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Cruiser
Posts: 88
| The reason that I'm writing this is that I was finally able to talk my girl friend into letting me buy a new bike right now I have a BMW k1200tl I recently had problems with it so I took it to the dealer to fix it
it took them over 9 mouths to fix it pulse they had made things worst and refused to correct the problems that they did. I do like the bike but I will never deal with any BMW dealer again so what my question is dose anyone know how the victory dealers are. I think I would like to get one but there is only one dealer here. So if I have any problems with them I would not have any place to have work done on my bike. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thank you
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Visionary
Posts: 1340
Gainesville Fl Home of the Gators | Where are you at????? | |
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Cruiser
Posts: 266
Stockton, Ca. | In my experience the Victory dealerships vary and just like BMW dealers. There are very good and very bad dealers out there. I have experienced both sides with Victory. My first purchase was from a remote country Polaris dealer that also sold Victory. Their prices were great but service was the worst I had ever experienced, no follow up either. I was left waiting months for follow up to a factory recall.
On the other side of the coin, as a result I checked out another dealer, Arlen Ness in Dublin Ca. and they were quick to assist with the recall issue, (no waiting) and serviced me as though I purchased the bike right there. A first Class operation! I purchased my Vision there and have been a loyal customer since my first experience.
My best suggestion to you is to go into your local dealership and see what type of operation it is. If Victory is a side line be careful. | |
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Cruiser
Posts: 297
VA | I would agree. I don't think it would be fair to say that Victory dealers are better than "name other brand." What I do think, is that BMW, and some other brands got a little lax, and took for granted that they had a superior product. I think that lead to them not being as receptive to service, and concentrating on sales, because that's where they make a lot of their money. I love the bike, and only have wonderful reviews of it, but in the interest in fairness, Victory's worst problem is that because they are newer, I think they are still finding their direction. So far recalls have been good. They were minor, relatively, and my service went smoothly. But, I think the dealer means everything. Victory has pretty much a stone-wall on talking to customers directly. So, if your dealer isn't willing to duke it out with them if you have a problem, then you're stuck. The only thing you can do it switch dealers, or get into it with yours. I haven't had a major problem with my dealer, but they aren't exactly going the extra miles for small things. But again, I think it all depends on what kind of dealer you have. Reply back where you are in the world, and chances are someone here is near by, and can recommend who to go to, or who to stay away from. Good luck. | |
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Visionary
Posts: 3204
Memphis | crash-bar - "I was finally able to talk my girl friend into letting me buy a new bike..." Wife, ok. Girlfriend? Sounds like a Victory dealer is the least of your worries. | |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 725
Reno County, KS | Show up and ask a couple customers that are dropping off their bikes at your dealership (when the salesman and other parasites aren't hovering over them). I'd go with the best 2 outta 3 answers. | |
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Cruiser
Posts: 266
Hartland, , WI | What's the difference to you between one car dealership the service and another? Doesn't matter what the brand car you look at you could get a good dealer down the street or a turd...same thing with a BMW vs. Victory. I really liked my BMW dealer when I had my LT and he was the only show in town for Beemer...love my dealer for my Vic just as much!
Oh yeh, by the way....I'm with Mike...tell your girlfriend what you're gonna do or as the song says..."I got a brand new girlfriend".
Edited by Vinner1 2009-02-27 2:44 PM
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | I guess everyone has their way of processing things and coming to a conclusion on what to do. I guess we can take for granted that the more popular riders, like harley, honda, suzukie, cowasaky, etc has some type of wrench close by. Even if you ride a BMW, Vic or others you might be fortunate to live close to a wrench or dealer. But the point I'm driving at is I don't base my decision on what I'm going to ride because of the dealer proximity. I bought my '84 Wing, and even though I had a Honda wrench about 10miles away, I had to take it 40miles to get worked as the "dealer" would NOT touch it because it was too old. But hey, it was relatively relible and I did most of my own work. Having a Vic dealer close by only turned me on to what a Victory even was. I remember seeing the logo and occasionally would see one go down the road, but other than that I didn't know Jack about them. So, being fortunate that a dealer was close by, I had people to talk to and so on, but it didn't have a bearing on buying the Vision. When I read about the Vision I already had my mind made up that I want the smooth ride of a long distant tourer and was contemplating getting Wing. I read how low the seat sat and I could ride it like a cruiser but it wasn't one, I was sold. It was new, first year model, and I even expected problems on that fact. Having a dealer is convenient, but if I didn't have a dealer close by, it wouldn't have changed my mind. So with that said, are you selling your BMW because of dealer support or the lack there of, or are you just tired of it? If dealer support is your basis, on selling, and gettting the Vision keep your BMW. That is unless you live directly beside a Victory dealer and you are best of friends with them. Okay, so I think oddly, but I look at it this way, if I had to do that much thinking to ride, I don't think I would ride anymore. I bought new because frankly it was a pain to chase down parts to keep the wing running and support was nearly nil. Yet there are hoards of folk out that thrive off of the challenge to keep the older ones running. Me, I just want to ride and ride and the Vision is built exactly to my specs. I took a 3,500 mile round trip to Texas and back, and never even look to see if a dealer was along the way. When I did stop to find a dealer to buy an accessory I was sadly disappointed in the attitude and support of the dealer, yet I was never happier then when it was just me and Bentley. As far as the wife goes, she stays, as when all is said and done and for whatever reason if the day comes and I can't ride no mo, she'll still be there. I only asked her in on the decision, hoping see would say yes, and she did, so now it won't be any discussion to say, "well i told you not too...." But had it been a girlfriend, (for the record: my wife is my girlfriend, mistress and all that other good stuff) unless a ring is going on her finger soon, she's wouldn't even fit into the equation...
