Upset Harley owner
bmwrider1954
Posted 2014-06-04 12:43 PM (#158010)
Subject: Upset Harley owner


North Billerica, MA
This weekend, I was leaning on my VV in a crowded parking lot when a guy stopped by to admire the bike.
As I explained about all the bells and whistles, he asked me if it cost about 30K. I said no, it's not a Harley,
It cost about 22K.

His Harley T-Shirt wearing friend said as he was walking away in disgust "Wait till you try to sell that POS".

A bit jealous I think. Some folks are so clouded in their thinking that they can't admit to themselves that there are alternatives to the Harley Life!
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okie vision
Posted 2014-06-04 3:44 PM (#158018 - in reply to #158010)
Subject: Re: Upset Harley owner


Iron Butt

Posts: 752
Broken Arrow, OK
We had similar weekends. Sitting close to our Vision parked along the road at our hotel, a couple on another bike rode by and I heard him tell her..."I don't know what kind it is, but it's ugly", but so were both of them. I just puffed my seegar and gazed at that Vision and couldn't remember it ever looking better.
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varyder
Posted 2014-06-04 4:25 PM (#158019 - in reply to #158010)
Subject: Re: Upset Harley owner


Visionary

Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA
I've not put it on the forum yet, but I had the conversation with the Harley man himself, or so he thought. He would never acknowledge anything about Victory, even believing it was foriegn at first, then thought it was water-cooled. Every Harley he ever owned he spoke of it in purchase price, production limits and resale. He had about 6-7 in his life, and still has about 2 bikes, though he has not ridden in about 3 years due to health. When I finally parted ways I realized it was a one-way conversation about all his Harleys. According to him, every Harley he ever sold he made money off it over the purchase price.
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gr8punkin
Posted 2014-06-04 6:05 PM (#158022 - in reply to #158010)
Subject: Re: Upset Harley owner


Cruiser

Posts: 161
Albuquerque NM
I had a similar experience when the Harley "rider" told me that he buys Harley for the resale value. My response was that I bought my bike to ride not to sell.
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el spanky
Posted 2014-06-04 9:40 PM (#158034 - in reply to #158010)
Subject: Re: Upset Harley owner


Cruiser

Posts: 155
Victoria Tx, TX United States
Ride not sell!! They take about investment.. Personally... 2 types of bikes... 1 you like it... Other the one that make you wet your pants!!
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Nozzledog
Posted 2014-06-05 1:40 AM (#158040 - in reply to #158010)
Subject: Re: Upset Harley owner


Visionary

Posts: 1228
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Harleys hold their value, only if you don't ride them. Try selling one with 20k on it. There are way to many 5 yr old HDs out there with less than 5k. I think you could make more with your money in 5 yrs than investing in a HD, but then you can't trailer it to the bike week and show everyone your a badass biker on a Harley Davidson.
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Vladezip
Posted 2014-06-05 3:02 AM (#158043 - in reply to #158010)
Subject: Re: Upset Harley owner


Glendale, AZ United States
More HD bashing I see. Hey, leave them alone! Can't you see most are fragile or so many of them would not be riding the same model and color to boot! You can get lost in a sea of black street glides every year at AZ bike week. If they are concerned about resale so be it, but from what I have seen over the years not all, but many of them need to be concerned with taking a total control course as well so they have something to sell in the cycle trader or craigslist at the end of the day.. Did I just say that? OUCH! Can't wait to hear the flack on this one, but I stand behind my comment. Vlad
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willtill
Posted 2014-06-05 7:13 AM (#158047 - in reply to #158010)
Subject: Re: Upset Harley owner


Visionary

Posts: 1365
Central Maryland
I'm a tease....

I normally will make a little side trip and park my Triumph Rocket 3 or Victory Vision; almost every weekend; for about a half hour at the Bowie Hardly Davidson dealer here in Maryland. Just to go inside and act like I'm looking at the HD's on the floor; only to really chuckle as the pirates outside; gazing and pointing intently at the "strange" bike that's materialized suddenly in from of the showroom window/entrance.

They are most interested in them. The HD herd mentality keeps them away from it though.






Edited by willtill 2014-06-05 7:14 AM
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ljurgens
Posted 2014-06-05 7:54 AM (#158052 - in reply to #158010)
Subject: Re: Upset Harley owner


Tourer

Posts: 341
West Salem, WI United States

I'm not bashing them, feel bad actually, especially when they talk about the 15-20k mile top end rework... Not sure if thats on all of them, but lots of them talk about it and say don't buy an HD with 20k or more miles on it that hasn't been rebuilt.

I was talking with my Brother in law and was telling him how my dealer told me to just check the bike over and change the oil for the 500 mile service. No need to bring it in, as he said "It's a victory, just ride it".

