Why Victory Motorcycles Failed Before Its Time
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 3 ก.ค. 2024
- 💭The Victory Motorcycle was before its time. They gave everything that many people wanted in a motorcycle. Sleek sharp lines, feature-packed and fun air-cooled v-twin motorcycles, an exciting electric sport bike project in motion, and the badge of honor being an American motorcycle company. We take built-in America seriously here. And even now, we are seeing that same Victory styling show in new Indian Motorcycle models. Coincidence? Not at all.
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🎵 Music Credit:
Psalm Trees - Babyyy chll.to/406a3bdf
Psalm Trees, Guillaume Muschalle - Céleste chll.to/65c7f7e4
Blue Wednesday, Shopan - Déjà Vu chll.to/1013a4d8
🎥 Video Credit:
• DO I REGRET BUYING IT?...
• Victory Gunner Road Test
• 001768 2000 Victory ...
Link Credit:
www.autoblog.com/2017/01/09/v... - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
Could you imagine the success Polaris Indian would have now even more so if they had phased Victory out "the right way". So many vic riders felt abandoned by polaris. Indian would be even more unstoppable. Good job as always.
It’s an interesting question for sure. One I’ll ponder for awhile. Seeing a new Indian that looks like a Vic will spark it even more.
It would have made no difference as the Victory following was so small. I loved my Victory's, had several, so why did i go back to Harley in 2021? Indian is a great looking motorcycle; however, 2 things moved me back to Harley
1) CycleWorks sucks as a dealership and their service centre is even worse. 5+ weeks to get in for your 1st service, 5+ weeks for a new set of tires, 1 bloody mechanic qualified to work on Indian Motorcycles. Dealer service and after sale service is horrible and worst of all, CycleWorks does nothing to support IMRG Calgary - NOTHING! CycleWorks does not even let you test ride a motorcycle, how pathetic is that. You want it? buy it but you are not pulling any kms on it unless you but it 1st.
2) Service at Calgary Harley is amazing, 3 days to get in for my 1st service, same day oil changes and the dealership supports HOG 9002, every weekend there is something happening at the dealership, they have weekly rides, weekend getaways. Test ride anything you want any time any day and they stock parts at the dealership, you dont have to wait 2-4 weeks during peak riding season for a simple upgrade
Indian makes great bikes, but until Indian does a better job with their dealerships i will not be back. Even the hours at CycleWorks is pathetic, Tuesday to Saturday 10-4pm and this is during peak riding season whereas Calgary Harley is open Monday to Sunday during peak riding season with express service on Sunday for tires and oil changes (basic service) and extended hours during the week 9:00 - 8:00 so i dont even need to take time off work to buy a motorcycle. CycleWorks sucks, no other way to describe and not even supporting the IMRG in Calgary just shows they dont even care about building the brand. PATHETIC.
Oh well, loving my 2021 Street Glide Special
People need to avoid CycleWorks, there are several in Alberta and they all suck
Indeed, my son was one of them... He ended up selling his Victory.
My Victory Crossroads is the best handling and most dependable touring bike I have owned in 61 years of motorcycle ownership. I still ride it from Washington State to Colorado every year and people come up to me at every gas station to compliment it. I also own a Sportster XLC for shorter trips. I will never buy an Indian because of the way Polaris treated me. Let's go Brandon!
This is also why I ended up buying a Harley instead of an Indian. I wanted an Indian, but they have closed down all dealerships but one in my state, which really makes it seem like they are stepping out of the market.
I liked the look of the octane better than the scout. They should have kept both like Ford and Lincoln.
I've owned 3 Victory motorcycles. Had a 2004 Vegas a few years ago, then I got a 2012 Highball last year, and then about a month ago I sold it to a buddy and got myself a 2016 Cross Country. They are such great bikes. Both the looks and the performance are top-notch. I really hope that Polaris revives the Victory brand in some way in the future. Great video.
