Business Week story on Victory

[CW1Edwards]

<div></div><div>They even quoted me correctly!</div><div> </div><div>DE</div><div> </div><div><span><a href="http://www.businessweek.com/autos/content/jan2007/bw20070131_564628.htm?chan=autos_autos+index+page" target="_blank"><font color="#000080">http://www.businessweek.com/autos/content/jan2007/bw20070131_564628.htm?chan=autos_autos+index+page</font></a></span></div>

[ButtCrack]

Congrats Big Dave on getting your name in a Big Time Magazine<br><br><img border="0" alt="Buttcrack Rules" src="http://www.v-twinforum.com/forums/images/smilies/outtahere.gif">

[VerticalTwin]

<div> alot of nay-sayers didnt give then 5 years in the bussiness, but after 10 years their still hanging in there,</div><div>and making waves..</div><div> seeing more and more of them on the road.. the owners seem to have plenty of good things to say about them...</div><div> </div><div> i dont think the Motor Company is loosing sleep over them, but they are serious about building motorcycles, and Victory is building a loyal owner base....</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div>

[850-Combat]

<div>Good luck to them. Those touers look interesting.</div><div> </div><div>I see more of them on the road now. I rode with a guy on a Hammer for a little while a couple weeks ago on my RD 400. I did not find it as odd looking as the Vegas and 8-Ball. Kind of neat really in a genre that appeals to me not at all.</div><div> </div><div>My Brother in Law is looking to get back into bikes (20 years and change since his KZ 1000) and wants a Hammer).</div>

[hacksaw]

<div><div><br><blockquote><div><hr>CW1Edwards wrote:<br><div></div><div>They even quoted me correctly!</div><div> </div><div>DE</div><div> </div><div><span><a href="http://www.businessweek.com/autos/content/jan2007/bw20070131_564628.htm?chan=autos_autos+index+page" target="_blank"><font color="#000080">http://www.businessweek.com/autos/content/jan2007/bw20070131_564628.htm?chan=autos_autos+index+page</font></a></span></div><br><hr></div></blockquote><br><div></div></div>no biggie, i have been quoting you correctly for years.</div><div> </div><div>hey! ya know, in reality, i am an indian man at heart. (i realized that the mere mention of hendee and hedstrom makes my eyes mist up) victory really could be the new indian. heck, the vision and the first skirted chiefs and fours are pretty close in styling in regards to their respective eras..</div><div> </div><div>i like this bike. dont know why really, unless, the indian thing is really a subtle truth.</div><div> <img width="480" height="349" alt=" " src="http://images.businessweek.com/ss/07/01/0131_motorcycle/image/street-7-8-rear.jpg"></div>

[Honda919Rider]

<div>Congrads Dave!</div><div> </div><div>That new touring bike looks interesting - And that is something better than the &quot;same old same old&quot; we get from the big boy on the block.</div><div> </div><div>I'm considering nicknaming the other American company &quot;Re-tread&quot; as that is all they seem to be offering.</div>

[RonnnM]

<div>A Ness itized Victory at Sundays Show in SE Pa.The price on teh eight ball was right-RonMhttp://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q208/RonMbucket/101_4998.jpg</div>

[CW1Edwards]

<div></div><div>Hack, the Indian comparison is brilliant! If indeed you were making a modern Chief (not just a kluge-job Harley with skirted fenders), it might look alot like the Vision, especially the one without the pedestal-like top trunk.</div><div> </div><div>DE </div><p>Message Edited by CW1Edwards on <span class="date_text">02-02-2007</span><span class="time_text">09:33 PM</span></p>

[hacksaw]

<div>i just lost a huge post!!!!:mad:</div><div> </div><div>anyways-</div><div>victory has scored with this bike. that, and the 8 ball flat out rocks. so the compeition beware,</div><div> </div><div> Please Hammer, dont Hurt 'Em!!!! :D</div>

[hacksaw]

