I'm impressed! (test rode Victory today) : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

Butterbean · 09-22-2007, 09:35 PM

Local dealer had an "open house" today so I stopped by. Saw they were offering test rides so I took them up on a few. Never rode a Victory before. I am a long-time HD rider. Currently have an '02 FXDXT. I test rode a Victory Vegas and a Vegas Jackpot. These things will blow away HD in stock form. Very strong. That 100ci engine just wants to keep pulling. I didn't really even need 5th & 6th gear except it was nice over 60 mph or so. Very smooth power. Almost no vibration and the mirrors had zero distortion at any speed. Stock exhaust note isn't half bad, either. Has a good rumble. The ergonomics were perfect for me. Handlebars & forward controls were right where I wanted them. I sound like a commercial, but seriously, when the time comes for a new bike I will consider Victory. The only things I did not like: The front brakes are touchy on initial application and the clutch cable/actuator lever at the case looks kind of cheesy (also, the Victory emblem on the sides of the fuel tanks was pulling away on almost every bike. Time for a new adhesive vendor).
Keep up the good work Victory!

Carrie · 09-22-2007, 10:06 PM

Good critique but I think alot of "other" bikes can blow a HD in stock form. Not much comparison...

8-Ball · 09-23-2007, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carrie

Good critique but I think alot of "other" bikes can blow a HD in stock form. Not much comparison...

I believe that is the comparison... Stock versus stock...

I have several friends with the Victory... all of them very happy.

HD had better be paying attention, they aren't the only game in town.

Carrie · 09-23-2007, 02:16 PM

06FXDBI · 09-23-2007, 03:14 PM

I enjoy mine well enough.
I hope they succeed where Indian failed.

Road Glider · 09-23-2007, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carrie

Carrie, what exactly are you saying by that post?????????

Thorns · 09-24-2007, 09:38 PM

Thanks for the review. I've owned other bikes, but the one thing keeps me coming back to H-D is the dealer network. When I travel, it doesn't matter where I go, there's a H-D dealer close. A broken clutch cable was an easy fix, and I rode it to the dealer, and they fixed it pronto. On my way!! Now if Victory can provide a dealer network close to H-D's then it would be a real choice.

Thorns

Mountain Man · 09-27-2007, 10:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thorns

I've owned other bikes, but the one thing keeps me coming back to H-D is the dealer network.

I bought my Victory Touring Cruiser in Oct 03. I now have 28,000 miles on the odometer. The bike has performed great, and I have an outstanding dealer that keeps my bike in top notch condition. Although I ride long distances, I'm always concerned about the possibility of mechanical failure while I'm far from home. I think my next bike will be a HD Touring Class.

Tech23 · 09-29-2007, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Butterbean

Local dealer had an "open house" today so I stopped by. Saw they were offering test rides so I took them up on a few. Never rode a Victory before. I am a long-time HD rider. Currently have an '02 FXDXT. I test rode a Victory Vegas and a Vegas Jackpot. These things will blow away HD in stock form. Very strong. That 100ci engine just wants to keep pulling. I didn't really even need 5th & 6th gear except it was nice over 60 mph or so. Very smooth power. Almost no vibration and the mirrors had zero distortion at any speed. Stock exhaust note isn't half bad, either. Has a good rumble. The ergonomics were perfect for me. Handlebars & forward controls were right where I wanted them. I sound like a commercial, but seriously, when the time comes for a new bike I will consider Victory. The only things I did not like: The front brakes are touchy on initial application and the clutch cable/actuator lever at the case looks kind of cheesy (also, the Victory emblem on the sides of the fuel tanks was pulling away on almost every bike. Time for a new adhesive vendor).
Keep up the good work Victory!