Best bikes out there, IMO (I own 7 right now). I always felt Polaris didn't advertise nearly enough. To this day, people I talk to never heard of "Victory"! I also think that if Polaris could have built and sold both brands at "Indian-Victory" dealers: The iconic Indian name would bring people in since everyone knows what an Indian is, and once in the showroom, they would see the amazing, modern Victory styling and might prefer it to the classic appearance of the Indian. I think they would have sold more of both brands that way, much like the "Lincoln-Mercury" or "Chrysler-Plymouth" dealers did. Sadly, we'll never know....
Agree with your statement on the Victory Indian dealerships. When they stopped making Victory how many owners thought ," let's rush out and buy a new Indian by the company that's just shafted us" Very few I will bet.
PS I do get a laugh out of the modern Indian rider with his "built since 1902 T shirt.😀
@@michaelwalker1145 Polaris thought Victory owners would do just that. But who is to say they wouldn't do it again to Indian owners when the numbers are no longer favorable. Many former Victory owners will not buy a Polaris product again because they cannot be trusted.
@@LK-vb2pl Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha
Never once saw a victory commercial. They merged the two keeping victory as the performance line. The largest draw back for me was the triangle headlight. I love my victory over my HD
As a current Victory owner, nicely done.👍
Thanks Bob!
Time to move on lol
As a Victory Hammer owner, I have to laugh and take it as a compliment when people tell me I have an awesome Harley
Lol, I would too.
They do the same for my Warrior !...
The hammer has to be the best looking production motorcycle ever made.
I just sold my 2013 victory highball, bought her new and put 23,000 miles on her (I had a short commute for most those years). When I bought my Harley Davidson Softail Street Bob 114 a month ago I realized my old Victory mechanic that helped me install pipes and do clutch work was now working for Harley Davidson fixing their bikes while his done up Cross Country sat out front. He told me that he makes way more money fixing Harleys than he ever did as a victory mechanic - and something I always felt was true was this: Victory made their bikes way too good. Not that it’s a bad thing but when a normal person like me can do oil changes on their victory motorcycle in less than an hour for $50-$60 instead of hitting a dealership and spending $600 like Harley (because if you newbies don’t know, Harley uses 3 oil types in different cases, Victory was always 1 for their 106 motor) - you start seeing why HD is still around and Victory isn’t. Beyond regular maintenance, my victory was always a strong bike that never gave me issues.
After what Polaris did to Victory I’ll never get an Indian, even though I do like those Challengers and the new Chief Bobber. Cheers to riding safe thanks for reading my novel.
Your novel contributed to the conversation. Thanks for bringing it up to the class. 😅 I’m glad my V-rod oil changes are a simple process 😂🤙🏾
@@TheSprocket I too have a V-rod but ever since I saw the cutaway of the victory motor and saw it's modern simple design overhead cam with long simple tensioners I thought now there is a reliable motor. I visited the local Indian dealer a while back and wile I was there a lady came in and asked about a new used low millage Victory that had come in . She was told that the bike had been sold the day after it came in. She was wanting to replace the one that she road in on(over 100,000 miles). and It was still looking good. Oh the sales rep. told me that she was the 3rd. person to come in and asked about the bike. They have a waiting list. Mike from Maryland
I forgot I belong to a Face book site that's dedicated to Indian Motor cycle issues . Damn those things have a lot of issues. I'm getting older and don't think I will be buying any more motorcycles before I wear out the 4 I have now , but if I do buy one It might be a use Victory.
that makes 0 sense? your saying the victories were "too good" because the average rider could do upkeep maintenance and save lots of $$$ in the process? I FAIL TO SEE WHY THIS WOULD BE BAD FOR THE CUSTOMERS...AND OF COURSE THE MECHANIC MAKES MORE WORKING ON HARLEYS? EVERYONE KNOWS THEY BREAK DOWN MORE AND "MARK" THEIR PARKING SPOT WHEREVER THEY GO! LOL
@@jmgargoyle9852 makes sense to me. There motors were practical incorporating advanced concepts like overhead cams with long smooth chain tensioners . Factory oil cooler with enough oil capacity to cool the motor. Unfortunately They didn't need enough complicated tools or replacement parts or specially trained technicians to keep the dealers happy.