<div></div><div><img border="0" alt="" src="http://www.polarisindustries.com/NR/rdonlyres/EC8458DB-B97D-47C3-9339-756597EAF39E/8049/8_ball05.jpg"></div>

[Monkeyshines]

<div>The Indian comparison was a good one Hack. Funny that there were a fair number of people that didn't like the skirted fenders of the Chief when it came out. Victory hit a homerun on this bike.</div><div> </div><div>A.S.- no one said anything about HD changing the style of the E Glide. Bit touchy, no? Now if you're talking about the MoCo strapping existing bodywork on a new VRod tourer, yeah, I think that would be weak, especially in light of the gauntlet tossed by Victory.</div>

[donahue42]

<div>I definitely agree. i am not a big fan of Victory's design theory, however lots of people do. That being said I am happy too see a &quot;worthy&quot; competitor to the American market, competition makes you stronger, this may force H-D to get a little more custom in their design insted of 36 different models sharing 4 different frame designs and 3 motors for 10 years at a time.</div>

[Monkeyshines]

<div></div><div></div><div>If sales figures are the criteria that makes a company outstanding, McDonalds is Ruths Chris Steak House and Walmart is Bloomingdales. All sales mean is there are more followers than individuals. I guarantee Victory won't sell as many Visions as HD sells Electraglides, not many will want to break from the herd, most of the sales will probably not be from existing HD owners. I fully expect that the MoCo faithful(they aren't called the faithful for nothing) will scoff at the new Victory. It rocks the bandwagen. As for who will buy the Vision after the &quot;Victory faithful&quot;, there is no Victory faithful, they buy Victorys in part because they don't want to follow the trend or be part of the flock. I think Victory should make a Vision commercial with stray black sheep and put horns on them.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><p> </p><p>Message Edited by Monkeyshines on <span class="date_text">02-03-2007</span><span class="time_text">05:08 PM</span></p>

[ButtCrack]

Remember individualistic just for the sake of it is the same as just being ODD<br><br><img border="0" alt="Buttcrack Rules" src="http://www.v-twinforum.com/forums/images/smilies/stirpot.gif"><br><br><i>sometimes you can try too hard being one of a kind</i>

[Monkeyshines]

<div>True. You can try too hard to be something your not to fit in or to stand out. That would be phoney. Kind of like highschool cliques, it's superficial.</div>

[Monkeyshines]

<div></div><div>tYm, er, &quot;senator&quot;, funny that you say <em>&quot;many harley riders don't like the Vision&quot;</em> when none have even rode one, assuming you're the voice of the flock.</div><div> </div><div>And actually the Mcdonalds line was <em>my</em> bad ananlogy. Comparison tests will tell which is the steak and which is the cheeseburger.</div><div> </div><div>BMW is <em>your</em> bad analogy, I haven't heard of anyone that thinks those are pretty, though I'm sure there must be a couple. They did however place as best tourer a couple times. I already said most won't like the Vision at the outset, and I honestly think only a few will have an appreciation for the design. People don't like change and what I'm hearing is some not even giving it a close look or chance, just knee jerk scoffing. Design moves on, like the initial reaction to the skirted fender Indian or the first new Dodge Ram pickups I believe in a little bit of time this design will catch on and possibly make the industry to sit up and take notice. Which would be fun coming from an upstart like Victory. Good on them.</div><div> </div><div>Possible Bike of the year? Best Tourer? Awards for best new design? Or lemon and Edsel? I guess we'll see. Someone will be owing someone else a steak.</div><div> </div><div>:robottongue:</div><p>Message Edited by Monkeyshines on <span class="date_text">02-04-2007</span><span class="time_text">01:41 PM</span></p>

[vnsfxr]