Anyway, he asked me how difficult the oil change was. I said, about 20 minutes, easy as can be. He said, not on my Ultra Limited, takes a lot longer than that and is a pain in the butt...



Edited by ljurgens 2014-06-05 7:56 AM
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Tom13
Posted 2014-06-05 9:09 AM (#158054 - in reply to #158010)
Subject: Re: Upset Harley owner


Cruiser

Posts: 67
As an HD owner still have my 91 Heritage Softtail I can tell you from experience over the years there is not a single HD ever sold for more than they put into it during the life of ownership. Lets face it folks everyone in the world would like to use their machine whether it be a washing machine or a lawn mower and sell it used getting more than you paid for it. The cost loss was a major driving factor in my going with my VV I walk into the HD stealership to see about upgrading my 2007 last Summer only to have my bike bashed by the salesman not only once but at about 4 different dealers. Over 30,000 with upgrades and accessories in my Ultra glide only to have them tell me they will not give anything but flat blue book as if with no accessories were installed. WTF are you kidding me only 18 grand plus my old bike for a new one but it is justified because the new bike has the new fame and you get to start all over with any chrome you might want. Wore my butt out with frustration until it was a no brainer to make the switch to my VV! Hell with all the stage one, almost every accessory, paint, and motor work I have had done it still came in almost a grand under what I paid for my 2007 Ultra Glide 6 1/2 years ago with only a few hundred more in accessories I would like to do. The only thing I have to say to those who really want you to believe they bought their HD for the resale value is FOS period!!!

Edited by Tom13 2014-06-05 9:22 AM
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Tom13
Posted 2014-06-05 9:09 AM (#158055 - in reply to #158010)
Subject: Re: Upset Harley owner


Cruiser

Posts: 67
Oh and thanks for getting my blood going Lance was kind of having a lazy morning til now......LOL

Edited by Tom13 2014-06-05 9:16 AM
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Joker
Posted 2014-06-05 10:10 AM (#158061 - in reply to #158010)
Subject: Re: Upset Harley owner


Cruiser

Posts: 193
Buford, GA United States
I was talking to a friend of mine yesterday about our planned trip to Sturgis this year and he mentioned that he just got new tires for his Road King. The first tires in 9 years as the bike only has 5,000 miles on it, he said the tread still looked good but he thought some dry rot was setting in. I told him I don't have that problem as I get new tires about every 18 months...71,000 miles and counting...
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mgoblue
Posted 2014-06-06 5:37 AM (#158102 - in reply to #158010)
Subject: Re: Upset Harley owner


Cruiser

Posts: 177
So i ride an 2011 HD Road Glide, owned an 08 Kingpin and 09 VV and my wife is upper management for HD. She rides an 2013 CC and and rides it to work and they seriously ask her to park out back so when people are waiting on service they arn't staring at her bike. Me, went to Harley because of all the perks my wife get's but she rides Vic's cuz they can fit her. She is 5'1". I guess i just have to laugh at these post cuz most of you are rite a majority of HD "riders" are just posers, but there are actually and i know this is hard for some of you to belive but alot of them do ride.
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varyder
Posted 2014-06-06 5:56 AM (#158105 - in reply to #158010)
Subject: Re: Upset Harley owner


Visionary

Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA
I know a mix of them, so you're right. But the ones that ride, percentage wise is probably the same as any other bike. It's just number wise there are more Harley owners. I find a lot of folks who really ride don't mess around on forums, so you don't hear from them otherwise. On the flip side, I know I go that was a Victory-man, but since most of his friends were Harley riders, he sold his Vic and went back to Harley. When I see him he says he's glad he switch back, but he can't state a reason why except for his friends.
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XRsteve
Posted 2014-06-06 6:14 AM (#158107 - in reply to #158010)
Subject: Re: Upset Harley owner


Visionary

Posts: 2300
Georgia, west of Atlanta
I have a different take on this, I come from a Harley background, I've owned 8 Harleys and also a Kawasaki ZX-11, Honda V-65 and Suzuki TL1000. The Harley thing for me was because when I started riding in 1973 it was the meanest thing out there. I like Harleys but I only have one now and I own two Visions. My last "big" Harley was a 2003 RoadGlide and it was a good bike. I'm kind of a motor head and I recognize the advantages of the Vic engine. My last Harley had 53,000 miles on it when I sold it to a friend two years ago, he dosen't ride as much as me but it now has 56,000 miles and still runs fine. There is no bike made as comfortable and big as a Vision. Is it perfect no, but I love it. My '08 has 32,000 miles on it and makes 116 HP, My '13 has 7500 miles on it and makes 97 HP. I consider both better bikes than my Roadglide in alot of aspects, but the Roadglide had way better storage capacity. Most Harley dudes that are on their 5th or better bikes recognize the goods and bads about their own bikes and other brands It's these guys with their first harley and all the motorclothes that think all harleys are made of gold.........
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XRsteve
Posted 2014-06-06 6:52 AM (#158111 - in reply to #158010)
Subject: Re: Upset Harley owner