Great post. I agree, Victory was an awesome brand. And it forced Harley to compete. That Freedom 106 was a beast and still competes.....hard....with what Harley is pushing out today. Not to mention that Victory suspension and handling. Still competes today...and wins.
I'm not a Harley hater. I have one too. But it is what it is.
Everything on Victory competes today. Straight up before their time. If they updated the Magnum with infotainment, it still would sell today. It literally had everything you’d want in a touring bike. It still has some of the (if not the biggest) saddle bag capacity on the market. Not even mentioning how good the Vision is.
what is it? "it is what it is" is arguably the most hollow phrase in the English vernacular. it means nothing.
I guess you could say, being on a Victory instead of a HD is a VICTORY in itself...
Awesome, you just got a sub.
Lol, nice play on words. 🤙🏾
I was always a casual fan but definitely always rooted for Victory/Polaris!!
Need to drink the cult kool-aid juice 👌🏾
I was impressed by the engineering of Victory. It was obvious in every little mechanical detail that the engineers did to try to make a superior American motorcycle. I would still like to see Polaris offer a sportbike wether an Indian or any name they come up with. There is a certain guy and a team of engineers that could probably help in Wisconsin. They have experience.
I could see it coming one day. Victory had that sport bike program so they have the capability.
I made my move to 2010 Victory Cross Country. I wanted it over an air cooled HD that was under power. The bike was a handful in the tight narrow paths, as for turning it around in dead ends my wife was my pusher! We rode it for three years. Over all the it is a seven and is is in my rear view mirror. The Indian is better balanced, however I will stay away from it. The new DCT Honda Goldwing is the true King of the Road. However, I will have to wait for a second hand fit. I now ride a 2018 Triumph Bonneville T100. The T120 would be the a step-up.
The first time I saw a Victory was Myrtle Beach Bike Week. Took a Hammer out on the demo ride. I was amazed at the power and handling of that bike.
I have an Indian but wish they would have kept Victory running too. Cost prohibitive maybe? My favorite Victory was the Judge, a fitting tribute to the 70s muscle car. A perfect point that Victory styling cues, and engineering, live on in the Indian brand. Great channel sir, you deserve way more subs! Hope you make some more vids.
Bought a Judge brand new in october '13... still have it, and I'm gonna keep it. Rebuild it before parts become unavailable, then ride it some more. Absolutely love that bike. 😎
Heck yeah, Jim. Keep it forever!
I own a 2015 Vegas and I love it. It only has 2300 miles on it. Bought it used a few months ago. It sat for 4 years in storage. Put a new battery in it. Changed the oil. New fuel in it. She fired right up on the first crank. Had a road king prior to my victory and in my opinion victory is a way better handling and riding than my had ever was.
Amazing video, I love my magnum, and yes, it's an indescribable feeling riding a victory.
Good video and spot on commentary. I bought my Cross Country Tour (brand new) 2 weeks after Polaris announced they were shutting down Victory. No regrets and love the bike. I think the whole Victory line looks amazing. I had a Kingpin before the CCT and loved it as well.
This brand was heavily slept on!
Big Time
Big facts
This is awesome video! Keep making more content please
I own an '08 Victory Hammer. No Harley I could have purchased would get as many compliments as my Victory.
Love my Victory CCT! I'll ride it till the wheels fall off.
I had a Victory Gunner and a Cross Country, then an Indian Chieftain and now a Challenger. Love these videos, you've nailed it.
I came into the victory life well after brand was gone.
My 06 Kingpin has 110k milage still runs like a monster.
I love that fact that people go WTF is that super unique not just another black Indian/HD.
Victory was a good bike they had an oiling system that kept the motor running cool had no heat issues like most v-twins but there sharp lines most people didn’t like it was the Arlen Ness design
Man, that’s a great point. Indian is establishing a base and then slowly introducing the forward thinking of Victory. I think it’s a great plan. Great video!
Just ages and stages in the market....I think Victory would do pretty good these days. But like you said slowly but surely indians are looking like victories. I could be wrong but I think the chief kinda looks like the victory judge
Polaris dumping the Victory nameplate for Indian was the smartest thing they ever did. Polaris got instant heritage with the Indian nameplate, something that Victory never had.
