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New user
Posts: 1
| I have been trying to buy either a Vision or XCT over the last 3 weeks and have visited and talked with 3 different Victory dealers. I live in a more rural area and all 3 are approx. 2 hours away. Since all are the same distance away, I wanted to visit each dealer to see if one would be a better "fit' for me (service policies, accessories, etc.). What I found is an attitude similar to Harley dealers (which is why I will never buy a Harley), ARROGANCE! Basically their attitude is if you want it buy it, the price is the price, you should be happy that we are even willing to sell you one. A real turn off when I am looking at spending $20,000+ on a new bike. I figured out of the 3 I visited, there would be one I would like to do business with. But looks like I will either have to expand my search for another Victory dealer or look for another bike brand to buy.
Has anyone else had similar experience with Victory dealers or is it just me?
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Visionary
Posts: 1632
Jasper, MO | I had a similar experience with one dealer that I tried to buy a new Vision from, and the opposite experience from another, who really worked for my business, and provided great support after the sale with accessories and service.
In my experience, they were complete opposites. Dealers vary.
Ronnie
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Cruiser
Posts: 119
CASTRO VALLEY, CA United States | Here in Northern California, there's at least 3-4 Victory dealers within a 30-40 mile radius. They cannot afford to be cocky. Besides Victorys aren't like flying off the showroom floor so they have to work for your business. They have to at least be nice to you until you sign on the dotted line. KTMs, BMWs, and Ducatis, are the cocky dealerships in this area, especially KTMs and BMWs. If their product flies out the showroom before they even get there, who has to be nice especially when buyers are paying what dealers are asking for. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 177
| ALL Harley dealers are arrogant? I'm not real sure about that. I actually gave up on Victory's because of the garbage dealer network. My wife is management for one of the biggest HD dealers in the midwest and yes they are some what pushy(the sales person that is) but at least they know the product they are selling. So many of the core original Vic dealers are gone because Polaris fucked them. I can name 3 in my area of south west Michigan alone. It is sad that Polaris forces the dealer to carry bikes if they are gonna carry quads, sleads and side by sides. So many of the sales people dont know a damn thing about a Vic. I am not here to bash Vic cuz my wife actually rides her Cross Country to her HD job on a regular basis but one thing is for sure is that HD does know there product. |
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New user
Posts: 1
| SW Michigan? Only the Coldwater dealer has my business. Lansing, Kalamazoo and Caledonia...not so much. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 180
Georgia On My Mind.... United States | I like my Victory. I like my dealer.
Guess I should say it more often. Seems like people only speak out when they are dissatisfied.
Did I say that I really like my Victory? |
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Tourer
Posts: 523
seattle, wa | The Vic Polaris dealer nearest me is run by a bunch of snotnosed kids. The kid behind the parts counter is a douche, the kid behind the service desk is douche. I only go there to buy my oil change kit and that's it.
They don't care whether you are there to buy an $25K motorcycle or a $500.00 lawnmower. They are just there because their mommy and daddy told them to get a job. They have no passion.
Not arrogance...just shallowness.
The closest HD dealer treats people better IMO, I rarely go there either but when I do it is a much better experience.
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Cruiser
Posts: 60
Racine, WI United States | I must say that the Victory dealers in my area are pretty nice. They treat you good, usually take a few minutes to see how you and your bike are doing, service is really good. Where I bought my Vision, when it's serviced, it comes back washed and nice and shinny. Now, though when I had my new harley, whenever I went in there, the salesman that sold me the bike would hardly acknowledge that I was there. The only time he would really act interested in why I was there, was only if I was going to spend lots of money that day. Most harley dealers I've ever been in the people that worked there acted like you weren't even there. |
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New user
Posts: 2
Upper Marlboro, MD United States | I have had the pleasure of working with one of the best Victory Dealers. The folk at Victory of Southern Maryland have created a community of riders and they work hard to keep us connected. Bernie and Melinda are first rate. Based upon their skill and can do attitude, I get all my work done by them. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 251
Mechanicsville, VA United States | I have to Second what Cobra830 said, I've never bought a bike from them or parts but have been there three times for open house's and they were real down to earth people and if ever I need something on my bike fixed that I can't fix I'd use them for sure. |
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Visionary
Posts: 4278
| expand your search all you want BUT if you need it repaired or warranty where you going to take it.