Visionary

Posts: 2300
Georgia, west of Atlanta
And I'll have to say even though I really make fun of the guys with heavyweight Harleys on trailers going a whole one state over when I did my last cross country trip of 7150 miles in 19 days I was on my 08 Vision but there were 5 harleys with me (roadglides and electraglides). They all made it no trouble. However one has since switched to a CC and another is thinking about it..............
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ljurgens
Posted 2014-06-06 7:03 AM (#158112 - in reply to #158102)
Subject: Re: Upset Harley owner


Tourer

Posts: 341
West Salem, WI United States

mgoblue - 2014-06-06 5:37 AM So i ride an 2011 HD Road Glide, owned an 08 Kingpin and 09 VV and my wife is upper management for HD. She rides an 2013 CC and and rides it to work and they seriously ask her to park out back so when people are waiting on service they arn't staring at her bike. Me, went to Harley because of all the perks my wife get's but she rides Vic's cuz they can fit her. She is 5'1". I guess i just have to laugh at these post cuz most of you are rite a majority of HD "riders" are just posers, but there are actually and i know this is hard for some of you to belive but alot of them do ride.

Pretty funny that your wife rides the CC to work at HD, I'm surprised they haven't fitted her with the right HD for her, there has to be one that would fit her.

I don't like the HD bashing, or Metric bashing for that matter either, and it goes both ways. I just like bikes and want to ride all of them and see what I like. For example, I really liked riding the ST1300, super smooth bike but the way my hands pressed on the bars didn't work for me. And I'd love to add a VStrom or Super Tenere to my stable for some adventure riding someday.

And, Victory could take queues from HD or Honda etc. There are lots of things we all like about "that" bike, whichever bike it is. Ride by wire, better brakes, etc etc. Sometimes people switch just because they think the other bike is better, sometimes people stay because they fear change.

I went with Victory because my buddy had one and I found a great deal, I stayed and bought another because I really like them and fell in love with the Vision.

You're right though, there are lots of riders out there. I've got buddies who ride HD, and other buddies who ride Honda's and BMW's and Yamaha's etc. some ride more than others, and ride when they can, sometimes work schedules or kids schedules get in the way etc. I ride most days to work late spring through late fall, (7 miles in, 20-40 home) but I'll probably not get more than 5k on for the summer even with a few longer trips. It doesn't mean I don't ride, I just can't pile on the miles like some riders can, but I sure would like too...

Ride as much as you can, acknowledge other riders who are doing what you are and enjoying themselves in their own way, have a good time, and keep the shiny side up!



Edited by ljurgens 2014-06-06 7:11 AM
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jjp53
Posted 2014-06-06 7:16 AM (#158113 - in reply to #158010)
Subject: Re: Upset Harley owner


Cruiser

Posts: 78
Gilroy, Ca
When I bought my VV I didn't have a motorcycle license so my Harley riding friend ride it hope (20 miles). That same night while it was at my friend house out other friend ride it. Both said they liked it but would never own one because they love HD knowing all the positives the VV has over their street glides. My uncle also rode it that night along with 2-3 times in the year I had it. He gave me crap plastic bike this and that he now owns a '13 VV. Another die hard HD friend I have your bike sucks I replied with my stock bike will drag your HD (Heritage Deluxe) up and down the street all day long. He got a little sad when the 3 previous guys I spoke of laughed and verbally agreed. All he could say was beat me splitting lanes. They never give up do they.
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buzz64077
Posted 2014-06-06 2:05 PM (#158123 - in reply to #158113)
Subject: Re: Upset Harley owner


Cruiser

Posts: 215
orrick, mo
A HD guy I work with was giving me grief over my VV one day. After he had his say I told him the only reason he won't ride a Victory is because he knows if he rides one he will have to buy one. He just hung his head agreed and the conversation was over with me laughing.
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willtill
Posted 2014-06-06 2:53 PM (#158124 - in reply to #158010)
Subject: Re: Upset Harley owner


Visionary

Posts: 1365
Central Maryland
In all of my years of riding... I have never ridden a Harley Davidson. I don't know why though, there are so many of them around.

