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Arlen Ness and Victory
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SongFan
Posted 2009-01-19 12:32 PM (#27014)
Subject: Arlen Ness and Victory


Visionary

Posts: 3204
Memphis

It is easy to assume that Arlen came onboard with Victory and turned their whole design concept around single-handedly.  This is not really the case.  Prior to the Vegas, there basically was no design team at Victory.  Polaris wanted a chunk of the cruiser market and came up with the V92.  That was the backbone for follow-on models, until the Vegas. 

Around 2002-2003, Victory changed the way they wanted to be perceived and invested a ton of money on a new design center and hired some extremely talented young designers and engineers to redefine the company look.    Their opening shot was the Vegas.  Around this time, Victory and Arlen formed a partnership that was a perfect mix for both.  Arlen got his "Signature" bikes and Victory got instant respect by hiring the most legendary custom bike builder in the world.  You could instantly spot the "Ness look". 

Of course, when the Vision came out, everyone assumed that it was a total Arlen project.  This is not the case.  Although he had input, it is really the brainchild of the Design Team and their interpretation of what a Victory luxury touring bike should be.  The fact that a computer designed, wind tunnel tested, 2008 model composite bodied bike could only be a Ness shows just how far ahead of his time he has always been. 

Arlen is an old-school craftsman who can work an english wheel as well as anyone on the planet.  His hand-made designs will only become more impressive as time and technology march on.  If you look at the Victory bikes (including the CORE) and automatically think "Ness", that's cool.  It's not accurate, but it's cool.



Edited by SongFan 2009-01-19 12:36 PM
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Bubba
Posted 2009-01-19 12:59 PM (#27015 - in reply to #27014)
Subject: RE: Arlen Ness and Victory


Cruiser

Posts: 260
Can't speak for others, I never thought that Ness had much to the design of the Vision. The design team at Vic I am sure comes up with most of the stuff and the Ness's have a some to add. They have been very good for Vic IMO, certainly helps to have their name associated with Vic. Have met them a few times, both seem like quality approachable guys.

Keep up the good work Songman!!! On my 3rd Vic since 2000, can say that I am a tad partial to the brand!!!
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buddahead
Posted 2009-01-19 1:55 PM (#27021 - in reply to #27014)
Subject: Re: Arlen Ness and Victory


Cruiser

Posts: 238
SF Bay Area
I feel than Ness has taken much of the Victory fame through osmosis... it was fortunate (genius?) for Polaris to have gotten the Ness team on board. Back in the day few knew who Michael Song was. We can thank Song for all of the post V92C/TC/SC bikes to date.

As far as Ness contributing, perhaps he consulted with Michael Song and Greg Brew on their existing designs. I know Ness gets the bikes early so he can prototype his accessories and his signature models.

Some have been critical of the Core concept bike. Fair enough. But, did we settle for the status quo when we chose our Victory bikes? We bought from a forward thinking, adaptive, new motorcycle maker that has state of the art engineering and amazing build quality. For me I would rather be grateful that Polaris takes chances, rather than making the same bikes for 75 years like the other guys do. IMO, of course.

Thanks Michael!
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dr_reloader
Posted 2009-01-19 7:40 PM (#27054 - in reply to #27021)
Subject: Re: Arlen Ness and Victory


Tourer

Posts: 537
, FL United States

buddahead - 2009-01-19 1:55 PM genius?) Some have been critical of the Core concept bike. Fair enough. But, did we settle for the status quo when we chose our Victory bikes? We bought from a forward thinking, adaptive, new motorcycle maker that has state of the art engineering and amazing build quality. For me I would rather be grateful that Polaris takes chances, rather than making the same bikes for 75 years like the other guys do. IMO, of course. Thanks Michael!

 Can I get an Amen???

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dr_reloader
Posted 2009-01-19 7:41 PM (#27055 - in reply to #27014)
Subject: Re: Arlen Ness and Victory


Tourer

Posts: 537
, FL United States
or at least a right on?
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savage
Posted 2009-01-19 7:47 PM (#27056 - in reply to #27055)
Subject: Re: Arlen Ness and Victory


Cruiser

Posts: 228
AMEN!!!!!!
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Indiana RoadRunner
Posted 2009-01-20 9:20 PM (#27153 - in reply to #27014)
Subject: Re: Arlen Ness and Victory


Tourer

Posts: 332
Dale, Indiana
AMEN!


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VaParadox
Posted 2009-01-20 10:22 PM (#27168 - in reply to #27014)
Subject: Re: Arlen Ness and Victory


Iron Butt

Posts: 1158
Richmond, Virginia
hmm looks like a beer bottle opener with wheels ..... i could go for that. anyone for a Core Light?
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SrBiff
Posted 2009-01-21 12:32 AM (#27181 - in reply to #27014)
Subject: Re: Arlen Ness and Victory


Cruiser

Posts: 55
Las Vegas, NV
Actually, I never thought Ness had anything to do with the design of the Vision. That credit always went to the Victory design team. Having a hot rodded Vision with Ness equipment, however, I can tell you they certainly know how ot uncork the power in the 106. I rode a popular ride around Las Vegas a few weeks ago and hooked up with a person with a stock vision. It looked almost just like mine, but when it time to open them up, I completely blew the doors of that guy(yes, i know bikes have no doors, but couldn't think of anyting better) . The biggest difference was not only the sound of my bike, but in 1st through 3rd gear, my bike pulled away like he was standing still. We hooked up for a beer later and I can only tell you he is now a convert to the Ness toys.
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dr_reloader
Posted 2009-01-21 12:36 AM (#27182 - in reply to #27014)
Subject: Re: Arlen Ness and Victory


Tourer

Posts: 537
, FL United States
<p>What other goodies do you have any not on the list???</p>

Edited by dr_reloader 2009-01-21 12:39 AM
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