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Cruiser
Posts: 226
on the edge of Los Angeles | I had one of those moments when: As I was riding home the other day a driver of a vehicle pulled along side and gave me the thumbs up fist pump a couple of times. We stopped next to each other at the light and he spoke out “Bitchen Bike, Real nice Lines, I test rode one,,,,, But I bought a Harley” I told him well @ 65000 miles I still like my bike. While I wanted to say “I am sorry for you” I think he had second thoughts about his decision… |
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Tourer
Posts: 520
Simi Valley, CA | Been riding my Vic to Vandenberg AFB this past week. A lot of the guys I had been working with in Boulder Co ride HDs and had been very proud in showing me their bikes for the past 18 months while I worked there. This week, all but one of them complemented me on the bike. The one that didn't like the Vision wears HD T shirts daily.... I mean every day. A few of them said when they get back to Colorado they are going to test ride them. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1359
New Bohemia, Va | there's happy riders then there are Harley riders. |
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Visionary
Posts: 2118
Pitt Meadows, BC Canada | Ratz Ass... As in "I don't give a f**k what ignorant people think"
And some are more ignorant than others - you know - wear BLACK on a hot day. Idiots .....
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Iron Butt
Posts: 1109
| My brother and his friends go on a two week trip every year. He owns a 2005 Ultra. Every year his bike breaks down. Yesterday while on his way back, it broke down again. 5 hours and 700.00 later he was on his way. Or so he thought. Wasn't fixed so he had to leave it overnight. He follows the maintenance schedule to the letter and at the HD dealer. When I mentioned it might be time for another bike, "Yep gonna get me a new Harley when we get back". I just shook my head,he told me he would rather ride a broke down Harley than anything else. I own a Harley too but only for short trips. I wouldn't dare hit the road with it. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 208
Edmonton Alberta, Canada | Harley's are like assholes........everyone has one! |
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Cruiser
Posts: 92
Fort Walton Beach, FL | This is the kind of shit that gets posted by idiots in order to feel better about themselves or something... what is it about y'all that you have to knock others down like on the playground in first grade in order to build yourself up. Doesn't really matter what bike a person rides as long as he's a rider... riders don't just do poker runs and beer runs by the way. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1359
New Bohemia, Va | I don't know a Harley owner that likes their bike beyond it being a Harley. They complain of the comfort on long rides, and the cost to keep it running. Everytime they ride it is an event, and don't understand why I ride everyday. Of course the ones I know are RUBS so they don't count.
Edited by Cap'n Nemo 2011-09-03 10:21 AM
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Iron Butt
Posts: 880
Orlando, FL | Cap'n +1
Harley is a nice bike and suits a purpose. But I think most people want a Harley because it's the popular thing to do. It's also known as "peer pressure". I gave that schit up in high school!!!
Edited by MaddMAx2u 2011-09-03 10:41 AM
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Cruiser
Posts: 92
Fort Walton Beach, FL | Cap'n Nemo - 2011-09-03 10:19 AM
I don't know a Harley owner that likes their bike beyond it being a Harley. They complain of the comfort on long rides, and the cost to keep it running. Everytime they ride it is an event, and don't understand why I ride everyday. Of course the ones I know are RUBS so they don't count.
Now you know a previous Harley owner who had ZERO complaints about riding his 03 Fatboy 102,561 miles without any warranty work what-so-ever... and after fitting the bike to my size I could ride all day every day.
