EZ, thanks for showcasing Victory motorcycles (specifically, Mine!). I Love my Victory bikes and will ride them for as long as I can. It was a great day and want to thank you for spending it with me my friend. We’ll have to do this again!
It was a great ride and really appreciate you leading the ride and sharing Harbor Fish Cafe... delicious! And the scenic route on PCH. Look forward to the next ride!
When I had my 1500 Wing, I was looking at getting a Vision or Cross Country before I got my 1800 Wing. I like that it is easy to remove the trunks from the Victory's, turning it into a bagger. Then put it back on when taking longer trips. But...they stop making them. I still like them.
The Vision is a very nice motorcycle by Victory. 2guys in the CVMA chapter have them and they look great with or within the tour-pack. But you have a nice Goldwing, thanks for sharing!
I used to have one, and I sold it when Polaris abandoned the line for Indian. They were and are very good bikes. I think if it was a good price, I would buy one but a consideration is parts availability, of course and fewer people know how to work on them; one reason I won’t even look at Indian is I don’t trust Polaris
It's disappointing to hear how Polaris's shift impacted your ownership of a Victory motorcycle. Your insights about parts availability and maintenance expertise are important considerations. Trust is key when choosing a brand, and your perspective on Indian motorcycles reflects that.
@@CageFreeMoto Rick Fairless of strokers in Dallas used to see victory and was a big fan and where I got mine. Polaris put all kinds of rules on victory dealers that wanted to sell Indians and most dropped any dealings with Polaris after. Bikes like the vision as weird as it looked was amazing riding. The most comfortable bike I have ridden to date
I had a 2000 v92sc, which was an awesome motorcycle, and then years later, I had a 2016 Victory Magnum 106. X1. Also, a great motorcycle, honestly, the scarcity of parts had me worried, and also my local dealer closed shop, so I moved on to the next Polaris venture Indian.
The scarcity of parts is a valid concern, and while I think Victory motorcycles are fantastic, I prefer to spend my spare time riding rather than searching for parts. Hunting for parts for any motorcycle can be challenging, but Harley-Davidson has excellent aftermarket support. I've also heard that some Indian motorcycle parts may be compatible with Victory models, which could be an option for keeping your Victory on the road. However, it's always best to verify part compatibility through trusted sources or mechanics.
YES! I have seen the Victory High-Ball and they look sick... black with whitewalls and awesome for short rides, on the twisties or just a run for some coffee. You have to let us know if you get one and post it on the Cage Free Moto FB page. Take carer and stay safe!
Up until four days ago, I owned two Victory motorcycles. I traded my 2011 Vegas on a brand new Vulcan 900 Classic. I'm keeping my 2010 King Pin, though. The Vegas had the skinny 21 inch front wheel and just wasn't my thing. The King Pin is a beast and I love it. I, also, have a Road King, a Roadster XL1200, a Moto Guzzi California and, as I just mentioned, my new Vulcan. Maintenance on the Victory bikes is a piece of cake. The Vic Shop (Rylan from Iowa) posts very good "how to" videos which have been very helpful. Clutch cable ends lube is very important and I recommend using the 20w40 oil from Spectro or Victory.
Thank you for sharing your experience! It sounds like you have an impressive collection of motorcycles. The new Vulcan 900 Classic is a great choice, and I can see why you're keeping your 2010 King Pin-it's definitely a beast! I'm glad to hear that maintenance on the Victory bikes is manageable, and I appreciate the tip about the clutch cable lube and oil recommendation. Enjoy your rides and stay safe!
I own 2 Vic’s, a cross country tour & a high ball. Great bikes for riding. I do all maintenance by myself: oil change, air filter, tires, break fluid, break pads, fork oil. It’s easy to do with UA-cam and a service manual that you can buy online. All parts available at Witchdoctors. This is the cheapest bike I’ve owned in terms of maintenance compared to my Triumph & KTM. Only tires are expensive because of their size. I live in Switzerland and do about 20k km (12kmiles) per year.