I've sat on them in showrooms, but never have ridden one. Weird....
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Trebuchet67
Posted 2014-06-06 8:28 PM (#158138 - in reply to #158010)
Subject: Re: Upset Harley owner


Puddle Jumper

Posts: 5
Waxahachie, TX United States
I just traded my '08 Sportster for a '08 VV. I love the bike! It fits me well as I am 6'3" tall. My only gripe is the sheared rear drive sprocket studs. I am fighting the extended warranty folks but the dealer where I bought it is stepping up. I loved the Sportster but anything over 300 miles was difficult. Can't wait to get the Vision out of the shop planning on a ride to Iowa over the 4th of July weekend.
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Rollin'
Posted 2014-06-06 8:52 PM (#158139 - in reply to #158010)
Subject: Re: Upset Harley owner


Iron Butt

Posts: 825
, WI
I live in the Milwaukee area and I have never had a problem with a Harley rider.
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mgoblue
Posted 2014-06-07 1:17 AM (#158144 - in reply to #158010)
Subject: Re: Upset Harley owner


Cruiser

Posts: 177
Holy crap! From a Sporty to a VV? What a hugh differance. ljurgens, they can fit her but you have to cut forks and put air ride suspension on a RG or SG. The CC we just put a 2" lowering link and a lower seat and away she went. She had a Kingpin before. She loves the VIC's.
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Oldman47
Posted 2014-06-07 10:17 AM (#158152 - in reply to #158052)
Subject: Re: Upset Harley owner


Tourer

Posts: 573
Central Illinois

ljurgens - 2014-06-05 7:54 AM

I'm not bashing them, feel bad actually, especially when they talk about the 15-20k mile top end rework... Not sure if thats on all of them, but lots of them talk about it and say don't buy an HD with 20k or more miles on it that hasn't been rebuilt.

I was talking with my Brother in law and was telling him how my dealer told me to just check the bike over and change the oil for the 500 mile service. No need to bring it in, as he said "It's a victory, just ride it".

Anyway, he asked me how difficult the oil change was. I said, about 20 minutes, easy as can be. He said, not on my Ultra Limited, takes a lot longer than that and is a pain in the butt...

I came to Victory from 2 different HDs. I first owned a 2010 HD Electra Glide Ultra and then a 2011 Road Glide Ultra. Both had over 25k miles on them when I sold them. I did not do a top end rebuild on either of them. I understand your enthusiasm for your Vic but please stay with the facts.

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ljurgens
Posted 2014-06-07 2:04 PM (#158158 - in reply to #158152)
Subject: Re: Upset Harley owner


Tourer

Posts: 341
West Salem, WI United States

]

I came to Victory from 2 different HDs. I first owned a 2010 HD Electra Glide Ultra and then a 2011 Road Glide Ultra. Both had over 25k miles on them when I sold them. I did not do a top end rebuild on either of them. I understand your enthusiasm for your Vic but please stay with the facts.

Nothing to do with my enthusiasm for Victory. It's just what I hear from a few of my HD riding buds when someone talks with them about buying one. First thing they ask is how many miles, and have the "guides" been replaced. (valve guides? Timing chain guides? I don't know...) Every time, they say shy away if its over 25k, be wary. It's just what I hear from them, 2 of them build bikes (and old cars) in their home shops, so I trust them and know they know what they are talking about. I'm guessing most of the issues where not on late model bikes like the ones you had.

Like I said above, I like them all. I like the Dyna's and the Street glides, I like the Yamaha Stratoliner, the Honda ST1300 is a great bike, the test ride on the Triumph Trophy SE was great too and the BMW 1200 bikes are really cool. And then there is Ducati, super cool.

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Oldman47
Posted 2014-06-07 6:20 PM (#158160 - in reply to #158010)
Subject: Re: Upset Harley owner


Tourer

Posts: 573
Central Illinois
<p>The "twin cam" engines are reputed to have potential problems with their tensioners for the timing chain. AZ Victory addresses it in their video on how terrible an HD can be. You can view the very slanted video here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGkFPUeNUqc  </p><p>I am not a fan of AZ Victory mainly because they dramatize some rather mundane issues and ignore the reciprocals. Every solution that Victory has implemented has a potential negative effect that they completely ignore. The AZ Victory dismisses the HD starter arrangement as terrible because they use an over-riding starter clutch on a Victory, but they seem to ignore people like me who have had that clutch fail. I would rather have a grinding noise when I mess up with the engine running than have the failed starter clutch that I experienced on my Vision. Every compromise on a bike has an opposite possible solution. Stating the benefit of a choice made without stating the resultant risk is a sales gimmick, not a factual argument.</p><p> </p>

Edited by Oldman47 2014-06-07 6:35 PM
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ljurgens
Posted 2014-06-07 6:40 PM (#158161 - in reply to #158010)
Subject: Re: Upset Harley owner


Tourer

Posts: 341
West Salem, WI United States
Yea, I've seen some of those videos. I agree, they come off bad.
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Vladezip
Posted 2014-06-08 2:04 AM (#158167 - in reply to #158160)
Subject: Re: Upset Harley owner


Glendale, AZ United States
Oldman47 - 2014-06-07 5:20 PM

The "twin cam" engines are reputed to have potential problems with their tensioners for the timing chain. AZ Victory addresses it in their video on how terrible an HD can be. You can view the very slanted video here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGkFPUeNUqc ?

