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Harley versus Victory

Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2008 3:21 pm
by MichaelPadway
The Big American Motorcycles

Let me start this discussion by getting to the bottom line. Harley is Harley. Only Harley is Harley. Victory is not Harley. Victory will never be Harley.

The other bottom line: Victory's Vision is a darn good motorcycle, with modern handling and great reliability, and a lot of Vision buyer's would be Harley buyers if Victory did not exist.

What's cool about Harleys is the classic design, the incredible low speed maneuverability, the fact that most things can be fixed in a parking lot with minimal tools, the ability to get help and usually parts almost anywhere, and, of course, the patented sound.

What's cool about Victory is that it's American built, has a fresh modern design, great handling, comfort like crazy, electric everything imaginable, and it seems to be reliable.

I spent the weekend with a group of riders on both bikes. They both have that big American V-Twin sound, although the Harley sound remains unique. The advantages of each are what you would surmise, especially if you have read reviews and test rides in the motorcycling press.

Personally, I believe that this is a great new addition to the American motorcycle genre, and that it will not only provide an alternative, but also spur Harley to new and better things, as well.

Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2008 3:24 pm
by jonnythan
Victory ain't all that new :laughing:

They do make nice bikes.. but the Vision ain't one of em ;)

Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2008 6:06 pm
by MikeLadner
Exactly why I ride a Victory... it's not a Harley. 8)

Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2008 2:27 am
by Ninja Geoff
FAIL
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WIN*
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*once they give it to the USA.

Not going to lie, this is one of the best looking cruisers I've ever seen:
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(I love the springer front end, looks badass).

Re: Harley versus Victory

Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2008 5:34 am
by Gummiente
MichaelPadway wrote:Victory will never be Harley.
Victory isn't even trying to be Harley, so your comment(s) are totally irrelevant. Both Harley and Victory make damn good bikes, as do Honda, BMW, Ducati, Kawasaki, etc, etc. A bike is a bike is a bike - the only thing that matters is if Brand X is the right bike for YOU or not. Harley is not the "benchmark" by which all others are compared to and anyone with that sort of mindset really isn't clear on what it means to be part of the TMW motorcycling community.

Re: Harley versus Victory

Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2008 5:43 am
by jstark47
MichaelPadway wrote:Personally, I believe that this is a great new addition to the American motorcycle genre, and that it will not only provide an alternative, but also spur Harley to new and better things, as well.
Even at the reduced 2008 projections, Harley will sell well over 200,000 bikes. Victory sells something less than 9,000 per year. I don't think Harley is too worried about Victory.

Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2008 6:50 am
by MrShake
I gotta disagree!!!

DING DING DING, We have a Winner!!
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eehh.. whatever*
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Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2008 7:25 am
by Scoutmedic
As for the "Fail" comment about the Vision, you can't find one near me. The local dealer was supposed to get 2 total this year and they've sold 7. I was told I'll have to wait until 2009 to test ride one since Victory won't ship one unless it's presold due to the demand.

Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2008 7:29 am
by koji52
Ninja Geoff wrote:FAIL
Image

WIN*
Image

*once they give it to the USA.

Not going to lie, this is one of the best looking cruisers I've ever seen:
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(I love the springer front end, looks badass).
I agree with you man...springer front ends are badass.

Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2008 8:29 am
by mydlyfkryzis
Why are you comparing a Sportster variant to a touring bike?

The Victory Vision compares to this bike: FLHCTU the Electra Glide Ultra CLassic. I don't like either, but the Vision is a lot sleeker and doesn't look put together from pieces like the Harley.

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