9200 East Panorama Drive, Englewood, Colorado 80112

Winston Churchill used a V sign to symbolize "V for Victory" during World War II.  The "V-sign", also called the "Victory sign" and the "peace sign," is a hand gesture with the index and middle fingers open and all others closed, facing the viewer.

Back in medieval times, when two knights on horseback passed one another on the open road they would offer each other a greeting. They would raise their right hand to the visor of their helmet and expose their face, or simply raise their open right hand (their weapon hand) as a gesture of respect between brothers in arms. This behavior still exists in a more symbolic manner, as the military salute.

Originally strictly a sign for victory, it developed into a peace sign during 60’s protests against war by the counterculture as a sign of peace.

When two motorcyclists pass one another, they exchange a greeting like the knights of old. With the right hand on the throttle, a motorcyclist often will drop his or her left hand as a sign of respect and camaraderie to a fellow rider. This "left-hand" salute acknowledges a bond between those who share a love for traveling on two wheels. Cruisers, Sportbikes, and Tourers all enjoy the rush of riding with the wind in one's face, the road underfoot, and the horizon waiting just ahead.

Today, a similar practice and a combination of the two gestures are used by Victory rider’s on the modern roads of America. 

1. Arrive at the departure site fueled, fed, and ready to ride. Never ride under the influence of drugs, this included cold medicines or alcohol.

2. Be early, there will be a riders meeting approximately 10 minutes before departure time.

3. If a map is provided, study it, or have your own map to read and mark up with the route.

4. Assume responsibility to work with all others in the group for the safety and the protection of all.

5. Travel in a staggered formation within a lane with the Ride Captain taking the position on the left side of the lane. The next rider will follow at a safe distance (minimum 1 second, preferably 2 seconds) on the opposite side of the lane. Other riders follow the same pattern. Riders should position themselves so they can see the face of the rider to their front/opposite in that rider's mirror.

6. Maintain a steady speed and spacing. Do not speed up and slow down or shift your position from side to side, this disrupts the efforts of others to regulate their speed and destroys the main purpose of riding as a group.

7. Maintain a minimum 1 second, preferably 2 seconds safe riding distance from the bike in front of you, depending on conditions. "Holes" in the pack invite motorists driving at faster speeds to cut in and tailgate the bike in front. However, if a car must cut through the pack either from the left or right, be courteous, signal to the riders behind you to slow down, then wave the driver through. Close the hole as quickly as possible.

8. Stay alert. The lives of other people are in the hands of each pack member.

9. When entering traffic from a parking lot, gas station, or leaving a traffic signal, each rider should move out quickly and get in position in formation.

10. When passing a vehicle on a two-lane, two-way road, each rider should pass in order, preferably in single file. Obviously this only applies when riding in small groups. One of the most dangerous situations we have observed occurs when one or more riders tries to force the issue of keeping up and passes blind or without allowing a safe margin regarding oncoming traffic. The Ride Captain will slow the pack down and wait for you to pass safely and catch up. Never sacrifice safety to the ideal of keeping the pack together.

11. When stopping at a signal or stop sign, pull up to two abreast. Maintain this formation if you will be going through a series of closely spaced stops (e.g., downtown Denver).

12. When turning at an intersection maintain your position in the formation. Inside rider leads off first.

13. When entering a parking area or gas station enter in single file. The Ride Captain should "loop" the area to allow all riders to get out of traffic.

14. When riding on narrow, twisting roads, move into single file, while maintaining a safe distance between bikes. Position yourself in the middle of the lane and keep a safe distance from oncoming traffic. The Ride Captain will signal this formation by holding up a single finger. Each rider will pass the signal back, as they must with all hand signals.

15. Anyone not wishing to ride with the pack should inform both the Ride Captain and the Tail gunner before departing. If this is not possible, fall back behind the last bike and inform the Tail gunner that you are OK.

16. Be sure to inform the Ride Captain and Tail gunner if you will be breaking off from the pack along the way. Otherwise, any bike that pulls over or exits the highway will be considered to be in trouble. The Tail gunner will follow to assist.

What was true more than 80 years ago is true today. Roads and motorcycles are a lot different from those in the 1920s. But the need for proper maintenance and preparation is just as important as ever, especially before a long trip. The quality of the time we spend on the road often depends on what we do in the garage.

A quick, pre-ride routine will keep your Victory® ready and your mind at peace and focused on riding:

Before riding your motorcycle at any time, do a general inspection of the entire bike to be sure it's in safe riding condition.

Start by checking the oil and filter and inspect other fluid levels. Victory® motorcycles are made to make oil changes easy. If you do it yourself, don't slack off on the maintenance schedule. And make sure the old oil is properly disposed. It should be sealed in an approved container and taken to a legitimate oil disposal facility.

Next you'll want to check the controls to be sure they operate properly. On your list of controls to inspect should be the front and rear brakes, throttle, clutch and shifter. You should also examine the steering for smoothness by turning the handlebars through the full operating range.

Check tire pressure often, daily when you are touring, and always using a good gauge. Consult your Victory® owners' manual for correct pressure and load rating. Air pressure can change with the air temperature. While you're at it, inspect the tires. Replace them if there's less than 50 percent of the tread left, or if there's any cracks, cuts or signs of distress. Tires should be changed by your Victory® dealer. They are expertly trained to replace tires and to inspect and align your wheels.

Check for any fuel, oil or hydraulic fluid leaks. Give the cases and lines a once over to make sure there are no leaks.

For high-mileage bikes, inspect the drive belt, sprockets and brakes.

Check your headlights, directional's, tail light and brake light every time you ride. Not only do they help you see where you're going, but they are your best way of being seen by others. If a light is out, it is easy to change yourself. Consult your Victory® owners' manual and/or service manual for correct type, removal and replacement procedure. If replacing a headlight, be certain the beam is focused properly.

Before you start riding, sit on your bike and take a look in the mirrors to be sure they're adjusted properly. Even if you don't think you've moved the mirrors, do a quick check just to be sure.

You can double the life of your battery by checking and correcting its water level regularly. It's as easy as looking

at it with a flashlight for most models. In warm weather climates, check the water level on a regular basis.

Otherwise, every 2,500 miles is a good guideline. For those who can't ride as often as they'd like, install a battery

Doing basic maintenance yourself can save you time and money in the long run, but don't venture into the land of do-it-yourself if it's not your natural habitat. The risks just aren't worth it. If you are the least bit unsure, go see the experts in their natural habitat: A Victory® Dealership

We recommend that each rider enroll in a rider course regardless of his or her perceived skill set.

Knowledge and practice will increase your survival rate out on the streets.

What a rider may need to learn and practice  will be different in each case.

If your self taught or came up through the ranks on dirt bikes, like many of us, you may be practicing bad habits.

We organize classes each spring through T3RG at discounted rates.  Our goal is to make Victory riders the most knowledgeable and proficient on the street.  Watch the calendar page for our next open enrollment!