Yes there on the arrogance side buy that's cause they have what you want. You would be the same.
If the sales men cut a thousand off the price that might be his house payment or putting food on the family table. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 155
Victoria Tx, TX United States | I travel around the USA.. I live in South East Texas.. The dealer closest only sells @ List unless you show them a sales agreement from another dealer. Corpus Christi seems good dealer and Katy Tx is where I bought my Vision. They also have done all my mods.. Yes I ride 110 miles to there.... But It is a Ride!! The local Polaris Dealer sells everything but Vics... |
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Cruiser
Posts: 177
| Hey copperhead thats where my wife bought her CC was at Planet Powersports, good people but they are 2 hours away. That cock sucker in Caledonia, Smokin Joes, those guys are dicks. I bought a new 09 Kingpin from them and when i priced my wife CC there and told them the deal i was getting at another place...the old man "Joe" flipped out and told me he would not service my bikes. WTF!!! I bought a brand new bike from this ass. I agree though Leaders in Kzoo dont know shit, Village in Holland doesn't know shit and the guys at Full Throttle in Lansing sell way to much other shit to care about the Vics they could sell. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1350
| Are you saying they are arrogant because they won't talk price? A dealer does not have to drop the price. If the primary customer is willing to pay the sticker price why should they? Of course this is a poster that doesn't say where they are from?
There are good and bad dealers for anything we want to buy. When I bought Anny they took my '03 in trade which many Vic dealers wouldn't at the time.
Maybe you are just looking for a reason to move on?
The most important factor for me at a dealer is the service department. Good mech and good timely service. |
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Glendale, AZ United States | rwilly - 2015-03-01 8:02 AM
The Vic Polaris dealer nearest me is run by a bunch of snotnosed kids. The kid behind the parts counter is a douche, the kid behind the service desk is douche. I only go there to buy my oil change kit and that's it.
They don't care whether you are there to buy an $25K motorcycle or a $500.00 lawnmower. They are just there because their mommy and daddy told them to get a job. They have no passion.
Not arrogance...just shallowness.
The closest HD dealer treats people better IMO, I rarely go there either but when I do it is a much better experience.
Get your oil change kit online through the Victory website or Amazon and avoid dealing with the douche bags altogether. 
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Glendale, AZ United States | Interesting. You buy new, spend good money, and in this case over 20K, and those bastards across the country do not give you the courtesy and fail to give you a proper reach around or to use KY jelly at the end of the day Believe me, I get it. You spend that kind of money you want the red carpet waiting for you when you arrive
I may have a solution to the problem for some of you, which may be applicable for a different thread, but I will post here anyway. Many of the folks I have talked to over the years on this forum are mechanically inclined and the "do it yourself" type. My suggestion is you buy used. Yes, USED. I am now on my second VV and convinced without a doubt the VV is in a class all by itself by way of value when purchased used. Many of the folks out there not familiar with subtle changes at best with the VV over the years will not know whether this is a 2015 you are sitting on or a 2009 model.
