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Under the Rule of Jedi - Masshole | Not wanting to sidetrack another worthwhile thread... I figured I'd post here.
THIS IS NOT directed toward anyone, I just want to express what some of the first people who owned Victorys had to put up with.
I ordered my V92C in September of 1998. They said I should get it in a month. Well there was an issue of a gasket on the fuel tank that could/would leak at anytime so delivery was held up until it could be fixed. I finally got my bike Jan. 2, 1999. It is a numbered bike #567, it now has over 86,000 miles on it, 20,000 a year for the first 3 years (first 2 with no windshield never mind heated grips or seats!) and yes I still have it.
As to accessories... there were none. No aftermarket, no pipes, no nothing. Even what Victory had in there catalog they didn't have. I waited over a year for a light bar. Again, issues with the mounting, plating. If I recall it took almost 2 years before anyone made any kind of accessory for the V92c.
I've been around since the old "Yahoo" site days. I was the VP of the VMC when it first started. I've been there and done that.
If any of the old crew is here, feel free to jump in.
Also if anyone needs to vent, yell, scream, bash me, feel free also. I love a good word fight.
I wish I could find one of my old Victory catalogs, I would scan and post it. It consisted of 4 pages, that's including the front & back covers. The first three pages were pictures of the bikes, the back cover had "ALL" of the accessories!
So sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride! I've been in the Victory breeze for 10 years now. And it just keeps getting better.
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Denver | Ok, So I will bite... What was the purpose of the post? You are saying because back in the dark ages there was something wrong... it should still be? I have emailed all of the businesses that I have done business with over the years. Response; "We have no plans at this time to create any Vision Accessories". I went through the same thing with the GL1800 back in November of 2000. Yes to all those who say it is a 2001 it was but was available for purchase in late 2000. That bike sold like hot cakes and so the after market went wild, but I do not see this with our bike. If we really want something to happen, help it along and email the manufactures and let them know you are interested in buying their products. I believe the Victory accessories are way over priced...
Willy |
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Cruiser
Posts: 257
Under the Rule of Jedi - Masshole | Reason for this post was in response to the post in the BumsOnBikes thread.
AGAIN I SAY... THIS IS NOT DIRECTED AT ANYONE.
All I'm saying is yes I to want more Vision accessories, yes I want them at a better price, yes I wore my fingers out asking manufactures when, why, etc.
Seems were are living in an "overnight" world. I just want the New Breed of Victory owners to see what us pioneers had to go thru.
God, I can remember not even being able to buy spark plugs at first! |
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Cruiser
Posts: 102
Northeast Pennsylvania | God, I can remember not even being able to buy spark plugs at first!
.. and having to take the tank off and change them... God, I love that bike..sold it to my friend and still going strong. |
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Visionary
Posts: 2027
Brighton, TN | He hit the CaPS key, I wonder what that means, when all the rest of his keys are lowercase. Did he forget how to type or his pinky ring finger slipped off and hit it. I thought he said he liked a good word fight. There he goes getting all twisted up.
I do little accessorizing, so it is no biggie to me. Really liked the Stage 2 exhaust, but can't see me shelling out 600 bucks for some slipon gizmo that just sounds a little better. Maybe even a little faster, but not 600 buxs faster. I don't even buy little chrome gooodies. Sure their nice, just can't seem to justify it at the moment. So, I ride and enjoy.
Then he used the pioneer word to get across the point that he's a classic, not quite yet though, the first bike is still under 10 years old. Got to be 20 for classic, and 30 for antique. |
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Tourer
Posts: 388
Salisbury, NC |
This is what I put in another thread:
I have a 1999 C #949. Being almost 10 years old, it only has 20,000 something miles on it. I bought it used with 3400 miles on it. Just wanting a numbered bike. I had the tranny upgraded and added a mild cam. After riding the Vision, I have to readjust to riding my other bikes. But it is so much fun going from one bike to another to see how much the ride has improved. The Vision is my travel bike, the other bikes are for local riding(now). I have stood on the side of the road a couple of times because of something not working. Mostly wires being rubbed and grounding out. Or something I tried and s&i* happened. But it is still part of the adventure of riding. So if you have a chance to pick up an older Vic, go ahead and go for it. I have met a lot of cool folks while riding any of my Victorys. ET
I also have a 2000 SC. This was my first Victory. I picked in up in 2001. And there was no big supply of after market parts. I made a lot of parts from other types of bikes to fit the SC. I learned a lot about this bike by trial and error. I still enjoy riding it also. Have over 60,000 miles on it. I can change the plugs in both bikes without taking the tank off, but it took a while to figure that out. I put a half inch spacer under the rear of the tank. Sometimes you just have to think about how you want something on the bike, then make what you have work. ET
I have included a couple of pics of the 99 and Frankinbike at the end of the Vision photos.
http://ImageEvent.com/etspastimes/visionphotos |
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Cruiser
Posts: 257
Under the Rule of Jedi - Masshole | Pollolittle... Nope, no pinky slip... no still remember how to type... keyboard working just fine.
