Why I'm Getting a Victory Vision : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

PalmBeachRider · 02-03-2008, 04:37 PM

After reading a number of threads on this site, there's one thing missing that I thought I'd point out.

Yes, I love Harleys. I've owned three of them over the years. I've been out of motorcycling for around six years, but am getting back into it after test driving a Vision. I didn't even set foot into a Harley dealership this time around and that's not because they don't make great bikes, I'm simply tired of having to purchase so many add-ons as well as being treated so poorly by various Harley service departments.

It was so refreshing stepping into a Victory dealer. It wasn't setup to be a "trendy" spot, it was like going into a real motorcycle store. Nothing fancy. Just bike sales and service.

Over the years, it seems that my Harleys required so much service and the waiting times kept my bike in the shop during peak season. I'm one of those riders that enjoys the pure pleasure of being on the road. I don't do any of my own service and when something sounds wrong, I simply take it into the dealership. I'm not a poor guy and it seems that more times than not, the dealership took advantage of my lack of knowledge and jacked up the price.

I'm thrilled that Harley now has some viable road touring competition. They may laugh now, but for every Vision that a Victory dealership sells, that's one more Harley that will be collecting dust on the showroom floor.

I just hope that Victory will place their customers first and will be reasonable when it comes time for service and repairs. When I've spoken to other Victory owners, I've come to the opinion that Victory is working hard to get customers and the dealerships are doing their best to retain them.

I guess we'll see about that.

But, I'm going to take the plunge into Victory with a Vision. Harley, you had me for many years, but blame your dealers greed on losing my future business.

PWRMAD · 02-03-2008, 04:47 PM

Good luck with that, and although I can't quite get over the exterior looks, it's being reviewed as a fantastic bike. Cycle World just ranked it over a new Road Glide in a comparo. I will be test riding one as soon as the freakin' weather gets better.

I love Harleys, but I've ridden a few newer Victorys, and I'd have no problem owning one (if I had the cash to do so now). They are solid, kick-ass bikes.

PalmBeachRider · 02-03-2008, 05:37 PM

Like most of the reviewers state: It's a love it or hate it style. I happen to love it...without the trunk. However, I'll get it fully loaded and save the trunk for road trips and drive it sans trunk for normal usage.

It's nice to see a bike that's a true convertible. When I had my Goldwing, I often wondered why they didn't make the trunk/bags removable to make it easier to maneuver when you're not touring. I think Victory got this right.

BLACKMOUTH · 02-05-2008, 01:44 AM

Good luck with Victory.
I wish you plenty of happy miles on your new scoot.

I have never had the experiences you describe with any of my area Harley dealers so I'm a happy guy at this point. The treatment you describe is something I've never had done to me, but I understand it's out there from reading this and other forums.

If I were treated by HD dealerships the way you and others have described I probably wouldn't be buying HD cycles either. Or maybe I'd be buying used from private sellers...I don't know.

But, again, GOOD LUCK.
About a year ago JD POWERS released customer satisfaction survey results for all major motorcycle mfr's and Victory ran away with it.

Greglal · 02-05-2008, 12:05 PM

I recently checked out the Vision with a friend who was considering one. There are some cool features, large floorboards, HID, electric adjustable windshield, etc.. 3 things I really didn't like; Very Small saddle bags, very limited and boring color options, and everything, including the tank is plastic. I just cant get past all that plastic.

WEINERDOGBONE · 02-05-2008, 05:49 PM

Congratulations on your decision to buy a Victory. For whatever it's worth, I would be riding a Victory now but I was treated the same way you are describing by their dealership.

I went down the street 1 block and bought a HD after coming pretty close to a fist fight with their a$$hole manager at Victory of Lafayette. At the time I was actually trying to buy a bike and had the money to complete the transaction. The manager was some 21 year old punk and the dealership has since gone out of business.

Your experience was not isolated to one brand. The local HD dealership (Eagle HD) is excellent and that means something to me.

