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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 13
Batavia, IL | I recently bought a new Vision. And like many others I am sure, I removed the safety sticker that is on the plastic panel directly in front of the seat. I used my heat gun to do this, did not scrape any of this sticker with anything. Well to my surprise once the sticker was gone I see a small chip of paint missing. Even looks like someone tried to touch it up. Once I see this I immediately go to the dealer, they take 2 photos and submit a claim to Victory for me. I just found out that Victory denied the claim since the warranty does not cover cosmetic issues. Needless to say I am pissed! I called Victory tech support only to have them read me the response from the technician that I had already read at the dealer. I offered to send the panel to them for further investigation. Response, we've already given you our answer, it is not covered. I asked to talk to a supervisor and was told they will give you the same answer I just did. They said the paint came off with the sticker and that it is my fault. They said you would be surprised how people remove theirs, some scrape them off. Well if they look at the pictures they would see NO scratch of any type. What that says to me is someone did not prep the area very well prior to paint. So this also means to me that their paint can not stand up to anything if this simple sticker removal also takes paint with it. My dealer which I do like has offered to call their rep to see if he will do anything and if not the one guy has a cousin who can paint it for me. Also said they will SELL me a new panel at $3 over cost. Well i am not paying for shit, that offer pissed me off even further. I will sell the damn bike before I pay for a new panel or to have it painted at a cost to me. It is the principal of it! The paint chip is only about 1/4" x 1/4". This bike was expensive, Victory made their money. STAND BEHIND YOUR F_ CKING PRODUCT. I did not remove the paint in any shape way or form. I do like the bike but will not purchase anything else Victory makes. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1365
Central Maryland | This is a hard one to win my friend. Just go buy a new panel. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 1066
Peru, IN | Welcome to Victory ownership. Superb bike, shitty customer service and fit/finish. My '04 Blazer has better paint quality. Unfortunately, there's little you can do about this. If you make it to AVR, they've had factory techs touch up paint chips in the past. I removed my sticker before I ever left the dealership. If paint had come off with it, they wouldn't have got my check. At least you didn't buy a used bike with cooked on stickers. (My last bike had factory stickers on the bags, it was black so they had been cooked on for 4 years and I gouged the paint trying to remove them.) |
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Visionary
Posts: 3773
Pittsburgh, PA | could that part been taken off of another vision and put on yours at the dealer. the whole part of the touch up paint seem iffy . because victorys paint is all done by automation . so there is no guy there with a can of paint ready to touch up scratched.. makes me wonder if something dishonest happened at the dealer. with or without them knowing about it... |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 763
Anderson, IN (48mi NE of downtown Indianapolis) | I make a deal with the dealer on cars, motorcycles, and boats. I say, "Peal it off and I will buy it today". I have done this with warning stickers, pinstriping, and dealer logos. I tell them I will not buy if they mess up the paint. I have never had any dealer hesitate to remove a decal to sell a vehicle.
I know this does not help you now, but maybe it will for future purchases. I hate that Victory is hard to deal with sometimes. I feel bad for you. We had a paint adhesion issue where I work. Customers remove our labels all the time and replace with their own company name. The paint was chipping off exactly as you described and it was only where label was removed. I made the call to honor the warranty. Everyone agreed with me. We got the paint problem fixed immediately and replaced every unit that came in. In today's world, customer service is as important as quality product. Your dealer could be the hero here and give you a new one. It would great advertisement for them if you came back to this thread telling us your dealer took care you. Lots of Victory owners read this forum. |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 13
Batavia, IL | I was to po'd to even think about paying for anything because of the chip. Now I am valued down a bit so yes maybe I will get a new one. Gonna see what dealer might do for me first. |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 13
Batavia, IL | There is another black Vision on the dealer floor, I would have liked them to just switch with me and then they could have dealt with it and then yes they would have been the hero. Customer service did not budge on their decision, it was as though they did not really care. Customer service nowadays is sure not what it used to be, that holds true in so many other industries as well. Maybe the guy putting the sticker on tripped and fell against the bike with a wrench in his hand and chipped it, but it does look like someone tried to touch it up, dealer even agreed with me on that one. I consider myself honest and if at any time I thought I had done this then yes I would have a new panel already, on my dime. Dealer did call me couple of hours after I found out they denied the claim, he contacted his rep and he is pursuing the matter too. Hopefully he gets something done. The bike came with a 3 yr warranty which I will probably question it's validity when I need something fixed. This situation is going to make me defensive everytime I ask for something that Victory has to support. I am going to the AVR this year, have booked a room and up till now was really looking forward to the rally. Now I want to go to just vent to Victory themselves. If I still have this panel at that time then I will hopefully be able to have someone there step up and fix it. I can afford a new panel and I am not that cheap but as I said it is the principal of the matter. I work for a manufacturer and when a customer says my product has issues it is me that has to prove it to him that it does not. I can't just say "sorry but you must have done something wrong". Anyways, thanks for listening to my ranting and raving. Just by you guys saying " I am sorry you are experiencing this" helps. It is far more than the company who just got $20K out of me said. What a shame. |
