|
|
Cruiser
Posts: 111
Salina, KS | I'll start by saying I've owned three Vic's and have always been a "cheerleader" for the brand, but I'm debating whether it's time to move on. It seems The Mother Ship has back-burnered Victory while rejuvenating Indian, not that they seemed to care that much prior to that acquisition. Their dealer network is sparse, seem to have mail-order parts departments delivered via pack mule and doesn't seem to focus on developing a "Victory Culture". My buddy takes his H-D in for service and gets the bike back washed/fueled as a complimentary service. We buy $20k Visions and have to put up with broken front fenders, we buy $21k XCT and have to live with poorly designed saddlebag latches.....why? What am I missing?
I admit the new H-D's do appeal to me and never thought I would say that. Upgraded electronics, LED lighting, dealers with parts literally hanging on the walls, machines with excellent paint and fit/finish and backed by a company that is very accomodating when it comes to their customers. Am I asking too much from a soon-to-be 20 year old premium motorcycle manufacturer? |
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 180
Georgia On My Mind.... United States | I was riding that Bavarian brand for a very long time and they (we) had all those upgraded stuff that you speak of.
I'm much, much happier now with my '14 Vision. It's a simple, good looking and RELIABLE bike.
I couldn't be, and never have been, more pleased with any bike than I am with my Victory. I just read that Victory's sales are up this year too.
If you want a Harley, more power to ya. I'm sticking with Victory.. |
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 123
NE Florida Jacksonville | I have both a Vision and an Indian Vintage. Both are great bikes and are almost maintenance free. Oil & filter changes and check the air pressure in the tires. I'd rather enjoy riding now than spending hours turning a wrench. It is always a pleasure to hit that starter button and never worry about getting down the road. HD has done little to improve their engine and many of my HD friends have had to drop a ton of change to fix cam chains. Look at the better design in both Polaris products as compared to HD. My front fender is original on my Vision and she is now five years old. I'm happy with both bikes and they are unique to the point I'll never loose them in the crowd of HD's. |
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 60
Racine, WI United States | There's a reason harley has parts hanging all over the walls. It's called part failures. When I got my '13 Vision, I also got a $500 for accessories, picked out what I wanted, had them in two days. When I get mine serviced, it comes back to me spotless. From my conversation with Zach Ness from last summers Hot Bike Power Tour, 2016 is going to be Victory's year for new things. He is good friends with one of the top exec's at Victory, and they know that the Victory riders feel left out, and that 2016 will have somethings new for us. All I know is that no matter what, I'll never go back to harley.
|
|
| |
|
Tourer
Posts: 523
seattle, wa | You bought a motorcycle, not a Harley. There is a difference.
I agree that Polaris (call it Victory or Indian, it is still Polaris) has dropped the ball in a lot of areas, but they excel in other areas. Polaris makes a fairly good motorcycle. Polaris is more of a profit company, they don't seem to have the passion for making motorcycles, they jumped on the cruiser bandwagon just like everyone else did only they have more money to last longer than the other wannabes. The Vison was a cool bike when it came out, altho not revolutionary as a lot of people said it was. It just another V-twin with a different wrapper. If Polaris wants to be in the game in another 20 years (I doubt they last that long before they move on to the next fad) they need to stand behind their product.
I can only comment on my 08 Vision and the troubles I have had, I know nothing about any other Vics or Indians. I don't have many miles on my bike, 37k but I have had only minor issues, the trans is noisy, the seat ripped, nothing too serious yet. We can only hope that Polaris steps up to the plate and gets aggressive with their motorcycles. Forget HD, Polaris needs to try and get after Honda, the worlds largest!
One of the reasons I bought Polaris is because at that time there was such a Buy American feeling in this country (as there should be) I opted for the Polaris figuring HD had enough loyalist to keep them afloat. I wanted to spread the wealth.
I have a feeling that I will beon an EVO powered HD after this Vision is gone. |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 1365
Central Maryland | 0 |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 4278
| Lets face it Victory build a cheap bike. You spend hard earned money and get cheap. Reading all these forums we get brain washed into think Vic is good and Harley is not.