I am not a fan of AZ Victory mainly because they dramatize some rather mundane issues and ignore the reciprocals. Every solution that Victory has implemented has a potential negative effect that they completely ignore. The AZ Victory dismisses the HD starter arrangement as terrible because they use an over-riding starter clutch on a Victory, but they seem to ignore people like me who have had that clutch fail. I would rather have a grinding noise when I mess up with the engine running than have the failed starter clutch that I experienced on my Vision. Every compromise on a bike has an opposite possible solution. Stating the benefit of a choice made without stating the resultant risk is a sales gimmick, not a factual argument.

?



Arizona Victory is the place I go in addition to Victory of Mesa. I live in Glendale and they are about 110 miles away in Tucson since I have not started changing out my own tires as yet and this has been the cheapest place for tires thus far, but may begin to do so now that I have centramatics on the bike. I have personally met Mike Schultz, the owner. The shop has Police contracts in Arizona, Texas, New Mexico, and Florida. The bulk of what they do over there is the police conversion. It is a lucrative setup, but a hassle dealing with some of the police agencies and their demands not to mention they do not get a single dollar up front until the motorcycles are delivered. Most of the time Mike is on the road delivering units to the police departments.

There were more HDs on the lifts at the shop then Victorys when I was over there a few weeks back I guess folks in Tucson are not youtube watchers Mike personally owns Victorys, HDs, and a BMW K 1200 LT The lead technician rides a Suzuki Vstrom 1000 and loves Aprilias in addition to Victory, not to mention he is a certified Master Goldwing technician and wrenched on Honda for many years in the pacific northwest. From what I have seen the few times I have been in there it's a good group of guys from diverse motorcycle backgrounds that get into anything and everything as long as it only has two tires, which I like since I'm the same way and have no brand loyalty myself.

Arizona Victory is the only Victory dealer/service where I have been in AZ, where you can hang out in the shop area as opposed to the customer lobby while you are in there for service or whatever. I personally think at the end of the day those videos were a public relations front to give Mike some props as being an authority on Victory in Arizona because after all he got the Police contract here locally and nobody else, but keep that information on the DL
Vlad
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BrandonM7
Posted 2014-06-09 12:17 PM (#158215 - in reply to #158112)
Subject: Re: Upset Harley owner


Cruiser

Posts: 178
LaGrange, GA
ljurgens - 2014-06-06 8:03 AM

mgoblue - 2014-06-06 5:37 AM So i ride an 2011 HD Road Glide, owned an 08 Kingpin and 09 VV and my wife is upper management for HD. She rides an 2013 CC and and rides it to work and they seriously ask her to park out back so when people are waiting on service they arn't staring at her bike. Me, went to Harley because of all the perks my wife get's but she rides Vic's cuz they can fit her. She is 5'1". I guess i just have to laugh at these post cuz most of you are rite a majority of HD "riders" are just posers, but there are actually and i know this is hard for some of you to belive but alot of them do ride.

Pretty funny that your wife rides the CC to work at HD, I'm surprised they haven't fitted her with the right HD for her, there has to be one that would fit her.

I don't like the HD bashing, or Metric bashing for that matter either, and it goes both ways. I just like bikes and want to ride all of them and see what I like. For example, I really liked riding the ST1300, super smooth bike but the way my hands pressed on the bars didn't work for me. And I'd love to add a VStrom or Super Tenere to my stable for some adventure riding someday.

And, Victory could take queues from HD or Honda etc. There are lots of things we all like about "that" bike, whichever bike it is. Ride by wire, better brakes, etc etc. Sometimes people switch just because they think the other bike is better, sometimes people stay because they fear change.

I went with Victory because my buddy had one and I found a great deal, I stayed and bought another because I really like them and fell in love with the Vision.

You're right though, there are lots of riders out there. I've got buddies who ride HD, and other buddies who ride Honda's and BMW's and Yamaha's etc. some ride more than others, and ride when they can, sometimes work schedules or kids schedules get in the way etc. I ride most days to work late spring through late fall, (7 miles in, 20-40 home) but I'll probably not get more than 5k on for the summer even with a few longer trips. It doesn't mean I don't ride, I just can't pile on the miles like some riders can, but I sure would like too...

