So I test rode a Victory...
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 5,256
Likes: 5
From: Concord, CA
So I test rode a Victory...
I found myself wandering around the east bay today, it was a great day for riding.
I went to Arlen Ness, and one of the sales girls talked me into taking one of their customized victories for a ride.
This thing had some serious power. 100ci, what looked like V&H big radius pipes, tuner, dont know what else. Sales girl was there to look good more than to know everything technical.
I didnt like the ride too much, but I can't get the get-up-and-go out of my head.
So my question to those who have been there before is...
Can that level of power or close to it be put into my bike while still keeping an extremely reliable motor?
I have read all the threads on 95", 98", 103", 124", but real world... are they reliable?
Oh yeah, and reasonably priced as well.
Wow, If HD could put that in the bikes stock. Well, wow.
I left there really enjoying the ride/handling/comfort on mine but wanting for power. Never thought I would want power since I ride so mellow.
On another note, they have an unbelievable blue custom bobber out front. Doesn't even look like it runs, but it does. I don't think you could ride it too far because of comfort, but it's really nice.
Anyone in the Bay Area that hasn't been by Ness should check it out. The museum is great as well. I've been a few times and always find something new to drool on.
I went to Arlen Ness, and one of the sales girls talked me into taking one of their customized victories for a ride.
This thing had some serious power. 100ci, what looked like V&H big radius pipes, tuner, dont know what else. Sales girl was there to look good more than to know everything technical.
I didnt like the ride too much, but I can't get the get-up-and-go out of my head.
So my question to those who have been there before is...
Can that level of power or close to it be put into my bike while still keeping an extremely reliable motor?
I have read all the threads on 95", 98", 103", 124", but real world... are they reliable?
Oh yeah, and reasonably priced as well.
Wow, If HD could put that in the bikes stock. Well, wow.
I left there really enjoying the ride/handling/comfort on mine but wanting for power. Never thought I would want power since I ride so mellow.
On another note, they have an unbelievable blue custom bobber out front. Doesn't even look like it runs, but it does. I don't think you could ride it too far because of comfort, but it's really nice.
Anyone in the Bay Area that hasn't been by Ness should check it out. The museum is great as well. I've been a few times and always find something new to drool on.
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 233
Likes: 0
RE: So I test rode a Victory...
The new Victory Freedom motor is most likely the best stock V Twin made. They have more then proven themselfs with many over 70K and a few over 100K with no problems. Do a search, there is no question on the reliabilty. I owned two. The ride is not as decent as my HD and the heritage will forever be missing. I also could not get used to no external push rods, just looks like something is missing. That freedom V Twin rocks with power, liqiud cooled and reliability, but I will keep my HD. If I did not prefer HD, Victory would without question be my next choice. 
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 211
Likes: 0
RE: So I test rode a Victory...
the subject of victory has come up many times here.....I owned the original 99 model, ps between sportster and fatboy. It was a good first effort, and i am sure that reliabilty has improved. However, if you think that Harley does not care much for their customers, you should try Polaris, the parent company of victory. they think you don't exist.
Simple parts, that you might need, voltage reg, fuel pump, tps, etc are usually ordered and take days or weeks. and accessories are way over priced, hardley any aftermarket stuff. but it is the dealer network that is soley lacking in support of a good bike.. Most dealers for Victory sell other stuff to support themselves and care more about the jap cruisers they sell and or off road 4x4 polaris stuff. My Victory experience was poor at best, and i would never do it again, regardless of their improvement. Finally Victory's resale values is terrible, lower than jap cruisers and harder to sell. still its a good bike with a questionable future. just my opinion jim
Simple parts, that you might need, voltage reg, fuel pump, tps, etc are usually ordered and take days or weeks. and accessories are way over priced, hardley any aftermarket stuff. but it is the dealer network that is soley lacking in support of a good bike.. Most dealers for Victory sell other stuff to support themselves and care more about the jap cruisers they sell and or off road 4x4 polaris stuff. My Victory experience was poor at best, and i would never do it again, regardless of their improvement. Finally Victory's resale values is terrible, lower than jap cruisers and harder to sell. still its a good bike with a questionable future. just my opinion jim
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 508
Likes: 14
From: Tallahassee
RE: So I test rode a Victory...
I test rode a Hammer a few weeks ago. I love my EG but, if my EG would have the power of the Victory I would truly be in heaven.
Don't get me wrong, I will stay with HDs but damn, why cant we have power like that in a stock, reliable powerplant!!
Doug
Don't get me wrong, I will stay with HDs but damn, why cant we have power like that in a stock, reliable powerplant!!
Doug
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 899
Likes: 0
From: South Carolina
RE: So I test rode a Victory...
ORIGINAL: Varooom
I test rode a Hammer a few weeks ago. I love my EG but, if my EG would have the power of the Victory I would truly be in heaven.