I love the design of the vision buy there is so many cheap parts on the bike to say nothing of how expensive replacement parts are. |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 1365
Central Maryland | I'm still pissed off about my front drive sprocket's seal going bad; with only 17K on the bike. Not warranted and totally unacceptable. I don't see the Vic quality anymore. |
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 180
Georgia On My Mind.... United States | johnnyvision - 2015-01-31 6:48 PM
Lets face it Victory build a cheap bike. You spend hard earned money and get cheap. Reading all these forums we get brain washed into think Vic is good and Harley is not.
I love the design of the vision buy there is so many cheap parts on the bike to say nothing of how expensive replacement parts are.
I agree the parts are high, but the demand is nowhere as high as the Harley stuff. Price and demand and supply.
But, what do you specifically mean about "cheap bike" concerning the Victory's?
Edited by Pops 2015-02-01 4:00 PM
|
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 4278
| Look at your exhaust mufflers paint pealing off. Look at your headers and flange nuts. Nuts and studs cover with rust. Headers all dis colored and glow red when hot. Look at the discoloring in the cross over pipe. Rubber coating pealing off grips. Paint finish. Way to much end play in gear shifter and break pedal. Recycled paper in owners book and service manual falls a part very easy. Seat stitching ripping out. How many have had front fender break off do to not tighten bolts or wrong kind of bolt and no lock washer. Cheap ass tool kit.
|
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 1308
Sand Rock, AL United States | My Vision is a 2008, the seat did rip. Common among 08's. I have over 96K on mine. The only issue I had is I blew a headgasket from letting a high mileage bike run sitting still in summer heat way too long. The is the first and only time it has seen the inside of a service bay. Big deal, that was my bonehead mistake. I have the original fender. original battery, belt, steering head bearing, wheel bearings, clutch. I did have the grips replaced under warranty , the throttle side didn't work , also common. big deal. It's the best bike I have ever owned. Varyder has over 172,000 miles on his 08 ORIGINAL, UNALTERED , UNBROKEN MOTOR. Try that with your EVO. Sure , we would all like some upgrades , I hear they are coming 2016. But if they don't , my 08 won't be worn out yet anyway going by the impeccable service Chris's has given him. I might like to have a RM one day but nothing is a Vision. Get your HD if you want , that's the great thing about America. Ride what you like. Cost of ownership puts me out of the market for a Harley. I have HD friends , I know. They need constant attention, and built in service requirements that make it cost prohibitive for me. My Vision needs oil and tires, period. |
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 111
Salina, KS | jimtom, some might consider that neglect by failing to service the bike according to the schedule. My point was that we pay hard-earned cash for a premium machine and aren't important enough as a customer to even have vaild safety concerns addressed. We routinely have extended wait times when parts are needed. We take a back seat when the mothership decides they want another cycle company. We watch as others evolve with technology while our bike, the Vision, has gotten cheaper components during it's lifetime. My '09 had chrome floorboards, chrome switch cubes, billet wheels and gas shocks on the saddlebag doors....none of which can be had today outside of post-purchase. Yes it's a sound platform, yes it's reliable, but at what point do you quit making excuses for their seeming lack of concern....I'm at that point almost. I mean they bailed on the ONE true meaningful event for Victory owners last year by failing to support AVR....would other manufacturers do that? I don't think so. I'm truly hopeful we see new and updated machines throughout the line in 2016....if not I'll be moving on while they stand still for another year. |
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 60
Racine, WI United States | Not to sound like a smart ass, but, why in the hell do you think harley has done all the things that they have done in the last ten years? Victory has pushed harley into making changes. Yes, Victory needs to address their line, maybe some styling changes to the Vision, and for those who have to have all the latest technology, then do the gps, blue tooth, etc., electronic upgrades. Then guess what, the new price will sky-rocket. There's a reason Victory did away with all the chrome, it was to bring the price down, make it more appealing to the other riders that ride the touring bikes. But, back to the high tech things, are you willing to pay an extra 1500 to 2000 dollars more for it? I won't, cause I'm an old fart, and I don't like all that crazy shit on it. Have on my F-150, and don't use it. And as far as using cheap parts, take a look at what they're putting on harley's, then look at all the recalls harley had in '14, over 120,000 bikes recalled. Looks like to me that the Victory parts are a little bit better than the Chinese parts harley is using. The '14 AVR, I think that Polaris was more concerned about finishing the new factory so the could double the size and employement to build Victory and Indian motorcycles. Sometimes it's better to concentrate on the more important business decisions. |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 4278
