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Cruiser
Posts: 100
Hudson, Ohio | I know this has hit the forum before but it needs to stay out there as an issue until Victory does something about it. It happened to me today and it is infuriating to think that my wife or daughter could have been riding with me and it became a bigger issue than it did, I was lucky - it happened as I came to a stop in my neighborhood, the back of the front fender broke off and got wedged in the front fender resulting in my steering locking to the right. It took everything I could do from dumping this beast.
Fix the damn problem Victory before it kills someone!!!!! I reported it on the NHTSA Site as well. If it happened to you - report it please!!!
This is off my 2011 Vision with 24.5K miles.
Sorry - my files are not small enough for the forum...check it out on this thread
http://www.thevog.net/forum/thread/20731/rear-plastic-front-fender-...
Edited by Spiderman 2013-08-11 8:06 PM
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Tourer
Posts: 500
| Maybe after someone gets seriously hurt or killed Victory might investigate this issue which many riders have experienced...One would think that after several of these fenders breaking, and reports on the internet about such, that someone with some sense of well-being at Polaris/Victory would wake up and re-call all bikes with the fender issue...Maybe a re-design or one piece fender would work...Perhaps Victory would rather wait until a major law suit nails them for really "huge" bucks before they get off their asses and look at this issue....JMHO |
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Visionary
Posts: 2118
Pitt Meadows, BC Canada | Checking my fender has become one of the MAJOR checks - every time out.
- Oil leaks
- Tire Pressure - eyeball only (let the dealer do the hard work)
- Lights and signals
- Sobriety
- Helmet, Key, Gloves
and now - Eyeball the damn front fender. WILL IT EVER END ???????????????????????????
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 19
california | Just went to NHTSA and posted my bitches, moans, and groans will see what happens probably nothing.
Mine blew out few days before I left for the meet 2500 miles round trip had to fix that piece of shit with superglue and pieces of a credit card. Thank god that superglue is better than the shit thwy make that back fender out of. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 1109
| opas ride - 2013-08-11 8:58 PM Maybe after someone gets seriously hurt or killed Victory might investigate this issue which many riders have experienced...One would think that after several of these fenders breaking, and reports on the internet about such, that someone with some sense of well-being at Polaris/Victory would wake up and re-call all bikes with the fender issue...Maybe a re-design or one piece fender would work...Perhaps Victory would rather wait until a major law suit nails them for really "huge" bucks before they get off their asses and look at this issue....JMHO This appears to be Victorys attitude. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1632
Jasper, MO | Works for Honda. Goldwings have had this same problem for the entire lifespan of the GL1800, since 2001. Honda has done nothing about it and neither has the NHTSA. It's up to the aftermarket or the owners to fix the problem themselves in Honda's case.
Yes, I know that doesn't help. I just don't think bitching to the Government is going to get you anywhere.
"Some" Honda dealers have gone to bat for "some" Goldwing owners who had extended warranties, but it's a crap shoot there too.
Ronnie |
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Visionary
Posts: 3204
Memphis | This is not like a cracked frame or faulty wiring. If the bike wrecks (single vehicle) and the front fender is broken (name a wreck where that could not happen), it would be impossible to prove that the fender didn't break first and cause the wreck. They would just say "Oh, the fender broke during the crash. It was operator error." Scary. |
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Tourer
Posts: 447
Cleveland, GA | The one on my '08 recently broke away from the side bolts as well. It is still secured at the top of the fender, but there is enough play in it that it occasionally hangs on the lip of the fairing behind it. I thought it was the head bearings jamming up the first time it did this, until I looked and saw the fender was jammed into the fairing. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 802
| I had two of them crack on my '11 and just by coincidence I found that both sides of the fender's mounting flanges are completely cracked through on my '13. The dealer has ordered another fender. We're leaving on a 12K mile trip in a few weeks and I doubt if this POS would have even gotten close to making it! This is nuts! Somebody is gonna get hurt. Just a matter of time.
Marc |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 623
| My fender started cracking at 30k. I picked up 2 .5x4" metal brackets at hardware store. I added 2 bolts to fender as well as origional mounting point which I JB welded with a washer too boot on the inside covered with the JB weld. After painting the bolt heads you can't tell it's there. It's been over 40 k miles since this fix and not 1 new crack on either of the now 3 mounting bolts on either side. I know it's not the right answer. Certainly a design flaw, but doing the like should keep you safe while waiting for a solution from Vic. Good luck |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 802
| You don't happen to have a picture of your repair do you?
Marc |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 623
| I don't, I'm out of town until Saturday. But I can snap some pics then |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 1066
Peru, IN | All of those fixes are fine for the short term but I wouldn't want them holding the fender on my bike permanently. The bottom line is that MaVic needs to do something about this NOW. They need to change materials and/or mounting. Not only do they need to do this on all new Visions but they need to recall this on ALL Visions. True what Marc said. If there's an accident, MaVics lawyers will claim that the broken fender was the result, not the cause. This is unethical. The almighty dollar should NOT rule. Sorry, but this is just pissing me off more every time I think about it. |
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Visionary
Posts: 2300
Georgia, west of Atlanta | Thanks for the warning, just checked mine..........Nothing yet. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 802
| You have to look really close with the fender removed in order to see the starting of a crack. Its very faint at first. It starts near the screw head radiating out of the hole. You need good light to catch it. With the first fender I thought it was fine till I removed it and took it outside to inspect it and there it was on both holes.
BTW, its very easy to remove without disturbing the front half. A 5 mm allan wrench will do it. Just fish it in from the opposite side of the wheel from underneath the lip of the fender. Of course you have to pull the snap connections apart that connect the front to the rear. If you use a flat head screwdriver on one side and your fingernail on the other side they come right up.
Marc
Edited by marcparnes 2013-08-12 6:04 PM
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Iron Butt
Posts: 1066
Peru, IN | I have 7500 miles on my '12. I plan to have an X bike fender on my Vision long before mine starts to crack. HOWEVER, this thread (and the other threads on various boards) must not die until MaVic recognizes the problem and fixes it. $5000 "starter" bikes from various other manufacturers don't have a problem with this. $25k luxury, top of the food chain bikes shouldn't, either. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 100
Hudson, Ohio | SongFan - 2013-08-12 11:37 AM
This is not like a cracked frame or?faulty?wiring.? If the bike wrecks (single vehicle) and the front?fender is broken (name a wreck where that could not happen), it would be impossible to prove that the fender didn't break first and cause the wreck.? They would just say "Oh, the fender broke during the crash.? It was operator error." Scary.
I disagree...there are too many complaints about this issue on the many forums and facebook groups out there. There is enough evidence to support a case of that should happen.
Regardless - it is up to us as riders of this beast to voice our concerns and keep it out there. I have now posted this issue on all the major forums and facebook pages. Including Victorys Facebook page.
I will update this forum with any developments from Victory. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 100
Hudson, Ohio | XRsteve - 2013-08-12 6:57 PM
Thanks for the warning, just checked mine..........Nothing yet.