Don't get me wrong, I will stay with HDs but damn, why cant we have power like that in a stock, reliable powerplant!!
Doug
I test rode a Hammer a few weeks ago. I love my EG but, if my EG would have the power of the Victory I would truly be in heaven.
Don't get me wrong, I will stay with HDs but damn, why cant we have power like that in a stock, reliable powerplant!!
Doug
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 508
Likes: 14
From: Tallahassee
RE: So I test rode a Victory...
Quote
"ever try a V-rod"
Yes I did. Compared to our v-twins they are very powerful. But if you want to go that way (and I don't) a Kawasaki ZX-11, ZX-12R, or ZX-14 (or many other bikes) will destory a v-rod with almost double the HP (a ZX14 will destroy a "Destroyer" for that matter).
Comparing a V-rod to a air cooled v-twin like our Harleys or the Victory motor is not a very good comparison.
Doug
"ever try a V-rod"
Yes I did. Compared to our v-twins they are very powerful. But if you want to go that way (and I don't) a Kawasaki ZX-11, ZX-12R, or ZX-14 (or many other bikes) will destory a v-rod with almost double the HP (a ZX14 will destroy a "Destroyer" for that matter).
Comparing a V-rod to a air cooled v-twin like our Harleys or the Victory motor is not a very good comparison.
Doug
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Road Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 899
Likes: 0
From: South Carolina
RE: So I test rode a Victory...
ORIGINAL: Varooom
Quote
"ever try a V-rod"
Yes I did. Compared to our v-twins they are very powerful. But if you want to go that way (and I don't) a Kawasaki ZX-11, ZX-12R, or ZX-14 (or many other bikes) will destory a v-rod with almost double the HP (a ZX14 will destroy a "Destroyer" for that matter).
Comparing a V-rod to a air cooled v-twin like our Harleys or the Victory motor is not a very good comparison.
Doug
Quote
"ever try a V-rod"
Yes I did. Compared to our v-twins they are very powerful. But if you want to go that way (and I don't) a Kawasaki ZX-11, ZX-12R, or ZX-14 (or many other bikes) will destory a v-rod with almost double the HP (a ZX14 will destroy a "Destroyer" for that matter).
Comparing a V-rod to a air cooled v-twin like our Harleys or the Victory motor is not a very good comparison.
Doug
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Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 233
Likes: 0
RE: So I test rode a Victory...
ORIGINAL: taurusjim
the subject of victory has come up many times here.....I owned the original 99 model, ps between sportster and fatboy. It was a good first effort, and i am sure that reliabilty has improved. However, if you think that Harley does not care much for their customers, you should try Polaris, the parent company of victory. they think you don't exist.
Simple parts, that you might need, voltage reg, fuel pump, tps, etc are usually ordered and take days or weeks. and accessories are way over priced, hardley any aftermarket stuff. but it is the dealer network that is soley lacking in support of a good bike.. Most dealers for Victory sell other stuff to support themselves and care more about the jap cruisers they sell and or off road 4x4 polaris stuff. My Victory experience was poor at best, and i would never do it again, regardless of their improvement. Finally Victory's resale values is terrible, lower than jap cruisers and harder to sell. still its a good bike with a questionable future. just my opinion jim
the subject of victory has come up many times here.....I owned the original 99 model, ps between sportster and fatboy. It was a good first effort, and i am sure that reliabilty has improved. However, if you think that Harley does not care much for their customers, you should try Polaris, the parent company of victory. they think you don't exist.
Simple parts, that you might need, voltage reg, fuel pump, tps, etc are usually ordered and take days or weeks. and accessories are way over priced, hardley any aftermarket stuff. but it is the dealer network that is soley lacking in support of a good bike.. Most dealers for Victory sell other stuff to support themselves and care more about the jap cruisers they sell and or off road 4x4 polaris stuff. My Victory experience was poor at best, and i would never do it again, regardless of their improvement. Finally Victory's resale values is terrible, lower than jap cruisers and harder to sell. still its a good bike with a questionable future. just my opinion jim
Thread Starter
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 5,256
Likes: 5
From: Concord, CA
RE: So I test rode a Victory...
I wasn't saying I want a Victory...
I just want that power in my Harley and was wondering if that level of power can be done while still retaining an extremely reliable motor.
I didn't ride it because I wanted to buy one, but rather that the sales girl kept insisting. Who was I to tell her no.
itsahog: I kind of figured that even with 95" it wouldn't be there. Is it significantly more than stock?
Thanks all
I just want that power in my Harley and was wondering if that level of power can be done while still retaining an extremely reliable motor.
I didn't ride it because I wanted to buy one, but rather that the sales girl kept insisting. Who was I to tell her no.
itsahog: I kind of figured that even with 95" it wouldn't be there. Is it significantly more than stock?
Thanks all