Victory motorcycles - anyone have any experience with them?

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DaveTV · #1 Unread post by **DaveTV** » Mon Apr 25, 2005 1:28 pm

Hi all - I drive an 83 Gold Wing still, but have been starting to narrow down the search for my next ride. I test rode a Victory Kingpin and was impressed and intrigued. The idea of an American alternative to Harley appeals to me. I have been lurking at some Victory forums, and these things appear to have a cult following. However in their technical & problem forums, there seems to be an inordinate amount of probs, both minor and major. Now my Wing, I have never done anything but routine maintenance other than a stuck thermostat sensor switch for the radiator fan. So I was wondering if any members have any unbiased advice/experience with Victory motorcycles. The nearest dealer is 25 miles and I don't feel like schlepping a problematic ride back and forth from the dealer, American made or not. Thanks

mustangski · Mon Apr 25, 2005 2:07 pm

I have two cousins that both ride victory's and they love them. The word I got from them is that Victory had some problems in the beginning, but most of them were worked out. They are very good looking bikes, after a couple years more experiance I hope to get one of their Victory 8 balls.
VERY NICE!!!!

liablemtl · #3 Unread post by **liablemtl** » Mon Apr 25, 2005 4:37 pm

If I were to buy an American bike... Victory would likely get my money. I've heard nuthin' but good things about the more recent rides.

If you're dead set on a cruiser, especially an American cruiser, I'd suggest taking out a V-rod (or a sport rod!

) and a Sportster just for comparison.

But then again... I plan on putting my behind in the saddle of every bike that's ever sparked my interest before I go to replace my FJ with another sport/tourer.

old-n-slow · Mon Apr 25, 2005 5:23 pm

I admit to having no experience with the Victory whatsoever. I did read a review where the author mentioned that being as low as the bike was, it tended to grind footrests mighty easy on the turns. The reviewer, I believe, was more used to riding sports bikes then a cruiser, which could have contributed, to that hypothesis.

DaveTV · #5 Unread post by **DaveTV** » Sun May 01, 2005 7:16 am

*bump*

scan · #6 Unread post by **scan** » Sun May 01, 2005 1:50 pm

No experiance, but I've only heard good things. They are along the lines of the Japanese bikes, in a way. They have a lot of experiance in motors before they jumped into bikes. Their parent company is Polaris.

longrider · #7 Unread post by **longrider** » Mon May 02, 2005 7:39 am

I bought a new Victory in 99. I also have a Harley Electraglide. I had a few problems with the Victory that took several trips back to the dealer to get fixed. It had a low center a gravity and handled well. In 2003 I decided to trade it in on another brand. The dealer would not take it in on trade and the Victory dealer would not take it either because he said he couldn't sell a used one. I later was able to sell it to an individual. I would advise test riding both a Victory and a Harley. I've never had a problem trading in a Harley on anything and they hold their value.

75xs · #8 Unread post by **75xs** » Wed May 04, 2005 6:01 am

I have ridden both the '04 Vegas and an '05 Hammer. I thought both bikes were very nice. I was surprised how much power they have, mostly the Hammer. They seem to have a very nice fit and finish and are comfortable. The vegas handles nice but you have to force the hammer to turn with that FAT rear tire.