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Visionary
Posts: 1436
| Ok some of you know I have had more than my fair share of Vision issues and I do gripe when they are not addressed. The radio and headlite hve been ongoing but I finally had the radio replaced thus reducing the repeat issue to the headlite.
I had sent a certified letter to Victory several months back and to my surprize finally got a reply today on my answer machine. Victory has a new headlite they want to try in my bike and they believe it will address the ongoing cracking issue I have experienced (4 times). They have contacted my dealer and will be providing the headlite and labor to replace the new bad one with a new good one (I hope its good).
Of course the snow is flying here but as soon as the roads are clar enough to make riding safe, I'll be getting it in for this replacement. I likely won't be able to give any feedback until the snow clears in the spring but I wanted to be fair to Victory and let everyone know they have addressed this issue.
I could gripe that it took long enough, or some other lame complaint but the bottom line is they have stood behind their product and that has restored my faith in their effots to continue doing the right thing. So to Victory.... Thank You!
I will recommend to others that might become disillusioned with a warranty complaint, one that doesn't seem to get addressed, to continue following up. It might take some time, but hopefully it will result in a repair at some point (has for me).
Anyhow I just wanted to let folks know the outcome as it was a long long wait without resolution but it looks like a happy result. |
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Tourer
Posts: 575
Spirit Lake IA "Birthplace of Victory Motorcycles" | Good of you to post . . . thanks! |
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Tourer
Posts: 520
Simi Valley, CA | Teach- good to hear they got back to you finally- hope their resolution works! New designs always have bugs- (See Microsoft)
Tim
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Tourer
Posts: 388
Salisbury, NC | Teach, I'm glad that they have paid you a little piece of mind. Hope it works out well for you and the issue will finally be laid to rest with a headlight lens that does not have the cracks after a short time. All of us Vision owners owe you thanks for staying on them. ET |
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Cruiser
Posts: 153
Newnan, GA | Good luck and God bless you and your bike. May your roads be twisty with a cool breeze in your face. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 205
| Very honorable on both sides of the issue. Good job. |
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Tourer
Posts: 400
| Good for you Teach. I hope the individuals on your other thread who bragged about convincing people not to buy a Victory read your new post. Maybe they will have a change of heart also. |
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Tourer
Posts: 447
Northeastern Penna. | Good to hear that something positive, probably, will come out of this. We all can only hope that Victory will do this for others, as well. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 170
Houston, TX | Glad to know they took care of you finally. Good to see thay do eventually stand behind their product. Good to know for the future. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 273
| Don't want to sound like a smarta$$, of which I can be sometimes without trying...but that's exactly why I posted after your "rant" (and it was earned) as I did about contacting the folks at Victory/Polaris in a nice way, via certified mail or on the phone.
Being in the quality arena, I understand how to get things done.
Hope your headlight works and I'm glad you're getting serviced by Vic.
Teach - 2009-12-15 5:36 PM
I will recommend to others that might become disillusioned with a warranty complaint, one that doesn't seem to get addressed, to continue following up. It might take some time, but hopefully it will result in a repair at some point (has for me).
Anyhow I just wanted to let folks know the outcome as it was a long long wait without resolution but it looks like a happy result. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1436
| Smitty, I'm quite familiar with how to get results but Victory still needs to do a better job of talking to dealers and owners. I believe my letter was sent in September? And I'm just now hearing back. Would it have killed someone to have picked up a phone or issue a bulletin stating the problem is known and being addressed? Instead what I got (and others) was the old too bad, sucks to be you.
So "rant" or not this is an area they will need to work on. Like I said I don't want to get all woulda shoulda coulda on this post, I simply wanted to let folks know a fix is out there and my concern has finally been addressed.
Am I pleased the issues are being resolved? You bet. Am I happy about 18 months of agro to get problems fixed that should have been addressed a year ago? No. Do I think Victory customer support is good? You decide. I would think in 3 month someone could have at least picked up a phone saying we got your letter. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 273
| And I agree something should have happened earlier. I actually talked to my dealer about your issues last Saturday and he agreed.