Ride as much as you can, acknowledge other riders who are doing what you are and enjoying themselves in their own way, have a good time, and keep the shiny side up!




Well said. I've been through a lot of bikes in my years, the Vision is the first American. Dad has an HD, as do a couple of friends. They're very nice bikes. Bashing them is silly. The fit and finish is outstanding, attention to detail second to none, and anyone that thinks they vibrate just from hearing them has never driven one - the power is so smooth it almost feels electric. Not a lot of power, mind you, but a LOT smoother than it sounds. The dealer experience is as good as it gets (generally speaking,) too. I can kind of dig what hooks Harley folks - the same thing happens when you get a KTM -- you don't really understand why you love it so much, but you do. There's no way to explain it to someone who hasn't experienced it (and some people are immune to it,) but it's just a love for everything about it - good parts and bad.

I got my Vic because I wanted something laid back with American swagger, but I damn sure wasn't going to either settle for 60Hp or hot rod something into the realm of being unreliable. I started reading about Victory and seeing an extraordinary number of people putting six digits on the odometer without problems -- perfect. Japanese reliability with American swagger, and a kick in the pants that most in the class can't deliver. It's hard to ask for more than that. I would like German/Austrian quality suspension, but it's close enough to perfect.

I don't have the same love for my Vision that I have for my KTM or that my dad has for his FXSTC. I have a different love. I love the KTM (and dad his FXSTC) in spite of its flaws and annoying traits. I love the Vision because it's great at everything I want it to do.
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BrandonM7
Posted 2014-06-09 12:21 PM (#158216 - in reply to #158160)
Subject: Re: Upset Harley owner


Cruiser

Posts: 178
LaGrange, GA
Oldman47 - 2014-06-07 7:20 PM

The "twin cam" engines are reputed to have potential problems with their tensioners for the timing chain. AZ Victory addresses it in their video on how terrible an HD can be. You can view the very slanted video here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGkFPUeNUqc ?

I am not a fan of AZ Victory mainly because they dramatize some rather mundane issues and ignore the reciprocals. Every solution that Victory has implemented has a potential negative effect that they completely ignore. The AZ Victory dismisses the HD starter arrangement as terrible because they use an over-riding starter clutch on a Victory, but they seem to ignore people like me who have had that clutch fail. I would rather have a grinding noise when I mess up with the engine running than have the failed starter clutch that I experienced on my Vision. Every compromise on a bike has an opposite possible solution. Stating the benefit of a choice made without stating the resultant risk is a sales gimmick, not a factual argument.

?



No doubt he's biased. I don't blame him for it - he was using that to become one of the most successful Victory dealers in the world.

The one-way bearing on the starter isn't just used by Vic, it's used by EVERY motorcycle manufacturer aside from HD. It is clearly the most reliable setup, you just got unlucky. It happens to all of them. Heck, I even heard of a Honda that had to get fixed once, LOL.
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JustBob
Posted 2014-06-13 9:25 PM (#158312 - in reply to #158010)
Subject: Re: Upset Harley owner


Cruiser

Posts: 162
Extreme Southern, AZ United States
<p>I have three Harlys. I love the older (up to 84) bikes but somehow also ended up with an 02 RoadKing. It doesn't have the handling or the acceleration, but even so it has something that keeps it in my stable and keeps me throwing a leg over to ride it. The wife won't ride on it, but that's ok. Gettingback on the VV after a week of riding the RK is a shock. The 73 Shovel has so much soul. After riding her I feel youger somehow. It's all good. Until I gifted my sonwith my 02 TC (165K miles) I iked riding it now and again.  The 60 Pan is getting close so I may be ridin it before end of summer. </p>

Edited by JustBob 2014-06-13 9:27 PM
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Yellow Glide
Posted 2014-07-07 5:42 PM (#161031 - in reply to #158010)
Subject: RE: Upset Harley owner


New user

Posts: 4
If it is mechanical,,,,,it WILL break. Some will have more problems than others. Love the VV, but never heard of a HD breaking a front fender that may put down the rider. The frustrations I have from VV is the lack of electronics for a "two up touring" bike. Do most not talk to their wives on long trips? The Goldwings come with the intercom standard and a decent radio. The CB on the old ones (pre 2012) were just plug and play. Sure don't get that on a Victory. If you do put a CB on, try and buy the dustcover for the lower receptacle separately from the headset kit.

I, too, am amazed by other brand bashing. Why? Trying to justify "your" purchase? I have yet to get on ANY motorcycle that I didn't get off without a big smile. At my point in life I choose function over form?.