Always wanted a victory cross country. Have been riding my vtx1800 for the last 6 years, but ran across a 2013 Zach Ness signature edition (#76) ran to the place that had her and traded the vtx. I love this bike! The parts issue makes me nervous but I don't care. Told my wife if I have to I learn to rebuild her myself if I have to.
Don’t think about that. Enjoy it and handle that if it comes. Very cool!
I know of 1 with 150,000 miles on it, smokes like crazy but still runs.
Great video and good thoughts. I finally found a deal on a Hardball about three years ago, I'd always liked the bike but couldn't justify the price (I was on a Kawasaki Vulcan). After owning it, man I don't know what I was waiting for! Yeah parts can be a bit scarce, you just gotta know where to look, but Victory's don't need much more than gas, tires, and oil. They're very easy to work on, and don't need much, not great news for a shop, but great for an owner. I kinda feel bad for my dealer since I'm not much of a customer, I just see them when showing up for a ride with buddies. I recently double downed on my love for Victory, my wife and I rented a new Street Glide for a few days on a trip and not here to knock HD, having the fairing with Nav and tunes was pretty nice, but the ride, handling, comfort, and power for the both of us can't be compared. Someday, I may have to look at a Challenger or whatever other Victory heritage Indian comes up with, but it won't be anytime soon.
Thank you for your service
Still cruising out on my highball!!!
How many miles that thang got?
A very important point that many ignore was the very weak Service Levels at different Victory Dealerships, it was hit or miss a lot of times. There were some that truly excelled, but many were truly terrible. Lack of service work quality control and Factory level training of technicians was all over the place and not enforced by the Victory Factory. So one Victory Dealership would take fantastic care of your Victory service issues and the next would not even be able to properly align your drive belt. I would literally have to realign my belt to fix the drive belt noise 3 out of the 4 times they replaced my rear tire at my local Victory Dealership within a couple months. Indian seems to have addressed this issue better. . .
Another very big problem that a Local Outstanding independent Bike Mechanic told me is that unlike Harley, Honda, BMW and most Bike makers, you cannot get Factory Sponsored training at the Different Motorcycle Repair Schools like UTI. So you have a very limited pool of qualified high level Technicians/mechanics to do the more intense repairs to our Victory’s and no where for a Bike Mechanic to get that additional training. I do most of my own maintenance work on my Victory, but at over 147k on her now, here in SoCal I have very limited options for the bigger repairs such as a rebuild. Sadly they seem to be making the same mistake with the Indian and no, most Indian Dealerships will not work on Victorys because they lack the training for them too. . . .
So Harley, Honda and BMW all push/enforce High Levels of Service Training at the Dealership level and promote training to non-dealership mechanics that creates a strong pool mechanics to draw from for the Dealership Service Departments plus work long term on their products at independents shops.
Just picked up a 2012 Vic Cross Country Tour with 11k miles. Love the bike. Intend to ride it for years to come.
Buddy and I stopped at a Wisconsin biker bar this fall. The whole place was filled with Harleys, our ADV bikes, and one Victory. The Victory was by far the best looking bike in the lot.
Vics are special!
I love my Vic! It always gets compliments, and gives me no troubles.
I Really liked VICTORY! I was very close to buying one to replace my roadstar, when they closed up shop...
Nice video and you didn't have to swear even once. it is appreciated.
You did a good job with these Indian history videos Brandon! Polaris/Indian should be proud of You and should seriously consider You for their spokesperson. Gj Sir
Think Harley has always had the look nailed but as soon as I heard Polaris was stopping production I raced out to my local dealer and bought a new Magnum to go along with my 06 Hammer. Just love these bikes. Did some upgrades on both bikes and they haul exceptionally well. About as reliable as a Honda generator. Don't even have to check the oil (they just don't use it) , gas up and go. Have had three now and they have proven to be exceptionally reliable with more torque and HP than their immediate competitor.
This video popped up in my feed so I clicked on it. I’m enjoying the video but thinking “this guy sounds familiar”. Great job B and I STILL want an orange Magnum.
