Victory Motorcycles,, the new breed of posers

[stp1971]

Victory Motorcycles,, love 'em or hate 'em,, they are the "NEW" Harley.

Got a friend that just took delivery of a 2005 Victory Hammer. Already a wee bit cocky and he has only rode it around the dealers parking lot. I am getting alot of that "Cocky" attitude that is historically the "Harley-tude" you get from Harley owners lately from alot of Victory owners.

I am glad to see them proud of their bikes,, but D*mn,, leave the attitude at home.

Well I sat on all the Victory models and found none of them to be even remotely close to being as comfortable as my "LC". Some of the things on the bike didn't look like they made very well,, just my opinion.

So what is so special about the "Victory" to give them such an attitude? The new Harley I guess. American made with the American attitude.

[cjjtulsa]

Originally Posted by stp1971

So what is so special about the "Victory" to give them such an attitude? The new Harley I guess. American made with the American attitude.

My guess is the price - typically those that pay too much for something tend to look down their noses at those that paid a fair price for a comparible product.

[stp1971]

Ya think,,, I think you are right. To elaborate on a few things such as the kickstands were painted black and not chrome. Just looked cheap to me. Some of the switches looked like they were made in the back shop and not on an assembly line. I just was not that impressed with those bikes to pay that much.

[MagnumForce]

What I find strange is that Road Bike magazine (which I have a subscription for) included coverage on Victory bikes a few months back. There was a debate among readers as to whether Victory should or should not be considered a "metric." In the end, Victory was included. I would have thought that Victory would find a home in countless Harley/custom rags, but they are not the traditional American bikes with pushrod motors. Talking to Harley owners in my area, they commented that Victories are "okay" and "decent bikes." However, they did not offer glowing praises like they do on their mount of choice.

[viper94bite]

personally I like some of the victory bikes. They are expensive new, but you can find them pretty decently priced used.

[intimid8er]

I effin' love Victory bikes!

Always have.

Main reason....Dealers have always treated me right even though I haven't spent a dime. I keep getting invited to the local shop for test rides.

I love the 8-ball. However, I am not a skinny front tire kinda guy. That leaves me with the Kingpin. Which I'm not to crazy about the fenders on that one. But it does have the tire dimensions similiar to the M50 that I like, and an inverted fork. There is just very little aftermarket support for them. Up until this year or so, it was near impossible to find pipes or anything for them. Let alone a fender

[Catherine]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2002-...QQcmdZViewItem

this is a nice deal - pretty too!

[stp1971]

Yeah that is nice looking. But as I was saying,, the price "New" just doesn't warrant me purchasing one. Sitting on it my A$$ was hurting and I was on it for only a few minutes,, see pics in the 911 rememberance ride thread.

They look great but up close I was just not that impressed with some of the fit and finish. I would rather for over the dough for another Metric cruiser like the new Kawasaki, another Suzuki, or even a Rune before one of those. Although the Rune is overkill I think (we have already went down that road).

But I do appreciate what they are. I do think they are sharp looking bikes,, just they are not for me. I would rather have a Screaming Eagle V-Rod like I originally looked at versus one of the Victory cycles. But I will stick with what I have. Mine is powerful enough for me,, if I want more power I hear the Stage 3 kit will turn mine into a beast,, but the gas mileage will be atrocious. I LOVE the ride compared to most I have riden. The best part is it is completely paid for. I owe nothing on it and the title is in my hands,, unlike alot of these Victory and Harley folks who will be paying for theirs for years to come.

I guess I am a little partial to Suzuki. Rode their dirt bikes for a long time and now I ride their street bikes.

[gunslinger92557]

Originally Posted by Catherine

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2002-...QQcmdZViewItem

this is a nice deal - pretty too!

Well if I had the money at this exact moment I would actually go for it. That would be something really unique to own.

[tooltrader1975]

Thats a pretty nice bike, love the color combination. I like turndowns, but those look like an afterthought that are to big for the bike under the hard saddle bags. Is that possible pipes that are to big Gee I never thought I would say that! LOL

[oklahoma_mike]

Originally Posted by cjjtulsa

My guess is the price - typically those that pay too much for something tend to look down their noses at those that paid a fair price for a comparible product.