But it's like he said, "Victory wants you to go through the dealer."
I've yet to have a problem that my dealer has not, or can not fix. |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 36
| I luv my Vision, I' m glad Teach is getting some satisfaction. I don't believe he should have gone through mental torture for some results.
Polaris obviously needs to step up to the plate sooner. I'm sure we all start out with a signaficant degree of diplomacy, which after lack of satisfaction turns into I want my fuc$$$$ bike fixed |
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Tourer
Posts: 460
Centennial, CO | Teach,
I just now read this post. I am not sure if this matter (probably not knowing my luck), but you might consider holding off on the replacement until closer to spring. This way you can get some time on the light before (or IF) it cracks again. The reason I say this is simple. If you replace it now and then let the bike sit for 90 days (as is the case in most of the winter states), Victory COULD say that it was fine for 90 days so no more replacements.
Just a thought!
Congrats...at least you got more out of a reply about an issue than I ever did! Way to be persistent (squeaky wheel and all). |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 804
Perry Hall, MD | I've seen the photos of the headlamp issue, and try as I might Teach I have not seen any evidence of the problem on mine (an 08 but only in my garage since July). Are the bikes from the south experiencing the same cracking? Just wondering if the problem could be caused by freezing of the adhesive or any moisture that may exist in the joint. Ordinarily I would agree with holding off on the repair, but if freezing is a possibility the idea of waiting may be the opposite of what you would want to do. |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | no issues or concerns here with mine in Central VA. The only ones that I've known about are the ones here on the forum...I've got one of the early on ones, serial #3114 adopted November 17, 2007 with 59,985 miles on her. It sits outside all the time, in cold and hot, and probably the most abused Vision on the road. Runs better than new, and only had the sputtering stuff and found it to be an exhaust leak on the header pipes. Had the dimples on the saddle bags that was replaced under warranty as well as both front rotors. I've put a few new front and rear tires on mine and replaced the belt at the 45,000 miles service and it is hard to tell the old one from the new one. Just did replace the headlights because one burned it was such fun changing those bad boys. I would have created my own cracks in the lens but thought better of it. But other than that, the honeymoon is far from over....
Edited by varyder 2009-12-22 8:10 PM
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Visionary
Posts: 1436
| All 08's have a bad radio handlebar control and all 08's and 09's have bad headlites, do as you will with that info. |
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Tourer
Posts: 466
Grand Cane, LA | I'd have to disagree with "all '08s have bad radio controls and bad headlights". I have yet to have a problem with either one on my bike. I have had some issues with the radio itself as you have, but not these 2 issues. Now grant you I've only had mine since June and have about 15,000 miles on it. |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | look into my eyes and read my lips... all 08's and 09's will slide on ice if you attempt to ride on it... |
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Tourer
Posts: 447
Cleveland, GA | lennyb - 2009-12-22 6:13 PMAre the bikes from the south experiencing the same cracking? Just wondering if the problem could be caused by freezing of the adhesive or any moisture that may exist in the joint.My '08 did in Alabama/Georgia. It was in October, I think, so I don't believe it was the freezing/heating issue. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1436
| atvtinker, you can disagree ALL you like, BUT your headlite and handlebar control ARE defective. Victory went to a GREAT deal of expense to make/test the new parts. They wouldn't do so if the parts weren't bad. I've looked at literally dozens of Visions and ALL have the stock factory crack. Victory also had their supplier insulate the hand control due to insufficient insulation which causes cross bleeding (change volume and mode changes, etc). These are KNOWN defects which afect ALL the 08's. The bar control was identified before the release of the 09's, but the headlite fix has only now been released. Like I said you can do as you will with the info. If you are NOT having a problem, good on you, BUT if you are there are parts to address them. I've had several folks tell me they did NOT have a bad headlite only to have me point it out to them.