Yup...I started Victory Mororcycles. I am happy that it has become Indian. Yes...bumps...but...now happy
I'm from Australia and bought my '14 Cross Country brand new. It's still the best long distance touring motorcycle I've ever ridden. You did good Matt - thanks!
As a Brit, I can tell you that were I wishing to buy an American V twin, it most certainly wouldn't have a chain driven primary, as Harleys do. Chain tensioning systems are always a worry. Both Victory and Indian are gear driven. Heritage means nothing to me, I'm only interested in low maintenance and robust reliability.
Nice post, good information!
I have a Harley and a Victory. The Harley is nice, it’s a 1992 Dyna Daytona. #120 of 1700. It has the Evo 1340 engine but feels a little underpowered compared to the Victory. It leaks a little oil and vibrates more than I like especially at idle. It’s still a nice beautiful bike.
The Victory is a 2006 Hammer, red in color. It is equipped with a Freedom 1634 cc Dyna tuned beast. No leaks, no vibration, no problem. With a 250/40/18 rear tire, beautiful chrome wheels, and lots of chrome accents, it’s an all around beauty. I’ve been told several times after 5 years of ownership “it’s the best looking bike I’ve ever seen.” It had 10k+ miles on it when purchased and I paid 6k for it. I’ll sell it when I get too old to ride!' 🏍
Great video B, loved my late Octane stage 1, could have gone up against the SporsterS with a FTR1200 spec, 😎
I thought about getting an Octane again recently. I saw an Octane turned into a sport naked and was in awe!
@@TheSprocket yeah loved the whole ‘project 156’ pikes bike but then I believe the FTR1200 is the real Victory 156, a cafe FTR would be cool, the Octane had such a gnarly cam profile 😎
Brilliant Bicasso. 👍🏾💯
Hey Brandon, Well Done. I think the idea of bringing the Victory styling back in to the Indian lineup will bring back some more nostalgia and pull MC sales in the US back away from HD, If they do it right.
I agree!!!! I'm super excited to see what they come up with. The latest paint styling is definitely reminiscent of Victory.
I'm a newer rider at the tender age of 42 and I did lots of research getting into bikes since I don't have a massive bank account by any means. My first bike was a 07 Suzuki C90 (it was affordable and I knew it would be dependable), After riding that for about 1.5 years I was ready to step into a full dresser/bagger and I knew I had about 10K to spend. I knew I wanted good handling, good HP/TQ and great style and I wanted American. So it was down to Indian (could not afford anything out there), Harley (I wouldn't mind a 14 or up Ultra but to find a good one for 10k or under and blacked out like I wanted was just about impossible) and Victory... I now have a 16 Victory Cross Country 8 Ball with tour pack and I couldn't be happier. Just got back from the mountains in NC and riding the Tail of the Dragon for the first time... wow what a feeling. Love this bike.
Interesting! I started on a 06 Suzuki M50. 🤙🏾 The 8 Balls are sweet!
I can tell that most of the negative comments come from people who never rode or owned a Victory Motorcycle. My '98 V92C was very reliable and never had to bring it in for anything other than regular service in the 4 years I owned it. It would run circles around any Harley in performance and handling stock from the factory. Yes it is a shame how Polaris treated the Victory owners and motorcycle line but no other manufacture is any better. It is all about the bottom line. My signature on the Victory forum said it all, "I bought a motorcycle, not a name!" Ride Safe!
Good video, I wish they would at least bring the Victory Vegas back. I would've purchased one if Victory was still in business.
Dude that was an awesome video. I hope they bring back a Cross country style bike. I still have a 2013 X country with 60k miles and still runs like a charm. Thanks again.
I definitely think it's coming!
My being a harley guy i tip my hat to Indian and victory. I have a few small gripes with both brands but they made great bikes and they made harley step their game up
I had a talk the other day with my father in law he is a long time Harley rider and hates the way all newer motorcycles look lol. So I can see why Victory would have had a tough time back in the day the old school rider hates change. Newer riders just don't want there dads bike anymore they want something new
I don’t want Dad’s bike at all 😂 Probably why I enjoy the V-Rod so much 🤙🏾
Everything presented here is highly accurate. There is so much Victory DNA in a Challenger/Pursuit.