Edited by Yellow Glide 2014-07-07 5:43 PM
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BrandonM7
Posted 2014-07-07 11:17 PM (#161035 - in reply to #161031)
Subject: RE: Upset Harley owner


Cruiser

Posts: 178
LaGrange, GA
Yellow Glide - 2014-07-07 6:42 PM
I, too, am amazed by other brand bashing. Why? Trying to justify "your" purchase? I have yet to get on ANY motorcycle that I didn't get off without a big smile. At my point in life I choose function over form?.


Right there with you, brother. I've always chosen function over form, though -- a bit of an outlier in that way, though - my bike is always filthy and I don't really care if it has scratches or what color it is. I've been smiling since I was five, and hope I can get fifty more years of smiles on two wheels. Cheers.

Edited by BrandonM7 2014-07-07 11:21 PM
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KRUZER
Posted 2014-07-08 5:58 PM (#161062 - in reply to #158010)
Subject: Re: Upset Harley owner


Puddle Jumper

Posts: 24
Dallas, NC United States
Harleys are ok guys... The guys I ride with RIDE them, but maintaince is a lot more. They don't reject me because of my vision, they just laugh and TRY to run as hard as I do. I still have two Harleys, a LIFETIME HOG membership, a 86 FXWG, evo, belt drive, 4 speed and 02 Roadglide. My harley touring world started in 91 with an Ultra Classic with 63000 miles when I traded for a 96 Ultra, rode it 98000, then traded for an 05 Ultra rode it for 116,000 miles before trading in on my 2013 Vision. I had great service out of these bikes, but had cam bearing problems in two of them. Oil changes, tires, brakes and general tinkering was constant. Since then I have'nt looked back and I love my vision, I check the air in the tires, put gas in it, Ride 80mph ALL DAY LONG!. Checked the oil but it doesnt use any. Run any Harley I had that hard and it will drop 1/2 quart in about 1500 miles, a quart in 3,000. I personally think Harley is reaching for new ridership, the new LiveWire electric motorcycle?? Wonder what the theme song for that commerical will be....... Lets do the Electric Slide?
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johnnyvision
Posted 2014-07-08 6:49 PM (#161064 - in reply to #158010)
Subject: Re: Upset Harley owner


Visionary

Posts: 4278
H-D has a more sophisticated ECM then we do by far. No popping out of them. There motor has less gear noise then us cause of there primary chain. Harley has special spark plugs made for them so they get no knocking. When at a stop light the rear cylinder spark stops so the rider does not feel the heat. Harley has a race tuner that is better then PCV. Harley has sales and parts and service that are way smarter then and Vic dealers. They never give you the bull shit that the way the bike is.
They fixed there cam chain problems in 09
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JustBob
Posted 2014-07-11 8:56 PM (#161189 - in reply to #158010)
Subject: Re: Upset Harley owner


Cruiser

Posts: 162
Extreme Southern, AZ United States
I bought a good running good looking Road King, 2002 for 4000 in March this year. So don't know about he resale thing
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mgoblue
Posted 2014-07-12 1:04 AM (#161200 - in reply to #158010)
Subject: Re: Upset Harley owner


Cruiser

Posts: 177
JustBob, that is the deal of the century. Congrats.
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BrandonM7
Posted 2014-07-14 3:00 PM (#161287 - in reply to #161189)
Subject: Re: Upset Harley owner


Cruiser

Posts: 178
LaGrange, GA
JustBob - 2014-07-11 9:56 PM

I bought a good running good looking Road King, 2002 for 4000 in March this year. So don't know about he resale thing


Holy cow - well done there. I've wanted to buy an old shitbox (for lack of a better term) so I could build out an engine and do a bit of customizing - most of the stuff I see is $3-$4k and not very nice at all.
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mstrroissy
Posted 2015-04-26 6:22 AM (#172110 - in reply to #161031)
Subject: RE: Upset Harley owner


Puddle Jumper

Posts: 20
Chesapeake, VA
Yellow Glide - 2014-07-07 5:42 PM

The frustrations I have from VV is the lack of electronics for a "two up touring" bike. Do most not talk to their wives on long trips? The Goldwings come with the intercom standard and a decent radio. The CB on the old ones (pre 2012) were just plug and play. Sure don't get that on a Victory. If you do put a CB on, try and buy the dustcover for the lower receptacle separately from the headset kit.



I am in the position now to trade my VV in and have been looking long and hard at the 2015 CVO Road glide Ultra. The turmoil I have is not with the vision as a whole, but as Yellow Glide mentioned it's the lack of stuff that I feel a touring bike of this level should have. I love my Vision, but I just can't have two touring bikes...I am tired of every body panel rattling, and having to listen to the dealer tell me that's just the way the bike is when I hear more than injector noise, or the tranny seems slushy or notchy sometimes. The bike is amazing to ride and to look at but other things just seem to be an afterthought bolt on. Try to by an antenna for the cb...$105 from Vic, (I know firestik is cheaper) and it seems that even though all of Vic's bikes are selling like hot cakes, ever stinking part I have needed had to be ordered.....