Right on! I want to be you when it comes to all maintenance myself on the Road King, as you may see in my next video. Once I build up my confidence maybe a Victory can be my next motorcycle... let's see. Really appreciate you sharing especially because what I am currently dealing with (video coming) and I am tired of paying $$$ for service.
@@CageFreeMoto Victory motorcycles don't need much maintenance and are very reliable. And the few things they need, are very easy to do yourself. Real mile cruncher. And Witchdoctors have all parts need and they offer fantastic service.
I have a 2016 XCT and recently went on a long trip with my wife and bike starting sputtering drastically, fortunately it ran better for enough time to get us home. So that experience made me think how risky it could be to ride long distances on a Victory since nearly nobody will work on them other than tire changes and oil changes. If we ended up stranded hundreds of miles from home, where would we have the bike towed to to get it repaired!? I am now considering trading in for a Harley Davidson which virtually any motorcycle shop will work on.
The Victory XCT is a beautiful motorcycle, and you raise an excellent point. I've heard that Victory bikes are easy to work on and parts are available. However, if you encounter an issue while on a road trip, even if the bike manages to get you home, it can be a concerning experience. Finding a shop that will service a Victory motorcycle can be challenging. Will Indian motorcycle shops work on it? Possibly, but for me, that uncertainty is a risk I may not want to take. I prefer the peace of mind that comes with knowing Harley-Davidson bikes can be serviced almost anywhere. I am very happy with my Harley-Davidson Road King and would definitely buy another Harley-Davidson. Aside from normal wear items, I haven't had any issues with it. I'm glad you and your wife arrived home safely. Please update us when you buy your next motorcycle, whether it's an HD or not. Take care and stay safe.
I got my Honda Africa Twin over a BMW because of the dealer network and i got my Road King over Indian or Victory because of the dealer network that is larger than Honda. I like having a dealer service no matter where I travel.
If you are able to do rhe basic maintenance on your bike, then buying a Vic shouldn't be a big deal. I believe dearship have a cut off on how old the bike is they will work on anyway no matter the brand.
I'll tell you that with our 2010 Can-Am Spyder, getting parts is getting harder and harder. A lot of stuff is available only used in various conditions. Manufacturers tend to produce more of regular everyday maintenance type of stuff that will, hopefully, hold a little past 2027... However if you're in any type of accident and want to restore the bike, it's going to be hard to find those parts
Hello! Thanks for sharing your experience with the 2010 Can-Am Spyder, wich this brand is owned by Polaris. It's concerning to hear that getting parts is becoming more difficult, especially for restoration purposes. This is a very good call-out! Hopefully, after market manufacturers will address this issue and continue producing essential maintenance parts. Take care!
@@CageFreeMoto I don't hold much faith in Polaris. They are legally obligated to provide 10 years of parts and service for existing models and they will do just that. Not more. Aftermarket parts availability depends on how popular the model is. Chinese manufacturers will do pretty much anything, often at questionable quality And you always got salvage parts market, which might be a good thing. Lots of guys would disassemble bikes for parts and sell them on eBay The point. If you work on your bike yourself and ready to part with it if it crashes - go for it, if the price is right. Ride 10-20 years, until it falls apart. Otherwise - too much hassle
@@dustclouds You bring up valid points about aftermarket parts availability and the salvage parts market. It's true that relying on Chinese manufacturers for parts can sometimes be hit or miss in terms of quality. For those who are comfortable working on their bikes themselves and are willing to accept the risks associated with potential crashes, purchasing a Victory motorcycle at the right price could be a viable option. However, as you mentioned, it's essential to be prepared for potential challenges down the road. Overall, your insights provide valuable considerations for anyone considering buying a Victory motorcycle.
I had a cross country and loved it but unfortunately sold it because It's way to outdated and the parts? very hard to get. Too bad I wish Polaris stopped producing the Indian and kept the Victory going. Or kept building both. I think the Vic would out sell the Indian by a long shot. One last thing I hated where they put the god damn battery on them. Horrible oversite
Thank you for sharing your experience. It's always tough when parts become hard to find for the motorcycle you love. It would have been interesting to see Polaris continue producing both Victory and Indian motorcycles. Many viewers share your sentiment about the potential success of Victory.
