Victory 2009 Model Preview

[Auphliam]

Originally Posted by Kenneth_Moore

I was surprised to see Arlen Ness sitting on "his Vision." When it came out, I recall him categorically denying having anything to do with it. Maybe it's a contract clause: he has to pretend to like it.

Well, he doesn't mind selling the parts.

[sachiwilson]

Originally Posted by Auphliam

but you guys are ridiculous sometimes.

It's in our genes.

[mscuddy]

Auphliam, you hit the nail on the head, it's about "staying alive" and I fear Polaris/Victory won't be able to, with the current line up of what others view as Harley Clones. Like a few years ago when I enraged the Kook by suggesting Fuji Motors had a big stake in Polaris' snowmobile production, they still do. I don't know if that goes for the MC part too. I would love to see 'em survive and prosper, but it takes large ducats to do it, and if they don't sell, enough they go down the tubes, and are out of business. Happens all the time. How is yours holding up btw? No major problems?

[Auphliam]

Originally Posted by mscuddy

Auphliam, you hit the nail on the head, it's about "staying alive" and I fear Polaris/Victory won't be able to, with the current line up of what others view as Harley Clones. Like a few years ago when I enraged the Kook by suggesting Fuji Motors had a big stake in Polaris' snowmobile production, they still do. I don't know if that goes for the MC part too. I would love to see 'em survive and prosper, but it takes large ducats to do it, and if they don't sell, enough they go down the tubes, and are out of business. Happens all the time. How is yours holding up btw? No major problems?

Mine is doing fine (knock wood). No issues at all, really. I have one of the early models (2001) and the main issues I have are zero aftermarket parts and very few suitable mechanics willing to work on the thing. I've been to Vic dealerships where the mechanics don't know anything about the older bikes.

When Polaris/Victory decided to change all their models to the Vegas platform, they left all of us that own the originals to twist in the wind.

[seruzawa]

Originally Posted by Auphliam

When Polaris/Victory decided to change all their models to the Vegas platform, they left all of us that own the originals to twist in the wind.

In that they differ not one wit from any other manufacturer. Try to find factory accessories for older Japanese bikes.

A friend on mine has a 92C with touring luggage. I've been impressed with how tight the bike is compared to those rattletrap Harleys. The only problem is that Americans seem to like rattletraps. How else to explain why Ford, Chrysler and GM are still in business.

And, c'mon, Victories are nice well-built bikes but ya gotta admit that the Vision is a pretty hideous looking monstrosity. Especially those tail boxes. Yeeesh.

[Buzglyd]

Originally Posted by seruzawa

In that they differ not one wit from any other manufacturer. Try to find factory accessories for older Japanese bikes.

A friend on mine has a 92C with touring luggage. I've been impressed with how tight the bike is compared to those rattletrap Harleys. The only problem is that Americans seem to like rattletraps. How else to explain why Ford, Chrysler and GM are still in business.

Plus I think Victory's styling is so late 90s. The bikes look exactly like what Ness was creating back then. You'll notice Harley has dropped the Deuce and some similar models.

I've ridden Victorys and I think they are well made but I've never had a burning desire to own one.

[longride]

Yeah, I think they roped on Arlen into that mess of a bike. I hope the paycheck was worth the hit to his credibility.

[Buzglyd]

Originally Posted by longride

Yeah, I think they roped on Arlen into that mess of a bike. I hope the paycheck was worth the hit to his credibility.

Did they rope him or did he rope them? That thing looks a lot like his touring specials from the 90s.

You'll notice they claim they have Roland Sands on board now. Hopefully he can come up some fresh designs.

[hogrider]

Originally Posted by Buzglyd

Plus I think Victory's styling is so late 90s. The bikes look exactly like what Ness was creating back then. You'll notice Harley has dropped the Deuce and some similar models.

I've ridden Victorys and I think they are well made but I've never had a burning desire to own one.

I think HD's styling is so late 50's, 60's,
70's and 80's. to bad they never got to the
90's.

[sarnali2]

I always thought Arlen Ness's stuf looked like crap anyway, the designs he's done for Victory are his best IMO