Edited by varyder 2009-02-27 4:32 PM
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Cruiser
Posts: 247
| crash bar, were you the guy in the harley commercial who got the dining room set? ever hear the line--my girl said if i buy one more bike she's leaving. sure gonna' miss her. | |
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Visionary
Posts: 1324
So Cal | It depends where you're at. I will be taking mine to the last dealer within 50 mi. of where I live. The dealer I bought from went out of business. The second dealer is nice but they sell Yamaha also (bulk of their business). Like to take my money on services, a little lacking on warranty issues. Third dealer is more into custom work with the Vision. Said they would get back to me on warranty issues. Have yet to hear from them. The dealer I will be going to tomorrow is the last option. I wish I was in an area that has techs like DW (member of this site) that take pride in their ability and want to be the best. This man will have a great future because he is willing to learn and not shy away from problems. It has nothing to do with the factory or the dealer. It's the individual that wants to do the best.
I used to say "I love this bike!" Now, it's a great bike, it could be better. IF the factory and dealer network took better care of the customer. | |
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Cruiser
Posts: 266
Stockton, Ca. | All brands are subject to dealer issues. In Modesto Ca. is a first class BMW dealer that goes the extra mile for their customers. When I had my BMW they were great. I still get invitations for their monthly rides. They don't care if I am riding a Victory or not. For them it is all about the ride and having a good time. If they could I think they would add Victory to their lineup.
My point here is that good dealers are not brand specific they vary from good to bad like anything else. Go in and meet your local dealer and decide for yourself. | |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 1158
Richmond, Virginia | My two cents. First off guys stop bashing the man about his girlfriend term. You're basing your responses on what YOU have determined their relationship to be. In the real world, they could have chosen to not marry and have been together for 12 years or so.
They could be coming out of some financial situation that they are BOTH working to overcome... etc etc etc. So lets concentrate on
his question, not his homelife. As you all know from being forced to read my posts, I am in the customer service industry
in sales. I have a two fold knowledge of what the customer AND the retailer should expect and is expected of him. While I agree with
everyones point of view above, and its obvious message that dealers who sell lux bikes dont necessarily offer lux service etc.
There is another side to this that I would like to explore. All too often on here we hear posts from pissed off Vision owners for one reason or another. None of us are truly given the full picture, at best 40% to base our reactions on. While what I am about to say
DOES NOT REPRESENT ALL OF YOU <--- READ THIS AGAIN, I suspect that it may represent many of you. When you go into
your dealership with an issue that has caused you stress, ask yourself what the purpose would be for you to walk in with a chip on your shoulder, asshole attitude, demanding, and unwilling to communicate. Gone are the days where the customer can walk in and say
"i just gave you 20K" of my money, now bow to me". Point being, if you want good service, you need to ensure that you are being
the BEST customer YOU can be. Now some of you guys can sit there and read this and shake your head and think, "this sounds P-whipped, but what you cannot deny is that its true. Trust me when I tell you that no dealership sits in the back and thinks up reasons to piss you off just for kicks. If you truly WORK on cultivating a great one on one relationship with your dealer then I can assure you
the attention you will receive will only improve on itself. If they see you pull up and everone runs to the back of the store THATS YOUR FAULT. I spoil my dealership, little things mean a lot. When I have taken my bike in for service on a saturday morning, boys and girls, there is a box of Krispy Kreme doughnuts that goes in with me. When my service tech goes above and beyond, when I go pick up my bike he gets a 25.00 gift card from Lowes or some restuarant. Dont fool yourself if you think the little things dont mean a lot. Bottom line here, if you want better service, then you need to be a better customer. SHOW THEM how YOU want to be treated, by how YOU TREAT THEM. Now, if you happen to have a just plain shitty dealership, and you have honestly been
all of thee above, then you need to responsibily and respectably call them on the carpet. And yes, there are right and wrong ways of doing that as well. | |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | Crashbar, can I give you $10.00 to buy donuts for the guys down at the dealer? and uh, sorry for the girlfriend bash, I'm sure she's a very nice girl..... | |
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Cruiser
Posts: 88
| Ok first of all I would like to thank all of you for your reply I did not expect so many so soon I should of told you that I live in Albuquerque New Mexico the dealer here dose seem to be very nice and knowledgeable but then he wants to sale me a bike and just to let you know I'm not get rid of my BMW just because of the dealer service ( there lots more to the story here they fried out my wires and refused to fix it ) also the bike is just toooo tall for me. (Germans most have long legs ) as far as the girl friend is concerned we be together for 11 years so my bills are her bills that is why I had to talk it over with her. Thank you for the offer of 10.00$ for doughnuts but better yet you can buy me a beer someday. I will be taking my first test drive in April. I will tell you this I'm looking for a full dresser and I think it going to be between Harley and victory and so far I like the vision the most just for the looks I just hope it rides just as good .