I buy honda goldwings and have two bikes and honda corporations is very much still in business in 2024, but a 1994 goldwing they don't make parts for anymore but everywhere you look I see 1990 goldwings rolling most dealers only change oil and tires , so if victory is reliable as a honda goldwing it want go to the shop often anyways 🤷🏿♂️🤷🏿♂️, when a Harley guy said they have dealerships all over the in country , I say who in hell wants to be broken down while traveling buy something you know is reliable 🤔🤔, I would try one if I had room in garage I wouldn't travel with it that is what goldwing and trailer is for.
Thank you for sharing your insights and experiences with Honda Goldwings! It's fantastic to hear about the reliability and joy you've had with your bikes. Victory motorcycles are known for their durability, much like Goldwings, and with proper maintenance, they can provide a dependable ride for many years. Regarding Harley Davidson, it's true that they have an extensive dealership network, which can be reassuring for some riders. This is particularly beneficial for those who travel frequently, as having access to service and support across the country can be a significant advantage. Harley Davidson faced challenges in the 1980s when it was owned by AMF, leading to concerns about reliability. Many people still hold onto that perception today. However, I can share from personal experience that my Harley Davidson Road King has been incredibly reliable. I've ridden it across the country and back, now clocking in at about 30,000 miles, and with regular maintenance, I haven't had any issues. Ultimately, choosing a motorcycle is about finding what suits your needs and preferences best. Victory motorcycles, like Honda Goldwings, are a solid choice for reliability, and Harley Davidson has come a long way in ensuring their bikes are dependable too. Personally, I love all motorcycles and who knows what other brand I might own in the future-maybe a Honda Goldwing, Indian, BMW, or another Harley Davidson. The most important thing is to enjoy being on two wheels and to stay happy and safe as a Cage Free Moto.
I just went from a 2015 Cross Country to a 2017 Octane, They are amazing motorcycles and I feel that Polaris dropped the ball when they decided to rebadge the Victorys with Indian logos. My sorry but for the first few years thats what they did. I really feel Victory would of out sold Indians being that they are trying to use a lineage that they did not build.
Unless one is obsessed with keeping cosmetics original lack of factory is not a big deal. (Multibrand mechanic of several decades here). The aftermarket will cover common wear parts as it does with other machines (like my Norton Commandos many decades out of production). Motorcycles are fun toys but there are two kinds of riders and most of them are helpless so they require full dealer support and require fairly frequent trade-ins to maintain warranty status (which is perfectly fine because mechanics need to eat too!). Cosmetic parts are the usual items to fade from general availability first on old bikes. They're easy to support and easy to buy cheap but best if you are your own mechanic if you consider keeping it (though that goes for everything else). Any real mechanic can competently work on any machine given tech data. ANY machine. Note to the grumblers: Polaris are not the problem. The public stopped buying Vics because the recession and the end of the early oughts "Harley famine" (which also gave rise to clone choppers) refilled the market with Harleys. Polaris betrayed no one. They simply did not sell in a saturated market. The bizarre styling killed sales after everyone who wanted one bought theirs. Those who liked it tend not to understand why the mass market didn't buy them. Someone who already owns Harleys won't need a Vic or an Indian but today bikes are toys and owning many isn't a problem. Both existed to fill unmet cruiser demand by people who would have bought an HD. THE key reason to own HDs is the decades of enormous aftermarket support make it easy to keep any big twin or Sportster for life. Polaris sales will never make matching that practical however good the motorbike. Someone uninterested in HDs new has plenty of European and Japanese offerings.
