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Visionary
Posts: 1359
New Bohemia, Va | Food for the thought: A topic came up about the Victory Motorcycle Club dues over at the club's forums. (thevmc.com) It came to the attention that a lot of guests were getting the same information as paying members are getting for free. That spawned me to ask what am I getting for my $$. I think they get that settled now, and that is not what I want to discuss. Harley has made their brand a family thing, and all Victory is really saying is "we're better than Harley". In my mind that just doesn't fly as it is just an agrument of which is truly better. My understanding the Harley Owner's Group is the voice of the people in cahoots with the manufacturer, smart move on Harley's part. H.O.G. helps promote the brand, organizes charitable and community events for the brand owners. The VMC has sort of done that, but it can't do that if I get very little for my $$ except to be one of the fools to help pay for things that others don't have to pay.
The good thing is that theVMC is established and has been around just as long as the brand has. It is a club, not as in a Motorcycle patch wearing Club, but a "I own a Victory" and I want to share with others club. We have all come to realize that Victory and the owners are really not in tight with one another as the HOGS and Harley are, but I think it is about time that we move to that level.
I've been a member of theVMC for the past three years, almost as long as I own a Victory. As a club member we have things we can say to steer the course of the club. I say it is high time to say, if you own a Victory, why are you not a club member? Currently KevinX is our club president, if you like him, join. If you like to be like him, join. If you don't like him, join so you can vote him out. (an attempt at humor) but the bottom line is to join. Then work together to further the brand, form chapters, organize rides for charities and community, you do it anyway, and most chapters do, but if you're not a member it's hard to promote.
Yeah, I'm on a soap box, but only because nobody encouraged me to join, I just did because I thought they were doing something for me. Well, I found out they do, just not as much as I thought. However, I renew my dues every year because it pays off, but won't pay if I can get the same info for free. We need you to join and help make theVMC better for all of us.
No, I'm not running for anything and don't care to, but I'll support you if you do.
go join http://thevmc.com the best $15 you'll spend this year.
Edited by Cap'n Nemo 2011-03-22 4:15 PM
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Iron Butt
Posts: 849
, FL United States | + 1 |
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Tourer
Posts: 520
Simi Valley, CA | I would like to see the VMC and the VRA merge someday, have mother V take on some of the responsibility and financing... Something similar to the HOG setup, you buy a bike you get a free year membership.... |
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Visionary
Posts: 1359
New Bohemia, Va | that's a grand idea cometman, and there is no reason why they couldn't. I voiced that the VMC needs substance to keep the membership. The GWRRA and the HOG folks do that. They make you think you have to be a member if you own their brand. If I'm not mistaken GWRRA has a brochure that goes with the sale, and HOG, they usually have folks who work at the dealer who are members. I worked with a guy that was a HOG member and he was constantly talking about one charity ride or event after another, and he aways said I was welcome to come regardless what I road, I'd just have to pay a little more for eats. I never went to one, but hey, that's how they could have got me into the "family". |
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Visionary
Posts: 4278
| Harley gives you a member ship in HOG when you buy a bike. Its a national member ship and each dealer has its own HOG club that you pay to belong to. The more you spend at a dealer you can get discounts. For a thousand dollars you get 10% off and for 2000 dollars you get 20% off. But its only good for one year.
Harley all so give you a monthly magazine and a USA Atlas that shows all there dealer with address and phone number. At all events like dayton and sturgis they have a HOG store and have finger food.
In my opinion harley treats there owners and HOG members way better then victory.
I love my Vision and am a member of VMC and will only get ride of my Vision for a newer one. 
Edited by john frey 2011-03-22 5:20 PM
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Cruiser
Posts: 160
Lennox, SD | I have been a VMC member since buying my Vision, I intend to remain a member.
We don't have an active chapter in my area and the dealer doesn't seem to interested in supporting the VMC.
I wish that the area chapter was more active but I have a chapter 70 miles away I can always join.
I will remain a member of VMC as long as I own my Vision or any Victory. I will try to attend some of their gatherings during the year if I can. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1632
Jasper, MO | Cometman - 2011-03-22 4:20 PM
I would like to see the VMC and the VRA merge someday, have mother V take on some of the responsibility and financing... Something similar to the HOG setup, you buy a bike you get a free year membership....
I'm a member of both. The VMC has grown much more than the VRA, as far as I can see. Victory corporate tried to ignore the VMC in its infancy, and promote the VRA instead. There is no doubt that Victory corporate now recognizes the VMC as a force to be recognized. The last issue of the Victory Rider magazine lists five key dates to remember in 2011 on page 5. Three of them are, or were, VMC events first. The Victory Highway Relay and the VMC National Meet are still VMC events, and the American Victory Rally was started by the VMC and was originally known as the Victory Homecoming. The first event by that name was held at the Spirit Lake factory on July 4, 1999. The factory took over the event and co-opted the name in 2002, and then changed the name to the current American Victory Rally. "Officially" the event "started" in 2002.