It happens quick so keep an eye on it.... |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 802
| Just thinking "ahead"... has anyone ever ridden without it? It doesn't seem to be adding any support to the front one. Wondering if it was to break off can I leave it on the side of the road and continue.
Marc |
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Cruiser
Posts: 100
Hudson, Ohio | marcparnes - 2013-08-12 8:38 PM
Just thinking "ahead"... has anyone ever ridden without it? It doesn't seem to be adding any support to the front one. Wondering if it was to break off can I leave it on the side of the road and continue.
Marc
Its no problem to ride without it...you just have to be concerned with road debris damaging your fairing or engine...plus rain may come up through the hole in your dash....I took mine for a ride yesterday without the rear part on and it was fine, |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 802
| Ok, cool! At least it won't stop me in the middle of nowhere.
Marc |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 1066
Peru, IN | Marc --- I wouldn't leave it on the side of the road. Strap it to the back of the bike and take it home. Only way you MIGHT get a new one is to show them the old one. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 249
Phenix City AL. | so the front part of the fender is good ? so we just need the rear part done in fiberglass or metal ? looking at the pics and trying to remember the last time mine was off, one might be able to take a fender blank that has the same shape as the rear part of the fender, trace the plastic part onto the metal fender, cut and drill the holes and it should bolt right on. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 100
Hudson, Ohio | jb.hatch - 2013-08-13 7:40 AM
so the front part of the fender is good ? so we just need the rear part done in fiberglass or metal ? looking at the pics and trying to remember the last time mine was off, one might be able to take a fender blank that has the same shape as the rear part of the fender, trace the plastic part onto the metal fender, cut and drill the holes and it should bolt right on.
Honestly Hatch, I am no engineer but I think a full metal version is the right way to go. Although, you could probably make a rear one out of metal (aluminum or steel) and reinforce it at the screw holes to ensure it does not crack again.
I also think Victory needs to come up with a suitable replacement so we Vision riders dont have to fork out additional dollars on a bike that already cost us over $20K to begin with.
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Cruiser
Posts: 100
Hudson, Ohio | Hey all you Vision Riders...DO NOT LET THIS ISSUE DIE. Share this link or the ones on the VOG or VMC with other Vision Riders. Post it in the various Facebook groups that you belong to. Go to the Victory Facebook page and post up your concerns on the subject. Ma Vic needs to hear us loud and clear and come up with a suitable replacement item. Your life and that of your passengers could be at risk. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 146
| I just returned from a 3000 mile road trip and the front half of my front fender cracked (the holes where the driving lights are mounted) and one of my PIAA's popped right off and was dangling for several miles before I realised what had happened. I remember hearing a clank sound when I hit a bump in the road in Mena, AR and it kind of concerned me but I was close to my destination so I let it go. Before I got to my destination I kept hearing a pinging sound so I pulled over and walked to the front of my bike to discover that the clank was the left side of my front fender cracking and the bolts popping out. The pinging was my poor dangling left PIAA light. Which does not work now by the way. Has anyone else had this particular issue with the front half of the front fender?? |
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Tourer
Posts: 494
Akron Ohio area | Lone Ranger - 2013-08-12 12:28 PM The one on my '08 recently broke away from the side bolts as well. It is still secured at the top of the fender, but there is enough play in it that it occasionally hangs on the lip of the fairing behind it. I thought it was the head bearings jamming up the first time it did this, until I looked and saw the fender was jammed into the fairing. That's what happened to me too. The fender flies up and into the lower part of the fairing making steering impossible. I've told my dealer to order me a new one because I have a few long trips planned. Hopefully we can convince Victory that the design is faulty and they need to come up with a more dependable and safer fender. I would prefer metal. Maybe there's a legitimate reason it wasn't metal in the first place, but I'd like to hear what it was. When you can't steer a 900 pound motorcycle, it gets seriously intensive very fast. |
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Tourer
Posts: 494
Akron Ohio area |
XRsteve - 2013-08-12 6:57 PM Thanks for the warning, just checked mine..........Nothing yet. You will not get a warning. The plastic will fracture or wear through and if your speed is high enough, the bottom of the fender will fly up and into the lower jaw/maw of the fairing. Then you can't steer. |
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Tourer
Posts: 494
Akron Ohio area | marcparnes - 2013-08-12 7:00 PM You have to look really close with the fender removed in order to see the starting of a crack. Its very faint at first. It starts near the screw head radiating out of the hole. You need good light to catch it. With the first fender I thought it was fine till I removed it and took it outside to inspect it and there it was on both holes. BTW, its very easy to remove without disturbing the front half. A 5 mm allan wrench will do it. Just fish it in from the opposite side of the wheel from underneath the lip of the fender. Of course you have to pull the snap connections apart that connect the front to the rear. If you use a flat head screwdriver on one side and your fingernail on the other side they come right up. Marc Great advice and perfect directions for the removal and inspection of the bottom half of the front fender. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 1066
Peru, IN | This could turn in to a Catch 22. The only to really check to see if the rear of the fender is cracked is to remove it. If it's cracked (or cracks later on), the first thing the dealer/MaVic will ask is whether the rear of the fender was ever removed and if so, was it reinstalled "properly". If it's been removed more than once, the dealer/MaVic will claim the removing/reinstalling is the cause of the crack(s).
The only time MaVic can be sure (in their lawyers minds, anyway) the break (and resulting accident) wasn't the owners fault is if it's never been removed and then you won't know it's a problem and can't avoid it. You can see the vicious circle.
There's enough "evidence" by now for MaVic to see that this is an ongoing (and potentially deadly) issue. There are a lot of TV stations that do some "problem solving" things. I wonder if it would help to bring this issue to their attention or if it would cause MaVic to back off more than they already are? |
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Tourer
Posts: 447
Cleveland, GA | I called my dealer today to order a replacement piece. The part is a bit over $90. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1365
Central Maryland | I'll check mine during front tire replacement. I currently have 14761 miles on my 2011 Vision and seems to be no cracks emanating from the two fender mounting holes at this time...
I plan to to reinforce it (as others have repaired it) with metal strips on each side of the inside and additional bolts to firmly attach the metal strips. Painting the heads of the bolt(s) flat black (someone here in the thread did that as well) will adequately blend the bolts in; that back portion of the fender is not readily visible anyway.
The reason why I am doing this; is because I'm not holding my breath that Ma Vic is going to come out with a recall or fix for this. Repairing it/reinforcing it yourself is way cheaper than a new one piece fender, and is something I can do NOW.
All motorcycles have faults and manufacturing glitches and weaknesses; I'm pretty much in the habit of dealing with the issues when they pop up. Motorcycles are man made and man made is frequently without flaws. So instead of whining about it... fix it!!! (I say that in a friendly way...) |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 1066
Peru, IN | willtill - 2013-08-14 6:11 AM
So instead of whining about it... fix it!!!
Um, no. The whole point is that this is a SAFETY flaw. If a design flaw caused window regulators to fail early (like the late '90s Pontiac Grand Ams), that's a concern and something that should be dealt with but if Pontiac wouldn't fix the issue (they did on the next generation), it's more of an annoyance than anything.
