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Cruiser
Posts: 127
OHIO | Vinner1 - 2009-10-16 12:45 PM Seems like some are missing Teach's point: Would he have posted this thread if the broken items were fixed or if Victory/Polaris was really trying to get his unfortunate compilation of parts for his Vision to work? Doesn't seem to me that he is debating that in the world of mechanical stuff for any product..."$hit doesn't happen"...he would just like for someone to stand in there swinging with him to get it fixed...IMHO. This coming from one that has had like no problems with the dealer or the product...got a late production run 08...maybe that matters too. But for the price...I'd be just like Teach if I didn't have support from those that should to get my ride fixed. I like your response!!! Teach and I are going to get together this weekend and listen to each others stories.  I'm looking forward to it and showing him Polaris' response to my problem. This will be my first encounter with another Vision! |
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Cruiser
Posts: 79
Memphis,Tn. | Teach, if you're pushing your Vision hard enough on the street to have serious fork twist/flex issues - you're WAY out of my league!!
My hat's off to you, my friend. If I ever ride with you I'll be the wanker bring up the rear.
This is one of the bikes I traded in for my Vision and I still get kick from the video promo:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAPqBKtfZi0&feature=related
Teach, I promise you I'm not making this up!!!
There were two dash mounted knobs on the fairing console to adjust the headlights.
Within a week, BOTH adjustment knobs fell off.
The repair wasn't just two new knobs - but two completely new knob/cable assemblies. Lot's of tupperware removal involved in that fix. This was later addressed with a manufacturer's recall along with recalls for the saddlebag latches breaking, the luggage racks breaking and the rear disc brake not releasing. BTW, when the latches broke - the saddlebags would fall OFF the bike - usually at high speed. I didn't keep it long enough to know if the recall repairs were good or not. That was truly my last sportbike "fling" before entering the world of male pattern baldness, big honkin floorboards, and urgent restroom stops.
I hope you and RedDog can get something satisfactory worked out with Polaris/Victory.
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Tourer
Posts: 353
| Funny thing for me is that I thought the slight fogging was smoke residue from the new headlight bulbs, I had the same issue with my '05 8-Ball, the headlight fogged the same way my Vision headlight fogged, I pulled the 8-Ball headlight apart, cleaned the fog and the light has been clear since. Actually thought about cleaning the Vision headlight to see if the fog would return on it.
I guess I'll keep an eye on it. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 284
mansfield, MA United States | Let me start off by saying "I LOVE MY VISION" but I have a lemon. It has been in the shop for 8 of the past 10 weeks! They have split the case 2 times. They have replaced the front light, radio controls, the trunk cover came off, the pipes leak, the back tire cup's every 8k miles, the paint clear coat suxx, I could go on and on ….. But the bottom line is I love the bike. I have only had it for a year but have put 21k miles on it. I ride it to work when the temp are below 10 deg. And stay worm. I go on rides and there are not 20 other bikes that look like my bike. But best of all. With all the trouble I have had I have only paid for new tires. Victory / My local dealer have covered everything without any problem or questions. Every company has lemons! I was unlucky and gut one. But I still love my Vision. I just hope I get it back soon lol they had to replace 2nd gear and clutch fork so it could be a little time.
Fred |
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Visionary
Posts: 1436
| Fred you hit the nail on the head. It isn't the "problems" but rather how they are addressed (or not) that makes all the difference. Hopethey get your knees in the breeze real soon. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 153
Newnan, GA | Teach - 2009-10-23 3:16 PM
Fred you hit the nail on the head. It isn't the "problems" but rather how they are addressed (or not) that makes all the difference. Hopethey get your knees in the breeze real soon.
I'm sure sorry that your issues have not been resloved yet. I'm putting the Vision out of the hunt for a new bike.
Now it looks like it will be an Ultra or a Voyager.
Van |
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Cruiser
Posts: 153
Newnan, GA | Teach - 2009-10-23 3:16 PM
Fred you hit the nail on the head. It isn't the "problems" but rather how they are addressed (or not) that makes all the difference. Hopethey get your knees in the breeze real soon.
I'm sure sorry that your issues have not been resloved yet. I'm putting the Vision out of the hunt for a new bike.