I can imagine that the VMC might someday become to Victory what the GWRRA is to Honda, which is a club based on the brand, which has close ties to the company, but remains a private entity composed of individual members. The brand is young yet, as is the VMC. They'll learn to grow together.
The GWRRA is a paid membership only club. They give members tangible benefits with a paid membership, such as dealer lists, dealer discounts, maps, roadside assistance, etc. They sponsor national meets every year, like the famous Wing Ding. They get a lot of cooperation from Honda. If you are not a paid member of the Club, you can not even access the forums, let alone participate. In case you're wondering how they can get members this way, consider that they have 800 chapters in 53 countries and over 80,000 paid members. No freeloaders.
I don't know if the VMC has grown to the point where it needs to become exclusive to paid members only yet. When that day comes, there will need to be more tangible benefits that accompany membership, and that is where an alliance between Victory and the VMC will become important. A spirit of cooperation between the two entities needs to develop, and I think it will as time goes on.
Victory has already made overtures to the VMC and has paid members who are trying to reach out to us owners. Those very few of our membership who are professional pissers and moaners and always publicly wanting to know "can I sue?" are not helping themselves or the cause. On the other side of that coin, Victory needs to learn to step up and provide a better means of dealing with owners' legitimate concerns. As I said before, both entities are young, growing, and learning. I see hope in the future. I've already seen a lot of progress in the past 11 years of Victory ownership. I think it'll get even better as time goes on. If you're not already a member of the VMC, I suggest you join and make positive contributions when you can. We will all benefit.
Ronnie
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Tourer
Posts: 494
Akron Ohio area | Cap'n Nemo states;
"I say it is high time to say, if you own a Victory, why are you not a club member"?
I decided on a Victory because I wanted to avoid the cult like following of Harley.
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Tourer
Posts: 520
Simi Valley, CA | FYI- been a member of VMC since before I owed my Vision...
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Visionary
Posts: 1359
New Bohemia, Va | bigfoot - 2011-03-22 6:51 PM
Cap'n Nemo states;
"I say it is high time to say, if you own a Victory, why are you not a club member"?
I decided on a Victory because I wanted to avoid the cult like following of Harley.
that's fine bigfoot I don't expect everyone to join, but what I'm calling for is a coming together with the brand. As far as the cult like following, I'm perhaps the biggest lone wolf around, but there is strength in numbers to help get more dealers and better support. Like it was mentioned, the more positive influence within the club, the better we will all be. There is no need to start something new, just make what we have stronger. I believe our current VMC president would support strengthening the club and increasing the membership. Even if you never join, I hope we'll ride together and grab a cup of joe someday. Ride hard, ride long, ride safe... |
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Visionary
Posts: 1229
Rancho Cucamonga, CA | My Dealer dropped the ball. When I bought my Vision, I got no information about ANY Victory clubs. Still trying to figure out how to get my free magazines. I do like the organization that HD has with the HOG clubs. Matter of fact, I still go to a lot of their events. The local HOG club doesn't require you ride a HD, only that you are a HOG national member, which I got a lifetime membership to before selling my HD for a much better bike. Who knows, the more I go to their events, maybe the more will come over.
And yes, I am a VMC member, but find the conversations here more friendly.
Edited by Nozzledog 2011-03-22 7:53 PM
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Cruiser
Posts: 100
| I have been an active member of the VMC since 07 when I bought my 1st Victory, I found the VMC fishing online for parts and tech help. Since then I have made alot of good friends (LIKE COMETMAN) online as well as at local VMC events. I also with some help from some great people have organized a local chapter here where I live in Kern county. We have 38 member's to date. We welcome everyone on our rides....all makes and models. We promote Victory, we promote our local dealer,we also have monthly rides, meetings and raise money for charities . I HAVE NEVER MET A BETTER GROUP OF PEOPLE! I enjoy both venue's, I think they could co-exist easily. Blister |
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Cruiser
Posts: 162
Extreme Southern, AZ United States | Was a member, couldn't stay tho. Buncha no lifes on the board. I don't need to be in an internet club. I am in a real club. Don't even visit to look any more. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1359
New Bohemia, Va | justbob, it is what it is, but it is not an internet club, and it is not a M/C motorcycle 3-patch wearing club either. It is a club of Victory Motorcycle enthusiasts. Okay, now what? Well, I thought theVMC is an extention of the VRA sorta of, unsanctioned, but it was the place the people went. The VRA is corporate so all they want is my $$$$, just as they did when they sold me my motorcycle. But the club is the people, it has chapters, it has representation, it gives you cool things because you are member. I can agree with you on some of the characters on the board, but here's what I found out, it has little focus beyond the few meets and the occassional fund-raiser. All good stuff, but theVMC can be much better. When I bought my Victory the dealer had the big winged-V-Twin banner of theVMC in the showroom and I thought cool. I asked, what's that? Their answer, "A bunch of cry-babies that think they know something about motorcycles" Whoa, I thought, I guess there is some bad-blood. There sure was, I went to the site, like some of the things I saw and joined. Trust me, I was glad I joined as their was a wealth of knowledge to be gleaned, but there is a lot of bad blood. Why? Because the members let it get that way. And this past year I found out that there are folks getting all of this for free while I was being a faithful due payer. Okay, so with all the bad why I'm stirring the pot? Because the membership can make it better. I don't even have a chapter, I tried to get the old officers of the used to be chapter going, but you know what I found out, there is still bad blood. The dealer is closed, there is no common ground to bring folks back together but.... folks who ride victory motorcycles still get together. Okay, sounds like a good time to start a club. But we have one already, it just needs to be readjusted a little.
