcycle, and then only after they have become familiar
with its controls and operation. Make sure all riders read and understand this owner’s manual before riding.
• Do not ride when you're fatigued or under the influence of alcohol, prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs or
any other drugs.
• If your motorcycle operates abnormally, correct the problem immediately. See the VICTORY Service Manual or
your authorized VICTORY dealer. Continued operation could aggravate the initial problem, increase the cost of
repairs and threaten your safety.
11
Safety
Safe Riding Practices
• Ride defensively, as if you are invisible to other motorists, even in broad daylight. A motorist's failure to see or rec-
ognize a motorcycle is the leading cause of automobile/motorcycle accidents. Ride where you're clearly visible to
other motorists, and observe their behavior carefully.
• Be especially cautious at intersections, as these are the most likely places for an accident.
• To prevent loss of control, keep your hands on the handlebars and your feet on the footrests.
• Do not move or operate the motorcycle with the steering locked (with accessory lock), as the severely restricted
steering could result in loss of control.
• Obey the speed limit and adjust your speed and riding technique based on road, weather and traffic conditions. As
you travel faster, the influence of all other conditions increases, which can affect the motorcycle's stability and
increase the possibility of losing control.
• Reduce speed when:
- the road has potholes or is otherwise rough or uneven.
- the road contains sand, dirt, gravel or other loose substances.
- the road is wet, icy or oily.
- the road contains painted surfaces, manhole covers, metal grating, railway crossings or other slippery surfaces.
12
Safety
Safe Riding Practices
• Reduce speed when:
- the weather is windy, rainy or otherwise causing slippery or rapidly changing conditions.
- traffic is heavy, congested, not allowing sufficient space between vehicles or otherwise not flowing smoothly.
- you are being passed in either direction by a large vehicle that produces a wind blast in its wake.
• To maximize braking effectiveness, use the front and rear brakes together. Improper braking may cause loss of control or may not slow the vehicle in time to avoid a collision. Be aware of the following important braking facts and
practices:
- The rear brake provides 40% of the motorcycle's stopping power, at most. Use the front and rear brakes
together.
- To avoid skidding, apply the brakes gradually when the road is wet or rough, or contains loose or other slippery substances.
- If possible, avoid applying the brakes while making a turn. Motorcycle tires have less traction during turns, so
braking will increase the possibility of skidding. Bring the motorcycle to the upright position before applying
the brakes.
13
Safety
Safe Riding Practices
• When approaching a curve, choose a speed and lean angle that allows you to pass through the curve in your own
lane without applying the brakes. Excessive speed, improper lean angle or braking in a curve can cause loss of control.
• Ground clearance is reduced when the motorcycle leans. Do not allow components to contact the road surface
when leaning the motorcycle in a curve, as this could cause loss of control.
• Retract the sidestand fully before riding. If the sidestand is not fully retracted, it could contact the road surface and
cause loss of control.
• Do not tow a trailer. Towing a trailer can make the motorcycle hard to handle, which could cause loss of control.
14
Safety
Safe Riding Practices
Carrying a Passenger
Do not carry a passenger unless the motorcycle is equipped with passenger seat and passenger footrests.
To carry a passenger safely:
• Do not exceed the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) for your motorcycle.
• Direct the passenger to hold onto you or the seat strap with both hands and to keep both feet on the passenger footrests. Do not carry a passenger who cannot place both feet firmly on the passenger footrests. A passenger who is
not holding on properly, or who cannot reach the passenger footrests, can shift their body erratically, which can
make the motorcycle hard to handle and cause loss of control.
• If necessary, adjust the rear shock preload. See page 88. Improper preload adjustment can make your motorcycle
hard to handle and can cause loss of control.
• Before riding, be sure your passenger knows safe riding procedures. Discuss any safety information unfamiliar to
your passenger. A passenger who is unaware of safe riding procedures may distract you or make movements that
make the motorcycle hard to handle.