I miss that bike... it was a good one... but I felt like it was my time to buy my first bagger and I fell for the Vision because of looks alone. When it's running and everything is working properly, it is a great ride... 3 months old with 10,343 miles on it... 2 front tires... 3 rear brake failures... I finally fixed them without the need for a Victory service department or Polaris's, so far for me, worthless warranty. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1290
Ruskin, Fl | One of my closest friends and regular riding partner has a 2004 HS Heritage. He likes to ask me all the time "So, when are you getting a Harley?". He had taken my bike for ride, even had a whole day after picking it up at the shop for me. He liked it but when my Vision was totaled in January he started again that now I can get a Harley. Now that the Cross Country Tour is out he can't wait to go for a test ride. Leads me to beleive there will be many converts with the cross Country and Cross Road lines. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1359
New Bohemia, Va | open conjecture: words on a forum can have great meaning...or no meanig. I know no one until we have met face to face. Until then we are only the people others preceive us to be. |
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Tourer
Posts: 520
Simi Valley, CA | This morning I rode (with my wife on her Vegas) from my home to Vandenberg (140 miles). It was between 49 and 55 degrees the whole way, and foggy the last 50 miles. When I got to work, the HD guy with the Tshirts.... yes he was wearing one today too, said to me, I can't ride in the fog and cold, it just isn't comfortable.... I said, my wife and I didn't mind it at all this morning.... |
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Visionary
Posts: 3204
Memphis | Them - "I can't ride in the fog and cold, it just isn't comfortable." Me - "I know." |
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Cruiser
Posts: 66
Oklahoma City | Even on my Kingpin and Shadow 750 I rode year round here. Unless there is ice on the ground I ride. The bike makes no difference, it's the rider. Unfortunately, it does seem that there are certain subcultures that only like to ride during certain times, either events or when the weather is pleasant and no rain is in sight. They are sports bike and HD riders. It isn't their fault, as there are some among their ranks that break that mold. However, they are the exception and not the rule. Yes, they do ride and I commend them for that, but why own a motorcycle if you don't ride it to enjoy it, but to simply show it off when the weather is perfect? |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 1109
| cw1115 - 2011-09-03 10:45 AM
One of my closest friends and regular riding partner has a 2004 HS Heritage. He likes to ask me all the time "So, when are you getting a Harley?". He had taken my bike for ride, even had a whole day after picking it up at the shop for me. He liked it but when my Vision was totaled in January he started again that now I can get a Harley. Now that the Cross Country Tour is out he can't wait to go for a test ride. Leads me to beleive there will be many converts with the cross Country and Cross Road lines.
I've wondered about this myself. I have nothing against Harley riders, own one myself. But more often than not if I go on trip thats any distance, it's a Harley friend that breaks down. |
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Tourer
Posts: 394
Tucson, AZ | The guy I ride with is a retired electrical engineer with IBM and rides a 2008 Road King. He tells me he knows it's junk when it rolls off the line, but there's just something about a Harley that won't let him own anything else. I really enjoy giving him a nice head start, and then blowing him away! |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 8
Tampa Bay, FL | I too recently traded my 2004 Heritage for a 2012 CC Tour. Love both. Not a day of problems with the Heritage, fit me perfect, and I wish there had been room in the garage for both. Don't bash HD riders, a lot of us were former/current HD riders and I'll bet by 2015 more than 50% of Cross Country and Vision owners were former or current HD riders. Without Harely Victory would never had built such a good bike as they wanted a piece of the demographics. One day HD may come out with a new bike you want too. Kind of like Apple, love it or hate it, they changed the insudtry with smartphones, tablets...
Personally I'll never give up my Harley riding jackets. Some of the best in the world. Victory won't even make a small size. All the HD riders give them more marketing for other great products. |
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Visionary
Posts: 3773
Pittsburgh, PA | MTVic - 2011-09-06 7:12 AM
I too recently traded my 2004 Heritage for a 2012 CC Tour. Love both. Not a day of problems with the Heritage, fit me perfect, and I wish there had been room in the garage for both. Don't bash HD riders, a lot of us were former/current HD riders and I'll bet by 2015 more than 50% of Cross Country and Vision owners were former or current HD riders. Without Harely Victory would never had built such a good bike as they wanted a piece of the demographics. One day HD may come out with a new bike you want too. Kind of like Apple, love it or hate it, they changed the insudtry with smartphones, tablets...
Personally I'll never give up my Harley riding jackets. Some of the best in the world. Victory won't even make a small size. All the HD riders give them more marketing for other great products.
Since indian came out before Harley and you said "Without Harely Victory would never had built such a good bike as they wanted a piece of the demographics."
would that be right in assuming that since indian came out BEFORE harley that harley Copied indian to get a piece of the Demopraphics? and whats more funny is now polaris owns the FIRST american motorcycle... |
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Visionary
Posts: 1359
New Bohemia, Va | I wholeheartely agree with MTVic on his comments on what keeps our passion alive. I am thankful, despite my feeling for the brand, that HD has maintained the "image" of motorcycling. I believe that Victory came along and built a better mousetrap, but Harley is still king of the image. I'll jest with Harley riders, and personally I never see me owning one unless they do better in comfort. Even in the scheme of things, there are many "other" bikes on the road other than Harley, but without a doubt Harley has more of any given brand that helps keep the innovation going. The sports bike image has a hold on a lot of folks and I'm amazed at the number of middle agers who ride those things. It is all to the preference of the buyer.
Also, it is good to see what really happened with Indian in 1953, because it was just as much bad business decisions on Indians part as it was in Harley getting the military contract. Indian lost out to the image of military men getting the bike they were familiar with when they came home from the war, something nobody could compete with.