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Tourer
Posts: 500
| I understand and believe me, do sympathize with the issue...Unfortunately for you and the honest in heart, many are not and try to get this type of problem fixed by Victory and others...I do not agree in principal with Vic on this issue, but they cannot make good every little detail that is cosmetic due to those that are not honest and take full advantage of trying to get "something for nothing" so to speak....Perhaps as said above you should see what can be done at the AVR or just buy a new panel.....I used a Vision Pilot sticker, available on this site, to cover a small blemish on my console panel and it looks great and covered the spot perfectly...The Vision is a great bike and I hope you can work things out so you can enjoy the best ride out there!!! |
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Cruiser
Posts: 185
Rhode Island | No doubt this sucks, the only thing that will really make you feel better is to get your knees in the breeze; everything else will just keep your blood pressure up.
Jim |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 13
Batavia, IL | I am making a bigger deal out of this than it actually is. Was just pretty po'd. Alright now. Shouldn't let this stress me out, stress will kill you. Yes a bike ride would be nice. Like a good portion of the country we need this weather to change, got 6.5" of rain in the last 24 hrs. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 691
Manchester, CT | Thanks for the post. I also want to remove that sticker on my new black VV. Based on your experience I will have the dealer do it.
Regarding customer service, they aren't going to help. The root problem is the dealership owner. I would press the owner hard. I can't believe he or she would balk on rectifying the situation. A good owner or service manager can be creative when it comes to solving these types of issues. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 1117
Northeast Ohio | Don, If you're like me, you'll want to get it replaced. It looks like the black tank over panel is $140.99 from here: http://www.victorypartsrus.com/fiche_section_detail.asp?section=111...
I would talk to your dealer about this first before you buy a new one.
Good luck |
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Cruiser
Posts: 112
Denver, Iowa | Just a suggestion... perhaps keep you eyes peeled for a used one. Every so often, a wrecked Vision will roll across Copart.com, so I'm sure some salvage yards are starting to buy them.
I wish I could say that your experience with Ma Vic was a rarity, but I'd be wrong. They aren't afraid to treat some of their dealers poorly, as well. Just wait until some of these guys start having issues with the Indian... they'll go through the same thing we do. It's really too bad, because so many of us love the product they produce.
Edited by Godspeed 2013-04-18 10:46 PM
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Visionary
Posts: 2300
Georgia, west of Atlanta | Removed mine no problem on two Visions, but hell anything can happen or it could have been screwed up from the beginning. I hope you resolve the issue one way or another. Just ride and enjoy the bike brother........... |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 1109
| Good luck with MaVic. I had to deal with her several years ago and it was a complete waste of time. I love my Vision,wouldn't trade it for another bike but Victory could take a lesson or two from Harley regarding customer service. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 52
DeRidder, LA | Good thing is, you can ride the Vision in the rain, it won't melt and I'm guessing you won't either. Go for that ride!!! |
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Cruiser
Posts: 244
| Don't get Stressed over it, but stick to the issue! (or was it the unsticking issue). It is the principal of the thing that matters. I'm sure they have plenty of these report that aren't lajit. But this one is. If you get to the AVR make sure and take the plant tour. I you can get in a group taken by the plant manager. He will brag about thier paint dept. Get him to the side and let him know about your problem. But I sure you will end up at the touch-up group. They mite be the one's that tried to touch it up in the first place. |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | maybe I should post a few close ups of my Vision and it will make you feel better. If you are so worried about it, have covered, or repainted or replaced. What are you going to do when you get another chip? How about I tell you I've got my gas door cable and panel wired up to make it work because the tang broke. Or that I've used JB Weld on my glove box door because the tang broke. Or that I've got a scar on the left rear where a car ran it's bumper up on it while sitting at a stop light. How about the scratches on the saddle doors where my grand daugthers climbed on the bike or from the straps from my seat bag. I'm not really done, but I'll stop. I never give this stuff much thought because tomorrow it could be in the junk yard. I hope you find better things to worry about. I guess I better go back into exile now.