This problem can kill you (or your pillion....or the innocent person coming the other way that you run into)! I guarantee, if you "fix it" and it breaks, legally it's your fault. All MaVic will say is that their engineers had it right and you messed with it and made it "wrong".
Since this is a widespread and on going problem, the only way Vision owners have any chance of getting MaVics attention is to whine about it. Mine hasn't broken...yet. Either Victory will recall this and fix it correctly or I'll put a fender on from an X bike but if mine happens to fail, I'll whine very loudly to everyone who will listen (including the media).
As you said, every vehicle has flaws. If it's not a safety related issue, live with it, complain about it for a second and move on. If it's safety related, do whatever you have to do (legally) to resolve the issue ASAP. MaVic will start losing customers to other brands. A 15 year old company can't afford to do that. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1365
Central Maryland | OK. I will temporarily reinforce it as previously described. Then I will whine with the rest of you.... |
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Tourer
Posts: 500
| Checked mine yesterday and so far so good with only 7500 miles, but if it breaks I will also get an attorney and let the local media and anyone else I know that Victory is ignoring a major safety issue and should be held accountable...I will not buy another Vision until they correct this serious issue...... |
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Cruiser
Posts: 100
Hudson, Ohio | Gadget - 2013-08-13 5:15 PM
I just returned from a 3000 mile road trip and the front half of my front fender cracked (the holes where the driving lights are mounted) and one of my PIAA's popped right off and was dangling for several miles before I realised what had happened. I remember hearing a clank sound when I hit a bump in the road in Mena, AR and it kind of concerned me but I was close to my destination so I let it go. Before I got to my destination I kept hearing a pinging sound so I pulled over and walked to the front of my bike to discover that the clank was the left side of my front fender cracking and the bolts popping out. The pinging was my poor dangling left PIAA light. Which does not work now by the way. Has anyone else had this particular issue with the front half of the front fender??
Gadget - THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT I HEARD WHEN MINE BROKE. I heard a clank and thought it was the trunk...2 minutes later my steering locked up and I almost dumped her....
I am glad you are safe...please go to Victory Facebook page and send them a message about this. I hope you took some pictures to document the break!!! Send that as well.
Thanks for posting about it. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 100
Hudson, Ohio | I received another message via facebook that consumer services will be in touch...i will keep everyone posted |
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Cruiser
Posts: 251
Mechanicsville, VA United States | How do you post on Victory Facebook?, I replaced mine 8 months ago, still got the broken one! |
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Cruiser
Posts: 100
Hudson, Ohio | So, Victory finally called me tonight. Unfortunately (or fortunately) I was riding Venom and they left a message. They said to call them back because I needed to take Vision to an authorized Victory dealer so they can inspect it and give feedback to their engineers. They also provided a case number. I already have an appointment at Bairs for Saturday in preparation for an upcoming trip.
Not sure where this will go but atleast someone did call....that is a good sign. I will continue to post up any updates. |
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Visionary
Posts: 2118
Pitt Meadows, BC Canada | diamonbird - 2013-08-14 5:56 PM How do you post on Victory Facebook?, I replaced mine 8 months ago, still got the broken one! A bunch of us are here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/178123948951394/ |
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Cruiser
Posts: 100
Hudson, Ohio | So I talked with Victory Customer Service....they thanked me for making them aware of the issue. He reiterated that I need to bring the broken fender to Bair's (authorized dealer) so they can take pictures and document the damage to the fairing, etc. and said they will be back in touch with me. I will not mention the CSR's name but he also rides a Vision and said after hearing my problem, went out and check his - no cracks.
They would not commit to towing the Vision to Bairs (got a politically correct response) - but, it was not that critical for me because I took the broken fender off and will ride it without the fender on. I am hoping that road debris does not do further damage to the undercarage area - including my engine.
I reinforced that he should elevate this issue to senior most levels at Victory because of the widespread issue and I believe it is a matter of time before someone crashes as a result of this fender and is seriously injured or killed. I also told them that they need to look at the VOG (and other forums) for additional feedback on this issue.
He thanked me for bringing this up and said he (personally) will stay in touch with me on the matter.
I will keep this thread updated.
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Cruiser
Posts: 100
Hudson, Ohio | Over on the VMC a Vision rider posted the following:
"Mine looked fine and felt fine until I un-did the bolts and the pieces fell out on the floor......"
SO EVEN IF YOUR FENDER DOES NOT APPEAR TO HAVE THE CRACKS - IT MAY STILL BE BROKEN AND YOU CAN'T SEE IT. I recommend you remove it and inspect it...especially if you have a fair amount of miles on your Vision.
Edited by Spiderman 2013-08-16 9:53 AM
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 21
| WOW is all I can say!! New to this forum and viewed this thread. Checked my fender and sure did find hair-line cracks around one of the screws (15000 miles). Will see what my dealer has to say about this when I take the bike in next week. This is obviously a major design flaw and needs to be recalled! |
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Cruiser
Posts: 74
Navarre, FL | For those of you that have had cracked fenders go here https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/ And file a complaint with NHTSA, that is the only way to get Vic's attention. Enough complaints and they will be forced to address the issue. |
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Tourer
Posts: 447
Cleveland, GA | NHTSA complaint submitted. Thanks for the link! |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 1066
Peru, IN | New steel (XC) fender should be here (and mounted) this week. Once I remove the old fender, I"ll carefully inspect it. If it's cracked, I'll submit a complaint fo the NHTSA, too. (And scream very loudly to MaVic.)
As Spidey has said, this cannot be allowed to die. |
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Nova Scotia | Seems this is not new. Found this earlier today, then found your thread this evening.
http://www.faqs.org/car/victory-vision/
scroll near the bottom, this has been happening since 2011. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 100
Hudson, Ohio | Nova_Vision - 2013-08-18 9:32 PM
Seems this is not new. Found this earlier today, then found your thread this evening.
http://www.faqs.org/car/victory-vision/
scroll near the bottom, this has been happening since 2011.
We are very aware that this is not a new issue - which pisses me off even more. Thanks for posting! |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 1066
Peru, IN | Oh, c'mon. It's only someones life. Well worth losing a life if MaVic can save a few bucks. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 74
Navarre, FL | While WE are aware of the problem NHTSA (who orders recalls) has probably not had many complaints on the issue. This is a serious SAFETY issue and the more reports they receive the more likely they are to take action. It seems like a relatively cheap fix (new steel fender?). |
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Tourer
Posts: 494
Akron Ohio area | Just came home from having my lower front fender replaced.
I'm keeping it in case Victory offers a recall.
I'm also taking pictures of both mounting holes, or what's left of them, to post on Victory's FaceBook page. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 100
Hudson, Ohio | OK Vision Riders - I have started an online petition that we can send to Victory at some point. Let's get as many signatures on this petition as possible. Please SHARE this with every Vision rider you know....it could help save a life - including your own:
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/victory-vision-fender-recall/
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Cruiser
Posts: 100
Hudson, Ohio | I was informed today by Bair's that Victory will cover my OEM plastic fender replacement and the trim that was damaged as a result of the fender failing. THAT IS A GOOD THING AND I APPLAUD VICTORY FOR MAKING ME WHOLE.