Now it looks like it will be an Ultra or a Voyager.
Van |
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Visionary
Posts: 1484
LaPorte,Tx. | Mongo - 2009-10-26 2:23 PM
Teach - 2009-10-23 3:16 PM
Fred you hit the nail on the head. It isn't the "problems" but rather how they are addressed (or not) that makes all the difference. Hopethey get your knees in the breeze real soon.
I'm sure sorry that your issues have not been resloved yet. I'm putting the Vision out of the hunt for a new bike.
Now it looks like it will be an Ultra or a Voyager.
Van
Well now, isn't that special! |
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Tourer
Posts: 400
| Mongo, sorry to hear you're ruling out the Vision. Teach has every right to be very angry. If you look at the different threads, there are many Vision owners who are very happy with their service and Vision. This whole thing reminds of the first year the 1800 goldwing came out. A guy I worked with bought one and he was very upset because his wing overheated a couple times and Honda refused to do anything. I guess it wasn't a rare thing and several owners were ignored. He was in a wing club so the topic was well known. I can't remember what ever became of the situation. I think if you look at different forums, you will find very happy and very unhappy consumers. Our chapter had a ride this summer. All Victories and one 2006 harley ultra classic. On the way home, the rear rim of the harley cracked in half and the whole group waited so he could get a tow. The crack was about 8 inches long and 1/2 inch thick. I think he's arguing with is warrenty coverage. Just an example how other non Victory owners have problems also. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1436
| I sent a certified letter last week per recommendation and the postal service attempted delivery, notice the word attempt. No attempt by party to whom it was addressed to schedule a redelivery. We'll see if they do before the letter is returned in 15 days. |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | I think I'm at the point that I don't care what other folk ride, ride what you want to. If you ask me questions, I'll answer them as I would with anybody. Regardless of the problems folks may have had, this is a superior machine and would never trade up for anything else. If you want ride and comfort all day long, you'll not find it with anything else unless you mod it. The Vision is ready out of the box and it is made for the long haul. None of that taking it back to get this or that adjusted. Change the oil every 2,500 - 3,000 miles, the fork oil every 15,000, air filter, plugs and tires as needed and you're set to go.
Since owning a Vision I have not even thought that I wished I bought something else. However, I've met a few folks that have said they wish they went with the Vision... |
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Tourer
Posts: 400
| +1 Varyder |
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Visionary
Posts: 1340
Gainesville Fl Home of the Gators | Under the heading of to little to late. I know for a fact that Victory is diligently working on the headlight issues.
Teach,
It is a damn shame to hear your story, and that you seemed to have gotten hit by every single gremlin in the book. I feel your frutration, and wish you luck with your struggle. If this bike goes the way of a bad penny; I wish you luck on your next ride |
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New user
Posts: 2
| I have never felt the need or desire to make a post in a forum before but after my experience and recent disapointment I really feel this story should be told. The follow is a email I sent to Victory Customer suport.
To Whom It May Concern,
My name is ***************** and I own a 2008 Victory Vision Tour. On September 12, 2009 I brought my bike into Arizona Victory in Phoenix, Arizona for smoking out the exhaust. Their technician took one look and a determined (correctly) that something major had broken. Due to the fact that it was a Saturday and the bike was no longer under the original warranty I was told they would have to verify my extended warranty status. I called the dealership on Monday in the afternoon to find out some status and was told Polaris had not responded to there email request concerning the warranty status. This continued until September 17th when I was informed that Polaris had responded and verified the extended coverage. My wife and I had a small vacation planed around a bike rally to take place on that coming weekend and it was obvious that the bike would not be repaired in time for us to attend.
Disappointed but understanding we made other plans and on September 18th I stopped by the dealership just to see what may have transpired with the engine. I was shown that the rings in the rear piston had broken and the valves where burnt. I was informed that they would have to order several parts to repair my engine. The following Monday (September 21st) they attempted to order the parts under the extended warranty but where refused by Polaris. According to the dealership Polaris required the broken engine to be inspected by another party. When I was told this I was also informed that Polaris would under law have 24 hours to inspect the bike and verify the parts would be needed. For some reason this took two days. After the inspector looked at the bike (for which I was told took less then a minute) and verified that the rings had broken the dealership was told they could only order certain parts and not all of the parts originally requested.