<div>Victory is moving forward. They even ask input from their customer and potential customer base regarding design.</div><div> </div><div>I have had a couple surveys sent to me and have seen minor changes made because of these.</div><div> </div><div>As to the Vision.............it is a vision. I am not in the market for a big touring bike but am anxiously awaiting the testers take on how it meets it's design criteria.</div><div> </div><div>Congrats Edwards for getting to express your expertise. Glad they went to someone with a clue which isn't always the case.</div>

[CW1Edwards]

<div>I always get a little worried when the mainstream media call, asking for a quote. The Business Week guy didn't know much about motorcycles, but he admitted that right up front and asked intelligent questions. More importantly he listened and asked follow-up questions when he wasn't sure.</div><div> </div><div>Far as the new Victory, it really is the first new attempt a touring bike since the K1200LT came out, what, 8 years ago? Honda is so complacent with the Gold Wing--admittedly a wonderful motorcycle--that the big news for bike's 30th anniversary was a...badge. Appreciate the new GPS option, but where's the electro-adjustable windscreen?</div><div> </div><div>And while the Harley is cool in a Fourth of July parade kind of way, it's really seen nothing new in decades. The TC96 engine is a good addition, but load the bike down with Mama and a week's worth of gear, head for any place with altitude and good luck pulling off an iffy uphill pass into a headwind. Be nice if the rumors of a V-Rod Glide came true.</div><div> </div><div>We'll have to see how big Victory takes the Freedom motor (we still don't know cc), how it works on the road and how people cotton to the styling, but as always, more motorcyles are better than fewer.</div><div> </div><div>DE</div><div> </div><div> </div>

[hacksaw]

<div></div><div><br><blockquote><div><hr>Monkeyshines wrote:<br><div>True. You can try too hard to be something your not to fit in or to stand out. That would be phoney. Kind of like highschool cliques, it's superficial.</div><br><hr></div></blockquote>or DayDreamer!!!<br><div></div></div>

[hacksaw]

<div><strong>&gt;&gt;&gt;So instead of using someone else's bad analogy, try some new material.</strong></div><div><strong></strong> </div><div>like a Vision? lol! thats pretty new material if you ask me.</div>

[Monkeyshines]

<div></div><div></div><div><br><blockquote><div><hr>AZ-Senator wrote:<br><div></div><div><br><blockquote><div>I've never driven an AMC Pacer and I don't like those either. Don't have to ride one to not like it. If you can't stand the way it looks, you're not going to buy one.</div><div><hr></div><div> </div><div><strong></strong> </div><div><strong></strong> </div><div><strong></strong> </div><div><strong>Talk about lame analogies.</strong></div><div><strong></strong> </div><div><strong></strong> </div><div> </div></blockquote><div> </div><div> </div></div></div></blockquote><div></div></div><p>Message Edited by Monkeyshines on <span class="date_text">02-04-2007</span><span class="time_text">05:57 PM</span></p>

[Monkeyshines]

<div></div><div>http://photos.motorcycle-usa.com/TourMotionRear2.jpg</div>

[vnsfxr]

<div>Underneath the passengers foot board in the above pic looks like a tip over wing to protect the bags. Any one who went to the show verify this?</div><div> </div><div>If true Victory tossed in a bit of practical with their Vision.</div>

[Monkeyshines]

<div>I read that the Vision won't do a complete slow tip over. It will balance on the guards you mention if(when) you go over.</div>

[Honda919Rider]

<div></div><div><br><blockquote><div><hr>Monkeyshines wrote:<br><div>I read that the Vision won't do a complete slow tip over. It will balance on the guards you mention if(when) you go over.</div><br><hr></div></blockquote><div> </div><div><em>Sure, it wobbles, but it won't fall down -</em></div></div>

[hacksaw]

<div></div><div>&quot;help! i 've wobbled and i cant get up!!&quot; :D</div><div> </div><div>the dashboard look pretty nice on that vision. need a tube type pushbutton radio though.</div><p>Message Edited by hacksaw on <span class="date_text">02-04-2007</span><span class="time_text">10:43 PM</span></p>

[OldRoadToad]