Great vid
Victory didn't fail. Polaris just decided they could do even better promoting the Indian brand instead
Victory's were the best bikes I owned. I should have kept my Cross Country, but after some hip surgery I'm back in the saddle of 2020 Chieftain Elite as of two weeks ago. I can feel the Victory in there.
You are spot on with people not understanding the Victory Brand.
As a rider myself & heavily into M109R's I never took much notice of Victory bikes until now.
I have fallen for the Boardwalk & Jackpots, especially in White (Just my thing).
In Australia they are vary rare to buy as owners are holding on to them.
But if I had a choice between a Victory, Indian or a Harley Davidson then I would jump all over the Victory any day.
I'm more into the aesthetics of my machines rather than extra horsepower & the Indian just does not stack up against the Victory in my opinion in aesthetics.
Each to their own though & I for one, hope that Polaris either reopen Victory or change some of the Indian bikes to look more like the Victory range.
Cheers
Nice job on the video. Love my 16 magnums looks but love the way my 21 road glide handles. But will not sell the magnum. For the price it’s just to much bike to let go
The drifting baggers are badass.
Love my 06 Vegas. I keep hoping someday it will come back.
I also think that the way Polaris juggled, both Victory and Indian, and then how they decided to drop one at its peak, hurt Polaris/Indian/Victory in a significant way.
- Indian looked like another startup pet project yet again.
- Victory looked like they didnt have what it took to compete with HD or have staying power.
- And Polaris looked wishywashy, indecisive. "They gonna do the same to Indian as they did Vic? I mean, Victory was at its height!"
Surface level stuff for sure but People are still getting over that.
#imjussayin
,,,,, Victory was a new kid on the block and from the start was kicking HD's ass (price and quality) Victory was and still is popular in Europe ,,,,, shame that Polaris dropped Victory but Indian is an Indian - Legend and Polaris couldn't carry 2 brands at the same time ,,,,,,,
Finally somebody that understands what actually happened and what is going on with the "Victory DNA"... Well done Sprocket.
I've had a Cross Country 8 years and 73,000 miles, when I ride, my Victory is as solid as ever(believe me I've never been easy on this bike). I ride mostly enduro now but I'll probably hang on to this bike as long as I can to scratch a road riding itch every now & then.
Just brought a 2016 Vegas sold my M109r which I loved but enjoying the Vegas with it’s different style. Be great if they started making Victory again but understand it’s all about the money unfortunately. Definitely great bike but always have a soft spot for the M109. Great vids always enjoy. Thanks
Always love for the 109 but I get it.
Sore subject, I'm one of the Victory owners who felt stabbed in the back by Polaris, I'll never buy an Indian for that reason. Where Polaris failed with Victory was placement, and marketing. They put Victory in multi line dealerships, and the bikes got pushed into a corner behind the Hondas, Kawasakis, etc., Polaris corrected this later by having stand alone Indian dealerships, or, requiring separate Indian areas in the multi lines. Marketing was another, totally clueless reps that didn't even ride. I agree about the Freedom engine, rock solid, I put 98,000 miles on Freedom motors, split between two bikes, the biggest issues I ever had was electronic, mainly failed a TPS, or switch, relay. This is a good thing since dealer services were typically poor.
Live in NY never saw a Victory dealer, and only a few on the road.
Had a 2014 crossroad 8 ball loved it was sad when they shut it down. Now I own a Harley road king.
I am from Germany and i am a owner of a Gunner… I love her … Great Bike 👍
Nice!!!!
I rode a Victory Magnum for years until the Indian Challenger came out and I got one of those. Loved my Magnum, It was an awesome bike. Love my Challenger even more!!
Ayeee, that’s awesome!
This article is leaving something out. Insider information back in 2018 told it like it was. Polaris acquired the Indian brand and dumped as much money as they could in that franchise, thus leaving little for Victory. The decision was made to shut down Victory and go 100% with the Indian brand. What Polaris did not count on was the brand loyalty to Victory. By snubbing the Victory owners they lost momentum with the Indian brand... for a short time, but dedication and perseverance to build a good product has won a large percentage of those customers back. Another problem Polaris had was that the 106 engine would never pass the European emission standards.... just my two cents worth.