I was just trying to bring attention to the fact that this post isn't because of anyone in particular.
Just didn't want anyone to think it was or take it the wrong way.
Maybe pioneer was a bad choice of words. How about someone who likes to ride, that was willing to take a chance on a new motorcycle company.
Also remember, when Victory first came out with the V92C, Excelsior-Henderson just came out with the Super X and a year later Indian came out with the Scout. Where are those two now?
For those who don't know what a Super X is: http://www.superxowners.com/
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Cruiser
Posts: 257
Under the Rule of Jedi - Masshole | etspastimes - 2008-05-14 9:56 AM
SNIP--->
Bingo! |
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Visionary
Posts: 2027
Brighton, TN | Ahhhh HHAAA!! I knew it all along, It was the infamous PEBKAC error.
Dude, I see you got the bikes, coolness all around. I feel fortunate enough that I have ONE bike that stays together long enough without someone else incurring its demise. If I could swing it, I probably would have another bike, so when the Vision is in the shop or Vice Versa, I wouldn't be without. However, the wife seems interested in her own bike. Now, if I can just find a bike big enough that she won't dislike and I can use as a second bike it would be perfect.
Just busting chops and taking names. Flame on, Flame off, I'm starting to feel like one of the Fantastic Four. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 257
Under the Rule of Jedi - Masshole | Keep flaming! Your posts make me giggle!
Can I be The Thing?
Oh and just incase anyone didn't know already, Johnny Storm aka The Human Torch rode a Vegas in the first movie. |
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Tourer
Posts: 562
SC, Bluffton | Member No. 1 - 2008-05-14 6:11 AM
I've been around since the old "Yahoo" site days. I was the VP of the VMC when it first started.
Would that be the "thevcm" website. The one that posts in reverse.   Drives me crazy, so I only go there in desperation for reference & tips.
pollolittle - 2008-05-14 9:48 AM
Really liked the Stage 2 exhaust, but can't see me shelling out 600 bucks for some slipon gizmo that just sounds a little better.
So you admit they are just slip-ons, not this "stage 2" thing. We as motorcyclists need to stick
with the same terminology. I wouldn't take a Honda cruiser to my dealership and request a "stage
2" modification. Nope, I'd order some slip ons. Or, is this an American thing. Does Harley-
Davidson also use this "stage" thing?
Doesn't a full set of pipes usually just cost slightly more then just slip-ons?
Herb |
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Cruiser
Posts: 257
Under the Rule of Jedi - Masshole | Herb.. yup... "The VMC"
I went by petev92c over there. I haven't been on there in ages. Got to political, and the same thing over and over.
Pollolittle can help you with the rest. |
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Posts: 141
| g1nomad - 2008-05-14 10:44 AM
Would that be the "thevcm" website. The one that posts in reverse. Drives me crazy, so I only go there in desperation for reference & tips.
No more reverse....FYI. |
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Visionary
Posts: 2027
Brighton, TN | From what I understand, Harley also uses the stage thingy. The victory vision stages have all been a "slip on" that I have seen. The stock mufflers are replaced but the header pipe remains. Then again, a slip on, isn't that kinda girly. What are you slipping on, how do you slip on over stock exhaust. Now I understand they take old muffler off and slip new one on. Go figure. |
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Posts: 1350
| "Got to be 20 for classic, and 30 for antique."
Where did you get this? In CT an antique is 25 years old and can not have a tax value over $500 so I save a little each year.
AAA has a "classic" category but it is a very limited number of years (1929 to 1938 I think) and makes. There are no motorcycles in it.
Maybe your state has a different way of classifying vehicles?
Not a big issue but I try to keep up with stuff like this for my 1960 Ranchero. I sold my 1928 and 1949 Buicks. 
As far as accessories go, people keep trying to compare Wings and Visions. How many Wings have been sold over the years? How many Wings are sold every year? If you were a vendor who would you build stuff for? 250,000(?) Wingers or 5,000 Vision owners? HD was selling 260,000 bikes a year as a vendor do you think this would be the better business plan?
I am sure Pete remembers the lady on the Kuryakyn truck letting me try different mirrors and grips until we found the ones that fit my 1999.
I sure am glad Victory is not like E-H. They spent $20 million on a paint booth and went out of business.... Keep putting money into design and engineering Victory.
