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I helped the local dealer a couple weeks back on their factory demo days. Rode every damn Victory they have. Can't really say anything bad about the Cross Country/Roads line. Ride nice, good power, nice handling and roomy. You can also hear their stereos really well. If you like it, buy it....
One of the guys I ride with has one. He likes it, but he has never liked Harleys and he loves just about any thing Polaris makes.
I don't like the look of them from the back they look like a turtle and some of it has a Honda look, but as long as you like it that's all that matters.
Only things he don't care for is it's kind of clunky when shifting, I'm a Harley guy so to me it's not that bad. For a 106 ci it not as fast as he was hoping for. His mane complaint is the floor boards get buzzy at highway speeds. He said Polaris has them bolted right on the motor and he thinks that's the problem. I have a 11 King and it's nice and smooth at highway speeds I love mine.
Good luck with whatever you buy...Both make good bikes.
Looked at the Victory's when I first started looking at touring bikes. Overall the Harley seemed more stout in the way things were built. The bags and touring pack on the Victory's seemed thin and poorly fitted. The Harley bags appear to have more usable space.
Lastly I wanted something that was a Harley instead of trying to be a Harley. If I ever go to a different brand, I want one with their own identity such as a Honda Goldwing or BMW touring models.
Sorry to say this....but I can't help being offended by somebody who already owns a 2012 Road King, asking me what do I think about him trading for new Victory???? Manufacturer be damned! You sound like a bored and spoiled rich kid looking for attention. There's way too many people in this country struggling....shame on you.
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