True

[oklahoma_mike]

Originally Posted by tooltrader1975

Thats a pretty nice bike, love the color combination. I like turndowns, but those look like an afterthought that are to big for the bike under the hard saddle bags. Is that possible pipes that are to big Gee I never thought I would say that! LOL

If they were turned down and a little shorter it would help

[NewToFlorida]

Originally Posted by stp1971

Victory Motorcycles,, love 'em or hate 'em,, they are the "NEW" Harley.

Got a friend that just took delivery of a 2005 Victory Hammer. Already a wee bit cocky and he has only rode it around the dealers parking lot. I am getting alot of that "Cocky" attitude that is historically the "Harley-tude" you get from Harley owners lately from alot of Victory owners.

I am glad to see them proud of their bikes,, but D*mn,, leave the attitude at home.

Well I sat on all the Victory models and found none of them to be even remotely close to being as comfortable as my "LC". Some of the things on the bike didn't look like they made very well,, just my opinion.

So what is so special about the "Victory" to give them such an attitude? The new Harley I guess. American made with the American attitude.

I will ride anything withtwo wheels. I on the other hand refuse to pay for most on two wheels. The purchase of a Wing vs. a Glide came down to bang for the buck. I loaded the Wing with all the lights, chrome, pipes, and so on for $18K out the door with a dealer in Iowa. A HD dealer in Ohio was so nasty that I never looked back with my Honda oreder. And again with the purchase of the 1600 Marauder I looked at the Fatboy. A lot more money for a badge I think. My neighbors give me grief about selling out to the Japs. That I have not stuck to American roots. Huh.... I hear this and can't help but point out that their HD stickers look good on thier TOYOTA Tacoma and NISSAN Titan! And for anything built by Polaris(Victory), I will never be consumer victim again. Check out what the parts cost and how long you wait to get them. Just like a good woman( my wife ), I will back Honda and Suzuki for their outstanding customer service. And for quality, the Victory product did seem cheap by sight and feel and the cornering and brakes were not what I would call swell. I am not a salesman..... so buy what fits you. Just look before you leap.

[blackie1491]

Catherine;
You just got your bike, going ZD crazy, and your checking other bike prices already.
You will end up like EZRider1 owning 2 bikes and a Pink Hippo.

[zukirob]

Originally Posted by Catherine

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2002-...QQcmdZViewItem

this is a nice deal - pretty too!

Did you notice in the add that he says there is "a lien on the bike"? Wonder if that means you're taking over the loan also.

[stp1971]

Stay Away!!!!!

[Catherine]

Originally Posted by blackie1491

Catherine;
You just got your bike, going ZD crazy, and your checking other bike prices already.
You will end up like EZRider1 owning 2 bikes and a Pink Hippo.

lol, a pink hippo? where can i find that??

No really i went looking cause someone mentioned Victory, but, to your point I was searching for something to work on over the winter here, hubby was mentioning it might be fun to 'restore' a bike during the depth of the high desert snow, lol -

Cath

[ChicsterMG]

Sean, you will be the "cocky" one soon enough.
With the pathetic maitenance history of the Victory's, they will be spending more time and money on having the Victory repaired. Many plaguing problems includine ceased engine and replacing transmissions are common.

Even H-D only has the leaking oil common prob.

From what I have read, until the Hammer, the Victory's performance isn't even been near what they claim it to be.

[stp1971]

Originally Posted by ChicsterMG

Sean, you will be the "cocky" one soon enough.
With the pathetic maitenance history of the Victory's, they will be spending more time and money on having the Victory repaired. Many plaguing problems includine ceased engine and replacing transmissions are common.

Even H-D only has the leaking oil common prob.

From what I have read, until the Hammer, the Victory's performance isn't even been near what they claim it to be.

Crap,,, does that mean I have yet another friend with one of those "I would like to ride with you guys,, but I am afraid that the 100 miles might be a little too much for the bike." I told him like 78 times to go out and buy him a M95 or a meanstreak. They both have that same stance of the Hammer. And at almost half of what he paid. He was all ready to buy a Meanstreak until one of the big dog boys I guess re-talked him into buying the Hammer.

Oh well.....

[blackie1491]

High desert snow?
I thought you got to ride 12 months a year.