LoneRanger, no it isn't a environmental issue it is a design flaw, hence a Victory redesign and new headlite assy. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 1117
Northeast Ohio | On my second headlight and have already had my handlebar radio controls replaced once. ATVTINKER - not sure when you got your 08, but it may have been updated by the time you got yours. I have had mine since April of 08. |
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Tourer
Posts: 466
Grand Cane, LA | ScoreBo, got mine the last week of May '09. I don't think any thing was done to my bike before I got it because it was sitting on some kind of pedestal in the showroom and had never been ridden. They had gotten it down the day before I came to test ride it because they were trying to clear out all of their '08s and '09s to reduce their inventory. Small dealership in Beaumont, TX. Where is this supposed crack in the headlight that y'all keep talking about? I can't find anything on mine and believe me I've looked. The more I visit this site the more things I keep trying to find that just aren't there on mine. I love this bike for the power and comfort it provides for a tourer and am fascinated on how many things I haven't found wrong with it. I"ve ridden many different bikes since I was a kid and has always found many things I wanted to change with all of them except this bike. I've only changed the speakers and the windshield and am very happy with what I've got. Maybe, I'm not picky. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1436
| atvtinker, nope no dealer is going to replace the parts just for grins as these are not recall items. In other words you are correct the dealer didn't replace them on yours. NOW with that said folks should not be so defensive. I didn't post this so folks would run out and check their bikes or worry. This is an INFO YOU post. If at some point you start having an issue even after warranty runs out you have something to fall back on.
Since the bar control is related to resistance bleed you probably wouldn'thave an issue except after operating in less than ideal riding situations like rain, maybe right after a wash, extreme cold, etc...Mine was real bad and didn't work right at all, ever.
The headlite comes from the factory with a very small crack on the left upper side/corner about one inch in as you sit on the bike. This crack in itself is NOT an issue, but other hairline cracks will begin to form along the corners sides, top and around the HID. The part of the headlite of greatest concern is the top edge which begins to discolor as it separates from the back portion of the housing. This will appear as foggy patch about a 1/4 to half inch wide running across the headlite top center to outer left. If you look at a showroom Vision you'll note this area should be bright chrome. Again this is NOT a big issue until the water starts getting inside the housing, but it should be addressed before that happens so it doesn't affect the headlites projection.
Again NOBODY wants you to hunt, dislike your bike, or get rid of it. These are simply KNOWN issues that owners need to be aware of. When you are washing your bike just give it a look and if it looks ok move on, the sky isn't falling, lol..
All this post was for was to info folks that Victory has gotten the replacement headlite and is taking care of my headlite finally. Other manufacturers might not have stepped up, so I applaud their efforts. After 4 replacements I hope this will be the last. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 725
Reno County, KS | This crack in itself is NOT an issue, but other hairline cracks will begin to form along the corners sides, top and around the HID. The part of the headlite of greatest concern is the top edge which begins to discolor as it separates from the back portion of the housing. This will appear as foggy patch about a 1/4 to half inch wide running across the headlite top center to outer left.<---- I have this. I've known about it for about 8 months now; however, I have been working with Victory to get my rear pulley since before then. I'm going to chase the headlight problem next vice the radio because the cost of replacement HID or the headlight assempbly is unbelievable. Unfortunately, I can't just have them go through the bike and fix all of it at once since I'm going to have to go 300+ mi. I imagine that the headlight is going to be simpler to get resolved than the pulley/radio since its visual and readily apperant **I hope** I think I'm just going to just buy the NEW radio out of pocket to get the random radio mode switching/poor reception fixed because it will save me mucho hassle. Thanks again for posting. Let us know how this headlight works out so I know the right direction to help nudge the dealership in. |
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Tourer
Posts: 332
Dale, Indiana | I have an 08 Vision.
Radio has been replaced once (after a couple burn in attempts).
Now the accessory input doesn?t work and had to have a burn in twice to get the CB volume loud enough to hear.
Headlight
It?s starting to fog up near the top.