HOWEVER, this is not the permanent solution to this failing piece of plastic. Every Vision Rider that I know is asking for a one-piece metal version of this fender as a permanent fix. Replacing a failing part with another failing part is not the solution in my opinion.
I hope Victory will step up, recall this failing part and replace it with a more permanent fix. It is the right thing to do. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 281
| I'm a believer - I just noticed cracks in the fender on my 08 Vision. This sucks. |
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Tourer
Posts: 500
| I'm all for the petition movement and sent my vote and money in....I hope Victory responds in an intelligent and responsible way to this very serious safety issue before someone get hurt or killed...... |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 1066
Peru, IN | You sent money to someone? |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 691
Manchester, CT | pretty sure the request for donations comes from the petition company. The money goes to the people running the service. It doe not support the petition's cause. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 100
Hudson, Ohio | There is no need to donate anything - the site asks for a donation AFTER you sign. Just close the window if you do not want to donate. Its that simple.
Thanks for all the support. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 281
| Has anyone tried to superglue or otherwise fix the fenders, at least for a temporary fix?
Does anyone know the part number for that fender part? |
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Tourer
Posts: 366
Albuquerque, NM | No cracks in mine yet. I may remove the fender and reinforce the mounting areas with 1/8 flat plastic using some hi-strength epoxy until this potential recall thing plays out. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1365
Central Maryland | nailer - 2013-08-21 3:26 PM
No cracks in mine yet. I may remove the fender and reinforce the mounting areas with 1/8 flat plastic using some hi-strength epoxy until this potential recall thing plays out.
That's my plan as well. Will do so when I replace the front tire. No signs of cracks yet. |
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Tourer
Posts: 500
| Sounds okay for those who have skills to repair...Dealer should really be the one to repair/fix for now and put liability on them if it breaks....Hopefully as I have said on my other posts, Victory will address this serious issue in a timely, professional, and responsible way....Otherwise my Vision is history for me as I am not willing to run the risk on the fender breaking and causing a serious situation for me or ???? |
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Visionary
Posts: 1365
Central Maryland | opas ride - 2013-08-21 7:42 PM
Sounds okay for those who have skills to repair...Dealer should really be the one to repair/fix for now and put liability on them if it breaks....Hopefully as I have said on my other posts, Victory will address this serious issue in a timely, professional, and responsible way....Otherwise my Vision is history for me as I am not willing to run the risk on the fender breaking and causing a serious situation for me or ????
Oh for Keerist's sake Opa's! If you can ride a bike, and turn a wrench just a little bit; you can do what's needed with the fender. It's not that hard. Don't be wringing your hands over it. Ma Vic IS NOT going to be responding to this in a timely manner.
Pull yourself up by the bootstraps and...
..... take a little preventative action and fix things like this yourself.
Next time you take the tire off, pop off the damned fender and reinforce it from the inside.
Edited by willtill 2013-08-21 6:50 PM
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Iron Butt
Posts: 965
New York State | Filed a report of my cracked front rear section of fender. Thanks for the link and heads up on the issue.Hope Mavic comes up for a fix for these defective fenders before someone is hurt or killed. |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 15
| just got back fraom a 5000 mile trip and had the right front fender crack and break. had to fix with washers. checked the backpart of the fender and it was also cracked. repaired with washers also. hope they do a recall on the fenders but not counting on it. |
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Visionary
Posts: 2300
Georgia, west of Atlanta | No cracks yet, 31,000 miles on the '08. If Vic dosen't come up with a fix I might just buy a metal fender from Kewlmetal and never worry about it again............ |
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Cruiser
Posts: 281
| How many of you guys have had contact from Victory on this matter?
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Visionary
Posts: 2300
Georgia, west of Atlanta | FROM Victory, not me.............I didn't even know this problem exixsted except for this website. |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 30
Scottsdale | They contacted me. |
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Tourer
Posts: 500
| It does not happen to some bikes at all, some after a few thousand miles, some after many thousand miles, and some when the bike is only a year or two old...I found out about it from a friend who worked at a dealership last year and told me to check the rear portion of my Vision's front fender on occasion as he had seen a few that came loose after cracking at the attachment point to the front forks...So far my bike is okay, but I hope Victory finds a solution that really works without a bunch of "jerri-rigging"..... |
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Visionary
Posts: 2300
Georgia, west of Atlanta | AZdave - 2013-08-25 11:08 AM
They contacted me.
How did Polaris contact you, through Email or through dealer ?? Very interested......... |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 802
| Received the following:
Marc,
Thank you for contacting Victory Motorcycles Consumer Service. I have been forwarded your information from our social media team and understand you have a concern about the front fender on your Victory Vision. We are in the process of reviewing the information provided to us and will get back to you with a response next week.
Thank you for contacting Victory Motorcycles and allowing me the opportunity to address the concerns you have with your motorcycle.
Regards,
Wes R.
Victory Motorcycles Consumer Service
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Cruiser
Posts: 281
| marcparnes - 2013-08-25 4:12 PM
Received the following:
Marc,
Thank you for contacting Victory Motorcycles Consumer Service. I have been forwarded your information from our social media team and understand you have a concern about the front fender on your Victory Vision. We are in the process of reviewing the information provided to us and will get back to you with a response next week.
Thank you for contacting Victory Motorcycles and allowing me the opportunity to address the concerns you have with your motorcycle.
Regards,
Wes R.
Victory Motorcycles Consumer Service
If that's the Wes that used to work at Cruisin' 66 in MO, I feel better already. |
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Visionary
Posts: 2300
Georgia, west of Atlanta | Well, Well. Guess we'll all see Victory's position soon............ |
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Cruiser
Posts: 100
Hudson, Ohio | willtill - 2013-08-14 6:11 AM
All motorcycles have faults and manufacturing glitches and weaknesses; I'm pretty much in the habit of dealing with the issues when they pop up. Motorcycles are man made and man made is frequently without flaws. So instead of whining about it... fix it!!! (I say that in a friendly way...)
I agree with you and plenty of folks have taken steps to reinforce their fenders. But, I started this thread (and others on different forums) to see if other Vision riders have had the same issue and I am also doing my part to make this as visible as possible to A) Keep other riders safe and B) Make it as visible as possible to Victory so they can fix the flaw permanently (I say hopefully).
Not here to whine for the sake of whining. Since posting this on 3 different forums and 4 different Victory Facebook Groups, it is definitely something Victory should recall and come up with a permanent replacement fix.
I also know Victory is monitoring some of these threads. I certainly post as if they do.
Time will tell.....
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Cruiser
Posts: 281
| Bill, I for one appreciate the effort you have put forth on this issue. If you had not, I would not have noticed this issue on my fenders until it is too late.