| <p>sorry I think your wrong chrome switch housing went a way with the cross country. Now they can have all black housing on all models thing witch cuts coast. Doing a way with the gas shock on the saddle doors same thing being cheap. Look at the exhaust flange nuts rust same for the studs. You can tighten them op once a month and they will be loose next month. Harley never. Harley builds a mush better quality appealing bike. That's why they sell so many. You say Harley recalls really. Look at how many Vic has over the years a lot and now they just came out with that Sling Shot and it has a recall on it and what about the motor clearance issues last year and the fuel pump recalls this year.</p><p>To say nothing how Vic says to change a perficly good drive belt at 1500 thousand when harley runs the same belt even narrower and says inspect at 75 thousand miles. Or change your fork oil at 15 thousand when harley runs the same oil and say change at 50 thousand. Victory is not that good face it. It it was not for what we call up greades a 2000 model would be just fine.</p><p>I love the design of the vision thats why I have one and I put up with the rest of it. </p>
Edited by johnnyvision 2015-02-06 5:37 PM
|
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 1365
Central Maryland | Thinking about getting a Harley now.... which one?
J/K 
Edited by willtill 2015-02-06 7:19 PM
|
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 1365
Central Maryland | johnnyvision - 2015-02-06 6:32 PM
....Look at the exhaust flange nuts rust same for the studs. You can tighten them op once a month and they will be loose next month. This has always bothered me. The corrosion of the studs and the fastening nut. What can you do to clean it up and prevent it from occurring again? |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 4278
| willtill - 2015-02-07 6:08 AM johnnyvision - 2015-02-06 6:32 PM
....Look at the exhaust flange nuts rust same for the studs. You can tighten them op once a month and they will be loose next month. This has always bothered me. The corrosion of the studs and the fastening nut. What can you do to clean it up and prevent it from occurring again? I don't know maybe a grade harder nuts and studs. Better heat treaded ones. Look at your mufflers and see all the rust and paint coming off |
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 103
Davenport, IA | My 09 Vision has been flawless other than a blown rear shock which the local dealer replaced under warranty with a smile. I even replaced myself. My Viision has never seen the service department since I do all my maintenance myself. I have personally dealt with 3 dealers, and all have provided good customer service, with no complaints. No broken front fender, no rusted exhaust flange bolts. I have ridden with many friends who own Harley's. Every Harley owner that I've known has had issues of one kind or another that sent their bike to the HD dealer to be repaired. It's that when people become a HD owner, they seem to accept the fact and don't even flinch when they have to take it to the dealer to sort out their issue. Makes me enjoy and appreciiate my Vic even more. I've been on several long journey's and always return home with a smile and wanting more. Can't wait till my next journey on a bike that is comfy, dependable, and provides satisfaction with no regrets. I'll keep riding her until Victory tempts me with a now model! |
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 119
CASTRO VALLEY, CA United States | Tonyj, you're not missing anything. Freedom of choice is great. Buy what you like. Companies can care less about you and I. It's a business thing. I wouldn't take it personally. I already know my next bike will be Japanese. IMO, it's hard to beat their reliability and simplicity. They're so reliable that they're boring and have no personality, and that's okay by me. |
|
| |
|
Tourer
Posts: 400
| I had my 2013 XC parked next to a co-workers Harley whatever. It's Harley's equivalent to the XC. He started his up. Exhaust, fairing, mirrors, motor, rear fender, get the point, vibrated. I fired up the XC, and it just sat there and idled. Nothing moving. His biked looked like it was having a seizure. I guess he had a good point when he said the vibration stops when you get up to about 20 mph, if you want to call that a good point. Oh, and I guess the resale value is good, if that's a main reason for buying bike. |
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 60
Racine, WI United States | IndyVision, the resale on harley's aren't any better than any other bike. That crap about them holding their value is just that, crap. Ask anyone who has tried to sell a used harley, they can't. There was a used ultra here in town where I live last year for sale. He had it sitting in his front yard on a very busy street from early April till early October, nobody wanted it. So much for holding their value, if you can't sell it, your not getting your great resale value then. |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 1365
Central Maryland | I view motorcycles as consumables. Once I've bought and/or paid it off; it becomes more of a liability than an investment. Never going to get top dollar for one on a resale. That's the farthest of my worries.
