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Iron Butt
Posts: 742
North Orange County CA | Miles - 2009-09-21 10:15 PM
You know... THIS is a really good point and angle I hadn't thought of at all. I was trying to rationalize how the bikes that have alignment issues even got out of the factory that way after seeing all the scrutiny they go through... You are absolutely correct that injection molded ABS is very durable and parts do settle, and things get jostled in shipment, and that while metal parts likely don't move of shift... the ABS does.. Also with the size of these bags, as noted in the videos and such... a slight nudge.. makes all the difference in the world.
Interesting observation.
Cereal settles in transit ( "sold by weight not volume"), motorcycles don't otherwise they wouldn't be safe enough to drive to the corner store, let alone across country, which I believe is why we bought them in the first place. We shouldn't have to rationalize (excuse) the bad fit and finish.
I have the bag issue and haven't made a lot of noise about it because like most Vision owners I'm extremely happy with my purchase.
However; it is inexcusable THREE model years into a production run that the problem has not been addressed at the factory level.
The problem is either design, molding or assembly. Pick one; I really don't care what it is, any way you choose the problem is still VICTORY'S.
For a factory rep to claim that because bag alignment is a "known issue" that this absolves them of the responsibility to fix the problem is ridiculous! They have had three years to address the issue and have instead chosen to ignore it. Also blaming the problem on the dealer network for accepting delivery of faulty product is BS.
I guess if you want to assign blame in this fashion, its really our fault (the rest of us owners who didn't scream bloody murder when we took our new obsessions home) that new owners are still being saddled with crappy bag alignment three years later.
So, for that I apologize.
Ill take the blame for the bags, but in exchange, Victory has to take the blame for unemployment, the wars in the middle east, the balance of trade, California's ineffectual government the failing education system, and my wife's inability to pass a shoe store.
DEAL?
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Tourer
Posts: 411
Dallas, Texas | Well, my goodness, my rant did stir up things a bit. I wasn't so upset by the problem itself, (I am going to do the "quick fix" and that should be good enough), it's the fact that I really enjoy my bike, the ride and the look, and I just don't want Victory to become the "80s Chrysler" of the motorcycle world. It would seem to me that they would have some sort of post-production R&D, that would get digital photos from Dealers to analyze problems, find quick fixes, and issue tech releases letting Dealer know what to do. Then check with production to see that it remains a dead issue. I mean, why did "we" have to find this "dremel out" fixed for the left bag? Why can't they issue a tech release to the Dealers, with a re-designed bracket or something that does the same thing? And the Dealers take care of it.
The gas cap/gauge/float issue... Really?? You are really asking me if I fill up too fast? And that I shouldn't hang the gas pump nozzle too hard because it will bend the fill neck?? Really?? A simple screw on gas cap would have been just fine, and been even stronger. Plus you can make the neck thicker with the treads. This issue reminded me a little of the US/Russian space program story. The US spent millions to make a pen that will write in space, the Russians used a pencil. Meaning, Victory took the long way around, when it could have been simple.
Fixing these issues is really only a part of it. I just want Victory to become a Leader, and thrive, so they can design and build my next bike, and I'll know that I can buy again with confidence.
I'll say again...I really to like my Vision and don't plan on getting rid of it anytime soon. It is a blast to ride, comfy, and I really like the style.
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Tourer
Posts: 548
Mount Vernon, WA United States | Well I'm not here to defend anyone or anything. After watching how they build the bikes, the pictures at the beginning of this thread don't look possible... yet there they are. "Post-production R&D"..... I'm sure they're looking at the same thing.. Those that have been on the factory tour know what I'm referring to. It just doesn't make sense. Oh sure... once in awhile something has to slip by someone, and every once in awhile something could slip by several someones... but at the same time... again... it just doesn't add up. That's all I'm say'n. It's a puzzle. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 742
North Orange County CA | Sorry if it seemed like i was getting snippy with you Miles, I'm just not buying the plastic moves thing.
With the exception of cruisers and dirt bikes there are very few naked bikes being made any more; virtually every other manufacturer uses large ABS parts in their line so with the number of touring/sport bike owners we have on this site I think we would have heard that this was a common problem on "xyz bike".
So lets assume for a moment that the design and components are perfect, that every bike is assembled exactly the same, inspected and approved for shipment and then crated exactly the same way.
Once the bike is in the crate, strapped down by the frame lugs and the tip-over eyelets. How does it get tweaked enough to show as much as a 3/4 " gap at the front of the left bag?
Unless the freight lines are dropping the crates at an alarming rate, which would certainly be obvious to the dealers who receive the damaged crates, it does not make sense that a 1500 mile (maximum) trip in a tractor trailer can jolt a well assembled machine enough to have a 49% positive response rate on the vision-riders poll concerning the alignment issue. (Sorry I lost the link so I cant insert it).
So what gives? DING DING DING, "THATS RIGHT FOLKS THE ANSWER IS ...................THE LEFT SADDLE BAG LID! 
If all the above is true, then either the crating or shipping method must be the problem.
If the bikes are really leaving the factory properly aligned, then perhaps Victory should fire their common carriers, re-examine the crating method or at bare minimum attach one of those little silver bells that Harley riders seem to favor to keep the evil gremlins away.
BTW: This will be my last Victory - but only because I plan on keeping it until I cant ride any more, then I plan on telling my grandkids that one day if they're good I may leave that thing to them.
Edited by Tarpits99 2009-09-22 4:37 PM
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This could be my first, and last Victory...
