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Cruiser
Posts: 131
Edmond, OK 2012 Vision, 2012 Cross Country | Today I was headed to a poker run for a ddowned biker, I hit a bump on the highway and the bike acted like it was getting a flat. I stopped to check the tires and to make sure there was nothing else wrong and i missed it. The back half of the front fender was broke. Going straight all was fine, then i had to make a turn and the bike did not handle properly and was making lots of racket. I got caught at a light and wiggled the handlebars and even more racket. I finally got to my destination and got off of the bike and did lots more checking and remembering what I had read on this forum and low and behold a broke back half of a fender. Given the circumstances I am thankful I was not in an accident or worse. The bike will be okay and will be replaced by another manufacturer's bike. This is a safety issue that Victory should make a recall on to every Vision rider in the world. How would it have been had I been in the mountains in the twisties at a higher rate of speed? Probably dead, or wishing I was becasue of what had happened and what I would have been going through. Check your fenders to make sure they are not broken or cracked, better yet have your dealer do it as a safety issue. Ride safe and have fun at it. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 1109
| You're selling the bike because of a broken fender? |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 639
Tri Cities, WA | I hear what you are saying and it is a safety issue for sure.
I think I have read now only 3 bikes that have had this issue so far not counting folks who may not use forums for info or posting. I have said this before make sure and let Ma Vic know you did have this issue. If folks just complain about it here and they should they also should contact Ma Vic and let them know as well. I know they do mointor there facebook page pretty close and they do respond to issues when posted so maybe throwing up some info there might get them to look into this a little more. Sorry to hear that you had this issue like a few others and hope that this issue doesnt make you sell a great bike. Good luck |
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Cruiser
Posts: 131
Edmond, OK 2012 Vision, 2012 Cross Country | Kris1956, No I probably will not get rid of my bike. I am very upset with the situation right now. I had a very bad accident last year on a VV and the front end on a motorcycle is your life. The back half of the fender is hung up in front of the battery on the bike not allowing me to be able to turn. I also feel we should be able to vent on here as well so we don't take it out on our families. No the ride is in the garage until the morning so the dealer can do a proper claim to Vic. Also to you I am sorry I don't remember your sign but you are in the tri cities area in WA. thanks for the advice. |
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Visionary
Posts: 3204
Memphis | I did my annual "tipover cleaning" (lay it over on each side and hit every nook and cranny) and my fender is cracked on the left side while the black (stock) fender extender is cracked on the right side. I had heard rattling but it sounded like it had been coming from the dash area. The "tunnel" for the handlebars must have amplified the rattles from the fender. Both cracks are all the way around the bolts so nothing is holding the pieces on except the bolts/plastic on the opposite sides. I'll have the dealer check it out this week. I'm sure they'll be replaced with no questions asked. 4 years old/55,000miles. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 131
Edmond, OK 2012 Vision, 2012 Cross Country | Tom, i noticed your bike is 4yrs old and has 55,000 on the bike. I am sure the rides have been wonderful as your Motivational Pics you post are. I am glad you checked your bike out. My bike is not quite a year old to me, Wednesday the 19th I will have had it 11 months and ridded almost 23,000 (22,980 to be exact) and this is a true bummer to me. However it does make me wonder if this issue is why the Cross bikes have a one piece fender on them. Makes you wonder. Thanks for checking yours, I am glad you didn't have the problem I had earlier today going down the highway and not being able to turn. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 262
Flowery Branch Ga | SongFan----I ,too, have "dash rattles" on my '10 8Ball. Never thought about the sound travling. Thanks for the thought.
Wayne |
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Visionary
Posts: 3773
Pittsburgh, PA | if this is a safety issue, is there someone other than Vic that this can be reported too? if they get enough of these same reports could they ask Vic to step in and force them to do something about it? |
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Cruiser
Posts: 152
Litchfield Park, AZ | Arkainzeye - 2011-10-17 4:55 AM
if this is a safety issue, is there someone other than Vic that this can be reported too? if they get enough of these same reports could they ask Vic to step in and force them to do something about it?
I don't have the link, but you can make a vehicle specific complaint to, I believe, the NTSB. I did this for an issue with my rear brakes fading to the point of not having any rear brakes on my '08. It happened twice and on the 2nd time I reported it.