If I can get at least the average; between KBB trade in and retail values; I'm satisfied.
Edited by willtill 2015-02-13 9:55 AM
|
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 251
Mechanicsville, VA United States | Back in 05 I bought a 04 KP (left over) and after buying it I noticed the exhaust flange bolt were rusting so I bought a spray can of Silver spray paint, I spray it into a spray can cap and take an artist brush and painted the bolts, that ended the rust problem...I also found other places on the bike that seem to get rusty so I do the same thing with what ever the color might be. It's easy and cheap. One other thing I don't wash my bike I use a wet rag to clean my bike. I've seen guys spray water all over there bikes and then get on FB and other forums showing picture of this white stuff coming out of the spark plug holes and complaining that Victory has done something wrong cause this stuff is all over the cylinder and it won't come off. Stop spraying water all over your bikes, they're water proof but not rust proof and rain falls from the sky without any force, water from a garden hose is under pressure and it will go where you don't want it to go. JMHO |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 1365
Central Maryland | A gas powered leaf blower works wonders after a bike wash; especially focused around the heads/spark plug wells...
|
|
| |
|
Tourer
Posts: 416
Prairie City, IA United States | It might be time for you to move on to a Harley. I think everyone should experience the HD lifestyle just once in their lifetime. Mine came at the very early age of 15 when my Dad bought a 1972 350 Scrambler. Got the bike in the spring and traded it the following year for a Yamaha RD 250 (Bullet proof little rocket). In that year the HD starter went out 3 times and spent most of it time back in the shop. You couldn't kick start the thing without breaking your leg or getting thrown over the handlebars. My point is that this left such a bad taste in my mouth that I have never considered another HD since. Every time I have ridden one of my friends HD bikes I confirm that I have made a better choice for me.
Some of you want modern technology like LED lights and great stereo systems. I really don't care about either one. I have learned a long time ago that technology is obsolete as soon as it hits the shelf. There will always be something cooler or better that will come out. That is why there are so many used bikes with only a few miles on them. The "gotta have it" crowd gets suckered in and buy the newest obsolete technology. My lights work just fine. My radio when it is turned on works just fine. My bike has some rust in spots because I ride it in all conditions and I wash it once a week to get the bugs off. The paint is doing well too. I didn't buy it to have a great trade in value. I bought it to ride. I happen to love the bike just as she is. When it finally decides to lay down and die with 250,000 miles on it or more, I will have no regrets. |
|
| |
|
Iron Butt
Posts: 880
Orlando, FL | Tony, I'm guessing you have been on the motorcycle scene for less than 10 years. No one but HD offers what you describe. What you are missing is the decades of heritage and the almost 40 years of revival in Harley Davidson bikes. I believe the brand began to become mainstream in the 80's and has been growing like gangbusters ever since. So now you have a large dealer network and all the goodies that go along with it, including dealers that make tons of money, have service bays fuel all the time with 3-10 full time mechanics and can offer free wash and wax with your service. Ever seen your Vic dealer with that much service in the bay?