• Adjust your riding style to compensate for the differences in handling, acceleration and braking caused by the additional weight of the passenger. Failure to do so can cause loss of control.
15
Safety
Safe Riding Practices
Protective Apparel
Wear protective apparel to decrease the risk of injury and increase riding comfort.
• Always wear a helmet that meets or exceeds established safety standards. Approved helmets in the USA and Can-
ada bear a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) label. Laws in some areas require that you wear an approved
helmet. Head injuries are the leading cause of fatalities in accidents involving motorcycles. Statistics prove that an
approved helmet is the most effective protection in preventing or reducing head injuries.
• Wear eye protection to protect eyes from wind or airborne particles and objects. Laws in some areas require that
you wear eye protection. VICTORY recommends that you wear approved Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
bearing markings such as VESC 8, V-8, Z87.1, or CE. Make sure protective eyewear is kept clean.
• All riders should wear bright or light-colored and/or reflective clothing to improve visibility to other motorists. A
motorist's failure to see or recognize a motorcycle is the leading cause of automobile/motorcycle accidents.
• Wear gloves, a jacket, heavy boots and long pants to prevent or reduce injury from abrasions, lacerations or burns
should the motorcycle fall. Wear boots with low heels, as high heels can catch on pedals or footrests. The combination of boots and pants should completely cover legs, ankles and feet, protecting skin from engine and exhaust system heat.
• Do not wear loose, flowing clothing or long boot laces, as they can catch on handlebars, levers or footrests, or they
can become entangled in the wheels, causing loss of control and serious injury.
16
Safety
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
WARNING! Exceeding the gross vehicle weight rating of your motorcycle can reduce stability and handling and could cause loss
of control. NEVER exceed the GVWR of your motorcycle.
The maximum load capacity of your motorcycle is the maximum weight you may add to your motorcycle without
exceeding the GVWR. This capacity is determined by calculating the difference between your motorcycle’s GVWR
and wet weight.
Refer to the specification section of this manual or the Manufacturing Information/VIN label on the motorcycle frame
for model-specific information. Refer to the “Safety and Information Labels” section in this manual for location on
the motorcycle.
When determining the weight you will be adding to your motorcycle, and to ensure you do not exceed the maximum
load capacity, include the following:
• operator body weight
• passenger body weight
• weight of all riders’ apparel and items in or on apparel
• weight of any accessories and their contents
• weight of any additional cargo on the motorcycle
17
Safety
Carrying Cargo
Use the following guidelines when attaching cargo or accessories to the motorcycle. Where applicable, these guidelines also refer to the contents of any accessories.
• Keep cargo and accessory weight to a minimum, and keep items as close to the motorcycle as possible to minimize
a change in the motorcycle's center of gravity. Changing the center of gravity can cause loss of stability and handling and result in loss of control.
• Distribute weight evenly on both sides of the motorcycle. Maintain even weight distribution by checking accesso-
ries and cargo to make sure they're securely attached to the motorcycle before riding and whenever you take a
break from riding. Uneven weight distribution, or accessories or cargo that shift suddenly while you're riding can
make the motorcycle hard to handle and result in loss of control.
• Do not attach large or heavy cargo such as sleeping bags, duffel bags or tents to the handlebars, front fork area or
front fender. Cargo or accessories placed in these areas can cause instability (due to improper weight distribution or
aerodynamic changes) and can cause loss of control. Such items can also block air flow to the engine and cause
overheating that can damage the engine.
• Do not exceed the maximum cargo weight limit of any accessory (see accessory instructions and labels). Do not
attach cargo to an accessory not designed for that purpose. Either circumstance could result in an accessory failure
that could cause loss of control.
• Do not attach anything to the highway bar except highway footrests.
18
Safety
Carrying Cargo
Saddlebags
When operating a motorcycle with original equipment or accessory saddlebags:
• Never ride at speeds exceeding 80 mph (120 km/h). Depending on load and weather conditions, the maximum safe
operating speed may be less. Saddlebags, combined with the lifting or buffeting effects of wind, can make the
motorcycle unstable and cause loss of control.