Extended warranty doesn?t cover it.
I am not going to just sit here and let Victory blow smoke up my azz on this issue when I can clearly see this is a normal problem with the 08?s.
My fight has only begun
And I wonder why the hell does it have to be a fukin fight anyway!!!!!!!!!!
Now beat my azz up smitty and tinker because I didn?t bake Christmas cookies and send it to Iowa first! People won?t get peed off if they were treated like customers by Victory when there?s a problem rather then The Enemy!
Merry Christmas
Edited by Indiana RoadRunner 2009-12-25 1:30 PM
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Visionary
Posts: 1436
| IRR, you shouldn't need to fight so here is my recommendation. Talk to your dealer and let them know there is a new headlite to replace the one you are currently having problems with. Have them contact Victory about getting it replaced as a known "pre-existing" issue on the 08's. The headlite is "defective" aka BROKEN so Extended warranty cannot argue it is cosmetic. When Victory redesigned the headlite they were in essence recognizing a bad part so I believe if your dealer contacts Vic it will get replaced.
As to your radio issue? I believe someone posted about a problem with integrating the CB to the radio. You might wish to contact the radio manufacturer for guidance on that problem (info on that around here also, check posts in tech QA). |
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Tourer
Posts: 332
Dale, Indiana | Teach - 2009-12-25 5:03 PM
IRR, you shouldn't need to fight so here is my recommendation. Talk to your dealer and let them know there is a new headlite to replace the one you are currently having problems with. Have them contact Victory about getting it replaced as a known "pre-existing" issue on the 08's. The headlite is "defective" aka BROKEN so Extended warranty cannot argue it is cosmetic. When Victory redesigned the headlite they were in essence recognizing a bad part so I believe if your dealer contacts Vic it will get replaced.
I really am not that worried about getting this issue addressed.
It just bothers me when I see posters acting like if one of us has an issue with our Vision?s, and it requires a year of pounding Victory to get the issue addressed that somehow we are being unreasonable and should just sit there like the Holier then thou dweebs, and bake Victory some cookies and kiss their butts.
This is a business Victory is running not a New Age girl scout camp where we all need to get in touch with our inner child first!
As to your radio issue? I believe someone posted about a problem with integrating the CB to the radio. You might wish to contact the radio manufacturer for guidance on that problem (info on that around here also, check posts in tech QA).
It just bothers me every time I get the bike all buttoned up again I have to take her back apart to do a list of tests before Victory will take the dealers phone call on an issue.
Frinkin radio was working great and now I have no input on the assc side.
I am wearing out the screws!
I just would like to be like my brother on his Goldwing.
He just starts it up and rides! Everything always works!
As an aside.
I do look a hell of a lot cooler then he does on his sameness bike.
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Cruiser
Posts: 273
| First, I think Teach had to wait way too long. And in no way did I minimalize his issues. Not once.
Second, I posted the info for all to see on who to contact and how.
Third, I did that because if I can help someone get it quicker, it's good for all.
Fourth, I never said Victory is perfect. But I did say MY dealer (and I could care less which one you deal with but it's evident he's not fixed your issues) has never...read N E V E R failed to fix any issue on any Vic that I've owned. Not one time. So, unlike those who's dealers don't or won't, I'm very pleased with mine.
Fifth, as someone who is pretty damn good at what I do in the Automotive world in dealing with quality issues and who both audits companies and shows them how to "do it better, more effectively, and in a way to increase profits", and as someone who is sought after for advice and who designs quality systems, I humbly submit that my knowledge might be helpful to some here who might want to use it.
Sixth, I'll continue to take the bike to the dealer when the warranty is up. If I tear into it myself and screw something up, I then can't expect him to fix it on his dime can I. I understand why Victory/Polaris wants you to contact your dealer first. He's the guy who's expected to take care of YOU and YOUR bike.
