Two Powertrains. One Mountain. Thunder vs Lightning.

Victory Racing returns for the 100th Anniversary of America's oldest and toughest roadrace with a two-pronged attack on the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. One bike--the Empulse RR, based on Victory's production Empulse TT--is the electric powered; the other bike--Project 156, a prototype version of Victory's Octane--burns gasoline. Both are unique expressions of Modern American Muscle, from America's most innovative and aggressive motorcycle manufacturer. Which one will claim this year's King of the Mountain title?

The Shortest Distance Between 156 Points

The Shortest Distance Between 156 Points

Named for the number of turns along the 12.42-mile public road that forms Pikes Peak Hill Climb racecourse, Project 156 is powered by a race-prepared version of the liquid-cooled, four-value, DOHC V-Twin that motivates the new Victory Octane production motorcycle.

Octane is a great example of how Victory Racing technology trickles down to its production bikes. Take away the bored-out cylinders and prototype billet heads and the Project 156 powerplant is remarkably similar to the stock Octane engine seen here. The crankcases and bottom end are identical, for example, and the transmission is shared, too. Race-proven technology meets real-world performance.

Jeremy Toye

Jeremy Toye

With a resume that includes the Fastest Newcomer title at the Isle of Man TT, a podium finish at the Macau Grand Prix, and both Rookie of the Year and King of the Mountain titles at Pikes Peak (both in 2014), Project 156 pilot Jeremy Toye is one of the most experienced real-roads racers in America.

There's more than one way to the top

There's more than one way to the top

The all-Electric Empulse RR proves that burning gas isn't the only way to go fast. With an astounding 192 foot-points of torque on tap and immunity to the power-robbing effects of this air at altitude, electric power is uniquely suited for racing at Pikes Peak.

From the box-selection aluminum beam frame to the massive Brammo Power Lithium-Ion battery packs, the similarities between the Empulse RR racer and the production Empulse TT that you can buy at your local dealership are more than obvious.

Don Canet

Don Canet

Cycle World magazine's Road Test Editor Don Canet, who piloted Project 156 at Pikes Peak last year, is no stranger to Victory Racing fans. This year he'll take on a new challenge as he attempts to capture the motorcycle course record in the Empulse RR's hill climb debut.

Top