Victory Motorcycles debuted the first-ever immersive motorcycle brand virtual ride experience at the Chicago Progressive International Motorcycle Show last weekend.
Using Oculus Rift, tactile transducers, realistic real-time 3D graphics, custom-recorded motorcycle motor audio, throttle control, and a custom motorcycle stand with range of motion, Victory Motorcycles is the first motorcycle brand to offer fans a virtual ride experience – allowing motorcycle enthusiasts the next best thing to a ride in the middle of winter.
“Victory is always in pursuit of enhancing the ride experience,” said Rod Krois, Victory general manager. “It’s tough to do this during the winter months in a cold climate, but not impossible. By combining VR with the physical elements of a ride, we’re able to transport riders for a few minutes into a sun-filled summer Sturgis ride. It’s unlike anything motorcycle riders have experienced and proves the exhilarating performance of Victory Motorcycles in a different way.”
At last weekend’s event, fans can be seated on a Victory Gunner, fitted with both an Oculus Rift VR headset and headphones that play custom audio of the bike’s motor through a two-minute pre-dusk ride through the Badlands transitioning into Needles Highway near Sturgis, South Dakota. A tactile transducer fixed to the bike connected to audio simulates the motor running throughout. Riders will have throttle control, allowing them to accelerate the experience, and a custom motorcycle stand with motion allows riders to lean into their virtual ride.
The Victory Motorcycles Virtual Ride Experience will be available to all event attendees at the Chicago IMS event this Friday through this Sunday, February 13 – 15.