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Cruiser
Posts: 113
East Ohio | If your decision depends on the ride,, make sure you take your girlfriend and your wallet for the test ride because you will be sold, especially after reading about your bmw being too tall, you will love the seat height and large floor boards, you have been warned
Go Super Steel | |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | ebayjoe - 2009-03-01 3:20 PM If your decision depends on the ride,, make sure you take your girlfriend and your wallet for the test ride because you will be sold, especially after reading about your bmw being too tall, you will love the seat height and large floor boards, you have been warned Go Super Steel +1 That's what I was talking about, the ride. The Vision is far to superior in ride and dependability to even fit the dealer into the equation, though it is a nice perk.  | |
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Visionary
Posts: 3204
Memphis | If you are really going to ride both the Harley and the Vision, be sure to ride the Harley first. This will save you a trip back to the Victory dealer. Since you have had a 1200LT you will be much more used to the cornering ability, power, comfort (especially the power windshield) and smoothness of the Vision. I hope you find a good dealer nearby. | |
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Visionary
Posts: 3204
Memphis | crash-bar, Just re-read the original post and have no idea where I got the idea you were looking at Harley's. Disregard everything above except the last sentence. I'm old and my brain is mush. | |
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Visionary
Posts: 1436
| My advice would be to chat with some folks who actually take their bike to the dealer in your area. SOme dealers are great others not so.
As to which bike (Harley or Vision)? You'll need to ride and decide for yourself. There are pro's and con's to both brands so it really comes down to what feels good when you ride it. | |
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Cruiser
Posts: 273
| crash-bar - 2009-02-27 10:59 AM
The reason that I'm writing this is that I was finally able to talk my girl friend into letting me buy a new bike right now I have a BMW k1200tl I recently had problems with it so I took it to the dealer to fix it
it took them over 9 mouths to fix it pulse they had made things worst and refused to correct the problems that they did. I do like the bike but I will never deal with any BMW dealer again so what my question is dose anyone know how the victory dealers are. I think I would like to get one but there is only one dealer here. So if I have any problems with them I would not have any place to have work done on my bike. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thank you
You FINALLY talked your girlfriend into LETTING YOU buy a new bike?????
My God man, run away as fast as you can and never marry her if she has that much power and is "just" a girlfriend.  | |
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Visionary
Posts: 1350
| Crash-bar, I feel sorry for you just like I do so many other new posters. This site comes with more people that worry about unimportant stuff than the question you ask.
Sorry to hear of the problems with your BMW dealer. You can get "bad" dealers with any make.
I commend you talking over such a big expense with your lady of 11 years.
I think once you test drive a Vision you will really like it. I recommend you go down to the dealer on Saturday(s) and talk with customers that come in. Also on TheVMC.com site they have a link to a Dealers rating site. Check it out. Not sure if you need to join to use it.
Take some time and sit and talk with the salesperson you like at the dealership. Then go home and research about the bike and see if he is on the up and up. The salesperson is your first point of contact. If you are happy with him/her, ask if you can talk with the mech when he/she is not busy and ask questions that concern you about the Vision.
It's really tough to decide on a dealer, I think the best way is to talk with other customers. Any bike nites happening around you? Go look for Victory owners and ask where they do business and their thoughts. Remember, like here, you will get the ones that complain if they got hung with a new rope.
Good luck in your decision. | |
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Visionary
Posts: 3006
San Antonio, TX | Crash-bar,
I enjoyed the process of finding a new ride and got my wife in the process. I went to the Honda dealer and was turned off by their attitude. I took her to two of the HD dealers and we tried out two of their bikes. Then we went too Ness's place in Dublin Ca. and was given the grand tour of the place.
They had at the time (September 2007) the fleet of 20 plus demo Visions in their warehouse. She looked one over and then sat on it. She then smiled and said "This is cool"
It was only a matter of time and I would own one. I got mine in July 2008 and love it.
Good luck on your quest.
Ride Safe! | |
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Cruiser
Posts: 88
| Thanks for all the advice about the dealer the one I like best is the one that told me to go to were some of the local biker hang outs and find a victory rider and ask him about the dealer. Thats exactly what I'm going to do. For the riders that are concerned about the fact that I'm so worried about the dealer and not the bike you have me wrong I do like to ride but I know nothing about how to fix them so I need a dealer who takes pride in his work so that I could stay out on the road. Also I would like to thank all those who came to my defense about the girl friend thing. I guess you can tell which bikers don't have any girls friends to speak of. ONE NIGHT STANDS DON'T COUNT for the younger ones you WILL learn that you must pick your fights some of them are not worth the win.
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help me!!!!!! I need info