Mr. Edwards, sir -<br><br>With regard to your remarks on the TC96 handling a fully loaded bike, I seem to recall some thing about how wonder full the 65 or so horse power the TC88s had when they came out and how it was &quot;about time&quot; because Victory's offerings were (at the time) ahead of HDs Evo in the horse power (but not the sales) war. I could be wrong and that was not what I read in CycleWorld, but then I refuse to read (much less subscribe or buy at the news stand the rag known as &quot;Motorcyclist&quot;) ), so I think it was in the pages of your excellent publication.<br><br>Such is life. More, more, more. The hierarchy of wants and needs rears its &quot;gimme dat&quot; head once again.<br><br>I realise that you are in the business of reporting (not selling) &quot;newness&quot;, but really now. This is some what akin to what is happening in the world of bicycles what with bikes constantly &quot;needing&quot; to get lighter. Did it ever occur to any one that rides a bike to just lose weight themselves?<br><br>Of course not. :D<br><br>Bicycles all so &quot;needed&quot; more gears. The last time I checked (a couple of years ago) some bicycles had thirty gears. Of course, many of those gears more than likely over lapped, and were more than likely not needed by the vast majority of riders, but some one convinced them that they (more gears) were needed.<br><br>Now then, as to the GL1800 and it's lack of an electro-adjustable wind shield, I say this: How often do you need to adjust your wind shield once you have adjusted it? I test rode a K1200LT with the electric window and I set it once prior to taking off on my twenty mile test ride. It took about 10 seconds.<br><br>Once.<br><br>When I bought my GL1800 I set the wind shield once prior to taking off from the dealer.<br><br>Once.<br><br>Oh, and it only took about 15 seconds to do so. Sheeeeeeeeesh! And I neither need, nor want an electro-adjusted centre stand, power brakes, ABS, GPS or what have you. I suppose some people do, but really now, it is a want, just as my desire for double disc brakes up front is a want. I am toad enough to understand and admit to that. You say the new Nightster does not &quot;need&quot; double discs, I say it does. It looks stupid with a single disc, and (again) I am toad enough to admit that I want double discs up front. You could say that I do not need them and from a reality based stand point of stopping power, you would be correct (the same holds true for the new Buells).<br><br>Pardon the &quot;rant&quot;, but I some times think Hacksaw is right (as he so often is about such matters) about the current state of motorcycling (including my own wussification, mind you). &quot;When, oh when is the GL2500 coming out, and where is the espresso maker and buttock massager that we soooooooo desperately need now in this model year? Honda has let us down again, oh woe is us&quot; ...<br><br>That last remark is some thing typical from the GL1800.org crowd. I am no better mind you. I want tube less wheels and triple disc brakes on my bikes. Want.<br><br>And if you please, I want you to tell Willie G. that I will not be buying his Nightster because he gave it those unsafe (talk about instant blow outs if you get a nail in them!) bicycle wheels and a single (cheap!!!) disc brake up front. Again, please pardon my attitude, but I am not feeling all that good right now. It is not an excuse, nor is it the reason for my reply, just a fact.<br><br>I am such a toad.<br><br>The Toad<br><br>Post script - If ever I &quot;need&quot; more than my Acura GL1800, I shall just get a car. In reality, the only reason I bought the Wing over a Miata or Solstice is that neither of those two vehicles leaned into turns. The GL1800 is a car that is missing two wheels. I like it for what it is, but as I said, if ever I &quot;need&quot; more, I shall get more (for less money) and purchase a real car. ;)

[CW1Edwards]

