Victory motorcycles

[DucatiSSsp]

Anyone had any experience with a Victory motorcycle? <_<

Specifically the last couple of years with the 100/6 combo.

One of my customers bought a touring Kingpin. I didn't much care for the valanced fenders but love the rest of the bike. Was actually looking at a plain jane Vegas. Don't care much for the 250 rear tire on the other models. Customer says bike runs smooth for a big twin and handling is on par for this type of bike.

Customer usually rides sport/sport touring bikes.

Thanks,

Bryce

Still have a itch for a new Gixxer but a cruiser will ad to the collection and won't tarnish my now "perfect" driving record!

 

[Groo]

Test rode one a few years ago when I was still trying to figure out which direction I was going with regard to my upcoming "new bike" purchase. If I had gone the cruiser route, it probably would have been a Vegas...

 

[Bearly Flying]

There was an article in one of the Bike mags this spring on the Victory's. It gave a favourable write up on the new 100 cid motor. They had some issues with the previous bikes, but apparently have fixed the problems and have been focusing on Customer satisfaction with the new line.

I believe they were talking about a merger with KTM also.

 

[twowheelnut]

There was an article in one of the Bike mags this spring on the Victory's. It gave a favourable write up on the new 100 cid motor. They had some issues with the previous bikes, but apparently have fixed the problems and have been focusing on Customer satisfaction with the new line.I believe they were talking about a merger with KTM also.

That merger is a done deal, though more an agreement to cross-sell products. I've heard only positives about the line since the partnership with the Ness family and that 100 CID motor. As far as cruisers go, I think they have a stellar line up, but the pricing is reaching the ionosphere, like the other 'Mercun Iron.

 

[jimbemotumbo]

The 45 deg Vtwin is still my favorite motor. The Victory version is now the benchmark for all to follow. Early ones suffered a bit but they have the bugs worked out since 05. Very smooth and reliable motor. Great tranny. Excellent handling. Even better build quality. Too bad they are tied to Ness. Ness is the posterboy for posers, all for show IMHO. Obviously a good business man. Despite my dislike for anything Ness, these bikes are damn good. Just a little funny looking.

I'm sure a person could tweak the cosmetics pretty easily.

 

[ionbeam]

I'm sure a person could tweak the cosmetics pretty easily.

Ummmm, yes

 

[DucatiSSsp]

I'm sure a person could tweak the cosmetics pretty easily.

Ummmm, yes

Thanks for the replies! I checked out the Victory forum and didn't find too many neg. comments at all which is a good sign. It likes like I have to go find a dealer now and take one for a spin.

I always like the silver vegas but want spoked wheels. I think Arlen and Cory have done away with them

Thanks again!

Bryce

 

[starcruiser(aka downn2)]

Bad news it Victory is owned by Polaris.... And these SOBs won't hesitate to screw you in a heartbeat...ie; all of a sudden POLARIS decided, out of the blue, to discontinue MANUFACTURING jetskis, I'm talking NO PARTS, NO SERVICE, NO fREAKING NOTHING ANYMORE, and if you were unluckey enough to have bought one, YOUR JUST SCREWED...... I hear if you can get enough people to help you left one up high enough, you can fit several into a industrial size dipsey dumpster....

I wouldn't buy anything from any company with that kind of Corporate *** U attitude.

 

[Carnifex]

Get the 8-ball. I was torn with what direction to go with my bike, and it came down to the FJR and the Vegas 8-ball - it's a gorgeous bike.

 

[starcruiser(aka downn2)]

Get the 8-ball. I was torn with what direction to go with my bike, and it came down to the FJR and the Vegas 8-ball - it's a gorgeous bike.

The problem with the 8-ball is, if Polaris pulls out of the Motorcycle market, which I think they will, it's gonna take at leat 3-4 people to help you lift that thing high enough to get it in a dipsey dumpster....

 

[Toecutter]

The problem with the 8-ball is, if Polaris pulls out of the Motorcycle market, which I think they will, it's gonna take at leat 3-4 people to help you lift that thing high enough to get it in a dipsey dumpster....

And what happens when Indian starts producing bikes again? Can't help the market for Victory....

 

[Rogue]

Get the 8-ball. I was torn with what direction to go with my bike, and it came down to the FJR and the Vegas 8-ball - it's a gorgeous bike.