Edited by varyder 2013-04-19 12:44 PM
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Visionary
Posts: 1308
Sand Rock, AL United States | varyder - 2013-04-19 11:43 AM
maybe I should post a few close ups of my Vision and it will make you feel better. If you are so worried about it, have covered, or repainted or replaced. What are you going to do when you get another chip? How about I tell you I've got my gas door cable and panel wired up to make it work because the tang broke. Or that I've used JB Weld on my glove box door because the tang broke. Or that I've got a scar on the left rear where a car ran it's bumper up on it while sitting at a stop light. How about the scratches on the saddle doors where my grand daugthers climbed on the bike or from the straps from my seat bag. I'm not really done, but I'll stop. I never give this stuff much thought because tomorrow it could be in the junk yard. I hope you find better things to worry about. I guess I better go back into exile now.
+1 . It's just paint. Enjoy your ride. Visions run great rain or shine. Mine proved that again this morning. and I will give the opposite advice of what someone else said. Let it go. As someone suggested, put a sticker on it. Ride it man! It's brand new. You are right, stress will kill you and at the very least , make you bitter, sour and ruin your day. Life is too short. Ride "the brand new" out of it! tell us how you like it? Pick your battles, develop a working relationship with your dealer, so they will help you down the road if you have a real problem. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1308
Sand Rock, AL United States | there is an add in classified parting out a Vision. Maybe he has what you need. |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 13
Batavia, IL | Thanks all. I have put this behind me, yes it is oly a chip in the paint. Not a big deal. It is not stopping me from riding at all, the weather on the other hand. my dealer is working with his Victory rep to help me out, guys at the dealer have become friends as I have purchased 3 bikes from them, got to know them pretty well. As I said it is the principal of the matter and yes it is only the first of many issues I will have in the future. Actually pulling my bike out of the garage the other day i scraped the rear tip over on the brick of my house. My fault and I will fix it. You know what the real issue I have is HOW Victory responded to this. Not even an explanation, just a flat out " no it is not covered" .
Thanks JimTom. Will look into that.
This is no longer an issue with me, thanks for all the sympathy. Let's start to think about the rides we have planned and log some miles. I have a trip around Lake Michigan planned for early June and the AVR in August and anywhere else I can get away with. |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | I find that sympathy is in very short supply about a lot of things. Rides, well rides are cool, I like to hear about those. My most fondest memories outside of times with my wife is the rides. California, Texas, Nevada, Wolf Creek Pass, Grand Canyon, Orlando, Detroit, Atlanta, Iron Butt, snow, cold, rain, sun up, sun down, sun burn, wind burn, loneliest road, Sierra Nevadas, Indian Reservation, almost running out of gas on an indian reservation, chance meeting of another Vision rider at Four Corners. Rides, it's all about the rides...Welcome Don. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 1117
Northeast Ohio | Don,
I would always work thru your dealer first. They will usually resolve issues without you ever having to call the mothership. In the 5.5 yrs of owning a Vic, I have never called them. Dealer has always taken care of me. |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 32
| Don C - 2013-04-19 2:59 PM
Thanks all. I have put this behind me, yes it is oly a chip in the paint. Not a big deal. It is not stopping me from riding at all, the weather on the other hand. my dealer is working with his Victory rep to help me out, guys at the dealer have become friends as I have purchased 3 bikes from them, got to know them pretty well. As I said it is the principal of the matter and yes it is only the first of many issues I will have in the future. Actually pulling my bike out of the garage the other day i scraped the rear tip over on the brick of my house. My fault and I will fix it. You know what the real issue I have is HOW Victory responded to this. Not even an explanation, just a flat out " no it is not covered" .
Thanks JimTom. Will look into that.
This is no longer an issue with me, thanks for all the sympathy. Let's start to think about the rides we have planned and log some miles. I have a trip around Lake Michigan planned for early June and the AVR in August and anywhere else I can get away with.