• Distribute weight evenly in each of the saddlebags.
• Do not exceed the maximum cargo capacity of the saddlebags.
• Do not exceed the GVWR for your motorcycle.
Parking the Motorcycle
When leaving the motorcycle unattended, turn the engine off and remove the ignition key. See page 67.
Park the motorcycle where people are not likely to touch the hot engine or exhaust system or place combustible mate-
rials near these hot areas. Do not park near a flammable source such as a kerosene heater or an open flame, where hot
components could ignite combustible materials.
Park the motorcycle on a firm, level surface. Sloped or soft surfaces may not support the motorcycle. If you must park
on a slope or soft surface, follow the precautions outlined on page 67.
19
Safety
Modifications
Modifying the motorcycle by removing any equipment or by adding equipment not approved by VICTORY may void
your warranty. Such modifications may make the motorcycle unsafe to ride and could result in severe injury to operator or passengers, as well as damage to the motorcycle. Some modifications may not be legal in your area of operation. If in doubt, contact your authorized VICTORY dealer.
Transporting the Motorcycle
When transporting the motorcycle:
• Use a truck or trailer. Do not tow the motorcycle with
another vehicle, as towing will impair the motorcycle's
steering and handling.
• Restrain the motorcycle in an upright position. If the
motorcycle leans, gasoline may leak from the fuel tank
and result in a fire hazard or damage to the finish.
• Place the transmission in neutral.
• Do not place restraints on the handlebars. Loosen the
front turn signal mounts and slide them upward. Place
tiedown straps around the fork tubes above the lower
triple clamp. Secure the rear of the motorcycle with
tiedowns around both sides of the swingarm, being
careful to avoid the brake line, exhaust and drive belt.
• Reposition the turn signals before operating the motorcycle.
Slide turn signal
upward.
Restrain with 2 straps on each
side of the motorcycle.
20
Safety
Accessory Selection and Installation
Because VICTORY cannot test and make specific recommendations concerning every accessory or combination of
accessories sold, the operator is responsible for determining that the motorcycle can be safely operated with any
accessories or additional weight. Use the following guidelines when choosing and installing accessories:
• Do not install accessories that impair the stability, handling or operation of the motorcycle. Before installing an
accessory, be sure that it does not:
- Reduce ground clearance when the motorcycle is either leaning or upright.
- Limit suspension or steering travel or your ability to operate controls.
- Displace you from your normal riding position.
- Obscure lights or reflectors.
• Do not install bulky or large accessories that can cause instability (due to the lifting or buffeting effects of wind)
and loss of control.
• Do not install electrical accessories that exceed the capacity of the electrical system. Never install higher wattage
light bulbs than those supplied as original equipment. An electrical failure could result and cause hazardous loss of
engine power or lights, or damage to the electrical system.
• Always install accessories designed and approved by VICTORY specifically for your model, especially a windshield, backrest or luggage rack. An improperly designed or installed windshield, backrest or luggage rack can
reduce stability, causing loss of control. Follow the instructions for proper installation and use.
21
Safety
Fuel and Exhaust Safety
Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive under certain conditions.
• Always exercise extreme caution whenever handling gasoline.
• Always turn off the engine before refueling.
• Always refuel outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
• Open the fuel cap slowly. Do not overfill the tank. Do not fill the tank neck.
• Do not smoke or allow open flames or sparks in or near the area where refueling is performed or where gasoline is stored.
Gasoline and gasoline vapors are poisonous and can cause severe injury.
• Do not swallow gasoline, inhale gasoline vapors, or spill gasoline. If you swallow gasoline, inhale more than a few breaths of
gasoline vapor, or get gasoline in your eyes, see a physician immediately.
• If gasoline spills on your skin or clothing, immediately wash it off with soap and water and change clothing.
• If gasoline spills on the any part of the motorcycle, immediately rinse it off with water.
Exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless gas that can cause loss of consciousness or death in a short time.
• Never start the engine or let it run in an enclosed area.
• Never inhale exhaust gases.
WARNING
22
Safety
Safety Maintenance
Failure to perform safety maintenance as recommended can result in difficult handling and loss of control, which could result in
serious injury or death. Always perform the safety maintenance procedures as recommended. Perform maintenance and repairs
promptly as outlined in the VICTORY Service Manual, or see your authorized VICTORY dealer for service.
• Before each ride, perform the pre-ride inspections. See page 43.
• Perform maintenance at the intervals specified in the periodic maintenance table beginning on page 70.
• Always maintain proper tire pressure, tread condition and wheel and tire balance. Inspect tires regularly and
replace worn or damaged tires promptly. Use only approved replacement tires.
• Always ensure proper steering head bearing adjustment. Regularly inspect the rear shock absorber and the front
forks for fluid leaks or damage. Make any necessary repairs promptly.
• Clean the motorcycle thoroughly to reveal items in need of repair. See page 126.
• Make sure all legally required equipment is properly installed and in good condition, including the license plate.
• Fasteners must meet original specifications for quality, finish and type to ensure safety. Use only genuine VICTORY replacement parts, and ensure that all fasteners are tightened to the proper torque.
Electromagnetic Interference
This vehicle complies with European directive 97/24/EC Chapter 8 requirements, which is equivalent to Canadian
ICES-002.
WARNING
23
Safety
Safety and Information Labels
Warning Label
Manufacturing
Information
Label (VIN)
Engine Identification Number
(stamped on right rear crankcase half)
Emission Control,
Noise Information
Label
Tire Warning
Label
(if applicable)
Patent Notice
Tire Warning
Label
(if applicable)
24
Safety
Safety and Information Labels
Fuse and Relay Label
(under side cover, on side of fuse box cover)
Fuse Box Removal Instruction Label
(on base of fuse box)
25
Safety
Reporting Safety Defects
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect that could result in a crash or cause injury or death, you should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addition to notifying Polaris Industries
in writing.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety defect exists in a
group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in individual problems between you, your dealer or Polaris Industries.
To contact NHTSA, or obtain other information about motor vehicle safety, you may call the Vehicle Safety Hotline
toll free at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153), visit the NHTSA web site at www.safercar.gov, or write to:
ADMINISTRATOR, NHTSA
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
West Building
Washington, DC 20590
26
Component Identification
Handlebar Area
Speedometer
Tachometer
(if equipped)
Clutch
Lever
Left
Handlebar
Switches
Fuel
Cap
Indicator
Light
Panel
Throttle
Cables
Right
Handlebar
Switches
Front Brake
Lever
Throttle
Control
Grip
Mirror
Front Brake Fluid
Reservoir
27
Component Identification
Left Side View
Battery
(under side cover)
Air
Filter
Front
Turn
Signal
Front
Fork
Headlamp
Spark
Plugs
Ignition Switch
Left Side
Cover
Taillight
Oil
Filter
Rear Turn
Signal
Rear Axle
Adjuster
(1 each side)
Rear Brake Caliper
Passenger's Foot Rest
Evaporative Emissions Canister
(California Models)
Oil Drain Plug
(under engine)
Operator's
Foot Rest
Sidestand
Horn
Gear Shift Lever
Front
Brake
Caliper
28
Component Identification
Right Side View
Drive Belt
(under guard)
Passenger Seat/Cowl
Seat Strap (under cowl)
Front
Fork
Front Turn
Signal
Rear
Brake
Pedal
Front Brake
Caliper
Passenger's
Foot Rest
Engine Oil Fill
Cap/Dipstick
Operator's Foot Rest
Under Right Side Cover:
Rear Brake Fluid Reservoir
Diagnostic Connector
Fuses
Rear Shock Access
Drive Sprocket
(under cover)
Exhaust
Mufflers
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