Edited by BlueOx USA 2008-05-14 1:58 PM
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Visionary
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Brighton, TN | BlueOx USA - My opinion IS 20 for classic and 30 for antique. It is something I came up with based on the way i was raised. I didn't look in no stinkin' book or ask anybody else's opinion. I didn't do it for resale value or to save a little each year. It is my perception of the world in which I live. So, thank you for asking! Do I care what AAA thinks is a classic, "NOPE", and it has nothing to do with state I live in. Would I buy or drive a 1960 Ranchero, NOPE, don't like'em. So, I classify them the way I want to.
As far as your comment on accessories. Your right, it doesn't make good sense to sell to the minority. I have never heard such a large number for bikes being produced by HD, that right there is a bunch of bikes for MSRP or more, if its true.
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Visionary
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Jasper, MO | I think Pete is right about the early bikes being "classics" and the people crazy enough to buy first year models from a brand new motorcycle manufacturer "pioneers". If those folks hadn't bought those bikes and supported the manufacturer, then we wouldn't have the opportunity to buy the Vision today. When comparing the Vision to any of the Victory models made in 1999 or 2000, one could only call those bikes "classics". The current generation of Victory's are far surperior to those early bikes in build quality and refinement. Had the early bikes not been well received, then Victory wouldn't be here today, and the short aftermarket accessory list wouldn't exist at all. There were only a handful (of really great guys) on the old Yahoo site and something like 209 original members of the VMC. If those people hadn't supported and grown the brand, where would Victory be today? Likely the same place as EH and Indian. JMHO.
Ronnie |
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Visionary
Posts: 1436
| Member #1, I'm pretty sure I understand where you are coming from. One of the reasons I haven't and have no plans to join the VMC is because of a tendancy to chew on ANYONE who says anything negative about Victory. Lets face it folks it matters little what BRAND of bike you own. If folks don't cry a little bit when things aren't as they should be it will continue unchanged. The Vision is no different, its not perfect, far from it, but we own them. So if we don't speak up who will? Look at the HD 96 and all the burned crotch complaints. Without the complaining HD would have never offered a "free" flash download, to address the concern that should have been caught at the factory.
The older Victory MC's all had quality control issues, the Vision to is having some teething pains. We'll suffer through poor radio reception, poor quality speakers, poor fitment on panels, and a host of other minor issues. With a bit of luck our moaning will result in some fixes either by the company or through the exchange of ideas/fixes we have found.
$22k is a lot to pay for any MC and particularly one that has numerous quality control issues, lack of accessories, dealer network, etc... but with some discussion, patience, and good old fashion do it yourself, will be a hoot to ride.
First year rides always have teething issues, hang in there |
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Posts: 129
Coastal , NJ | Pete,
I remember the spiked lemonade you made at Spike's in 2002 after we traveled from the good ol "right" coast.Congrats on the Vision and like you...I patiently wait for the aftermarket to catch up....yes very much like the early days of Victory , except now the bikes are even cooler. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1324
So Cal | There seems to be an untapped market for Victory and Vision accessories. All it takes is some imagination and dtermination. Dont even have to be handy. Plenty of people out there capable of turning your ideas into reality. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1632
Jasper, MO | Spike and Trish's place in 2002. Has it been 6 years already? I'll never forget standing at the gas pumps at some station on 71 highway somewhere south of Spirit Lake and hearing a group of Victories coming up the road. I turned around and there was Trish leading the way to Spirit Lake. What are they up to these days? I haven't seen any posts from them for a while, but I often go long periods without visiting the forums and probably have just missed them.
Ronnie
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Under the Rule of Jedi - Masshole | Hey Mark...
Glad a few ol' timers remember. Yup those were the days.
The first year I had my "C" we had a huge Victory gathering at Spirit Lake. I rode by myself to Spike and Trish's, then we rode up to meet Eric and Tom. Then up to Spirit Lake to hook up with Sparkybill.
This was July 4, 1999.
Holy Crap! 6 Victorys in the same place at the same time! 4 KYSO and 2 Red! I had never seen so many at once. Not even at the dealers.
10 or so years later, it just keeps getting better. Can't wait to see what comes out at the dealer meeting. Still got plenty of room in the garage! Might have to pick up an SC so I will have one of each.
Maybe I can talk Peanut Butter and JAM into taking a scoot down to DC for giggles. Would love to hook up.
Yup, the good ol' days!
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Under the Rule of Jedi - Masshole | Teach - 2008-05-14 9:17 PM
Member #1, I'm pretty sure I understand where you are coming from. SNIP--->
First year rides always have teething issues, hang in there
Thanks...
