Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunter's Campfire Any Victory riders?

I sold my ZX-6 a couple years ago, always planning to replace it with a cruiser that is a little more "spouse friendly". A buddy has a Victory Vegas 8 Ball that he loves and it got me looking into Victory bikes. I found an 09 Kingpin 8 ball that is really low miles and a good price. Anyone have any experience with these units?

I know about Polaris shutting Victory down earlier this year, as well as their claim to provide parts for 10 years. I'm a little hesitant to buy a discontinued make. Especially a manufacturer that went out of their way to engineer things differently. Of course the dealer says that parts won't be a problem, but they are trying to sell the bike. Anyone here have additional insight to share?

SS

Forget the Victory; they are history.

Buy a Harley.................never a problem getting parts as long as you got $$$$$.

MM

They were good bikes but getting parts for them when they were in production wasn't easy. Other than putting a tire on or a fluid change no one works on them but a dealer. They were not around long enough for there to be a lot of aftermarket parts and the ones that were made will be sold off and not be available.
Polaris screwed over a lot of people by dropping Victory. The resale has dropped to nothing. If it is a clean bike AND you can get it for dirt cheap (5-6k) and know what you are getting into it could be a good bike to ride for a long time. Take good care of it and do all the maintenance religiously along with keeping fresh synthetic oil and you may never need to worry about being able to get drivetrain parts. Crash damage will be tough. In a couple years you are not going to be able to get sheetmetal, heck it took 4-6 months to get a fender or gas tank from them when they were in full production.
Brake pads, filters,battery,tires and belt will always be available. Salvage parts will start to show up. People are buying Buells dirt cheap and parting them out on ebay. That will be the fate of many Victorys.

I'm not a biker Sam, but I'd agree with MontanaMan, unless you are into collecting things, like Edsels.

I have a KingPin. Nice ride and no problems with it. Shame that Polaris Industries is pulling the plug on them.

SSteele,

I had a very bad experience with Victory. Several total electrical failures whereby the bike just stopped. Major engine failure at 1800 where a valve was sucked in taking out piston etc. Sat in the dealers for months while they tried to evaluate whether it was or was not a warranty issue.????Why?

When it finally got resolved they paid for parts not labor. On top of it all the dealer went out of business and my bike was tied up for months.

Just awful

3 4wheelers one of which is a sportsman....our rule is don't drive it anywhere than it's farther than you want to walk. Numerous electrical issues. Honda and Kawaski fine.

I wouldn't take a Victory for free.

Just my humle opinion.

LC

go check out the new Indians... Really nice stuff

Brother has a chieftain and it's been 100% for over 2 years.. unreal ride

I agree. Check out the Indian Scout 60 as a low cost cruiser.

i'd steer clear of a victory due to their uncertain future for parts, etc. i'm a harley guy myself but the yamaha v star touring models are probably a better bike and a lot cheaper. my buddy has an older one and loves it and hasn't done a thing to it but tires, oil, etc.