Should You Buy a Victory Motorcycle? 

Damn, you put some miles on your bikes. Victories are without a doubt great bikes and they can be had at exceptionally low prices. Of course there are pros and cons to that depending on your needs. That is what this video was about. Victories are great bikes, but new buyers should understand the good and the bad. And, while I admire your loyalty to the brand, there are a lot of really good and fun bikes out there...

Thanks!

What's your plan when parts stop/run out?

Victories are indeed great bikes and I just took mine on a 12000 mile trip with no major problems. I did however need to do my own oil changes in a couple of locations (no big deal, I brought filters with me) but did need to find oil alternatives as dealers are getting fewer and fewer. So, if you are going to take them on long trips you need to do a little planning and research to find dealers that will still support the bikes (not all have switched to Indian). I had a friend who's rectifier/regulator went out and she got stranded for a few days waiting on the part to be ordered. Are these reasons to get rid of the bikes? No, of course not, but you do need to plan ahead if you are going to take the bikes on longer trips.

@@LivingOffTheSlab , agree! Ride on my friend! Russ

just so you know, a Magnum is the premium touring bike. Why have that and a Cross Country?

There's a Ness Jackpot on sale for 7000 here where I'm at. I'm hesitant to buy it because Victory is shut down. What's your opinion on my dilemma???

@@Vato-Psyko-Loko I sold all 3 of mine, got FSR up looking for parts because the stupid dealer who used to sell them stock nothing anymore and parts are getting harder and harder and what you do find used they are asking ridiculous prices. Parts are only being made for 3 more years. Sold all 3 of my Victory’s and went back to Harley

It sounds like the market in Sweden is a little stronger than here in the US. You have the right idea, ride the bike, enjoy it don't worry about all this stuff. Thanks for watching and for the kind comments!

Yep, it is a great bike.

@@LivingOffTheSlab 4

Well said. Thank you!

Thanks!

MOMS here in Foxboro is the same way. There are others across the country, but they are getting fewer.

Thank you!

I was looking at the new Goldwing over the weekend. Nice bike, but the cost of a new bike is most likely going to push me to keeping the Vision running. Still a great bike. Thanks!

Good advice, thanks!

Victory did a lot of things right with the Vision. Best bike they made in my opinion. The looks are not for everyone, but the ride and comfort is the best I have tried. However, I understand moving on. Thanks!

They are indeed great bikes, enjoy!

The Vision is indeed a great bike. Thanks!

They are great bikes, mine has been.

Without a doubt, Victories are great bikes. Thanks!

Thanks!

Ride safe!

Enjoy!

I agree, for now most maintenance parts are still available, and I imagine they will be for some time. Body parts, seem to be a bit harder to get, at least from what my friends have experienced. I will keep riding mine for a while longer.

Living Off The Slab the body parts and things of that nature will be the killer. I demo rode the TS111 and in stock form didn’t care for the short leg shifting because I’m use to gaining power after 3000 RPM. Although the overall ride of the Indian was real good. No idea what I might do for a next bike. If Indian resale goes like victory, should be able to find a used one for 1/2 price of new on a 2 year old model. Enjoy the channel Craig, the green screen totally rocks.

Thanks!

Amen!

That’s fairly new depending upon how much you ride. I rode one when they first came out and was very impressed. I have friends who own them. You will never get any trade-in value for it. You’ll be be able to service the bike for a long time. They’re a very well built bike. If you have one at this point in time, Just enjoy it as long as you can

Thanks!

That is the same with any older bike. You will have to be willing to source parts on eBay or other places that specialize in older bikes. The drive belt you will most likely be able to use something from the Indian line.

I put cams in mine so it only gets around 40 and 38 two up. But it has been a great bike. I do very much enjoy my Tenere however. Thanks!

@@LivingOffTheSlab I have a v92c and have never gotten better than 35mpg

How many bikes do I need...many as I can afford and have the time to ride. How long will I ride...as long as I can. Aren't you?

Thanks!

No real story. As I was creating the digital image I thought it looked cool and helped to make the spokes stand out. Thanks!