The problem with the 8-ball is, if Polaris pulls out of the Motorcycle market, which I think they will, it's gonna take at leat 3-4 people to help you lift that thing high enough to get it in a dipsey dumpster....

Well they stated at the start that they knew it would be years before they turned a profit and they had the $$$ to put into it so I think its a good bet they will stay in. (not 100% but a good bet)

 

[SouthernCruizer]

If you are leaning towards a street cruiser, this '07 Hammer S is a nice looking machine.

Jay

'04 FJR 1300

 

[Tim05fjr]

I wanted on of those Hammers get dynoed at a bike show last year. I can't recall the exact #'s but the HP to torque curve was impressive. The bike ran great and the owner was completely happy w/it .

Tim

 

[starcruiser(aka downn2)]

Get the 8-ball. I was torn with what direction to go with my bike, and it came down to the FJR and the Vegas 8-ball - it's a gorgeous bike.

The problem with the 8-ball is, if Polaris pulls out of the Motorcycle market, which I think they will, it's gonna take at leat 3-4 people to help you lift that thing high enough to get it in a dipsey dumpster....

Well they stated at the start that they knew it would be years before they turned a profit and they had the $$$ to put into it so I think its a good bet they will stay in. (not 100% but a good bet)

Polaris sold 100 jet skis for every motorcycle they've sold......yet, it wasn't a GOLDMINE so Corp eliminated it.....Now, it's one thing to phase out production and still offer parts, dealer support, ect for the next, say 3-5 years......but to just, QUIT and leave all those people out there stranded who believed in Polaris Corp enough to drop 6 to 8K on some stinking jet ski of theirs is unforgivable...

These are Polaris has proved their board is made up of some mean, coldhearted, hardcore, ruthless, money is all we care about, Corporate MFs........

And what's even more unfathomable is my cheap ass Yamaha dealer, who sold their Jet skis for years, is continuing to support Polaris Corp. by continuing to sell their ATVs and has the nerve to tell prospective customers what a great Company Polaris is and how Corp stands behind their products...( I heard em) ......

If I'd been a Polaris Franchised dealer, and they pulled out like that, leaving all my Jet ski customers up the creek without a paddle, I'd told em TO GET THE HELL OUT!!!!

 

[mdisher]

Just a guess here Starcruiser, but I'm thinking you might have gotten stuck with one of them there Polaris water craft and you're not the least bit bitter about it are ya?

 

[Bounce]

Lots of positive comments about the brand and the deep pocket support from their parent company (Polaris) that have provided the financial backing to get the "start up" company past the early stages where many other efforts fail (Indian, etc.).

 

[Bryan]

I have a 2005 Hammer, 100/6, etc. An excellent bike. Zero issues in 6300 miles. Looks great with outstanding performance (for a cruiser).

 

[timblanch]

1 Hour Kingpin Test Ride-

Last Christmas I was at a Victory dealer admiring the looks of the Kingpin. The dealer insisted I take one for a test ride. OK, I thought, since I've never ridden a Big Twin so this is an opportunity to experience what 300,000+ people a year spend $20k on.

I gear up and go sit on the bike in front of the store. It feels big. As I back it out of the parking space, it grows to the size of a UPS truck. When I'm done backing it up about ten feet, I start to turn it and give it gas and it feels like a tractor trailer, but I'm managing. Then the big test comes as I try to actually turn the thing and accelerate onto the street. At this point I know why the captain of the Titanic hit the iceburg. OH MY GOSH!!! THIS THING DOESN'T WANT TO TURN!!! Once I got onto the street and in the middle of traffic, continuing was a struggle of nerves like the first time I rappelled off a mountain cliff. I really had to calm myself down to keep that ship going. After a couple of miles, I got to the highway and it started to feel OK. I also did some curvy roads.

Bottom line to me? Fine for highway. Barely acceptable for curves. Terrible for town. The twin thing was sort of neat, but I like motorcycles because they are agile and the Victory Kingpin is anything but agile.

I still think of getting a big twin, but with HD's new 96 c.i. twin cammer/6 speed, I wouldn't even consider the Kingpin. (For background, I'm 39 years old, 5'-10", 185 # and in pretty good shape.)

Tim

ST1300