I remember in the 70's the HD network was as sparse as the Vic network. Only a few bought HD. Why you expect Vic's to be where HD is when HD sells over 250,000 bikes a year and Vic only sells a fraction of that is beyond me. But if you want that kind of dealer network, buy an HD, as NO OTHER BRAND has that kind of clout. |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | I have no impeccable service record on my bike, abuse is really the word, but the bike keeps on ticking. The case is unbroken, I haven't even pulled the covers. Spark Plugs, oil drain and filter, and exhaust pipes are the only things that have pulled off the block. I agree that Victory has never tried to sell culture, but that is what makes the bikes sell. HD, Indian, Big Dog, choppers, euros, gold wing, and crotch rockets are culture based sellers. Most of the guys I met who ride any of those will not give it up for anything. There are very few who truly will stay with the Victory brand. You are an example of that, because you don't feel loved by the mothership. I expected that when I bought the Vision. The mothership no longer knows my name, but that is okay, I've lived without her since my warranty ran out in 2011. You do what you feel is best TJ, if you can get on another bike and be happy, do it, and do it quickly, life is to short to live wishin' and hopin'... |
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 67
| I to switched up from the Harley culture but then I am considered a Lonewolf rider most of the time. One of the reasons I made the switch is HD has always been more of a culture than quality. Come to think about it, quality has never been their high point. Reasons I say this was at 27,000 miles my 07 ultra had a catastrophic failure where a part in the primary failed which the dealer knew was a weak link. But chose not to mention this would fail at this many miles on most of the bikes for this year. No they just let them fail and then you better hope you have the extended warranty. Final cost for this "little" problem ended up being 5800 bucks. I already paid in the area of 26 to 27,000 bucks for with the extras I did to it. Between the 300 to 500 dollar service requirements every 5000 miles tires every 8500 miles it was a matter of cost period. Now as time has gone by the price to advertise for them was well over 30 bucks for a tee shirt. Not to mention I still have my basket case 91 Heritage Classic that needs a tranny and motor at 67,000 miles. Come on HD least you could have done is give a small bottle of KY with every purchase.
Then after having over 30 grand in the bike they wanted to low ball me on a trade when the bike had a brand new motor and primary installed with less than 7,000 miles on it. So yea I am a very disgruntled former HD owner. If you have to have the weekend lunches and hang out with the weekend crowd a the dealership then by all means go for it. But for me this is not what riding for me is about.
My riding includes those nice 30 degree nights and 110 degree days. My riding requires more than average maintenance because of the miles I ride a year. I also like to know that sure I not only didn't pay as much for my 2013 and after everything that has been done I still have less then my 07 Ultra cost out the door new way back when. In the long run I will get 2 types of returns from this ride. Longevity and cost of maintenance. The only thing I would like to see Ma Vic change is let the dealers be proud of the brand and market their own tee shirts with the brand name. Still believe that this can be done for around 25 bucks instead of 35 like HD. The reason, it is kind of nice to be loyal and proud of the brand at the same time promoting what I feel is the best bike for the buck American made around. It would be fun to show people all the places I have been with my Victory and God knows for sure I will have more cash in my pocket to go to all these places enjoying what this country has to offer. Especially on a product that has been made by the hands of my brothers and sisters right here in the good old USA. Victory is by no means perfect but then if you look at the average maintenance cost for all bikes it sure does shine..........
Ride hard, Keep the rubber down............
Edited by Tom13 2015-02-14 3:29 PM
|
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 67
| Another thing to think about TJ is Ma Vic is going through some major growing pains over the last year. Think about it one factory 2 brands rolling out of it now. Big time expansion pains!!! I really don't believe that Ma Vic is dissing the Victory brand as much as they are trying to deal with production problems and kicking out a new/old brand in the right way which after seeing them a few weeks ago, not for me but, a very beautiful classy well thought about product.
After talking to a Victory Factory Rep at the Motorcycle show in Dallas a few weeks ago these very things were brought up. I was also told that 2016 was going to bring about many new things and 2017 many more. Now with announced expansion going on in the Southern part of the country I do believe all of this is for one reason. Not making this brand obsolete........ My best to you in the direction you decide to head as it is about the only freedom we have in this country anymore.......
Edited by Tom13 2015-02-14 3:49 PM
|
|
| |
What am I missing?