I too rode a Victory Vegas Jackpot, and was Impressed. I did not get to ride it very long, because I had my girlfriend on the back, and she was terrified of the acceleration the bike had (stock) and wanted off the bike(no sissy bar) she felt like she would come off the back. I mean she was scared and shaking. She has never been frightened of my bike. It definately pulls harder and builds revs quicker than my Wideglide. I liked it and wanted to go back for a solo ride!!! I remember the pipes were easy to get your pants leg up against while stopped. The pipes need to be tucked in closer and/or better heat shielding. They also need some better optional seats, and a nicer sissy bar. More paint choices to choose from, and more accessories......period. I still wonder why I see Jackpots on Ebay with extremely low mileage on them. Mileage so low I cant see how they could have formed an accurate opinion on the bike, yet they are for sale. I almost think the bike scared the poop out of them!

snyder650 · 09-30-2007, 06:48 PM

The Freedom V-Twin is no joke. I am on my third rendition and the damn thing just keeps getting better. My '03 Vegas with it's basic Stage1 92/5 ran great and pulled hard.

When they introduced the Jackpot, I had to have it. With an aftermarket airbox, a good set of pipes, and a fuel control, that 100/6 produced 95hp and 102 ft/lb of torque and laid down low 12-sec 1/4 mile times.

I just picked up my Vision on Thursday and that 106 pulls like a freight train and it's still in it's restrictive and lean stock form. 120mph happens quick! Word is one has already found the track and posted a 13 sec 1/4 mile time. Pretty damn good for an 800+ lb machine in stock config. Can't wait to get this thing breathing right!

detailer57 · 10-01-2007, 06:15 PM

I ride with some guys that ride Victorys. Hammer and Kingpin.

They are fast, but not "that fast".
Unfortunately they do not offer what I want. I do not want forward controls and a few other things.

They can get pretty pricey, but so can H-D.

The biggest problem I see is lack of dealer support. To few to far.
That do me is very important.

I do like the 8 Ball

jazzbiker · 10-06-2007, 08:39 AM

You do "NOT" want forward controls? Assuming this is a type, there are extensions for the forward controls. around $70(2 or 4")
Got to agree on dealer network but they are great machines.

Quote:

Originally Posted by detailer57

I ride with some guys that ride Victorys. Hammer and Kingpin.

They are fast, but not "that fast".
Unfortunately they do not offer what I want. I do not want forward controls and a few other things.

They can get pretty pricey, but so can H-D.

The biggest problem I see is lack of dealer support. To few to far.
That do me is very important.

I do like the 8 Ball

Drnoleak · 10-12-2007, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thorns

Thanks for the review. I've owned other bikes, but the one thing keeps me coming back to H-D is the dealer network. When I travel, it doesn't matter where I go, there's a H-D dealer close. A broken clutch cable was an easy fix, and I rode it to the dealer, and they fixed it pronto. On my way!! Now if Victory can provide a dealer network close to H-D's then it would be a real choice.

Thorns

Why are you HD' riders so hung up about a huge dealer network other than your bikes are braking down all the time and you need a repair shop on every corner.

A good bike won't be breaking down and needing service all the time.

Victory has over 350 dealers in the US. Triumph has 173 and BMW only 141

Thorns · 10-12-2007, 07:30 PM

Ok...I like the motorclothes' girls, free hot dogs and sodas. You're right, a good motorcycle isn't suppose to break down...neither is the space shuttle. I suppose you have a Victory with a 100k miles on it? I can't tell you where one Victory dealer is located. I hope Victory builds a great motorcycle someday, and my choice will not be decided within 2 seconds. Until then I will keep riding this poor ol' Road King. Did you see the ta ta's on the motorclothes girl...she looks smokin' in those jeans too.

Thorns

Grand Poobah · 10-15-2007, 11:34 PM

When I bought my '07 Ultra I was looking for a touring bike, not an image to indenify with. I could care less about the motorclothes girls, but I am a fat old man so my hope of finding something there is long gone. I have owned a lot of different bikes and think in many ways as a touring platform the Electra Gides have a lot to offer, but I have to say it is the BS badboy image that kept me away from HD for so many years, I think it is childish. I did not have to look or dress a certain way when riding my old shovelheads. I have almost 28k on my 07 Ultra and would consider buying a Victory if I could be assured they address the heat and vibration issues on the Vision. See-motorcycling is something I do-not who I am. Of course I like to ride alone most of the time--clear out the head and all. I wonder how many victory owners are worried about the runout on their cranks or the flywheels walking. It is little comfort to me that if my engine implodes from trying to get it to match the numbers that the victory riders are getting I have the opportunity to have motorclothers girls soothe my tortured soul.

Sorry-rant over--where are my meds