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So they're gonna put a radiator in front of each leg? Should be good for winter but what the hells gonna happen in the summer time? I'd rather see something behind the oil tank facing the rear wheel or something. Push the heat out the back, not onto the rider.
This actually doesn't look to bad for a photoshop: V-Rod Baggers!
Okay, here goes...... I have owned and rode two different Harleys in my time. About two years ago I came upon hard times and sold my most recent one (2007 Wide Glide). Now, I am riding a Victory Kingpin 8 Ball. It's a great bike, and riding it is awesome, but.... I want a Harley. Yeah, I watched all the youtube videos, I saw the technical differences, etc. Some/most of that stuff is true. but one thing that remains true to me is that Harleys are cooler, period. The feeling of comrade, or, fraternity just doesn't exist here in Victoryville. I got this bike as a 2009 left over, and I placed a hefty down payment on it (50%), so I know I can get a decent trade in, and when I do, I'll be riding a Harley again. But, that is just my experience. You should probably form your own, or you will always wonder.
Okay, here goes...... I have owned and rode two different Harleys in my time. About two years ago I came upon hard times and sold my most recent one (2007 Wide Glide). Now, I am riding a Victory Kingpin 8 Ball. It's a great bike, and riding it is awesome, but.... I want a Harley. Yeah, I watched all the youtube videos, I saw the technical differences, etc. Some/most of that stuff is true. but one thing that remains true to me is that Harleys are cooler, period. The feeling of comrade, or, fraternity just doesn't exist here in Victoryville. I got this bike as a 2009 left over, and I placed a hefty down payment on it (50%), so I know I can get a decent trade in, and when I do, I'll be riding a Harley again. But, that is just my experience. You should probably form your own, or you will always wonder.
Hi Bro,
Hey I had a victory too and they aren't bad bikes. My son still has a custom Vegas. When I flipped to Harley it was because I test drove the Ultra Classic with my wife and the only other choice was the Goldwing. I love all the amenities Harley had and the seat wasn't one of the 30 minute 30 miles seats. I've been on one every since and this is my third Ultra. Not sure what you're looking for in a ride, but I went for comfort. Don't buy a traditional Harley looking for speed and HP. They can be built up but the Return on INvestment to do it is expensive and poor. Hogs are just what they are. Certainly the VROD is the exception in the Harley line up. Those bikes are powerful and fast.
My old 2003 Victory had 100 foot lbs of torque stock. To get that out of a hog it's expensive and just not worth the energy and money. Just my 2 cents. I will say this, the Harley was my most maintenance free and reliable bike I ever owned. The victory went through spark plugs like they were going out of style. But that was all the issue I had with the Victory. I've not looked at the Victory Touring bikes yet. Probably won't. When I switched from Victory they didn't have a touring model like they do today. Guzzi was a troublesome bike, with leaks, valve adjustments and on going problems. It was fast, but that where it ended with Guzzi.
Too bad Victory can't, or won't, find a decent stylist. Those Ness bikes are UGLY. The Cross Country isn't too awfully bad, but the Vision is a styling disaster, IMO. I wouldn't be seen standing next to one, let alone ON one. Wouldn't matter to me if it made 200/230, and ran for 200K with no maintenance. They look horrible. To each their own though, I guess.
Don't let the door hit you on the way out . . . ;-)
Seriously tho'. Damn, you just bought the 2012. You've put some money into it. Now it's time to ride it for heaven's sake.
Oh - and the best reason I can think of not to buy one is because they're butt ugly. Perhaps, one day, they'll hire a decent designer - until then, I try not to even look at 'em, they offend my sensibilities!
So they're gonna put a radiator in front of each leg? Should be good for winter but what the hells gonna happen in the summer time? I'd rather see something behind the oil tank facing the rear wheel or something. Push the heat out the back, not onto the rider.
This actually doesn't look to bad for a photoshop: V-Rod Baggers!
So why would the motor company add the water cooled lowers? And more importantly, when? Let's understand that MoCo does one thing well, "Marketing".
What would water cooling do? Increase the HP, of course.
What is next model year? The 110th anniversary of the MoCo.
What would be a great anniversary engine? A 110 engine with 110 HP.
Here's the tag line.
One Ten in a One Ten in One Ten
or
110/110/110
Ya think that would sell? Would you pay $35k for a CVO that would leave the crotch rockets at the stop light wondering what just ran away from them? I think the answer is, yes.
BACK TO THREAD
Don't buy the Victory until the 110 model HDs come rolling into the show room.
I know the OP made his decision to stay with Harley 29 posts ago, funny how peer pressure works! I was going to say if he needed input about Victory he should contact Sonny Barger, lol.
I checked out the Victory only because I was curious. I share the opinions of many here about their looks. But the looks part didn't compare as I looked closer at the fit and finish of the bike. I parked my RK next to one and realized the Victory was almost toy like. I'm happy the bike is made here, actually it would be great for some other company to come along and compete for a slice of the pie, to show Harley they're not the only player on the block. Having a viable competitor is a good thing for us because it pressures Harley in to making a better product. No matter what business your dealing with, when demand is high customer service and all else takes a dive.
When I was considering trading my '04 EGU in on a '12 RGU, looking at-let alone test driving-a Victory never entered my mind. It simply isn't a Harley, and no matter what gee-whiz engineering they put into a Victory it will never come close to the soul or feel of an HD.
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