After putting comments on the Victory FB page, I received a message from them. I was aksed to provide contact information and VINs and was told I will be contacted in 3-5 business days. I'll let you know where this goes.
As a temporary solution, I'll settle for them covering replacement of the fenders, even with the faulty part - until a permanent solution is available. |
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Tourer
Posts: 500
| I spent over 20 minutes talking with a Victory Staff guy at the recent Demo Days rides at Dick Scott's Cycles in Livonia, MI. this last Saturday about this fender issue on the Vision..He was very interested and showed concern about the potential danger if the rear half of fender breaks and gets caught in lower fairing part..He assured me he would contact those at Ma Vic that should be able to investigate this issue and take the necessary steps to correct this serious potential safety problem....I hope he follows through and someone gets the message soon so engineers can come up with a better idea and improvement.....Temporary fixes are kinda like "greasing the pig" and can get you into, sometimes,more trouble than things that really work...Mine is fine for now and I will address this situation if and when it happens...Hopefully Victory will have a fix by then.....
Edited by opas ride 2013-08-26 11:48 AM
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Tourer
Posts: 494
Akron Ohio area | For those who think I'm whining about this, let me point out a few things.
If the fender came loose from the fork mounts and was just flapping around in the wind, I could deal with that.
BUT, that is not the case.
It jams in the lower fairing and makes steering impossible.
This isn't simply a cosmetic problem, it's a serious safety problem on a 900 pound motorcycle.
Toyota had to recall millions of vehicles because the floor mat got tangled up with the accelerator on a few vehicles.
I paid $24,000 out the door for SCREAM.
There are a lot of cars I could have bought for the same, or less money, and their body panels wouldn't start flying off causing safety concerns after only 2 years.
My lower front fender has been replaced at my cost so far.
Part and labor.
If she doesn't want to redesign the front fender on the Vision, then I want her to pay for my replacement, each and every time it cracks/breaks.
I still believe a rubber grommet would alleviate the problem. |
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Tourer
Posts: 500
| Lets wait and see what Ma Vic does, if anything. I agree with bigfoot on all issues and hope this gets resolved soon...Rider/passenger safety is the real issue here, not a plastic fender than works loose or breaks off..I for one do want to chance the thing getting jammed in my lower fairing and have no steering control, as said above, on a 900lb motorcycle....End of story for me as I am stepping aside to wait and see the final results...... |
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Cruiser
Posts: 100
Hudson, Ohio | I was just contacted by Consumer Services at Victory informing me that they will not be recalling the front fender on the Visions. They said their engineers have reviewed the cases submitted and have concluded there is no problem with the fenders and the cracks are considered cosmetic and normal wear and tear. The person went on to say that Motorcycles are mechanical and like anything mechanical, you should be vigilent about pre-ride inspections to ensure the machine is suitable for riding. So, Vision Riders - be sure to check your fenders or re-enforce them like others have suggested. Victory will not be offering an alternative part for this issue because they do not consider it a manufacturing defect or problem.
I am not an engineer, but to expect that people should be checking their front fenders for crack failure seems extreme to me.
I am not surprised by this decision in any way shape or form. I hope that by raising this issue, it may prevent injury or death due to the front fender cracking. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 802
| Same story here. I guess we'll just have to keep an eye on it and hope for the best.
Marc |
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Tourer
Posts: 500
| As I posted on the earlier comments.."I am shocked"...Typical corporate CYA on Victory's part...Have a nice day and check you fender before each time you ride!!!! What a lousy deal.....
Edited by opas ride 2013-08-27 6:25 PM
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Visionary
Posts: 1365
Central Maryland | marcparnes - 2013-08-27 7:06 PM
Same story here. I guess we'll just have to keep an eye on it and hope for the best.
Marc
....or exercise due diligence and reinforce the inside of the rear fender; where it bolts to the fork. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 1066
Peru, IN | I just got a call from Wes at Victory, too. Same, same. Very disappointing. |
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Tourer
Posts: 494
Akron Ohio area |
....or exercise due diligence and reinforce the inside of the rear fender; where it bolts to the fork. Are you typically in the habit of reengineering new vehicles? I kind of thought it rather obvious and sensible to expect body panels on my $24,000 2011 Vision not to come loose and jam in the fairing causing loss of steering. Do you fill up your tires with hard rubber to avoid flats? Do you put tape on your windscreen to prevent it from shattering? Do you attach a flashlight to your handlebars in case the headlight falls off at 80 MPH? |
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Cruiser
Posts: 281
| Their response is unacceptable. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1365
Central Maryland | bigfoot - 2013-08-27 8:23 PM
....or exercise due diligence and reinforce the inside of the rear fender; where it bolts to the fork. Are you typically in the habit of reengineering new vehicles? ? I kind of thought it rather obvious and sensible to expect body panels on my $24,000 2011 Vision not to come loose and jam in the fairing causing loss of steering.? Do you fill up your tires with hard rubber to avoid flats?? Do you put tape on your windscreen to prevent it from shattering? Do you attach a flashlight to your handlebars in case the headlight falls off at 80 MPH?? ?
Now your being silly.
But yes, I do improve, check and fix things that other Motorcycle manufacturers fail to address; even when it's reported to them.
Take for instance, my Suzuki DR650. Ever since this model dual sport has been produced; there has been a problem with the NSU screws coming loose and grenading the engine. Happens very infrequently but is still cause for concern. So I; as well as many other DR650 riders have done, is remove the clutch cover and clutch basket, and safety wired the NSU screws (along with locktite) so they can never come loose. Peace of mind.
I will also have peace of mind regarding my front rear fender on my Vision, as soon as my front tire is removed for replacement (which should be less than 8 thousand miles from now.
So continue to ridicule preventive maintenance for a flaw that can become apparent. Self reliance and ingenuity are fast becoming a lost skill amongst the Vision riders here. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 100
Hudson, Ohio | willtill - 2013-08-27 9:35 PM
So continue to ridicule preventive maintenance for a flaw that can become apparent. Self reliance and ingenuity are fast becoming a lost skill amongst the Vision riders here.
Will - i still believe you have missed the point here. The fender should not be an issue period. Even people that have taken matters into their own hands agree that Victory should address such a chronic issue. In my opinion, a good manufacturer listens to their LOYAL customers and makes improvements to such design flaws. I am not whining and I have taken matters in my own hands to fix the fender to be safe. I still believe Victory's position on this matter is a complete joke. |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 47
| I just fixed mine with plastic weld to bond the piece together and fiberglass matting on the inside over washers. It's pretty strong now and my extended warranty company has agreed to replace it. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1365
Central Maryland | Spiderman - 2013-08-27 9:50 PM
willtill - 2013-08-27 9:35 PM
So continue to ridicule preventive maintenance for a flaw that can become apparent. Self reliance and ingenuity are fast becoming a lost skill amongst the Vision riders here.