The Victory bikes are excellent machines and I like them alot. Victory can't have my money though after my experience with that dealership.

mikevr007 · 02-05-2008, 08:04 PM

Personally, I hate the look of the vision. But that's just me. Please take no offense.

ss-serenity · 02-05-2008, 08:11 PM

One item to consider is the number of dealers they have. If you do much touring and you're on the road, you're always pretty close to a Harley dealership if you have problems. Victory is getting more dealers but they're nowhere near as numerous as Harley.

I do think Victory makes a nice bike. A couple of guys I ride with have them and I've taken them for a spin. They both have Kingpins.

mikevr007 · 02-05-2008, 08:17 PM

On the other hand....Victory is the only other brand I would look at other than a Harley and I did before buying my current bike.

Live2rideutah · 02-05-2008, 10:45 PM

I have been shopping around for my first bike for quite some time, I went to the Vitory dealership and they treated me like an ass and wouldn't give me the time of day (even though I recently spent 20k on a set of waverunners from them) they were condensending and all they could talk about the whole time was how much better there bikes were than harley's. They wouldn't even let me sit on the bikes. Needless to say this is probably something that happens on a limited basis but it has really turned me off regarding these bikes. (I don't have many other victory dealers near by)

PWRMAD · 02-06-2008, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Live2rideutah

I have been shopping around for my first bike for quite some time, I went to the Vitory dealership and they treated me like an ass and wouldn't give me the time of day (even though I recently spent 20k on a set of waverunners from them) they were condensending and all they could talk about the whole time was how much better there bikes were than harley's. They wouldn't even let me sit on the bikes. Needless to say this is probably something that happens on a limited basis but it has really turned me off regarding these bikes. (I don't have many other victory dealers near by)

These stupid-ass dealership can ruin it for anybody. It's too bad a lousy dealership experience can force a guy to buy a completely different bike that happens to be at a much better dealership. I feel bad for the rural guys who only have 1 brand dealership within 100 miles. I live in Chicago, and thankfully, if one dealship sucks, there's at least 3 more of the same brand within driving distance that I can go to. Helps get lower prices, too.

John R. · 02-08-2008, 07:35 AM

When buying a new HD for my wife, the salesman pulls an asshole move. Adds in a security system (security system????) and pinstriping without my consent. Then he goes and drops my trade in from $9k to $5k. The trade was clean. I said **** you and walked out. Went up the road to the Victory dealer and bought her a new 8 Ball. They gave new the $9k on trade in too. I don't hold it against HD but they did lose a sale that day. I won't buy any HD items from my local dealer either. **** them.

deuce04 · 02-08-2008, 07:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John R.

When buying a new HD for my wife, the salesman pulls an asshole move. Adds in a security system (security system????) and pinstriping without my consent. Then he goes and drops my trade in from $9k to $5k. The trade was clean. I said **** you and walked out. Went up the road to the Victory dealer and bought her a new 8 Ball. They gave new the $9k on trade in too. I don't hold it against HD but they did lose a sale that day. I won't buy any HD items from my local dealer either. **** them.

I dont think its a reflection on Harley just a dumb sales person.

Being in sales sucks period, but everyone has had their share of stupid sales people be it at Harley or BestBuy. Just human nature.

John R. · 02-08-2008, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deuce04

I dont think its a reflection on Harley just a dumb sales person.

Being in sales sucks period, but everyone has had their share of stupid sales people be it at Harley or BestBuy. Just human nature.

Unfortunately, HD has a lot of dealers and salesman that still think that everyone that walks in are suckers and fall in love with the bikes. Maybe some folks are but not everyone. I won't even buy a new HD ever again. I can get a like new used one from all the people that jumped on the whole craze and are now selling them cheap.

jerry34208 · 02-08-2008, 11:42 AM

Congrats on the new Vision. It's a little over the top for me but I do like them. More choices is a good thing. I hope Victory can continue to grow their footprint on motorcycling. Harley really needs the competition. Or what I mean to say is WE as motorcylists, need Harley to have the competition. Thanks for doing your part!