Thanks. It does look neat.

There are a lot of good deals out there. Enjoy!

Dealer support is a concern while traveling. I have not had any issues, knock on wood, but it is nice to know there is a large network just in case. I too like the Vics, but unfortunately we are in the minority.

Hey Paul, as I mentioned in the video, the Victory bikes are very reliable and perform great. I had mine for 10 years with no major issues...mine was a Vision. Most of my friends have experienced the same with their Cross Countries. There are of course small issues that arise. The most common problem is a broken cluth cable...you need to keep it clean and lubed. Body panels and accessories are getting hard to find, but consumables should still be readily available. I dont know the situation in Australia, but here in the states you can pick up a used Vic with low mileage for good prices. But, you will also not get a good trade in value on them either. It just depends on your needs. They are great bikes and should give you many years of trouble free riding. Good luck and enjoy!

Living Off The Slab thanks mate for your reply, they safe and keep it upright. 👍

I really dont want another cruiser. The new Wing looks nice or the BMW K1600GL. The big Issue though is making my wife comfortable. If it was just me, I would ride the Tenere and maybe go even smaller.

Living Off The Slab My wife and I test rode all of the main candidates to succeed our aging LT. Nothing really caught our fancy. The new K1600GA came the closest, particularly in passenger comfort. And it has all of the K1600 niceties like the power, 7 gallon tank, relatively light weight, decent storage capacity, etc. I really thought I would like the new Wing and I do like the looks of it, but after a test ride we just weren’t impressed. It had decent handling, but well behind the K1600, was stable in a straight line and had great wind protection. But the small fuel tank, small storage capacity, rock hard seat, etc., turned us off. If I had to replace my LT tomorrow, I would buy a GA. However, at this point I decided to add a Russell seat to my LT, replace the aging rubber parts such as fuel hoses and radiator hoses, complete the full 24K maintenance (valves, filters, fluids, etc.) and then ride it to Alaska this year and probably keep it for another 3-5 years. The LT was discontinued in 2009 so it hasn’t been made in a decade, but BMW is great in regard to parts support. I have found no part yet that I can’t buy new from BMW - albeit at a steep price in many cases. However, as you said in regard to Victory, the aftermarket support is pretty good and I can probably keep mine reliable for another 10 years if necessary. I am hoping though for a good replacement in 5 years or less.

Thanks. I have been looking at several options to replace the Vision and the options are limited. My wife says the Indian Roadmaster is the most comfortable for her, but they are not my preference. I am going to have to take the Wing and BMW out this Spring and see if we can make either one as comfortable as the Vision. It is going to be a tall order.

Living Off The Slab I agree. The newer bikes seem to be very limited in one way or another. My wife liked the Yamaha (Star) Venture Transcontinental the best. It has the best stock seats by far and outstanding storage capacity. I wasn’t as big a fan of the weight as a modern bike really doesn’t need to weigh 900 lbs as BMW and others have proven. However, it was the air-cooled v-twin that stopped me cold. I am not a v-twin fan to start with, but an air-cooled engine in 2019? Someone had a major brain fart at Yamaha when they made that decision. Even my 30 year-old design KLR650 is liquid cooled for crying out loud.

Yeah, prices on used Victories are rock bottom, so you are not going to beat them with other brands. For the price you are getting one hell of a good bike.

I'm purchasing a used 2014 cross country this weekend for $10,000 from a private seller. It has 6,300 km"s on it. Cant really find that deal in a used Harley at that price, with matching km"s. excited for my new ride

@@fragpants ya that's a great deal for such an awesome bike. Really under rated. Congrats!

Hmm...officially no, but mine still keeps the signs up as they have a bunch of used bikes to sell.

Victories are great bikes. Enjoy!

I agree, as long as it keeps running, keep riding it. But, the new Wing or Beemer looks pretty good.

Thanks!

They have dropped a bit more than I expected. Before the shutdown I could have expected mine to sell for around 10k, now I am looking at 6k. It is what it is.