My head was filled with "I ride a Victory, therefore I'm better than you" but have realize that is what Victory riders complain about Harley riders about. Sadly, that just makes me the same as them, which I choose to be different from that. Ride what you ride, love what you ride, if you don't, then either stop riding or stop complaining. As far as the other riders go, ride on...
Edited by Cap'n Nemo 2011-09-06 8:11 AM
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Cruiser
Posts: 166
Bullhead City, AZ | I dont care if they ride a Vespa if they can keep up and have fun riding, its all good. |
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New user
Posts: 4
| I am a non Vic owner and new to this forum. I joined because I am planning on stepping down to one bike from the two I currently own (A 2006 Goldwing GL1800 and a 2008 Boulevard M109R) and wanted to hear the buzz from current Victory owners.
I have been looking very strongly at the Cross Country Tour as a good alternative compromise to my current bikes. I want to stay Made in USA but mother Honda has pulled the plug on their US manufacturing also I want to step down in size a bit for around town riding (Not getting any youner, closer to retirement than to the the Sr. Prom), so I am ruling them out and Harley performance is non existant compared to the M109R.
The Victory strikes me as the hi tech variant of the classic American V Twin and will probably be my next purchase.
I could not help but mention however that being a long time member of both the M109Riders site and the GL1800riders site, and now this VIC site, that their experiences with the HD owners out there is all similar..."that's an awesome bike but".....it must be a disease.. I guess somethings won't be changing for me...lol |
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Tourer
Posts: 500
| Nor will I bash any other riders,but Harley sales again are way up, profits soaring, etc.etc..(check recent article in Motorcycle Consumer News)so they must be doing something right!!! Either you love or hate them, but one cannot fault their marketing success in both bikes and aftermarket goodies......JHMO. But they still ain't built no Vision!!!!
Edited by opas ride 2012-06-20 3:22 PM
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Visionary
Posts: 1632
Jasper, MO | I don't care what anybody rides either. I've always liked the Harley style and sound, but never bought one because I've ridden with enough of them to know that they have issues most other brands don't have. Sure can't fault Harley's marketing department. Dealer on every corner. I used to have a Goldwing and still ride with mostly Goldwings. Whenever I get asked about my Vision and I'm in a group of Harley and Goldwing owners, which happens frequently, I just tell them the Vision is the best of the Harley and the Goldwing combined into one bike. I believe that to be true.
Ronnie |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 1109
| rdbudd - 2012-06-20 4:50 PM I don't care what anybody rides either. I've always liked the Harley style and sound, but never bought one because I've ridden with enough of them to know that they have issues most other brands don't have. Sure can't fault Harley's marketing department. Dealer on every corner. I used to have a Goldwing and still ride with mostly Goldwings. Whenever I get asked about my Vision and I'm in a group of Harley and Goldwing owners, which happens frequently, I just tell them the Vision is the best of the Harley and the Goldwing combined into one bike. I believe that to be true. Ronnie[/QUOTE +1 |
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Cruiser
Posts: 74
Republic of Texas | Last Friday night my buddy called to say his HD group was going for a ride in the morning and did I want to go. He hesitated and said" you don't have a Harley, I will ask around to see if it is OK." My smart A$$ reply: Sure, I will go. It's OK, put me in the back of the pack. That way ya'll don't have to look at my sexy taillights up ahead." 
At lunch break we were at the 150 mile mark and deciding on a good route home. I did not want freeway time so I suggested a longer route that would add at least 50 miles to the 100+ mile return trip. Only ONE guy thought it was a good idea. All the others were ready to get home. "uh.. I need to be home before dark. Uh.. I think maybe some other time. uh... that's a bit far out of the way. ...."
We took the freeway. 25 miles later it flooded! I was in a good shape until I had to slow down to about 45mph. Then water ran down the tank into my crotch! Boy, was that cold.
A great day!
I love my Vision.
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Cruiser
Posts: 65
Halifax, NS | Reading these posts I see and know that the Harley guys brerak down then spend the big bucks to get back on the road.
And then I keep reading about the Victory riders that break down and they wait weeks to get there bike looked at or there bike sits at the dealer for weeks while the rideing season slips away....
Hmmm spooky ether way !!!!!!!!! But weeks to get it looked at or get it back is NOT GOOD ......
Rob
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Iron Butt
Posts: 785
Mt. Vernon, WASH. | That's always been the reason that you can ride a Milwaukee middlebuster and be confident you're never more than 20 miles from a dealers shop 'show us your plastic and have some coffee' |
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Cruiser
Posts: 188
| Handyhoward - 2011-09-03 8:42 AM
Cap'n Nemo - 2011-09-03 10:19 AM
I don't know a Harley owner that likes their bike beyond it being a Harley. They complain of the comfort on long rides, and the cost to keep it running. Everytime they ride it is an event, and don't understand why I ride everyday. Of course the ones I know are RUBS so they don't count.