As you know BB, love the Victory styling especially one Orange Victory Magnum. I like my 1st gen Indian Chieftain for what it is. Awaiting delivery of a High-Ball for my in town and shorter rip rides. Looking forward to what is to come from Indian/Polaris, hopefully pushing the boundaries of motorcycle design and innovation.
That High-Ball is gonna be awesome!!
As a current victory owner I will only buy a victory or if I buy a new bike it will be an Indian I love my victory and think Polaris is a great company
Bring back victory
To use an American Auto analogy... If Indian was Ford and Harley was Chevy... Victory was Mopar. Different, innovative with a following all of its own. I've always owned Harleys and am really glad Indian has returned and is viable again but do wish Victory was still in production. It was always fun seeing them out on the road and marveling at what they were up to. I didn't like everything they made but that's what made in fun. Another American Brand out there with loyal followers of its own who were always fun to have a Beer with and talk bikes.
I’m a Harley guy, but I did like the Victory motorcycles, cause they were they only motorcycle company that didn’t try to copy Harley bikes.
That’s a fair point. 👍🏾
Polaris killed their own brand. Their marketing efforts (or lack thereof) failed to penetrate the market. Most people, even to this day, have never heard of Victory Motorcycles. It’s one of the best designed, well made motorcycles ever produced. Yes, it was an uphill battle against iconic brands like Harley but Polaris is a huge company with deep pockets that should have spent much more on marketing and customer engagement. They not only killed their brand but killed a movement and strong community of motorcyclist along the way. It’s still hard to find an acceptable alternative to the Victory Vision from ANY manufacturer. That is saying something about a bike that came out in 2008!!
Great video - thanks for sharing
Oh man. The Vision. Still one of the most comfortable motorcycles made. And one of few options for overly tall riders. I’d be curious to see a Vision 2.0 even with an Indian badge.
@@TheSprocket I agree. I’ve owned mine since 2011 and I’m 5’7” tall. It’s an incredible touring bike and can be adjusted for riders of any size. You either loved or hated the looks but nobody can argue about the functionality and performance of the Vision!
@@williamking3407 I felt it was a bit much for me at 5’10” but I agree. You can ride anything at any height with adjustments.
I went to several Victory Demo Rides over the years. They just weren't up to the fit and finish of the Harleys. I saw a lot of paint flaws that should have never left the factory. I am not a batwing guy so the only bikes I was interested in purchasing were the High Ball and Hard Ball. Almost pulled the trigger on a used Hard Ball, but that was about the time when they decided to shutter the doors.
Good video.... I've been a Victory fan since my first Vegas in 03... in fact I still own that Vegas... I switched to a Chieftain Limited in 18... I looked for a Magnum X-1 but couldn't find one... so I switched... but let me throw this little thought out... Indian is doing the EXACT same thing Victory was doing starting in 2015.... what does that tell you?
Buying the Indian brand was a good business decision. If you have the opportunity to buy your way into a heritage brand successfully you do it. The Victory badge can still be used strategically. If they decide to grow into the sport, electric, or electric sport genre they can always create a new "Victory" line. But with a name like Victory, they'd better launch with a serious competitor.
I love that they were made in my state (Iowa), and Indian is now made there. My father found one 2 years ago, and we are currently looking for one for my brother in law. I am hopeful to get the Indian in the next year or two. They are good bikes that run great.
I had a hammer with orange and black tribal, with the victory performance exhaust. Out of this world bike, sounded like the devil snorting. People fist bumped me at red lights, every fuel stop, people stopped to look at it. However, im in the UK. Garages wouldnt touch it, getting spare parts was a nightmare, if not, impossible. Even to get a part from poloris, what ever they called. I was stuck with a bike that people didnt want to work on and couldnt get a part i needed. Groups, forums no good. I had no choice but to sell it. My advice to anyone in the UK. Dont buy one and if you got one sell it. Nothing but stress. I got a Harley. No problems no issues.