Will - i still believe you have missed the point here. The fender should not be an issue period. Even people that have taken matters into their own hands agree that Victory should address such a chronic issue. In my opinion, a good manufacturer listens to their LOYAL customers and makes improvements to such design flaws. I am not whining and I have taken matters in my own hands to fix the fender to be safe. I still believe Victory's position on this matter is a complete joke.
I have not missed the point. I agree that they (Victory) should address it but they won't. So that is why I advocate fixing it ourselves. Waiting around and doing nothing about it is not going to take care of it. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 100
Hudson, Ohio | willtill - 2013-08-28 4:41 AM
Spiderman - 2013-08-27 9:50 PM
willtill - 2013-08-27 9:35 PM
So continue to ridicule preventive maintenance for a flaw that can become apparent. Self reliance and ingenuity are fast becoming a lost skill amongst the Vision riders here.
Will - i still believe you have missed the point here. The fender should not be an issue period. Even people that have taken matters into their own hands agree that Victory should address such a chronic issue. In my opinion, a good manufacturer listens to their LOYAL customers and makes improvements to such design flaws. I am not whining and I have taken matters in my own hands to fix the fender to be safe. I still believe Victory's position on this matter is a complete joke.
I have not missed the point. I agree that they (Victory) should address it but they won't. So that is why I advocate fixing it ourselves. Waiting around and doing nothing about it is not going to take care of it.
I dont know of anyone that suggests sitting around and doing nothing is a good thing...that is your claim. Glad to see you agree Victory should address the issue - atleast we agree on that.
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Tourer
Posts: 573
Central Illinois | Will, I think you are missing a much bigger point. You and I know about this issue and can McGiver our bikes but what about the 90%+ Vision riders that will never see this thread or similar ones on other forums? They are the ones at risk, not us. |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 30
Scottsdale | My concern is not cracked when I check, cracked while riding thus causing problems |
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Tourer
Posts: 500
| Same with me AZdave...I am in the 90% group that is not a McGiver type and was hoping that this issue would be fixed by a responsible company that cares about its loyal riders..Obviously not the case here as Victory's "engineers" are forced to speak "corporate lawyer BS" and not address the real issue here!!...Rider Safety..... |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 802
| Oldman47 - 2013-08-28 6:49 AM
Will, I think you are missing a much bigger point. You and I know about this issue and can McGiver our bikes but what about the 90%+ Vision riders that will never see this thread or similar ones on other forums? They are the ones at risk, not us. That I think, is the MOST intelligent comment relative to this issue yet. At least we know what to be aware of and keep an eye on. The poor schmo who has his fender come loose and has no clue what just happened is the real guy in jeopardy. We should consider ourselves at the least, informed.
Marc
Edited by marcparnes 2013-08-28 11:59 AM
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Tourer
Posts: 500
| And again, I truly appreciate the comments on this and other forums that have made me aware of this serious safety issue with the Vision and I will watch my bike carefully and try to fix it someway before I get hurt or killed on a long ride...Man, what a deal....For those who never see this and other boards I will bring this safety issue up to every potential Vision buyer and any current riders I see...They can then make their own decisions as to what to do....I hope no one has to experience what some others have in the past with the fender breaking...... |
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Tourer
Posts: 500
| This bad decision by Victory's Mgmt. is already spreading to the biker community...I know as I was asked by a HD rider a couple hours ago at the gas station if my bike was of the ones Victory will not fix the fender on....He said he found out about this issue from a buddy who's wife will not let him ride his Vision until he fixes the fender...Safety first people....Not profits....
Edited by opas ride 2013-08-28 6:27 PM
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Iron Butt
Posts: 691
Manchester, CT | If this snowballs in the biker community competitors will be slinging FUD focused on anything Victory. Fallout is worse....even if the issue gets resolved, perception will linger on and on |
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Cruiser
Posts: 100
Hudson, Ohio | I am sure Victory is counting on this issue dying...wonder if it will?
My view of Victory is now tainted because of their poor decision here. Choosing $'s over the safety of the people that spent their hard earned money to buy these machines is absolutely wrong. You can all me naive all you want and I don't give a shit. I bought Victory because of their products and what I perceived a different mindset than the status quo.....I am seriously considering getting rid of the Vision now. I am not making an emotional decision yet, I will give it the winter but I will be looking at alternatives and if I find the right bike for me, I will do it.
I am keeping my Conquest bike though (Venom) as it is one bad ass machine and so customized that it doesn't matter anyway. Plus, it was my brother's and it's staying in the family.
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Tourer
Posts: 500
| Spiderman...After many posts and expressing my total dis-pleasure with the "idiots" that made this very un-ethical error in judgment, in my opinion, and put the CYA and $$ mentality mindset to this very serious issue, I to, am done with it...I have been seriously thinking about another bike myself next year and you can bet your sweet ass it will not be a Victory....Those on this site,and others, can do as they wish, bad-mouth me, whatever makes them happy, but I, like you, will think about it over the winter and go from there..Again I love my Vision and it is otherwise a great bike, but Victory's customer service and response leaves a lot to be desired...Maybe a mistake on my part maybe not...but it is my money and my life not others......Good Luck in the future |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 691
Manchester, CT | From a post above..."The person went on to say that Motorcycles are mechanical and like anything mechanical"
Victory is way out of bounds on this. The fender, although it is associated with mechanical components, friction, energy heat, combusion etc, it is a STATIC component with no moving parts. NO MOVING parts eliminates the definition of mechanical. An example Victory would probably use is the seat started on fire because of the heating element and the wires wore through due to wear and tear because Motorcycles are mechanical. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 802
| Back in 2009 I bought a Harley Street Glide which I subsequently turned into a Road Glide. I also bought their 103 kit and installed it along with a set of their cams. I really enjoyed that bike other than the buffeting, heat and lack of suspension. After installing the 103 kit and cams it wouldn't hardly start anymore. Seems the starter couldn't handle the increase in compression. After doing some research I found out that all of the police bikes Harley was building with the same parts I had put in mine also included electronic compression releases due to the starting problem. This really pissed me off since no place in the installation instructions did it make any reference to potentially needing compression releases. I thought this really unfair so I called them up and asked them for some help in paying labor to remove the heads again so they could be drilled for compression releases like their own police bikes. I was willing to pay for the parts since I would have had to have bought them originally anyway. In so many words they simply blew me off. Of course this got me even madder and I found myself making the same statements you guys are about dumping the bike, etc. I eventually calmed myself and realized that it wasn't the BIKE I was mad at it, it was the PEOPLE who make the bike I was mad at. A pure case of misdirected anger. Here I was contemplating getting ride of a bike I really liked because I was mad at the assholes that represented it. There is the distinct possibility you're doing something similar. You obviously like the bike, its the people you're pissed at. If that's the case then don't take it out on the poor bike. If you do that the only one that will suffer is YOU without your Vision. Think about it :-)
Marc |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 691
Manchester, CT | Spiderman and opas...another way to approach this might be to keep loving and riding your Vision. As we all know the Vision draws attention where ever you go. The past 2 days I've been side tracked by folks that loved my bike. We can utilize this opportunities to let other folks know how Victory treats their customers when it comes to potentially a fatal situation.