First year issues? I went thru 7 fuel pumps... remember that fun experiment?
Or the leaking head gaskets? Transmission issues?
This Vision is a dream. Having owned Victorys since day one... I'll buy a first year model in a heart beat. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 257
Under the Rule of Jedi - Masshole | cjnoho - 2008-05-14 11:42 PM
There seems to be an untapped market for Victory and Vision accessories. All it takes is some imagination and dtermination. Dont even have to be handy. Plenty of people out there capable of turning your ideas into reality.
Ding Ding!
Look how long it took for say MBW to start making aftermarket goodies. And look at them now.
One of the issues I believe is some of the aftermarket suppliers don't have a bike 24/7 to R&D with.
Back when the "C" first came out, everyone wanted an aftermarket seat. Mustang Seat is just north of here, and a buddy of mine, lent them his "C" over the winter so they could produce one. Sure his bike was gone all winter, but he got a free seat from the deal.
JAM... can verify this if need be.
Any of you willing to give your bike up for 3-4 months so the rest of us can get nick-nacks?
I didn't think so... |
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Visionary
Posts: 1350
| Member No 1,
I remember the time we stopped for gas on the way to WI and your leg was covered in engine oil. You can swap out fuel pumps faster than anyone I know. :P
I think Victory has come a long way in 10 years. Like I say, "It took Honda 50 years to learn how to build Wings with cracked frames..." (2001-2004)
What year did we have 5 KYSO Blue and Black V92C bikes go to Myrtle Beach? Remember the guy at McDonald's asking if we were members of the "Blue Motorcycle Club"?
Even better, remember the blonde with a keg of beer in the back seat of her Mercede's? Then she had one in the trunk too.....
Dragnet - "Just the facts, ma'am....." |
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Brighton, TN | Member No. 1 -Yes, you can be the THING. |
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Posts: 257
Under the Rule of Jedi - Masshole | Koool! |
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Visionary
Posts: 2027
Brighton, TN | Flame on! |
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Tourer
Posts: 388
Salisbury, NC | Member No. 1 - 2008-05-15 5:33 AM
Teach - 2008-05-14 9:17 PM
Member #1, I'm pretty sure I understand where you are coming from. SNIP--->
First year rides always have teething issues, hang in there
Thanks...
First year issues? I went thru 7 fuel pumps... remember that fun experiment?
Or the leaking head gaskets? Transmission issues?
This Vision is a dream. Having owned Victorys since day one... I'll buy a first year model in a heart beat.
It was always a pain to get my hand to fit past the shock to undo that little ass bolt. ET |
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MN. | rdbudd - 2008-05-14 11:38 PM
Spike and Trish's place in 2002. Has it been 6 years already? I'll never forget standing at the gas pumps at some station on 71 highway somewhere south of Spirit Lake and hearing a group of Victories coming up the road. I turned around and there was Trish leading the way to Spirit Lake. What are they up to these days? I haven't seen any posts from them for a while, but I often go long periods without visiting the forums and probably have just missed them.
Ronnie
I remember the old days, joined the Yahoo Victory group back in '98, while my bike was on order. It's always fun to hear stories from back then. Brings a tear to an old man's eyes!
As far as the VMC, it has changed since it started, but I still think that's the best place out there to pick up tips, find accessories, and hear about what's happening out there. |
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Under the Rule of Jedi - Masshole | BATMAN - 2008-05-16 6:01 AM
I remember the old days, joined the Yahoo Victory group back in '98, while my bike was on order. It's always fun to hear stories from back then. Brings a tear to an old man's eyes!
As far as the VMC, it has changed since it started, but I still think that's the best place out there to pick up tips, find accessories, and hear about what's happening out there.
What did you go by back then? There were very few of us. |
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MN. | On the Yahoo club I was pm9654, I did some research once, and I think I was one of the first 10 to join up! (of coarse, at my old age, I could be mistaken!) I had Victory #1215 off the line. Your old name, petev92c does ring a bell.
Edited by BATMAN 2008-05-17 5:20 AM
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Cruiser
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Under the Rule of Jedi - Masshole | Batman, your old sig rings a bell with me also. I still have ol' #567. I'm up here with the New England crew. I ordered my bike in Sept. '98 got it Jan. 2nd '99. I can't remember when I joined the Yahoo group, but I think it was around that time.
That was a great forum. Lots of laughs.
Wonder what ever happened to some of the old crew?
Eric the Bred
Bobnfred
Sparky Bill
Spike/Trish
Tango
Lobo
Gman, and I think there was two of you.
Any of you guys lurking here? Sorry if I forgot anyone.
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Vision Accessories