Famous father and son combinations are nothing new. Bobby and Barry Bonds, Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Jr. and Kirk and Michael Douglas are just a few but there are many more. To that list Arlen and Cory Ness could easily be added as they’ve created some memorable motorcycles not to mention a multi-million dollar company. Both have helped design and shape some of Victory’s most popular motorcycles, which for 2009 is a Cory Ness inspired version of the Vegas Jackpot.

Having just come off Harley Davidson’s V-Rod I was eager to test another cruiser which this time was created by Victory. Try as I might to keep a low profile that was just not going to happen while riding this Signature Ness series of the Jackpot. Between the land shark rims, metallic purple on pearl white paint job and ample amounts of chrome and billet, this is a motorcycle to be seen on leading the pack rather than at the back of it. There’s just no hiding it and be prepared to answer a lot of questions about it. I’ve never had more people ask me questions about a motorcycle when fueling up or at a stoplight as I did while on this Ness custom.

I can’t say that I’m surprised at people coming up to me as the paint quality on the Cory Ness Jackpot (hereby designated as: CNJ) is simply amazing. All the pin striping on the intricate design patterns are crisp and the same care given to the paint is given to the stitching on the seat which continues the theme. Everywhere your eye looks you see quality components and you come to realize that Cory took the time to understand what worked best and not just use something to “get the job done.” Good examples of this design philosophy are the chrome Ness handgrips, foot pegs, teardrop mirrors, engine covers and diamond cut cylinder fins. This is what truly separates the Ness edition apart from a crowded cruiser market.

One thing to note about the handgrips is that if you don’t own a pair of riding gloves you should buy them. The knurled grips give you great feel but unless you’re a stone mason or steel worker your palms are going to be chewed up after a long day of riding. You’ve been warned.

Sitting on the CNJ should be easy for anyone since it has a low seat height of 25.7 in. The seating position is less stretched out than you may think which is due to the positioning of the foot controls and the bars being swept back instead of straight across or raised up high. Actually I could’ve used another inch or so as I felt a little cramped. Not twisted like a pretzel mind you but after a couple of hours of riding it felt good to take a break and stretch.

With a rake of 33.5° and trail set at 5.12 in. the CNJ is a very stable motorcycle but like any cruiser it’s not a lightweight. Weighing in at 680 lbs. (full of fluids) those that aren’t used to large and/or elongated motorcycles need not apply. And since the CNJ has a wheelbase of 66.3 in. and an overall length of 95.9 in. it falls smack dab into that category.