Again, I apologize for not having the link, but I highly recommend this on any serious issue. If problems are not formally logged then, in the eyes of the manufacturer, they do not exist. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 152
Litchfield Park, AZ | One more comment on reporting issues. I see a lot of people complain about problems with their bikes and threaten all kinds of stuff, but keep this in mind, when I went and filed my complaint, there were only TWO other formal complaints filed on the Vision (one was the rear tipovers clipping your heals, and the other was for the exact same brake issue I had).
Hard for Polaris to take anyone seriously when there have only been 3 formal complaints filed in the entire history of the bike. |
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Visionary
Posts: 3773
Pittsburgh, PA | phoenix9 - 2011-10-17 10:55 AM
One more comment on reporting issues. I see a lot of people complain about problems with their bikes and threaten all kinds of stuff, but keep this in mind, when I went and filed my complaint, there were only TWO other formal complaints filed on the Vision (one was the rear tipovers clipping your heals, and the other was for the exact same brake issue I had).
Hard for Polaris to take anyone seriously when there have only been 3 formal complaints filed in the entire history of the bike.
you make a Great point.... |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | That is in deed the way you handle things from the start, the only way. The facts say a lot when comparing to what people say. Yes, I had the broken fender issue; yes it nearly made me crash. However, I realized I wasn't inspecting the bike like I should and I added a mudflap that may have contributed to the breakage. I did my own modification to fix the probleamand I've lived happily every after.
LARGE PRINT ON A FORUM COMPLAINING ABOUT ANYTHING WILL NOT GET THEM TO LOOK AT FIXING AN ISSUE. A formal complaint to the company will. |
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Visionary
Posts: 4278
| It makes me think the rear of the front fender hangs to low for some pot holes or bumps. If the wheel drops into a pot hole just right or goes over a bump the fender can catch and brake.
So maybe its more the roads we travel then the bike its self.
I would also check to see if there is enough air in the tire like check once a month. Even check to see if its time for fork oil change.
In the very front of the owners manual victory has a page that tells you how to contact the highway safety board. There the ones that would get victory to make safety changes |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 1109
| RobertDuval - 2011-10-16 5:44 PM Kris1956, No I probably will not get rid of my bike. I am very upset with the situation right now. I had a very bad accident last year on a VV and the front end on a motorcycle is your life. The back half of the fender is hung up in front of the battery on the bike not allowing me to be able to turn. I also feel we should be able to vent on here as well so we don't take it out on our families. No the ride is in the garage until the morning so the dealer can do a proper claim to Vic. Also to you I am sorry I don't remember your sign but you are in the tri cities area in WA. thanks for the advice. I don't blame you for being upset and I agree Victory should issue a recall. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 131
Edmond, OK 2012 Vision, 2012 Cross Country | Thanks Phoenix9, I have reported the issue to the NHTSA via phone call. Their phone number is 1-888-327-4236, website www.safercar.gov, address Administrator, NHTSA, 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE, West Building, Washington D.C. 20590. This was very easy to do with a simple phone call, it took about 5-10 minutes in total. They asked about the issue, and wanted my information as well as the vin on the bike and emailed me a report and gave me a claim number for the issue as well as the report number. I just hope no one gets hurt from this issue. Ride Safe everyone and have fun at it in the process. |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | RobertDuval - 2011-10-17 5:18 PM
Thanks Phoenix9, I have reported the issue to the NHTSA via phone call. Their phone number is 1-888-327-4236, website www.safercar.gov, address Administrator, NHTSA, 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE, West Building, Washington D.C. 20590. ? ? ? This was very easy to do with a simple phone call, it took about 5-10 minutes in total. They asked about the issue, and wanted my information as well as the vin on the bike and emailed me a report and gave me a claim number for the issue as well as the report number. I just hope no one gets hurt from this issue. Ride Safe everyone and have fun at it in the process.
Thank you! |
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Tourer
Posts: 576
, IA | someone on thevmc is coming out with one piece fender but that does not solve the problem up front so all i can say is if u have the PROBLEM REPORT IT thanks |
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Cruiser
Posts: 102
Parkersburg WV | Hi, are these fenders breaking on specific year models or does it vary ? Could be a bad production run eh?
Bob scott |
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Cruiser
Posts: 102
Parkersburg WV | Hi, are these fenders breaking on specific year models or does it vary ? Could be a bad production run eh?