If you don't need/want ABS buy a 2008/09 and spend 10K instead of 20K. There are many 2008/09 low mileage, private party VVs out there. There are really no major differences between a 2010 and new. If anything, the 2010/2011s have more chrome, which run about 12-13K with low mileage on the odometer instead of 20K plus. Spend it if you got it, but that's not my case. At the end of the day, I will plan ahead by way of finances and continue to buy used and leave the KY with the wife. |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | I have used, very used. 172,700 used, but I bought it new. I thought of getting a 2014 but I figured if this thing keeps rolling, why? I would still ride to California today if I had the chance. Good tires, good oil, starts up fine, and had to finesse it out the ice covered driveway this morning to get to the main road to go to work. All is well in the universe. By the way, I was at the Polaris dealer south of Houston and he tried to sell me a Gold Wing and called my Vision a Hammerhead shark. When I told him to keep his junk and I just rode in from VA looking for the Victory dealer, he shut up. Arrogant, very. But the Victory dealer wasn't much help either, I forget what I was looking for, but whatever it was they didn't have it. With all of that, most Victory dealers are buy if you like, or I can sell you something else, since most are not pure Victory dealers. I go for what I want, thankfully I don't want much. Victory has forgotten my name, it's been 8 years since I bought something big from them. But with that said, not many do I know that has the miles I have, that speaks positive to their product, so why don't they call me? |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 31
Great Mills, MD | I ride with PVR, all our meetings are held at Victory of Southern Maryland, we have a great relationship with Bernie and Melinda! Their open houses are great, pancake breakfast and drinks. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1365
Central Maryland | I may start taking a cruise down to southern Maryland and check out that dealer. Last time I was up at Cheaspeake Cycles for some warranty work (and they denied the warranty); I also brought a new E3 with me to be mounted on the rear.
During the settlement of my repair bill, they tried to charge me for the tire. Unreal. |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | Victory of Southern Maryland is the tops in all the dealers I have visited!!! |
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Tourer
Posts: 341
West Salem, WI United States | Steve, where are you located? Dealers here in the WI/MN area seem to be pretty good. |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 10
Huntsville, AL | I second that...I like my Victory. I like my dealer. Guys were good from day one. Wouldn't have bought from them otherwise. Sad to think there are "bad" dealers out there.....Seen it with others....HD especially....
Did I say that I really like my Victory and my dealer?
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Cruiser
Posts: 67
| Living in 2 different areas of the country each year and purchasing my VV at my Northern dealer in La Crosse, WI I can say that both dealers the one at my home in Denton, TX which I did not purchase my bike have been great!! Both dealers have handled warranty issues to my satisfaction. I have done equal business after the purchase with both and always try to help a sales person with a sale if I can. See the thing that I find in most dealers is the sales people do not know enough about the bike/brand to give out the great points it has. It is fun to answer the little questions that can lead to a sale for the dealer also helping out the brand I have endeared so much. I always when I was in the market state to the sales person that I am interested and doing research before I purchase. If the sales person is interested and knows the brand they will be able to promote it as such. As said above I do believe the training of sales people is lacking of carnal knowledge but then most dealers have multiple brands so there is a lot to know.
My salesman loves it when I walk in the door, he will tell his customer to hang on a second, and call me over to help him with the fine points of the bike which I love to do for him. The Victory brand to me is a word of mouth brand by those that own them and ride them. That is exactly what got me interested when a guy next to me had a CC Tour at the Deadwood KOA campground during Sturgis a couple of years ago. Most of us have our reasons to purchase this great bike and it seems that we the owners are the ones to really spread that love of the brand.
Sometimes what seems to be arrogance might be in fact the lack of knowledge and not wanting to show it........
Edited by Tom13 2015-03-07 7:16 AM
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 33
Sacramento, CA United States | I agree with most of what Tom13 states:
1. V is a word of mouth product.
2. The sales staff's poorly educated 'bout the product.
3. If the staff isn't familiar with a product they should refer the customer to a more knowledgeable source. When I was shopping 'round for my VV the local salesman referred me to a "volunteer" he had working in the shop who owned a Vision. That guy was the greatest influence in my decision to go with VV than an HD Ultra! I've since been back to that shop and talked to both the worker and the sales-guy on various occasions. But, the shop help seem to be the most knowledgeable to date.
Now for my gripe...
What does sexual knowledge have to do with selling a bike?
Tom13 states:
" As said above I do believe the training of sales people is lacking of carnal knowledge but then most dealers have multiple brands so there is a lot to know."