Of course the Indian name would sell more then the Victory branding. Additional time would only lose additional money. Indian is alive because of Victory! Victory DNA seeps into everything designed today. Polaris didn't kill Victory. They just put in all their chips and are doubling down using the Indian name. Victory had too much going for it to throw away. It lives through Indian and carries on that innovative approach.

Really...have not heard of that before.

@@LivingOffTheSlab - its funny but I had my bike serviced right before leaving Iowa on that trip out to the black hills in 2017 during sturgis rally. As I look back the bolts did not all shear at once but I didn't notice something was wrong until driving back to Deadwood one night and ran over a cattle grid as we approached town - I heard a loud sound going over the grate - I thought I had a flat and stopped the bike and checked things out - I did not notice anything wrong but pulley bolts was the last thing I could think of. The next day we drove out to devils tower - had no problem riding the twisties in Spearfish Canyon then got on 90 going west and was doing about 80 and when I got off the interstate i knew something was wrong - drove to Alladin but still didn't see it was the pully - finally decided to head back to the hotel which for that night was a long way off in New Castle, WY - it was only a few miles before the last bolt sheared on the way back to 90 and I lost forward motion- my buddy gave me a ride to 90 where there happened to be a rest area and I called a tow truck and got towed to Newcastle - fortunately my buddy did not want to ride out to the black hills that year as he was in his 70s and we towed our bikes out - so next day he drove to get his truck and trailer which we stowed in Chandron NE and loaded the bikes up and headed back a day early. From talking to the dealer (RJ Performance in Ottumwa IA) I understand it happens but not very often but often enough that I believe it to be a design problem (on some other big v twins the drive pulley is part of the rear hub and there are no bolts- while I love my vision that experience affected my perception of how reliable that motorcycle is. Unfortunately it happened a few months outside the warranty so I had to pay for it out of my pocket.

@@kel108 , Thanks for sharing. I have not had any issues with mine, so I am going to keep my fingers crossed.

@@kel108 i heard the powder coating on the pulley does not allow proper torque to take place.

Thank you!

Got myself a Honda Fury. LOVE IT :)

Very true.

This year I road the Vision primarily, putting 12k on it during my big trip.

Love that vfr1200x motor. 100 lbs. heavier than africa twin(which I own). The weight capacity is lower because it's heavier, so check that if riding 2up. I love Honda dependability!

Thanks!

Thanks! How is your trip going?

@@LivingOffTheSlab It's going great! I'm here in Palmdale California waiting on a rear tire to be delivered. Then headed over to Joshua Tree, then to Vegas. I'll wonder back in to California through Death Valley.

Sounds great. I will be on the road during June and July, so let me know where you will be and if we can, it would be nice to hook up.

From understanding, some states have buy back laws. In those cases Polaris took back the unsold inventory and moved it to the larger dealers. My dealer took a lot of the unsold stock and their Victory sales increases 400% after the shut down. Polaris did give good terms for those dealers willing to take the unsold bikes. Other than that, I dont think they did much. I am sure the encouraged dealers to carry Indian, but that comes with a rather large commitment to set up the Indian Boutique experience.

@@LivingOffTheSlab You're right about the the Indian boutique experience. They saw the success Harley has in their clothing dealerships , but tried to put a cigar bar spin on it. As nice as some of Indians bikes are, I think they dropped the ball. They had an opportunity to be the alternative to Harley in terms of pricing. I don't think the market needed another $20k+ cruiser manufacturer.

Harley and even Indian sales are down, so I suspect that we will see more bikes like the FTR1200 offered. But, we will just have to wait and see.

I hope your right, but in 30 years I will sitting in my rocking chair, or pushing up daisies. I will have to leave it to you young bucks. Ride on!

Living Off The Slab Roger that..

Thanks!

For sure I have gotten my money out of the bike and I have never been concerned about resale value. All I was saying is that is that if resale is important to any potential buyer, a Victory is not a good option...at least at this point. I agree, bike flipping is not a good financial move. Unless you have a true collectors item, bikes will always depreciate. Sure, some bikes might loose less money over a given period, but it still a loss. Thanks!