At this point I would like to point out that this bike was just not for pleasure riding. I use this bike for commuting back and forth to work since I live over forty miles from work. My only other means of transportation is my full size Chevy pick-up. Gas cost for me to go back and forth to work on the bike is normally around $20 to $26 dollars a week. When I drive my truck it cost me between $120 to $160 a week in gas alone.
On the following week and additional tear down of the engine the technician for the dealership found that the valves where indeed burnt and the valve seats would need to be replaced as originally requested. Note that these parts where part of the original request and denied by Polaris after the inspector had looked at the bike. Thus the parts again where denied pending yet another inspection. This inspection was performed on the next day (again in less then a minute) and the parts where approved (as originally ordered).
At this point since the parts had been approved I thought it would be a simple matter of getting the parts ordered and installed. This was not the case in that the dealership had to wait for the check to cover the parts and labor that I understand had to be agreed on and THEN ordered. Thus yet another week had gone by and my bike was still not fixed. Also even though the bike was down and had been down for over three weeks the parts would not be overnighted but take the standard shipping. At this point I am not sure of the time line but the parts arrived about five days later. The dealership had my bike repaired about three days after that. When I picked it up (October 12th) I noted that it was still smoking a little from the pipes but no where near the amount it was and was told that it would go away as then new rings seated themselves. Note the bike had been in the shop for four weeks and two days by this time.
I was then told I should drive the bike for 500 miles and bring it back for an oil change. I was also informed that I should follow normal new engine break-in rules to help the rings seat better. I rode the bike (mostly back and forth to work) and followed the rules for break-in. At the end of 500 miles (489 actual and five days) I returned the bike to the dealership for the oil change. I did inform them that the smoking had not subsided as of yet. They suggested I give it a little more time and that it would go away.
That Saturday (October 17th) I had plans to take the bike to the other Arizona Victory shop in Tucson Arizona because while the bike was in the shop I had some modifications done (new cams, springs, Arlen Ness air box, and Power Commander) that would require a dyno run to complete. I rode to Tucson with out any issues but noted while stopped or starting the smoking was still persistent and maybe a little worse. I pointed this out to Mike (the owner of Arizona Victory) before he began the dyno run. He suggested the same as the Phoenix shop and that I should give it a little more time. He performed the dyno run and dialed in the Power Command for the modifications. He said the bike was running great but he did note a small about of smoke coming from the pipes when at the upper RPM ranges and I should keep an eye on it.
I then proceeded to return to Phoenix and home. The trip home was uneventful except for when I stopped for gas just outside of Tucson. I noticed when I went to leave the gas station I left a sizable cloud of smoke behind but cleared up as soon as I was moving. I got back to Phoenix and as I was sitting on the off ramp at the light I noticed I was sitting in a could of smoke again. I looked to see where it was coming from and to my horror it was from my pipes. I was still early enough to get to the dealership so I immediately returned there and spoke to the service department. They were very concerned and upon inspection found that I had an injector sticking open. The technician remove the injector cleaned them up and reinstalled them. He then test rode the bike and when he return all of the smoking seem to have cleared up. I was then informed that should it start smoking again to bring it back and they would replace the injectors.
I left the dealership and by the time I arrived home the bike was again smoking. I called the dealership and told them the situation. They assured me they would get the injector ordered on Monday and have them by Wednesday and I could get them in first thing Thursday morning. I received a call on Wednesday from the dealership and was told there was a mistake by UPS and the parts had not arrived but would be in the following day. We set it up for me to come in first thing Friday (October 23rd) morning to have the injectors installed and then I could leave to get to work from there.
I arrived at the dealership at 9:00 am and they started to get to work on it. About and hour and a half later I asked it they would be done soon as if I did not leave soon I would be late for work. They told me they where having some issues but it would be done shortly. I called my work and informed them I would be a little late at that time. 10 minuets later I was informed they had broken the fuel rails and would have to replace them. They told me they had another set and would put them on and it would be a little longer. I called my work and informed them of the situation (thank goodness they where understanding about it as I was stranded at the dealership). About 45 minutes later I was told they had broken the other set of fuel rails and they had no more parts. I arranged for a ride to work. To add insult to injury I was told they could not order the parts for my bike that day as the factory was not answering and the shut down early on Fridays. The earliest I would see the parts would be Tuesday and not get the bike back until Wednesday (October 28). Well so much for the run my wife and I where planning to attend on Sunday.