Carnal Knowledge (as defined) is:
Carnal knowledge is an archaic or legal euphemism for sexual intercourse.[1] The term derives from the Biblical usage of the verb know/knew, as in the King James Bible and other versions, a euphemism for sexual conduct. An example of this usage is in the first part of the Bible, the Book of Genesis, which describes how Adam and Eve had sexual intercourse and created their first child: "And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bore Cain, and said, I have gotten a man with [the help of] Jehovah." ? Genesis 4:1.
So (I guess) turn the torch ON fellas (LOL)....
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 25
| The original Victory dealer in my area had their dealership pulled (I spit on the ground after saying their name) and now they only carry Suzuki and Kawasaki. They were subsequently convicted of money laundering because they helped drug dealers turn dirty cash into clean through stretched, customized Busa's and ZX-14's. They even had to change the name in order to keep what little they have left. Those POSs are the primary reason I won't even consider a Suzuki after owning a bunch of GSX-Rs while living in a different area. I think we are going to get lucky with regards to a new Victory/Indian/Polaris dealership. I've met the owners and some of the employees and they are all fairly nice and knowledgeable. The owner has 5 dealerships so he is not a fly by night operator who will be gone tomorrow. The Polaris side is open now with Victory and Indian to follow in about 6 weeks. It's about time because I've been taking my Vic to the BMW dealership to have minor service done on my bike. Lucky for me BMW provides top notch service at, believe it or not, the most reasonable prices in town.
A suggestion to steve71003; If the Stealerships in your area are so arrogant, try cycletrader. You can usually find some good deals on slightly used bikes and only use the stealership for the big stuff which is highly unlikely that you'll ever need with a Vic. Vics are very reliable if you just give em a little love and change out the engine oil and lube the parts that encounter friction from time to time.
Edited by olekneedragger 2015-03-08 1:54 PM
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Iron Butt
Posts: 880
Orlando, FL | Dealers are dealers. Cars, Bike, Boats. They are all pretty much the same. Some good some bad, some in between. So when I want to buy a vehicle, I do my research, test ride if possible and know what I want and what I am willing to pay. Then I start making calls. Every dealer in 100 miles. Buying my Vic I called at least 7 dealers before I found the one that was willing to work and sell me a Vision. They gave me the deal I wanted and we both walked away happy. For my last car, I shopped via the internet, then called. Same results. Bad dealers are not worth the time it takes to throw a piece of trash in the can. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 67
| Davet - 2015-03-08 1:43 PM
I agree with most of what Tom13 states:
1. V is a word of mouth product.
2. The sales staff's poorly educated 'bout the product.
3. If the staff isn't familiar with a product they should refer the customer to a more knowledgeable source. When I was shopping 'round for my VV the local salesman referred me to a "volunteer" he had working in the shop who owned a Vision. That guy was the greatest influence in my decision to go with VV than an HD Ultra! I've since been back to that shop and talked to both the worker and the sales-guy on various occasions. But, the shop help seem to be the most knowledgeable to date.
Now for my gripe...
What does sexual knowledge have to do with selling a bike?
Tom13 states:
" As said above I do believe the training of sales people is lacking of carnal knowledge but then most dealers have multiple brands so there is a lot to know."
Carnal Knowledge (as defined) is:
Carnal knowledge is an archaic or legal euphemism for sexual intercourse.[1] The term derives from the Biblical usage of the verb know/knew, as in the King James Bible and other versions, a euphemism for sexual conduct. An example of this usage is in the first part of the Bible, the Book of Genesis, which describes how Adam and Eve had sexual intercourse and created their first child: "And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bore Cain, and said, I have gotten a man with [the help of] Jehovah." ? Genesis 4:1.
So (I guess) turn the torch ON fellas (LOL)....