Enjoy!

Yes, they made the entire bikes.

What you say is true, it just depends if you like searching eBay and other old bike dealers for parts. Some people enjoy that kind of thing and others do not.

There are great bikes!

Thanks!

I don't know, the Indians are not my style. We shall see what they come up with in the future. Thanks!

My 2015 Vision Tour Red/black has 13,000 mi So it looks like I should have many years of total enjoyment. I have had a number of different baggers . 2005 Electra glide , 2013 Goldwing Tour , A very nice 2019 Roadglide. Ended up trading my Roadglide for a Convertible car in 2020 . Then in 2021 found the 2015 Victory Vision tour . It is a very comfortable bike . And stock with heated grips and seat . And you have to appreciate the windshield. I will probably do a couple of things to it . Nothing to extreme.

Vics are great bikes!

It is a pain, but, not much you can do except ride it and enjoy it.

I was suppose to get 2k off but the stealership wouldn't give it to me. Guess I should have walked. 😡

They are great bikes, thanks!

No, I traded it for a BMW at the end of 2019. Time for something new.

@@LivingOffTheSlab I have a 2012 Hard-Ball that I am in love with but listed it, and now a guys wants it. Not sure how I feel. 😬

I understand, the Vision was a great bike for us and took us to a lot of great places. But, I could not hang on to it and wanted something a bit lighter. The travel and experiences are what is important, not the bike.

Thanks!

Thanks!

Junkyards and parts bikes.

For sure, everyone who hangs on to a bike long enough will have to deal with the same issues. Unfortunately, I am not sure I will be around to see a Vision become a collectors item...LOL.

@@LivingOffTheSlab At 65, I am pretty sure I will not be around either. Thanks brother, I enjoy your channel.

Yeah, over time this will become a bigger issue. On the other hand there are a lot of older or discontinued bikes of all makes on the road. Markets develop to supply parts and riders do more of their own work. In the long run, it will get down to your individual commitment to keep them running. Thanks!

What specialty tools??

@@bonnevillebagger9147 every manufacturer has a few specialty tools needed to perform certain maintenance or (dis) assembly operations.

If any product is not making money, it is going to be discontinued. That is true of Indian, HD or Honda. These companies exist to make money for there shareholders. Expecting anything more is not realistic. HD has shut plants, laid off workers, moved assembly overseas and discontinued models. It is all part of trying to keep profits up.

They are great bikes.

?

@@LivingOffTheSlab you said in video you were going to keep the Victory another season or two. This video is 7 months old and you just released a new video today about your BMW 1600 .

Oh...yes after riding it for 60 days I thought it was time. The Vision did great, but I really wanted something lighter. I do still have the Vision though.

@@LivingOffTheSlab I'll begin the 60 day series later this week. I assumed you traded in the Vision.

@@addicted2baseballrgd21 , no keeping it for now. Unfortunately it is not worth much and with 75K on it, the dealers don't event want it. So for now I will keep it.

Interesting perspective, I may have to borrow that theme for a future video.

Thanks, the Victory is in deed a great bike and if you love it, you should keep it. Ride safe!

Sounds good!

Parts will be available through 2026 and after that it is like every other discontinued bike.

@@LivingOffTheSlab but what happens when you can't get internal parts for it what do you do ? Is it a throw away ? I could buy one right now but this is what's scaring me .

There are a lot of bikes on the road that are 15 or 20 years old and an industry has developed to supply parts for those bikes. Sometimes it is finding parts on eBay, but if you really want to keep the bike running you can find a way. It gets down to what you want.

@@LivingOffTheSlab yah but the parts are affordable for those older bikes ... Victory parts are climbing in price

Ok, then you have made your decision.

That's great, but then I would have spent the last ten years riding a bike I didn't want.

It does sound temping. In fact, I am wearing my Nashville Harley shirt today. There were some fine ladies selling t-shirts...but they would just get me in trouble.

Sorry to hear that. You do have to be very alert now a days.