There's nothing too terrible broke about theVMC that cannot be fixed once there is a focus and direction. You're right, for the casual observer it is an internet club. But I look last at the internet as being the substance of the club, the club is getting with fellow vicsters to plan a charitable ride, or hang out for a little bit and talk motorcycles. Or lend a helping hand, or stop by and say hey. Okay, can you do all of that without a club? Sure. But it's hard to promote the brand that in the end will help all of us by having one voice, and sticking together. A chapter that will promote the dealer and the dealer that will help the riders with the corporate.
Okay, so they tried all of that, my point is, why quit trying? If this doesn't go anywhere, it probably won't affect me much, I'll ride my Vision until the wheels fall off and stop paying my dues because I don't want nothing for something. We'll still be the brand that is better than Harley, but we just don't care but to brag about that we are better. And by the comments some folk makes, especially the ones that complain the loudest, is the reason why the brand is where it is.
But those who have a positive outlook and want to help further the brand for more dealers, support, fellowship, helping others, and so on, come on and join and make it what it ought to be, if it does go somewhere, we'll all be the better for it.
Okay, I'll shut up.
Edited by Cap'n Nemo 2011-03-23 5:30 AM
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Visionary
Posts: 1350
| Have you done a search of the archives for info and posts before you became a member? Everything you have posted has been brought up before at TheVMC. That big VMC banner costs $350 to make. O.O I had one in my closet for several years before someone finally asked for it. The note inside said to hang it in my garage? That was the stick that broke the camels back. I felt the manners should be used to promote the club not the officers.
I made business cards for TheVMC and placed them in several shops plus kept them stocked and some of us would leave them on Victory bikes if we could not find the owner. TheVMC said we had to stop doing that because they didn't have control and then no one was putting the cards out.
Pete rode his '99 to IA way back in '99 before there was a VMC so they didn't start the get together. We would ride out to Wings and Wheels in WI meeting up with others along the way till the accident put an end to that. I was there when Victory Corp first mentioned the VMC. I was there when we gave the plant the VMC handlebar clamp.
Spike is a great guy but only posted about 6 times a year while president yet people kept voting him president? I feel a president needs to be more involved.
Does HD "own" HOG and Honda "own" GWWRA? Is this so the lawyers have better control? At my local HD shop the local HOG chapter handles the test rides at open houses. This promotes HOG. Should I say if the VMC did that all the buyers would hear were complaints against Victory?
I have no problem with promoting the VMC but please do your homework before. The VMC has had the potential be be great for Victory but they have fallen too many times.
This is like many VMC posts, so many think the VMC could be so much better but don't want to be the ones in office to make it happen. Get someone else to do it. Yes, it sucks signed into a VMC officer meeting and spending an hour with people greeting late comers and discussing everything but what needs to be done while they are on west coast time.
So I guess what I am saying is step up and do something instead of yapping about. DON"T PASS THE BUCK, it's already been done. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1359
New Bohemia, Va | Okay Redrider, you are correct is some regards by not doing the homework, but you know what I find out when I do? We get bogged down in the past and the trap of we tried that before and end up doing nothing. We all whine about something, and then do nothing. One problem I have is that the ones that says we tried that before so what's the use, is the ones keeping theVMC right where it is, on the decline. You have new leadership, KevinX, and no he's not ask me to do anything, we don't even get along. But you know what? I'll support him as president and try and be a voice to how I feel the membership should go in agreement with many others that feel the same way. After three years this is the same old story, I want to see a new story. It's not about the old good ole boys of theVMC it is about the owners of Victory motorcycles that wants to make a difference.
Maybe Victory will continue to be the brand that really never got anywhere because all we did was whine and moan while riding the best bikes in the world. Harley got it figured out as does GWRRA - have a coalition, have a purpose, have one voice, no wonder the brand continues to stay dispite the discomfort and problems, the people who ride them stick together.