Bob scott |
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Cruiser
Posts: 51
REXBURG IDAHO | Well I am glad you did not go down. Again that cheap ass fender. OK hear is what I am looking into and that is to replace the fender with a custom built fender. Conquest cycles makes custom fenders so I will let you all know when I find out. Now how many miles on your bike? After all the cheap ass talk on this site about how this bike is not that. Another case to prove that victory really did some real cheap ass stuff on this bike. IF your fender is broke we have found that at 15000 thousand miles you better be changing the cheap ass fork oil and cheap ass seals that victory put in the bike. We are putting amsoil med weight fork oil and new seals from all ball racing . So what does it take to get victory to really look into the cheap ass parts they are putting on this bike. Those of you that like getting screwed when you buy a bike that you think they did there best when they built this bike would not be saying that if it was you that went down because victory used the cheapest parts they could buy to put on this vision. SO MY POINT STANDS CHEAP ASS PARTS ON VICTORY VISIONS. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 172
Prescott, Az | KewlMetal is coming out with an all metal fender for the Vision. I don't know the cost and ,frankly, I don't care. When my rear portion of the front fender broke it jammed into the cowling and I lost steering. Luckily I was going slow in a straight line. A few miles earlier I was in high speed curves. At the time I had a passenger aboard who was visiting from out state and had never been on a bike before. Thank God it broke where and when it did. I alerted Victory who said it wasn't a warranty matter. A club member, Bearcat, had had FOUR front potions of the front fenders break. The dealership and Victory are allegedly looking into it. KewlMetal already has orders for over a dozen of the new fenders.
As for Victory, I can see their lawyers disclaiming this until either forced by the NTSB or a court of law to fix the matter. Funny how Victory will replace my gas lid door, my gas tank, heated grips, and my pulley and belt, all under warranty but fenders that fall off causing steering lockups is regarded as "routine wear".
With all due respect, I feel this is more than a mere "inspect your bike" issue and shame on any biker if you don't inspect your bike. I do inspect my bikes everytime I clean them and I clean them a lot! But what if my front axle is defective and it breaks off? Should I have been inspecting it? This was off my radar...was being the operative word. I am not a wrench so I can't do a fix things like a cracked fender joint and wouldn't if I could. Too much is at stake. So, I will pony up for a steel fender and inspect my axles, shocks, bearings, steering, calipers and rotors, and any other critical parts whenever I can get the mechanic who sees that stuff to do it. We all ride on a certain amount of "faith" as to nails, cars, sand, ect. Why should this matter be one of faith or inspection. Fix the damn problem before one of us gets killed!
PS: For those who will lable me a whiner, I have 50K on my 08 Vision. I also have KingPin and a Hammer. I am invested with these bikes and I love them dearly. I chaired the last National Victory Meet. I am a true believer BUT even the best bike maker out there needs to pay attention to detail. |
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Visionary
Posts: 3773
Pittsburgh, PA | Necktie - 2011-10-18 12:27 AM
KewlMetal is coming out with an all metal fender for the Vision. I don't know the cost and ,frankly, I don't care. When my rear portion of the front fender broke it jammed into the cowling and I lost steering. Luckily I was going slow in a straight line. A few miles earlier I was in high speed curves. At the time I had a passenger aboard who was visiting from out state and had never been on a bike before. Thank God it broke where and when it did. I alerted Victory who said it wasn't a warranty matter. A club member, Bearcat, had had FOUR front potions of the front fenders break. The dealership and Victory are allegedly looking into it. KewlMetal already has orders for over a dozen of the new fenders.
As for Victory, I can see their lawyers disclaiming this until either forced by the NTSB or a court of law to fix the matter. Funny how Victory will replace my gas lid door, my gas tank, heated grips, and my pulley and belt, all under warranty but fenders that fall off causing steering lockups is regarded as "routine wear".
With all due respect, I feel this is more than a mere "inspect your bike" issue and shame on any biker if you don't inspect your bike. I do inspect my bikes everytime I clean them and I clean them a lot! But what if my front axle is defective and it breaks off? Should I have been inspecting it? This was off my radar...was being the operative word. I am not a wrench so I can't do a fix things like a cracked fender joint and wouldn't if I could. Too much is at stake. So, I will pony up for a steel fender and inspect my axles, shocks, bearings, steering, calipers and rotors, and any other critical parts whenever I can get the mechanic who sees that stuff to do it. We all ride on a certain amount of "faith" as to nails, cars, sand, ect. Why should this matter be one of faith or inspection. Fix the damn problem before one of us gets killed!