<div></div><div>Sr. Toad, my power (or lack thereof) reference was in regards to a two-up, fully loaded touring bike. Even then, just poking along, the Harley is a fine platform. But throw in altitude and aggressive passing maneuvers, and more power would be much-appreciated.</div><div> </div><div>I have to respectfully disagree on the electro windshield. This is one of <em>the</em> great touring amenities. Full-down for slow-speed trolling in hot weather, full-up in the rain or cold. It's also possible to tune out faceshield flutter or to get the flow of air just right above you/your passenger. I'm against tech for tech's sake, but every luxo-touring and sport-touring bike should be so-equipped (and don't get me started on standard heated handgrips, which the GL also lacks...).</div><div> </div><div>Do hope you're feeling better soon.</div><div> </div><div>DE</div><div> </div><div>PS: Tubeless tires are no guarantee against a blow-out, which happens very rarely tubed or tubeless. A tubless tire's big advantage is that in case of a flat it can (most times) be plugged by the side of the road still on the bike, while a tubed tire has to be taken off the bike, then spooned partway off the rim to get to the punctured inner tube. The other advantage, of course, is that a cast rim is virtually maintenace-free, whereas a spoked rim needs trueing, albeit infrequently.</div><div> </div><div> </div><p>Message Edited by CW1Edwards on <span class="date_text">02-04-2007</span><span class="time_text">11:45 PM</span></p>

[Monkeyshines]

<div>I think the windshields height adjustability is a great idea. I beleive it also changes angle?</div><div>When I had my Roadking I had two different height shields for it, regular and stubby.</div><div>Isn't it DJ that has like four or five different sheilds for his Streetglide?</div><div>Now if they could make the shield polorized to darken in the sunlight and clear at night........</div>

[Monkeyshines]

<div></div><div></div><div><strong><font size="2">A couple things that I think are neat here.</font></strong></div><div><strong><font size="2">The contrasting silver bay, including the underseat section that flow around and craddle the motor.</font></strong></div><div><font size="2"><strong>The way the rear bodywork flows up to the rear seat. </strong></font></div><div><font size="2"><strong>The rear caddy-like bumper/taillight/exhaust treatment. </strong></font></div><div><strong><font size="2">The brightwork, wheels and mechanicals look super, hopefully they make it that way to production.</font></strong></div><div><strong><font size="2"></font></strong> </div><div><strong><font size="2">Hmmmm....I don't see a centerstand in this picture, bummer if there is none.</font></strong></div><div> </div><div>http://photos.motorcycle-usa.com/Street-7-8-rear.jpg</div><p>Message Edited by Monkeyshines on <span class="date_text">02-05-2007</span><span class="time_text">01:43 AM</span></p>

[hacksaw]

<div>agreed. i dont particuarly care for the passenger handgrips or the look of the anti roll saddle bag protectors, but other wise the bike is pretty cool.</div><div>dual front disks and &quot;mag&quot; wheels, why hasnt toad jumped on this one?</div>

[UncleErnie]

<div>&quot;i dont particuarly care for the passenger handgrips&quot;</div><div> </div><div>If you put a floor board on the side of each bag and got a passenger with some racing sidecar experience, I'd bet the rider and monkey could seriously spank a sport bike through the turns.</div>

[Monkeyshines]

<div></div><div></div><div><br><blockquote><div><div>Top half of the fairing looks like a modernized batwing to me. Looks even better with the</div><div>shield lowered. The lower fairing looks functional to cooling, I hear the fuel is in there?</div><div>A future switch to liquid cooling would go easy with this fairing, possibly designed in?</div><div> </div><div>http://www.motorcyclenews.com/jpeg/635/19659578.jpeg</div><div> </div><div> </div><br></div></blockquote><br><div></div></div><p>Message Edited by Monkeyshines on <span class="date_text">02-06-2007</span><span class="time_text">05:50 AM</span></p>

[Honda919Rider]

<div>The more I learn about the bike the more I see it becoming a winner.</div><div> </div><div>Another motorcycle magazine had a write up and several pictures, if it proves reliable, it may sell.</div><div> </div><div>I can see it taking Wing and Electra Glide owners -</div><div> </div><div>One is too much and the other not enough, could this be the happy median?</div><div> </div><div>Going to be interesting.</div>