I apologize to Jeff and Miles and ask that you either strike or freeze this thread to prevent further discussions. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 669
Peachtree City, GA | "So I guess what I am saying is step up and do something instead of yapping about. DON"T PASS THE BUCK, it's already been done."
+1
I have been around theVMC since 2003 and I can agree with what some of you have said. However, there are some parts that I feel are listed incorrectly. 1st off, Guest do not have full access. Nor would we want them to. Yes the membership boards need to be updated. Anyone want to contribute?
Yes there is some bad blood and in some cases for good reason. In other word - pay attention to the clubs by-laws and chapter's members wants...
As for bad blood with dealers - it happens there are good ones and bad ones - I personally would not trust my life to a few of them (working on my bike). I have no issue with someone voicing their opinion of a dealer - as long as they want to explain their situation or problem with the dealer. But that is my choice if I would use them.
I have met more follow Vic riders and gain more knowledge through theVMC then another club or internet group out there.
And by the way - there are several corporate folks on the theVMC paying attention...
If you don't like the way theVMC is ran - join up run for office and make the changes.
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Visionary
Posts: 1359
New Bohemia, Va | I'm not passing any buck, just encouraging more positive members to join with the right focus that have fresh ideas, ones that will get past the days of old.
The membership is on the decline and there is really little true direction. I have spawned some ideas to get some more substance in theVMC, not the forums.
But it takes the membership, not just one person to carry the load. You don't necessarily have to run for office to make changes, just support the ones that are in office and encourage them to move in the right direction for the membership. |
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Fountain Inn, SC United States | I'm curious so please indulge me. What do you think is missing from Vision-Riders (and it's sister sites) that you all think we should have?
Is it a sense of community?
Member discounts?
Sponsored Events?
More content? If so, like what?
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Visionary
Posts: 1359
New Bohemia, Va | Excellent question Jeff. I don't know if anything is missing - it is an excellent forum that provides a great sense of community, and it has some offering of discounts from vendor sponsors. I don't think we've had any sponsored events, and I'm not sure if I could attend unless I can fit my schedule around it.
As far as content, that would be people driven, unless you want to divide up in other sub-division like victory basket weavers or something. Personally, I never knew what drove me on this site to post via my alter-ego, and even under this handle I can't help but post and post often. Other forums do not have a draw like this one does for me. Somewhere in the back of my mind that if I can help keep the site active, others will continue to chime in on other topics, interesting this is an observation that I make for myself.
I think the way that you can make it better is take to a higher level with membership that will give it infrastructure and funds to support events and promotions while giving something tangible in exchange for dues. As an internet forum though, you guys are spot on... |
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Cruiser
Posts: 273
Midlothian, Va. | Jedi Jeff - 2011-03-23 10:03 AM I'm curious so please indulge me. What do you think is missing from Vision-Riders (and it's sister sites) that you all think we should have? Is it a sense of community? Member discounts? Sponsored Events? More content? If so, like what? I would like to have the ability to be able to delete our own post. Small example would be the classifieds where you sold something then you could delete the ad instead of just having it hanging out there and being able to delete a double post.
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Visionary
Posts: 1229
Rancho Cucamonga, CA | I have sold 3 things in the classified's, and was able to delete the post after each one sold. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 273
Midlothian, Va. | When I started looking at Victory in the fall of '09 I joined the VMC as a guest and when I purchased my Vision which is one year old today I had already joined VR about a month or so sooner. My initial interest was the CC until I got the killer deal on the Vision and when I did I then paid the $15. Well 322 post over there and 157 here I'm happy in both worlds. I'm still a admin on the Va VTX riders forum and still ride with them. I changed brands not friends and I'm also a 8 year member of the VTXOA where I have a lot of friends also. I'm a firm believer in riding, not brands. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 273
Midlothian, Va. | Nozzledog - 2011-03-23 11:12 AM I have sold 3 things in the classified's, and was able to delete the post after each one sold.You are correct, sorry. I just went back to an ad I had and was able to delete it. Is there a way to delete a double post?
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Iron Butt
Posts: 669
Peachtree City, GA | Biscuit - 2011-03-23 11:15 AM
When I started looking at Victory in the fall of '09 I joined the VMC as a guest and when I purchased my Vision which is one year old today I had already joined VR about a month or so sooner. My initial interest was the CC until I got the killer deal on the Vision and when I did I then paid the $15. Well 322 post over there and 157 here I'm happy in both worlds. I'm still a admin on the Va VTX riders forum and still ride with them. I changed brands not friends and I'm also a 8 year member of the VTXOA where I have a lot of friends also. I'm a firm believer in riding, not brands.
Well put!
From a fellow x - VTX rider
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The Brand