You can love the bike at the same time get the word out about Victory. If it were time that I would be looking for a new bike, at this point in time it would be an Indian.
I wonder if Polaris is aware of one of its subsidiary's inexcusable customer satisfaction issue. |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | marcparnes - 2013-08-29 3:18 PM If you do that the only one that will suffer is YOU without your Vision. Think about it :-) Marc the hardest decision in my life. I started to get another Vision, but I don't know what to do with two Visions. If I get the new one, then the old one is done. So, If I get another bike that is not a Vision, I still got the Vision, I just can't give up the Vision. Did I say I can't give up my Vision. I don't know what life would be like if I lost my Vision, I mean, what would it be like. I know it would be pleasant, no matter how cool I LOOKED, it just wouldn't be a Vision. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 100
Hudson, Ohio | marcparnes - 2013-08-29 3:18 PM
Back in 2009 I bought a Harley Street Glide which I subsequently turned into a Road Glide. I also bought their 103 kit and installed it along with a set of their cams. I really enjoyed that bike other than the buffeting, heat and lack of suspension. After installing the 103 kit and cams it wouldn't hardly start anymore. Seems the starter couldn't handle the increase in compression. After doing some research I found out that all of the police bikes Harley was building with the same parts I had put in mine also included electronic compression releases due to the starting problem. This really pissed me off since no place in the installation instructions did it make any reference to potentially needing compression releases. I thought this really unfair so I called them up and asked them for some help in paying labor to remove the heads again so they could be drilled for compression releases like their own police bikes. I was willing to pay for the parts since I would have had to have bought them originally anyway. In so many words they simply blew me off. Of course this got me even madder and I found myself making the same statements you guys are about dumping the bike, etc. I eventually calmed myself and realized that it wasn't the BIKE I was mad at it, it was the PEOPLE who make the bike I was mad at. A pure case of misdirected anger. Here I was contemplating getting ride of a bike I really liked because I was mad at the assholes that represented it. There is the distinct possibility you're doing something similar. You obviously like the bike, its the people you're pissed at. If that's the case then don't take it out on the poor bike. If you do that the only one that will suffer is YOU without your Vision. Think about it :-)
Marc
Hey Marc...good post and great comments - thank you! |
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Tourer
Posts: 500
| Street Eagle...Yu got a point good brother!!...I just got back from a short ride to drop off something at a friends house and I do love riding the Vision..I have it the way I want, chrome wise, S1L1 pipes, etc. and really want to do the Lloydz thing next spring..It does all I want it to do and will surely miss it if I decided to trade...And as Marc has said above, I am actually more upset with the management at Victory for their "stupid" assessment of this fender problem than at the bike itself...But, I will continue to let anyone that wants to talk about this make them acutely aware that Victory puts it profits and corporate CYA ahead of rider safety and customer satisfaction.....Thanks, and I feel better now.....Ride safe
Edited by opas ride 2013-08-29 3:53 PM
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Cruiser
Posts: 154
Danbury, Connecticut | Street Eagle - 2013-08-29 2:19 PM
Spiderman and opas...another way to approach this might be to keep loving and riding your Vision. As we all know the Vision draws attention where ever you go. The past 2 days I've been side tracked by folks that loved my bike. We can utilize this opportunities to let other folks know how Victory treats their customers when it comes to potentially a fatal situation.
You can love the bike at the same time get the word out about Victory. If it were time that I would be looking for a new bike, at this point in time it would be an Indian.
I wonder if Polaris is aware of one of its subsidiary's inexcusable customer satisfaction issue.
Why would you even consider an Indian-the same people that won't offer you a fix for a simple fender half are the ones that will be making those decisions on Indians when parts fail-maybe it will be for something really expensive on that application.
I personally would buy another Vision in a heartbeat. Does it suck that Victory/Polaris won't man up for a design failure-yup. Eventually, if these things are failing that frequently, the NHTSA will force them to recall them and retrofit a new design. Hopefully that happens while it is limited to close calls. If not, some lawyer will make them wish they had done the right thing. And at that point they will be forced to do the right thing anyway. Regardless of if, when and how this ultimately gets resolved, Victory will likely be taught a lesson in public perception, trust and loyalty. They dropped the ball here in a bad way. You could almost understand it if it was a big money item. As I stated in the beginning, I will buy another Vision because I know first hand just what a phenomenal bike it is in areas most important to me, but if I was just shopping for a new touring bike right now or even a non-touring bike, I'd seriously question if I wanted to spend my hard earned cash for a motorcycle with a company that doesn't step up to the plate when things go wrong. |
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Tourer
Posts: 500
| That is what really got my "dander" up as I am normally a pretty easy going kind of guy..5 children of my own and 15+ grandkids I have learned some patience and discipline over the years...Personally,I love my Vision and even more after every ride...But the apparent arrogant attitude of Victory' "engineers" and "their riders" as they quoted, is what really did the damage for me...This issue will not die easily and many Vision owners will think twice about buying another one, especially those who have gone through this fender breaking, with no real results..Victory has never been, as far as I know, a very responsible company when it comes to customer satisfaction with their products..This includes Polaris and its management...Maybe one day they will wake up and realize the damage they have caused to the Vision image, but as I said elsewhere, its looks as if they don.t care.......
Edited by opas ride 2013-08-29 6:14 PM
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Iron Butt
Posts: 965
New York State | I am as mad as any other Vision pilot but I will not give up my bike. Polaris has shown their hand we the owner are left to fix the problem. This example of customer Service will cost them more than they have saved by not fixing the problem.
We ride the most recognizable Victory motorcycle on the road we all know how many people question us at stops.
I will say I own and ride a great touring bike with a potentially fatal flaw, the haters will run with it.
From day one of my 2008 I wanted Mavic to activate the trunk lights.
When I bought my 2011 I added the Tri-Star XP module, my bike has Brake,turn signal marker lights on the trunk.
The Victory badge turns on when I brake as well.
I am going to put a Kewlmetal Vision fender on my bike and hold the Plastic parts if I trade it I will move the metal fender to my new Vision.
Edited by Trekwolf164 2013-08-29 6:56 PM
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 47
| My front fender was just replaced under extended warranty. I'm going to fiberglass the bolt area inside the fender before I put it on. This should help with any future cracking. When the old one broke I used plastic weld and fiberglassed inside over that and the fender seemed as strong as new. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 691
Manchester, CT | Opas...DO THE CAMS!!!! I just did them and other upgrades (see my signature line). The vision went from a great ride to a torque beast. The throttle response is awesome and at 3000 Rpm hang on. Tonight I jumped on it taking 1st to 5000 then hit 2nd the forks at that point were close to pulling 0 Gs. It's like having twin Holley 4 barrels when all 8 barrels kick in! |
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Cruiser
Posts: 281
| Marc - great post.
Victory is responding to Vision owners that provide them with VIN & contact details, and it is on a case-by-case basis. I believe that if your Vision is under warranty the cracked fender replacement may be covered. If you have any questions you should elevate the issue to Victory and speak to them about it. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 100
Hudson, Ohio | Double Vision - 2013-08-30 7:19 AM
Marc - great post.