Now you know a previous Harley owner who had ZERO complaints about riding his 03 Fatboy 102,561 miles without any warranty work what-so-ever... and after fitting the bike to my size I could ride all day every day.
I miss that bike... it was a good one... but I felt like it was my time to buy my first bagger and I fell for the Vision because of looks alone. When it's running and everything is working properly, it is a great ride... 3 months old with 10,343 miles on it... 2 front tires... 3 rear brake failures... I finally fixed them without the need for a Victory service department or Polaris's, so far for me, worthless warranty.
I say to each their own... Personally I don't care much for the HD attitude. I am tired of hearing things like "If you don't ride a Harley, you don't ride a motorcycle." The closest thing I had to an HD was a Buell Blast, and after my experience with that bike, that was enough of HD for me. The bike needed to be worked on over something stupid every single time I rode it, and I bought to ride my short work commute. Sometimes it didn't start, sometimes it was electrical, ect. What a terrible POS. I know lots of Harley owners who have trouble free bikes, but know even more who have lots of troubles with their bikes.
Before I bought my first Victory, A KP, I road a couple of HD. At my time my impression was, over all low build quality, lots and lots of vibration, poor handling, $$$$, and dealers with shitty attitudes. So far my three Victory's have been rode a combined 60000 plus trouble free miles, dealers are hit or miss, and my only two grips about the vision are fit and finish could be better, and the side bags could be bigger.
Out of the box, the Vision is the best handling, most comfortable, full dresser I have ever been associated with. I still have the stock seat, floor boards, ect. About the only ergometric mod the bike really needed was the lowers. I don't even like the think about the buckets of money I have poured into other bikes to make them comfortable to ride.
But the other thing to consider is there are many of riders here who came to Victory because they were tired of HD. Maybe it was the dealer, or the reliability, maybe it was the attitude of HD riders... Who knows. But I do know a good number of people are here because they were simply tired of HD and everything it represented.
So don't get your panties in a bunch over some joshing, both side do it. I still ride with Harley riders... Well as long as they bringing up the tail... Don't want to run them over.  |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | I think that Victory has gotten to a point that it is speaking for itself better than ever, if they can maintain the reputation. A lot of harley riders don't like joshin' and have been very defensive on here, go figure. I've been on the Harley forums where some will run Victory into the ground, but it's all good. Some Harley riders have come here purporting that they bought a Vision and then said it was the worse bike they ever ridden. They had unheard of problems to the extreme, had nothing but bad dealings with the dealers and Victory/Polaris and sold it totally unsatisfied and went back to the best bike ever, Harley. Then to top that off, they claimed to be the expert on everything motorcycle, rode more miles to more places than the "most interesting man in the world" therefore they were a renown expert on everthing. It's these threads that gives me hope that folks still have a passion to do something, even if it is to disagree with someone. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 74
Republic of Texas | Yesterday, I stopped at the HD shop looking at helmets. They have the best selection in the area.
After politely avoiding the sales people, I was getting on my Vision when a HD pulled in beside me.
HD Guy: I bet that is a smooth ride.
Me: Yes sir.
HD Guy: I like that style.
Me: Me too. Its' the other American made bike -- A Victory.
HD Guy: You have the full fairing. Ever ride in the rain?
Me: Uh.. sure. Last weekend, I got caught in a downpour.
HD Guy: I bet that was scary.
Me: (With dumb look) Uh... not really. It gets annoying when it rains so hard I have to slow down and wait on the other drivers. Otherwise, just keep riding.
HD Guy: I don't like the heat. Do you have problems with heat?
Me: (Now, we can discuss something I can relate to.) A bit. I get a lot of engine heat.
HD Guy: No.. I mean, from the rode. It gets hot blowing up inside the windshield.
Now, I am baffled with the conversation.
Me: Only from the engine.
HD Guy: I think I am going to trade this one in and find something that is cooler and has less vibration.
Me: OK. (Fire up and burp the pipes once. ) See Ya. Good Luck!
I think he was riding a Road Glide or something a little smaller. Sometimes HD guys are entertaining.
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Cruiser
Posts: 118
Spfld, IL but temp Bay area, CA | When people ask me why I ride a Victory instead of a Harley, I tell them because I like to RIDE motorcycles--not WORK on them. Then I smile.
Pretty much shuts them up. |
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Did the HD owner question his purchase?