PS: For those who will lable me a whiner, I have 50K on my 08 Vision. I also have KingPin and a Hammer. I am invested with these bikes and I love them dearly. I chaired the last National Victory Meet. I am a true believer BUT even the best bike maker out there needs to pay attention to detail.
I like the way you worded eveything.. your NOT a whiner.... you state facts... i know i should read these posts more clearly, but where exactly should one inspect their front fender for defects? |
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Visionary
Posts: 3204
Memphis | Around the mounting bolts. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 131
Edmond, OK 2012 Vision, 2012 Cross Country | Today I picked up my bike from the dealer and it was fixed under warranty. The inner chrome that was damaged was also replace as well. It may not be necessarily a Victory issue not getting it covered for you but a dealer issue. We have all read the problems we have with the dealer network and getting warranty work covered. So you may just have to push the issue. Good luck. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 669
Peachtree City, GA | I have heard it is all in the way that the dealer words the claim...
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Tourer
Posts: 324
New Orleans, La, | I hope I'm not brealing any rules of the forum with this , but Kewl Metal has on their web site a metal one piece fender for 370.00 in raw steel. They state some drilling required, but it is the first metal alternative so far. Just saying. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 172
Prescott, Az | http://forums.thevmc.com/bb/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=113822&posts...
Here is a link on the VMC of the KewlMetal fender. I speak to Joe often and there will be no drilling as this fender is being designed for the Vision and he is offering matching paint. This is about 6 weeks from being ready. I do not know the price and at this stage I'm not sure Joe is set on a price. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 161
Oregon. | Good info. Sorry to hear about the front fender on the bikes that have the problem. So far, no problems. But, I'm only at 9800 miles, so still short of the supposed 15000 mile mark. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 763
Anderson, IN (48mi NE of downtown Indianapolis) | Checked mine and all is good. I will definately keep an eye on it to make sure it stays that way. |
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Tourer
Posts: 395
Moravia, IA | Hell I just left mine off......last time I went to buy a tire I got a bigger size with higher load rating, no need to worry much about clearance with no front fender - will see if it cups as quick. I get great tread wear out of front tires.....but they all cup quickly. Im thinking the higher load rating means a stouter built tire....and hopefully less cupping. |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 9
| I too have a Victory vision 2012 w/22 tho. miles, with the rear part of the front fender breaking to the degree where it gets logged in the front frame of the Bike rendering it impossible to turn. I have seen this happen to an 09, where he stopped and couldn't turn his wheel, I dislodged it by moving the front wheel to extreme right and then left. Got the run around from Victory Customer Service rep. I know of another 09 VV with the same issues. Please people warn other riders of this issue for safety reasons and contact the National Safety Board as posted on this site. Many have posted and few called...Ride Safely...  |
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Visionary
Posts: 4278
| Mine broke at the bolt hole. When i went to take it off one side was tight and the left side loose. Bought some plastick weld at auto store fix fender and have checked twice bolts are tight and fender is good . |
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Cruiser
Posts: 244
Tucson , AZ | HMD offers a front and rear fender in hand laid fiberglass.. we do not have any issues with mounting holes cracking. Just FYI....
http://www.hmd520.com/category/Fenders-50 |
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Tourer
Posts: 444
Bay of Gigs, WA | My whole front end cracked when it hit a Nissan pickup. There ought to be some factory relief from that...Seriously, though, I hit this guy about 30 mph and you know what? The front fender was about the only thing front of the windshield that WASN'T touched! Go figure. Glad You weren't tipped over and your dealer stepped up, RD. Loved you in that lion movie, by the way... |
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Cruiser
Posts: 61
Southeast Idaho | I have a brand new black front fender (both pieces) if anyone is interested in pm me |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 825
, WI | I "fixed" my fender before it had a chance to break. I replaced the upper plastic push-pins with stainless steel hardware. Even with the added weight of a front mudflap I have had no problems. 
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Tourer
Posts: 430
| Rollin - thanks - that pix is helpful. |
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Visionary
Posts: 4278
| CHECK BOLTS |
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Cruiser
Posts: 61
Southeast Idaho | $150 plus shipping to whoever wants it
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Iron Butt
Posts: 1066
Peru, IN | I think I'll end up with HMDs fender. Lower profile, more coverage, no shitty plastic. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 161
Oregon. | 17,000 miles and no problem with my front fender yet. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 880
Orlando, FL | 22k and no issues with my Fender. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 639
Tri Cities, WA | 30K and no issues at all on my 08. |
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