Living in 2 different areas of the country each year and purchasing my VV at my Northern dealer in La Crosse, WI I can say that both dealers the one at my home in Denton, TX which I did not purchase my bike have been great!! Both dealers have handled warranty issues to my satisfaction. I have done equal business after the purchase with both and always try to help a sales person with a sale if I can. See the thing that I find in most dealers is the sales people do not know enough about the bike/brand to give out the great points it has. It is fun to answer the little questions that can lead to a sale for the dealer also helping out the brand I have endeared so much. I always when I was in the market state to the sales person that I am interested and doing research before I purchase. If the sales person is interested and knows the brand they will be able to promote it as such. As said above I do believe the training of sales people are lacking of needed knowledge, but then most dealers have multiple brands so there is a lot to know.
My salesman loves it when I walk in the door, he will tell his customer to hang on a second, and call me over to help him with the fine points of the bike which I love to do for him. The Victory brand to me is a word of mouth brand by those that own them and ride them. That is exactly what got me interested when a guy next to me had a CC Tour at the Deadwood KOA campground during Sturgis a couple of years ago. Most of us have our reasons to purchase this great bike and it seems that we the owners are the ones to really spread that love of the brand.
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I don't live on this sight everyday so I could not apologize for my poor choice of words sooner. Sooooo, Sorry to offend you DaveT for my poor choice of words and thank you for the history lesson. I will make sure I go to church Sunday and repent my sins of word abuse. But you have to admit it is all about the love, lust, or passion we have for our bikes. In the end, it is, the intercourse of verbal to written communication we have for the brand we ride on this forum. Because of that we can find and share the fine details and passion of the brand we love so much..... Now that I stand corrected!!!! I hope and pray that you can find forgiveness and accept the above edited version of my post above. Ya know come to think of it maybe that is what I miss about the people that love the HD brand they are not so f-ing critical and thanks for pointing that out! Which also explains why so many just lurk on this sight when they need information concerning our interest!!
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Visionary
Posts: 2026
Brighton, TN | Tom13- I'm here for ya. For the opinionated member above who suggests Carnal only means one thing.
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/carnal
Full Definition of CARNAL
1 a : relating to or given to crude bodily pleasures and appetites
b : marked by sexuality <carnal love>
2 : bodily, corporeal <seen with carnal eyes>
3 a : temporal <carnal weapons>
b : worldly <a carnal mind>
It appears the word was used correctly and I, a mere hillbilly, kinda figured out what he meant and understood it. Carnal knowledge of a bike would possibly mean that the sales folks have no clue that the awesome Victory 106 has hydraulic rockers. I'm tired but I think that is what they are. Only a die hard motor head would desire to know such carnal knowledge. It's deep, but if it is what you are "into" then carnal it must be. By the way I like the word Carnal and it doesn't always mean "Gettin' your Sexy on!" Now I need a nap. |
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Tourer
Posts: 573
Central Illinois | <p>Dealers vary a lot. I visited 2 dealers before I found the one where I bought my Vision. I see no reason to ever go back to those other two but Sportland in Champaign/Urbana has always taken care of me.</p>
Edited by Oldman47 2015-03-16 1:48 PM
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, KY United States | I thought maybe it was just me at first, or maybe they were too busy, but my local dealer really didn't want to take the time to even talk to me about his in-stock Visions. I stopped by twice. They really didn't seem to want to even talk to me, as I stood there waiting for a loooong time while they screwed around talking to each other and being on the phone. Nobody else was in the shop. I ended up buying a Vison from another state and getting a sweet deal because it was used. When I took the warranty transfer paperwork to this local shop, thinking I could give it to them, they didn't even bother taking a look at it and dismissed me immediately, saying something like, "Just mail it in!" and that's all they said.
To contrast, I went to the local bike shop in my small town today to talk to them about an oil change, and they were friendly and all over it. I'd rather get my oil changed by a Victory shop, but they're 50 minutes away and not exactly friendly. I may go with the local guys. |
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Glendale, AZ United States | Bek,
Keep in mind an oil change is an extremely easy procedure to do on the Vision, which should take no longer than 20 min from start to finish in addition to getting everything you need from Amazon with Prime shipping to do it. Short of oil changes, occasional cable lube, air filter, spark plugs, brake pads is all you need to do and you do not have to be a mechanic or posses a strong mechanical skills to do this stuff. I am just trying to save you some money my friend in addition to the added aggravation.