Thanks for sharing your insights and experience as a multibrand mechanic! It's true that aftermarket support plays a significant role in maintaining older motorcycles, similar to your experience with Norton Commandos. While factory parts availability may decline over time, aftermarket options often cover common wear parts. You make a valid point about the two types of riders and the need for full dealer support for some. Additionally, you highlight the importance of being a competent mechanic for those considering keeping older bikes. Regarding Polaris and Victory motorcycles, you offer an interesting perspective on market saturation and styling preferences affecting sales. It's clear that Harley-Davidson's extensive aftermarket support sets a high standard. Overall, your insights provide valuable context for understanding the dynamics of the motorcycle market. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
EZ, thanks for showcasing Victory motorcycles (specifically, Mine!). I Love my Victory bikes and will ride them for as long as I can. It was a great day and want to thank you for spending it with me my friend. We’ll have to do this again!
It was a great ride and really appreciate you leading the ride and sharing Harbor Fish Cafe... delicious! And the scenic route on PCH. Look forward to the next ride!
When I had my 1500 Wing, I was looking at getting a Vision or Cross Country before I got my 1800 Wing. I like that it is easy to remove the trunks from the Victory's, turning it into a bagger. Then put it back on when taking longer trips. But...they stop making them. I still like them.
The Vision is a very nice motorcycle by Victory. 2guys in the CVMA chapter have them and they look great with or within the tour-pack. But you have a nice Goldwing, thanks for sharing!
I used to have one, and I sold it when Polaris abandoned the line for Indian. They were and are very good bikes. I think if it was a good price, I would buy one but a consideration is parts availability, of course and fewer people know how to work on them; one reason I won’t even look at Indian is I don’t trust Polaris
It's disappointing to hear how Polaris's shift impacted your ownership of a Victory motorcycle. Your insights about parts availability and maintenance expertise are important considerations. Trust is key when choosing a brand, and your perspective on Indian motorcycles reflects that.
@@CageFreeMoto Rick Fairless of strokers in Dallas used to see victory and was a big fan and where I got mine. Polaris put all kinds of rules on victory dealers that wanted to sell Indians and most dropped any dealings with Polaris after. Bikes like the vision as weird as it looked was amazing riding. The most comfortable bike I have ridden to date
I have a friend with 2 Victory motorcycles and he loves them 😎👍
They are nice bikes
I had a 2000 v92sc, which was an awesome motorcycle, and then years later, I had a 2016 Victory Magnum 106. X1. Also, a great motorcycle, honestly, the scarcity of parts had me worried, and also my local dealer closed shop, so I moved on to the next Polaris venture Indian.
The scarcity of parts is a valid concern, and while I think Victory motorcycles are fantastic, I prefer to spend my spare time riding rather than searching for parts. Hunting for parts for any motorcycle can be challenging, but Harley-Davidson has excellent aftermarket support. I've also heard that some Indian motorcycle parts may be compatible with Victory models, which could be an option for keeping your Victory on the road. However, it's always best to verify part compatibility through trusted sources or mechanics.
@@CageFreeMoto truth
I have 4 harleys at home and for years ive been wanting a victory. I think its called the high ball or 8 ball
YES! I have seen the Victory High-Ball and they look sick... black with whitewalls and awesome for short rides, on the twisties or just a run for some coffee. You have to let us know if you get one and post it on the Cage Free Moto FB page. Take carer and stay safe!
@@CageFreeMoto thank you. I will. And be safe as well
Up until four days ago, I owned two Victory motorcycles. I traded my 2011 Vegas on a brand new Vulcan 900 Classic. I'm keeping my 2010 King Pin, though. The Vegas had the skinny 21 inch front wheel and just wasn't my thing. The King Pin is a beast and I love it. I, also, have a Road King, a Roadster XL1200, a Moto Guzzi California and, as I just mentioned, my new Vulcan. Maintenance on the Victory bikes is a piece of cake. The Vic Shop (Rylan from Iowa) posts very good "how to" videos which have been very helpful. Clutch cable ends lube is very important and I recommend using the 20w40 oil from Spectro or Victory.