Been Riding my Victory Kingpin 92" for years, 80,000 miles on the clock. I completely understand the choice to go with the Indian brand name. The only things that kinda bothered me was the shutting down the parts.....but on the other hand I've had one breakdown in 80,000miles and I didn't even put a Polaris part back in.
I do believe that in the future years we will be seeing more and more victory influence in the Indian brand. And I'm looking forward for that. Because I do like the looks of the victory. So to Indian, bring it on...
I like Victory but when I was researching on them I found it may be difficult to get parts if I'm out going across country
Probably. The dealer network is spotty. (It's better than it was years ago, tho) You'd have to find an Indian dealership which of course is nowhere near as abundant as an HD dealership.
I have 2015 magnum red by far one the best bikes I ever have I also have 2003 goldwing beutifull but my victory is unique I will keep it forever, just oil and gas that how good are this bikes
I'm waiting for a Vegas with indian thunder stroke engine. New chief is almost a dyna, We're still waiting for the ''indian softail custom''.
Victory was an awesome product and I am excited to see what Indian does!
They really are. I’m glad they’re still in the Polaris family creating/designing motorcycles.
I am buying a 2011 vision. Cannot wait to start riding it
Looks AMAZING!!!
The engineering and designs of these victory bikes and motors is quite impressive. Being 6'2" I have never been on a more comfortable bike than my Vision . As weird and heavy as it is it still eats up the twisties and with cams loves to make power all the way to 6400rpm. I wouldn't be afraid to buy these bikes in the future. Especially if you can turn your own wrenches. They are just damn reliable. I hope to add a Magnum/cross country to the garage someday as I've always loved their looks. A highball would also be a nice addition. Realistically I'd own one of each if I had the room.
Love to hear that. I have a more detailed video coming about a friend’s Magnum on the main channel. We have 6~ years of support left from Polaris. That’s plenty of time to ride and most importantly learn.
@@TheSprocket I will be looking forward to more Victory related videos!You could also do a whole video on the vision. It was definitely ahead of its time.
0:08 the newer engines must have been air cooled, my 2000 v92c se was oil cooled as they called it. i didn't notice the victory vision in your vid.
Never saw much support for Victory in this area. One dealer in eastern NC (Goldsboro) and his showroom was more about jet skis and ATVs. I hope Indian keeps going, but part of me expects Polaris to unplug that too.
Never getting rid of my victory vision sir best looking motorcycle ever and doesn’t breakdown
I have a nuclear sunset Judge. I still get compliments at stop lights way more than I ever did riding the Harley. Like you said in the video I always got the same question, What kind of bike is that? They never had any events or televised advertising to get it off the ground. It relied strictly on word of mouth testimonials within the motorcycle community. I can't count how many times I have said my Victory is more American made than a Harley.
Well stated. I never set out to be one of those “Victory motorcycle cult” dudes; just kinda happened.
I was always a harley guy had a sportster soft tail and now Electra glide if I were gonna switch it would have been Victory always liked their bikes. Polaris should have kept them
Owner of a Vision for 2 years - - when researching this model I read that Victory didn't bother to build replacement 106 engines, they were that reliable !!
I have an 03 Vegas, hundred thousand miles with nothing more than routine maintenance. If there is some sort of catastrophic failure, I won’t even think twice before picking up in Indian
That’s wild and impressive!
People weren’t buying the Victory so, they gone
Def Facts.
I’m not into cruiser motorcycles at all , more Adventure and sports touring bikes , But did love the Victory design, I actually considered buying a Victory Judge and latter a Indian Scout.
Oh man. The Judge was something serious!!!!
I rode a 2010 victory cross country for 10 years and 95k miles w/o any mechanical problems. That was a great bike. Handled great and had plenty of power. Ive done several demo rides of HD bikes. My 10 year old bike was still faster than any newer HD. Other than Indian taking sales away from Victory, the biggest downfall was not making any improvements or changes to their bikes. Difference between my 2010 vs 2017 XC? Paint and wheels. Hmmm.......who else does that sound like?
That’s what I hear. I’d assume Polaris has learned a lot from their prior dealings.
The Indian brand is way to expensive compared to the Victory models