There are videos on youtube from radioteacher and witchdoctors. You bought a long-distance pack camel and it was designed with a lot of thought in mind for that purpose. If I was you, I would ride all over the state until you find an authorized Victory shop to do the big service stuff for you and make a fun day out of it. Vlad.
http://www.amazon.com/2008-2013-Victory-Vision-Tour-Change/dp/B00BL...
Edited by Vladezip 2015-03-26 12:59 AM
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Tourer
Posts: 447
Cleveland, GA | I can't say enough good things about my Victory dealer. Max Motorsports in Pelham, Alabama (near Birmingham) has a tremendous sales and service staff. Chris in sales, Robbie in parts, and Jack in the service department are awesome! They have always bent over backwards to help me any time I needed it and are really knowledgeable about their products. Tommy once did an Alabama to LA round trip on a Vision. I go out of my way to see them when I need any work done on my Vision. I highly recommend them to anyone. |
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, KY United States | Hey Vlad, just saw this--thanks for the tips. The Victory shop only charges like $18 than that kit, so I'll probably still have them do it, but it's good to know it's easy. Maybe I will watch them so I can do it next time. I am not too mechanically inclined, but have been known to do a few things here and there. 
I am definitely all about riding all over the state (and beyond). Heading down to Little Switzerland, NC in about a month for a little get-together of about 30 guys. Getting excited already.
Thanks, man. Take care. |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 40
Cheyenne, WY United States | I agree. Dealers go all ways. I like my dealer but didn't do much looking around (And I'm an analyst by trade so what's with that?) At any rate I may not like what he tells me sometimes but the salesman is a great guy and him and the service dept seem to know what the "Carnal Knowledge" they are talking about......get it...carnal knowledge..... ;-) |
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, KY United States | I have to revise my comment. I went in for an oil change a couple of weeks ago, and my mechanic was nice as could be. I don't remember who I spoke to the first time, but it was like day and night. This guy was all right. The owner was pretty obnoxious, but I really liked the guy working there. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 190
| I was riding an '85 BMW when I retired in 2002. Because I lived on the road full time for 8 years, I always kept an extra oil filter or 2 with me for those every 5,000 mile oil changes. I hit the BMW dealer on the west side of Oklahoma City to buy a new filter and had to laugh at the "contempt" on the face of the service man who happened to see my bike and trailer sitting out front. However, that's been the only BMW dealership I've seen that kind of attitude. Same with the HD dealership in Corpus Christi TX. I went there 3 separate times to talk to someone about a Road Glide and until my 3rd visit never even got so much as a hello. I even hung around an hour each time.
I'll never understand some of these arrogant attitudes we see out there but that simply means we have to do our own homework before we hit the showroom. For those like me who view visiting a dealership so I can talk bikes and riding as a vacation, however, it's good to find someone who actually rides and "knows" what you're talking about. |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 24
Chicago | I HAD SIMILAR EXPERIENCE WITH A DEALER IN INDIANA, DECIDED TO GO TO ANOTHER DEALER IN MARENGO IL. AND HAVE BEEN TREATED LIKE A KING EVERY TIME I WALK IN THE DOOR, THEY KNOW ME BY NAME AND ALWAYS WILLING TO TALK AND HELP IN ANY WAY. |
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Tourer
Posts: 447
Cleveland, GA | I have had nothing but good experiences with my dealer - Max Motorsports in Pelham, Alabama (just south of Birmingham). The guys there RIDE and are thoroughly knowledgeable about Victory bikes. Great people; great attitudes; great mechanics. These guys treat me great and I am really happy to recommend them.
I bought my Vision in late 2007 and they have kept me going ever since. First rate place and genuinely good guys. |
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Dealer Arrogance