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
The worst 2005 Victory Hammer problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Engine2
- Suspension2
- Transmission2
- Fuel system1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Engine2
- Suspension2
- Transmission2
- Fuel system1
Recalls 2
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- Incorrect hoses may leak fuel or crack. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
- 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.
Recall number 05V326000 · Recall details
Power train
- What is wrong
- On certain motorcycles, the camshaft chain drive sprocket located on the crankshaft may have cracked upon installation.
- 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.
- 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.
Recall number 05V252000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2005 Victory Hammer 5
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- A stop ride means the consumer must not operate their vehicle until the repair is complete.
- Turn signal wire color and polarity questions addressed. voice of victory. tt
- Lower belt guard failures caused by aftermarket exhaust pipes that exit near the lower belt guard. tt
- Battery may be labeled incorrectly on 2005 victory hammer. tt
- Suspension ride height adjustment procedure simplified. victory 2003-2005 vegas, kingpin, & hammer. tt
What 2005 Victory Hammer owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Compare the 2005 Victory Hammer
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Questions about the 2005 Victory Hammer
Is the 2005 Victory Hammer reliable?
Owners have filed 6 complaints about the 2005 Victory Hammer, 6.0 times a typical Hammer model year.
What is the most common problem with the 2005 Victory Hammer?
Engine and cooling, with 2 complaints. Next is suspension (2).
How many recalls does the 2005 Victory Hammer have?
2 recalls, covering fuel system, gasoline and power train.
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