So here I sit (Monday, October 26) and since the onset of the (mis)adventure the bike has been in the shop five of six weeks for repairs under warranty. WHY? Why did it take nearly three weeks to get the original repairs approved? Why did it take at lest one week to verify I had an extended warranty? Why is it to remove the fuel rails or even install new injectors you run the risk of breaking them (according to the dealership)? Why do you close early of Fridays if you are the only source for parts in many cases and strand folks who live on the west coast. Even getting the parts here ONE day earlier would save me money and in this economy that is important. It has cost me approx. $470.00 at a minimum just to go back and forth to work in gas because of this disaster. I feel very misused at this point as I have had issues with Polaris' warranty before concerning the side bag cover and color matching in which I had to pay $150 to have it painted to match the bike for a warranty replacement! You would think when you pay $20k+ for a motorcycle that it would come with some quality support and craftsmanship. Up to this point I have always bragged to my friends and coworker and even strangers on the street who have admired the bike what a great product Victory has produced and there support has been topnotch. I can no longer do that. I actually take daily ribbings from co-workers and friends whom ride mostly Harleys on when I will get my bike back and can only reply "Soon, I hope." I was again let down previously when I was told by the dealership that they would get the seat on bike replaced as the stitching was coming apart only to find out a few days later that it was not covered on the extended "Bumper to Bumper" warranty. I truly enjoy riding it as it does have a far superior ride to most other touring bikes I have ridden but with all of the issues I have had up to this point I feel it is me that has been taken for a ride.
Respectfully and Disappointedly,
**********************
And this is what i got for a responce:
Our Polaris Dealer Network is crucial to be able to provide you, our valued customer, with the best sales and service in the Power Sports Industry. Therefore, be assured that your comments are important to us.
We appreciate your taking the time to relay this information and we will document your comments and concerns regarding this matter.
Thank you for your patience and constructive feedback.
Respectfully,
Customer Service Representative
Consumer Services
Polaris Industries, Inc.
ARRRGGGHHHHHH! |
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Visionary
Posts: 3204
Memphis | Wow Patrick, The scary part of that story is AZ Victory and Mike Schultz are big guns in the Victory world. If they got that much of a run around I can't imagine how the little guys who are hanging on by a thread are treated. Excellent letter. This is a depressing thread that I hate to come back to very often but for you guys having to deal with this it is necessary. I guess the stories are just preparing the rest of us for having to deal with the extended warranty process someday. I hope I never need it but if I do, my expectations will be pretty low. Some things are out of my fantastic dealers' hands and that is a bummer. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 803
Perry Hall, MD | I've only been on mine for 4 months and love it more each day that I'm on it, but a few of these horror stories are really disheartening.
It was good to read that they are attempting to work out the headlamp issue, and I'm sure that there are others. Just have to wonder what harm is coming from the resistance that some user's are reporting.
Looking forward to seeing the response to your email Pigpen. BTW, I hope you caught the information in this thread with suggestions on submitting complaints including names and contact information to send them to. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1436
| Polaris still hasn't made arrangements for the redelivery of the certified letter and I suspect they won't.
On the plus side my new radio was installed today and it is very nice. It is completely different then the radio in the 08 & 09 in display and I actually was able to tune in weatherband and get a signal. This is the 3rd radio made for the Vision and I would suspect the same one put in the 10's.
I'll wait the 15 days on the certified letter and see what happens.
Pigpen, sorry to hear of your troubles. I hope you get some satisfaction soon.
KevinX, hey it happens my friend. You ride bikes long enough you'll get one that really gives you big ones. With that said Victory just needs to start being up front with folks. Finally got the radio replaced so good there, now they just need to make the headlight right which you indicate they are working on. With any luck and a little more pushing I hope to get this addressed as well. Hate to give up the bike for something else. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1340
Gainesville Fl Home of the Gators | Pipen
Just so you know the extended warranty is administered by GE, and not Polaris. Polaris has very little to do with the approval process after the initial 12 months. That used to be a good thing, but in the last months GE has tightened the approval process greatly. What used to be easy is now a pain in the ass. As a dealer you better have your ducks in a row when the inspector shows up. That means everything torn down like the valve train for pictures. Otherwise the items will not be approved.
