[fenry]

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The economy strikes again.


http://www.ktiv.com/global/story.asp?s=10982757

I've done subcontract work for Polaris/Victory; a shame they just redesigned and retooled to make two Ranger lines and upgraded the single Victory line. That was before the toy market went off a cliff like everything else.

But at least they're trying to ride it out.

 

[Foodman]

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Sad see more laid off.. The Polaris dealer here didn't make it a year.. They had mostly ATVs and just a few bikes..

 

[da_bull]

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Our local Victory dealer seems to be doing ok, they just got a shipment of 12 Visions. http://www.cruisin66cycles.com/

 

[exavid]

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Not to be insulting to anyone in particular but those Victory Visions look way too weird to me.

 

[da_bull]

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exavid wrote:

Not to be insulting to anyone in particular but those Victory Visions look way too weird to me.

I'll agree, they definitely take some getting used to. My B-I-L has had one for over a year now, so its kinda normal to me now. They are very comfortable riding though, especially for a V-twin. When he was breaking it in, I got to put 50 miles on it for him, he only had about 150 miles on it at that time. Very smooth, 6 speed, 106ci, heated thingys, ipod controls, etc.

 

[cubix]

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I currently have an '03 Victory Vegas and really enjoy the scooter as I ride it nearly every day to work, but I decided on a 'Wing for the road as it's more comfortable (especially for the bride) and has more storage room. The 'Wing also has better acceleration than the Vision and the handling and brakes about equal with each of the bikes. I did 2 demo rides (about 30-40 miles each time) on the Vision, and while I liked the bike, the 'Wing is just better suited for the road. Not to mention there's probably ten times as many Honda dealers as Victory dealers.

Please don't take this as bashing Victory products...they are solid products. I have been on some long trips with my Vegas (Dallas to Portland, Maine) with the bride and not encountered any mechanical problems. But I'm not getting any younger and the 'Wing is a real comfort machine for road trips and just as much fun (maybe more) in the twisties as any bike I've ever owned.

I, too, am saddened by the decision of Polaris and I hope that doesn't affect the availability of bikes and parts too badly. I think they are great competition for the "other" big V twins out there and hope they make it through this recession.

And EXAVID, I agree with you...the Vision is a little futuristic looking for me. The bride says they're a little "swoopy" looking for her taste. But some say the 'Wing is a little bulky looking...beauty is in the eye of the beholder I suppose.

 

[rcmatt007]

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exavid wrote:

Not to be insulting to anyone in particular but those Victory Visions look way too weird to me.

saw a husband/wife pair of them at sturgis.... not my style, but they liked them.... she had a bunch of duct tape on the right mirror. kind of looked like a buck rogers rocketship from the rear

 

[Foodman]

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They do get your attention.. When they go by you have to take a second look.. For me it's I can't belive what I think I saw..:madeyes::madeyes::dance::dance:

 

[Bikefix]

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My 04 kingpin has performed flawless and is a blast to ride but I wish I could say the same about the limited dealership services. I know there is a lot of controversy about Honda dealership service out there but my experience with my (again) limited Polaris dealers drove me back to Honda and my ultimate decision regarding purchasing another Goldwing vs the Vision. Victory has a great product and I would put it up against any V-Twin product but my experience is that Polaris dealers would rather cater to ATV customers. The bottom line is that all products are only as good as the support services that are available, and can be a manufacturer's best partner or worst enemy.

 

[Anon]

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exavid wrote:

....Victory Visions look way too weird to me.

I think they are the most interesting and attractive bikes to come along in a long time.

 

[treker8098]

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I worked on the Victory Vision Charging system before being laid off. The people I delt with at Polaris were second to none. I met some great people! Their Product Development Center in MN and Engine Production Facility in WS were top notch. Sorry to hear about the lay-offs.