Great to hear, Don. Some things at some time just get under your skin and you feel much better after you have vented. That's what's great about the forum. There are always people here who will provide you with a different perspective, along with general assistance. Have a great trip around Lake Michigan 
Pete |
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Visionary
Posts: 1308
Sand Rock, AL United States | varyder - 2013-04-19 2:38 PM
I find that sympathy is in very short supply about a lot of things. Rides, well rides are cool, I like to hear about those. My most fondest memories outside of times with my wife is the rides. California, Texas, Nevada, Wolf Creek Pass, Grand Canyon, Orlando, Detroit, Atlanta, Iron Butt, snow, cold, rain, sun up, sun down, sun burn, wind burn, loneliest road, Sierra Nevadas, Indian Reservation, almost running out of gas on an indian reservation, chance meeting of another Vision rider at Four Corners. Rides, it's all about the rides...Welcome Don.
good times!  |
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Cruiser
Posts: 66
Delray Beach, FL United States | To save a bunch of cash buy the color matched spray paint for 16 bucks, paint the chipped area and get out there and ride! |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 880
Orlando, FL | Don, that's just crap. This is a travesty!! And it's not about Victory, it's about the dealer. When I buy a car, I expect the dealer to take care of me. I don't call the factory waiting for help. Same with a bike. I am the dealer's customer, not the factory's customer. The dealer is the factory's customer!! Therefore it's the dealer I look to for solutions. IMHO, your dealer, who made a really nice freaking profit from selling you the bike, should have happily taken the panel off the other black bike in the dealership and exchanged it with yours. NO QUESTIONS ASKED. The customer loyalty he would have received would have been great. I hope you let him know that you will never buy another thing from him and you will let all your friends know to go somewhere else. Really, what does a new panel cost him, a lousy $50 bucks at most? $50 for a happy customer vs. someone that will never give you another dime and zero goodwill?
Again, it's your dealer that isn't taking care of business. He should take care of his customer and deal with the factory on his own. Again, if you had purchased your bike directly from the factory then they would be the ones to see. But you bought it from a dealer that made a nice freaking profit~!!! |
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Cruiser
Posts: 219
Pittsburgh, PA | Amazing how riding that vision makes you forget about other thinks. Riding really does take me to another place both mentally and physically. |
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Visionary
Posts: 4278
| Don C
if you get this far and read this maybe who knows.
If you go to a Vic gathering where there is guys from the home office pull your panel and show them.
Don't bother with the demo driver cause he just drives the semi. Sturgis or the plant open hose would be the place to find someone. Or get up early on a Sunday ride to Wyoming Minnesota spend the nigh and Monday when they open there doors talk to a guy there.
Be nice cause you know you get more with sugar hot heads get nothing. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 102
Cary, NC | Hell, I'm still pissed about the engine that was screwed up after 1800 miles and even more pissed when it screwed up again after 8000 miles. |
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Tourer
Posts: 395
Moravia, IA | I see your already over it but unfortunately your likely to be further disappointed with Victory "warranty" in the future.
Front fender busted off - known issue that happens to alot of people, stress cracks in the mounting area - not covered.
.....seat heater stopped working after at about 2 year mark - not covered.
.....seam in the seat seperated at 18mnths mark - not covered.
.....rubber mounting flange for the throttle body all cracked, leaking air (approx 2 year mark)....erratic idle.......not covered.
This week I had a passenger get off the bike and they still had the grab rail in their hand - busted clear off - surprise, surprise - NOT covered. $120 for the part and I had 4 hours in swapping it out.
I absolutely LOVE the bike.....but Im growing to hate the company that built it.
Honestly.....in the 3 years Ive owned the bike Ive only had *1* repair covered under warranty. The fuel door broke - they covered it. Looking back Im REALLY surprised. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1308
Sand Rock, AL United States | I see you're already over it but unfortunately people want to keep you angry, and keep throwing fuel on an amber that is smoldering toward peace. Some people have negative experiences that they never got peace about and thrive on reliving there experience through others. Misery loves company. I think it's absurd to suggest you take your paint chip issue to the American Victory Rally, A time of fun, fellowship , celebration of the brand and the riders that own them and they want you to walk up to someone from the plant, panel in hand, angry. If the issue is to be handled, it should be at the dealer level. Do yourself a favor and let it go, oh wait you already have. |
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Complaint re: MaVic