Seventh, if you want to bake cookies, have at it. But remember, the oven racks are hot. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1436
| IRR & Smitty, I understand where both of you are coming from. Yes a good dealer makes life a lot better when you are having an issue, yet at the same time they work within the guidelines Victory has established. One cannot expect the dealer to go broke fixing a bike they will not get paid back for. With that said my dealer took a bite on a headlite assy and install to try and make things right for the customer (me). I've patiently watched and listened to what my dealer has to do with Victory for authorizations and such. I can therefore say without reservation Victory needs to rethink their warranty pocedures. IF they are giving a dealer a contract to sell their product, they have got to allow the dealership to repair the bike when needed WITHOUT double guessing and authorizations ahead of time. JMO.
Now with regards to IRR's issue/concern, I completely understand how disillusioned and quite frankly pissed off an owner gets when you need to keep going back for the SAME problems over and over. Now sometimes the dealer gets into it only to find they need something say a part so they need to schedule a revisit to get it done right. However when for instance the radio isn't right and you go back 10-12 times without resolution, only to have the radio die completely, you get REALLY mad. Now I probably wouldn't get mad if it was a series of problems in which the dealer lacked knowledge, needed parts or some such. BUT when Victory says do this or that and the dealership does so and it still doesn't correct the problems Victory needs to pony up. In my case Victory said the would do one thing and then said they wouldn't because the bike was then out of the factory warranty. They eventually honored their original promise but I had to fight as did my DEALER.
So I do understand everyones position on this, and I to have felt at times some folks here were trying to beat me down for posting a legit concern. It isn't a Victory website exclusive. You can see the same thing on a HD board if someone isn't 100% satisfied with the company.
I have learned over the past 18 months that Victory does in fact try to make things right for their customers, BUT they could do a MUCH better job. Commuication goes a long way to addressing 99% of the concerns. Maybe a customer service line that can actually address customer service issues would be the best starting point? Even if it is to just listen to the problem and say we'll get back to you instead of the current "we don't do that contact your dealer." I mean why have a customer service line if all they'll do is refer you to the dealer? News Flash!!!! If the DEALER could have handled it the CUSTOMER would NOT be calling Victory, lol...
You all ride safe and hope any problems you experience get handled quickly and efficiently. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 273
| Teach, I'm just glad that you are finally getting what you need.
And I do agree that Polaris should have a cust. service line where you get a live person who transfers you to the dept. you need to talk to.
But, Victory ain't HD, it ain't Honda with unlimited funds and I'd guess they know they need to beef this area up.
Oh, and have a happy and safe 2010. |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 8
| I just bought a used 08 Vision Premium Tour, Midnight Cherry, 3100mi. I loved this bike since I saw it at the Javits show in 2008. I test drove one at a local dealer and it was great.
Anyway, it seems there are some issues with it, I've learned a lot thanks to this site.
I have the fogged/cracked headlight problem, I guess replacing the assembly is the only fix? Is the fogging moisture? Also, on my first 230mi ride the belt started squeeking after I went on a wet road. Not sure what the fix is, after reading here I guess I will try an alignment/tension adjust first.
And what's the deal with the crooked windshield? From the drivers seat, the left side looks 1/2" lower?
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Visionary
Posts: 3773
Pittsburgh, PA | hey teach.. i have a 08 you were saying about the head light was changed? i was just wondering do you know what they changed. i would like to know and i would like to know what to look for in my headlight for any future problems... thanks |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | found this in the archive, I still have my original handle bar controls and headlight assembly and still no issues....I'm amazed at the the things we've discussed through the years. Just like if you put a car tire on a motorcycle you'll go up in flames...lol.... |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 804
Perry Hall, MD | Is it the tire that catches fire? Am I gonna have to join those who complain about the mirrors since I can't use them to keep an eye on it? lol
You should have asked about the headlight when you polled original 08 owners. Don't see any moisture getting into mine.
The archives are full of interesting re-reads. |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | Yes, it has been, a lot of colorful characters and a lot of great discussions. I created a poll for folks to add there own if they desire for the 2008 owners, past and present. |
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