Why it took so long to find out about weather your warranty is beyond me. I have never seen it take longer then an hour on a couple of strange cases. For the most part it should come out on the unit inquiry portion of the Vic web site, or a phone call to GE if there is a question.
The fuel rails broke because a short cut did not work out, and the cut off time for overnight shipping is 2PM central time every day of the week
Edited by kevinx 2009-10-27 8:51 PM
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New user
Posts: 2
| Thanks for the input kevinx! While I dont believe it lets Polaris off the hook completely I do feel somewhat better about the company. As for GE I know they are a pain in the a$$ to deal with. On the other side there is good news in that I actually have my bike back at this time and it is running great thanks to Mike and his crew in Phoenix (and a little help from the Tucson location since I had it dyno'd there).  Ride safe all and I will be watching this and other threads on this site much closer now and maybe head off some other headaches. Next step for me is to repalce the exsisting normal headlights with HID's. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 725
Reno County, KS | VisionTex - 2009-10-26 5:20 PM
Mongo - 2009-10-26 2:23 PM
Teach - 2009-10-23 3:16 PM
Fred you hit the nail on the head. It isn't the "problems" but rather how they are addressed (or not) that makes all the difference. Hopethey get your knees in the breeze real soon.
I'm sure sorry that your issues have not been resloved yet. I'm putting the Vision out of the hunt for a new bike.
Now it looks like it will be an Ultra or a Voyager.
Van
Well now, isn't that special!
No, not really. Good luck in your hunt. There are plenty of makers/models there. |
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Visionary
Posts: 3006
San Antonio, TX | Mongo - 2009-10-26 3:23 PM
Teach - 2009-10-23 3:16 PM
Fred you hit the nail on the head. It isn't the "problems" but rather how they are addressed (or not) that makes all the difference. Hopethey get your knees in the breeze real soon.
I'm sure sorry that your issues have not been resloved yet. I'm putting the Vision out of the hunt for a new bike.
Now it looks like it will be an Ultra or a Voyager.
Van
Mongo,
Before you take it off of your list I would ride it first if you haven't already.
Paul |
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Visionary
Posts: 1436
| still no attempt to have the letter redelivered. Guess that answers the question for me. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 153
Newnan, GA | radioteacher - 2009-10-30 6:40 PM
Mongo - 2009-10-26 3:23 PM
Teach - 2009-10-23 3:16 PM
Fred you hit the nail on the head. It isn't the "problems" but rather how they are addressed (or not) that makes all the difference. Hopethey get your knees in the breeze real soon.
I'm sure sorry that your issues have not been resloved yet. I'm putting the Vision out of the hunt for a new bike.
Now it looks like it will be an Ultra or a Voyager.
Van
Mongo,
Before you take it off of your list I would ride it first if you haven't already.
Paul
I've reconsidered the top 3 are now the Vision, The Ultra and The Voyager.
I plan to ride a Vision as soon as I get the Time.
Adam and his bike helped changed my mind.
I've also been talkingto Monty at Victory as well.
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 35
| Victory does need a lesson in customer satisfaction because it is us who decide if the company will succeed or fail and they need to realize that customer satisfaction is the key to growth but on the other hand you are going to ditch a great riding awesome looking smooth comfortable fast machine to get what? a harley ultra classic ? I know of quite a few new harleys that have major engine trouble with less than 20,000 miles they leak oil and are very slow compared to a stock vision. I mean really as far as dependability victory is right up there with honda and u would give that up because of a light or radio issue? |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | I'm often miffed even at my own mindset with the CS thing.
One, Victory is surviving, two, they are listening as much as they are going to. I don't see any major changes in the Victory CS department or any where else for that matter.
They are at the trade-off point I'm sure, because a strong CS means resources and resources means $$. If they can maintain building the superior machine that they do and can start turning a major profit, I see that changing then. Right now, it seems that the CS is a very small cell with a very big book that says "handle that through your dealer" or it is outsourced. |
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