I am trying not to sell myself a CVO, but I think it's too late. Funny though, that after all I have done to my bike Zumo, CB and intercom, and what comes standard in every VIC (106,6spd) That you have to buy the TOP of the line bike from the other guys to get the same. I am very hopeful that the Vision stays around, it hasn't been updated since 2010, and they did send out the "pick the best dash layout" email almost a year ago, but the fit and finish of the HD is second to none...all the body panels line up exactly where they are supposed to.
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jeffmack
Posted 2015-04-26 8:11 AM (#172114 - in reply to #172110)
Subject: Re: Upset Harley owner


Iron Butt

Posts: 623
Well we all want bikes for diff reasons. No bike is perfect. But the dyno sheets on 15 CVO's are at 73 x 94. Deal breaker. I know not everyone needs or wants the perf. But I couldn't do with out the 109 x 113 I got now.
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V-rodder
Posted 2015-04-26 6:33 PM (#172126 - in reply to #158010)
Subject: Re: Upset Harley owner


Cruiser

Posts: 105
The big issue with HD touring is the suspension. Front end nose dive is bad, and the amount of travel of the rear is only 3" for the street and road glides. The electra and ultras have 1" more, but none are as good as vics. You are spending $ with either bike. You just have to decide which one gets you closest to what you want stock.

I had a 2010 Road Glide Custom. RG's are HD's best motorcycle. Sold it for my 2011 Vision. Never regretted it. I loved that i can lower the vision and not compromise suspension travel. Also the electric windshield sealed the deal.
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V-rodder
Posted 2015-04-26 6:33 PM (#172127 - in reply to #158010)
Subject: Re: Upset Harley owner


Cruiser

Posts: 105
The big issue with HD touring is the suspension. Front end nose dive is bad, and the amount of travel of the rear is only 3" for the street and road glides. The electra and ultras have 1" more, but none are as good as vics. You are spending $ with either bike. You just have to decide which one gets you closest to what you want stock.

I had a 2010 Road Glide Custom. RG's are HD's best motorcycle. Sold it for my 2011 Vision. Never regretted it. I loved that i can lower the vision and not compromise suspension travel. Also the electric windshield sealed the deal.
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mgoblue
Posted 2015-05-02 2:58 AM (#172197 - in reply to #158010)
Subject: Re: Upset Harley owner


Cruiser

Posts: 177
I traded my 2008 VV for a new 2011 Road Glide costum in 2011. Love the bike, I just traded my 2011 for a 2015 Road Glide special and havnt ever rode i better bike. At least thats my opnion. The project rushmore deal HD did is spot on, it's one bad ass bike ,but i do know that my wifes CC will still beat it.
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rwilly
Posted 2015-05-02 1:54 PM (#172204 - in reply to #158312)
Subject: Re: Upset Harley owner


Tourer

Posts: 523
seattle, wa
JustBob - 2014-06-13 7:25 PM

I have three Harlys. I love the older (up to 84) bikes but somehow also ended up with an 02 RoadKing. It doesn't have the handling or the acceleration, but even so it has something that keeps it in my stable and keeps me throwing a leg over to ride it. The wife won't ride on it, but that's ok. Gettingback on the VV after a week of riding the RK is a shock. The 73 Shovel has so much soul. After riding her I feel youger somehow. It's all good. Until I gifted my sonwith my 02 TC (165K miles) I iked riding it now and again. ?The 60 Pan is getting close so I may be ridin it before end of summer.?



I have 2 AMF era HDs, at the moment neither of them run! Go figure. Here is a pic of my 74, such a fun bike to own. And beautiful too.




(IMAG1184.jpg)



Attachments
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Attachments IMAG1184.jpg (50KB - 2 downloads)
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beemerdad2@yahoo.com
Posted 2015-05-04 7:18 PM (#172238 - in reply to #158018)
Subject: Re: Upset Harley owner


Cruiser

Posts: 190
Back when I bought my first BMW...a '76 R60/6, the guys at the factory I worked at would comment to me about how ugly my bike was. I loved it and being "ugly" was exactly one of the reasons I bought it in the first place !!! Meant that not everybody-and-his-brother had one AND...I don't remember the last time I bought a bike for someone else besides me. I could care less what other people think of the particular bike I own at the time.

Edited by beemerdad2@yahoo.com 2015-05-04 7:33 PM
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