Victory is responding to Vision owners that provide them with VIN & contact details, and it is on a case-by-case basis. I believe that if your Vision is under warranty the cracked fender replacement may be covered. If you have any questions you should elevate the issue to Victory and speak to them about it.
Hey DV....replacing a defective part with another defective part is not the solution. I contacted Victory, they sent me to the dealer, the dealer submitted the case and they replaced my fender under warranty exception. That's great. This does not solve the problem. This is a design flaw and they need to rework it with a suitable replacement. My Vision is 2 years old - Victory claims it breaks under normal wear and tear. What a joke. They need to do the right thing and redesign it and offer a recall. They won't - but that is what that should do.
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Cruiser
Posts: 281
| Spiderman - 2013-08-30 9:37 AM
Double Vision - 2013-08-30 7:19 AM
Marc - great post.
Victory is responding to Vision owners that provide them with VIN & contact details, and it is on a case-by-case basis. I believe that if your Vision is under warranty the cracked fender replacement may be covered. If you have any questions you should elevate the issue to Victory and speak to them about it.
Hey DV....replacing a defective part with another defective part is not the solution. I contacted Victory, they sent me to the dealer, the dealer submitted the case and they replaced my fender under warranty exception. That's great. This does not solve the problem. This is a design flaw and they need to rework it with a suitable replacement. My Vision is 2 years old - Victory claims it breaks under normal wear and tear. What a joke. They need to do the right thing and redesign it and offer a recall. They won't - but that is what that should do.
Bill, I'm not disagreeing with you on the need for a permanent solution. In the meantime, I'll take the new fender.
If they let me keep the old cracked one, I'll put a fix on that. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 1066
Peru, IN | I still think the Vision is the best touring bike currently made and I'm not mad at the bike at all. I'm beyond pissed at corporate Victory. Whenever it's time to trade my bike in (next year, 5 years or 10 years from now?), I don't know what I'll buy. I DO know it won't be a Victory/Polaris product. (Just to "flip Victory off" without getting rid of the Vision, I looked at one of the new Water Hogs today. HA!) |
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Visionary
Posts: 2300
Georgia, west of Atlanta | Spiderman: I saw in the other post about your dealings with Witchdoctor. Very good brother............. |
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Visionary
Posts: 2300
Georgia, west of Atlanta | Monkeyman: I looked at the water hogs Thursday in Charlotte. I actaully thought they did a good job in the design and application phase. How it works, I'll give it a year. I hope they bring the RoadGlide back as a early '15............. |
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Visionary
Posts: 4278
| Mine was not a flaw. Factory never bolted it down. Bolts were loose and after I tighted them they have not come loose |
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Cruiser
Posts: 100
Hudson, Ohio | Just so everyone knows...To be fair - Victory did cover my OEM plastic fender AND the trim around the fairing that got jacked up as a result of the failed fender. Bair's was great - Tom Yarger submitted my case and he suggested putting the trim in for warranty repair as well. Tom is one of the best Vic Techs out there IMO. My local dealer had done all the things that I would hope for and I have no issues with Bair's whatsoever.
I am working with WitchDoctor because I do not want the same thing to happen to the OEM plastic fender that was replaced. I want a more permanent fix. Which is what I think Victory should be offering the Vision pilots. |
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Tourer
Posts: 500
| It has become very obvious that nothing from Victory will happen on this fender issue...I think the post from KevinX on the recent Indian recall was due to the NHTSA forcing the issue with Polaris..As very few have filed the Victory fender problem with them, nothing will move on Victory's end, as they have washed their hands of the safety factor and apparently are addressing those that file a claim with their dealers, as Spiderman did on a one-to-one basis. Better than nothing I suppose...
Edited by opas ride 2013-08-31 9:15 PM
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Cruiser
Posts: 100
Hudson, Ohio | opas ride - 2013-08-31 10:11 PM
It has become very obvious that nothing from Victory will happen on this fender issue...I think the post from KevinX on the recent Indian recall was due to the NHTSA forcing the issue with Polaris..As very few have filed the Victory fender problem with them, nothing will move on Victory's end, as they have washed their hands of the safety factor and apparently are addressing those that file a claim with their dealers, as Spiderman did on a one-to-one basis. Better than nothing I suppose...
The first thing I did was file a complaint with the NHTSA. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 100
Hudson, Ohio | A nameless member (he can chime in if he wants to) of a different forum has a VP level contact at Victory and put me and Bigfoot (on the VOG) in touch with Ryan Guy about this finder issue. I talked with Ryan Guy from Victory yesterday evening. Ryan is in charge of all consumer affairs for Victory. For those of you that talked to Wes - Ryan is Wes' boss. He really did not tell me anything different than Wes. However, I feel like he now understands that the Victory community is taking this issue seriously and do not accept the response that Victory is standing behind. I made sure he understood that even though the major failure has only been reported by a limited amount of riders that many others have reported the cracks. It is my strong belief that many of the complete failures are being averted due to the exposure we are giving the issue via the forums, facebook and face to face with other riders. He actually agreed with this. I also said there are hundreds, potentially thousands of people that don't visit forums and facebook. Bottom line, they are not planning to change their response on the issue.
It was a very professional discussion and I made sure he understood we are not a handful of guys sitting in a room trying to figure out how we are going to bash Victory. Our motivation is to get the word out, keep people safe and to work with Victory to develop a fix. Honestly, I think they are coming up with a redesign soon and they are focused on that rather than a fix for older Vision - just my opinion.
Anyway, that was it. I am moving on. I will continue to make others aware of it when I have the opportunity. I have fixed mine with the WitchDoctor fender - which is really well done (and I made Ryan aware of that too).
This will most likely be my last post on this thread about the issue. I feel like I have done as much as I can do to get the word out, elevate the issue to Victory and to my part to come up with a non-Victory fix.
Ride safe!
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Iron Butt
Posts: 691
Manchester, CT | Thank you Bill...those of you out there will understand when I say...give me the serenity to accept the things I/we can't change. Is Victory's stance right?....absolutely not. The positive outcome is Bill has documented in this email a conversation he had with the folks at Victory that could initiate a fix if they wanted to but they have declined. As for myself, I will reinforce my current cracked fender while saving to purchase Witchdoctor's solution. TIme to let this one go |
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Visionary
Posts: 1365
Central Maryland | Street Eagle - 2013-10-17 10:14 AM
Thank you Bill...those of you out there will understand when I say...give me the serenity to accept the things I/we can't change. Is Victory's stance right?....absolutely not. The positive outcome is Bill has documented in this email a conversation he had with the folks at Victory that could initiate a fix if they wanted to but they have declined. As for myself, I will reinforce my current cracked fender while saving to purchase Witchdoctor's solution. TIme to let this one go
If you decide to reinforce it, you won't need Witchdoctors solution.  |
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Front Fender - Major Design Flaw