Thank you for sharing your experience! It sounds like you have an impressive collection of motorcycles. The new Vulcan 900 Classic is a great choice, and I can see why you're keeping your 2010 King Pin-it's definitely a beast! I'm glad to hear that maintenance on the Victory bikes is manageable, and I appreciate the tip about the clutch cable lube and oil recommendation. Enjoy your rides and stay safe!
I own 2 Vic’s, a cross country tour & a high ball. Great bikes for riding. I do all maintenance by myself: oil change, air filter, tires, break fluid, break pads, fork oil. It’s easy to do with UA-cam and a service manual that you can buy online. All parts available at Witchdoctors. This is the cheapest bike I’ve owned in terms of maintenance compared to my Triumph & KTM. Only tires are expensive because of their size. I live in Switzerland and do about 20k km (12kmiles) per year.
Right on! I want to be you when it comes to all maintenance myself on the Road King, as you may see in my next video. Once I build up my confidence maybe a Victory can be my next motorcycle... let's see. Really appreciate you sharing especially because what I am currently dealing with (video coming) and I am tired of paying $$$ for service.
@@CageFreeMoto Victory motorcycles don't need much maintenance and are very reliable. And the few things they need, are very easy to do yourself. Real mile cruncher. And Witchdoctors have all parts need and they offer fantastic service.
I have a 2016 XCT and recently went on a long trip with my wife and bike starting sputtering drastically, fortunately it ran better for enough time to get us home. So that experience made me think how risky it could be to ride long distances on a Victory since nearly nobody will work on them other than tire changes and oil changes. If we ended up stranded hundreds of miles from home, where would we have the bike towed to to get it repaired!? I am now considering trading in for a Harley Davidson which virtually any motorcycle shop will work on.
The Victory XCT is a beautiful motorcycle, and you raise an excellent point. I've heard that Victory bikes are easy to work on and parts are available. However, if you encounter an issue while on a road trip, even if the bike manages to get you home, it can be a concerning experience. Finding a shop that will service a Victory motorcycle can be challenging. Will Indian motorcycle shops work on it? Possibly, but for me, that uncertainty is a risk I may not want to take. I prefer the peace of mind that comes with knowing Harley-Davidson bikes can be serviced almost anywhere.
I am very happy with my Harley-Davidson Road King and would definitely buy another Harley-Davidson. Aside from normal wear items, I haven't had any issues with it. I'm glad you and your wife arrived home safely. Please update us when you buy your next motorcycle, whether it's an HD or not. Take care and stay safe.
I got my Honda Africa Twin over a BMW because of the dealer network and i got my Road King over Indian or Victory because of the dealer network that is larger than Honda. I like having a dealer service no matter where I travel.
Makes total sense and logical... thanks for sharing
If you are able to do rhe basic maintenance on your bike, then buying a Vic shouldn't be a big deal. I believe dearship have a cut off on how old the bike is they will work on anyway no matter the brand.
Very true
I'll tell you that with our 2010 Can-Am Spyder, getting parts is getting harder and harder. A lot of stuff is available only used in various conditions. Manufacturers tend to produce more of regular everyday maintenance type of stuff that will, hopefully, hold a little past 2027...
However if you're in any type of accident and want to restore the bike, it's going to be hard to find those parts
Hello! Thanks for sharing your experience with the 2010 Can-Am Spyder, wich this brand is owned by Polaris. It's concerning to hear that getting parts is becoming more difficult, especially for restoration purposes. This is a very good call-out! Hopefully, after market manufacturers will address this issue and continue producing essential maintenance parts. Take care!
@@CageFreeMoto I don't hold much faith in Polaris. They are legally obligated to provide 10 years of parts and service for existing models and they will do just that. Not more.
Aftermarket parts availability depends on how popular the model is. Chinese manufacturers will do pretty much anything, often at questionable quality
And you always got salvage parts market, which might be a good thing. Lots of guys would disassemble bikes for parts and sell them on eBay
The point. If you work on your bike yourself and ready to part with it if it crashes - go for it, if the price is right. Ride 10-20 years, until it falls apart. Otherwise - too much hassle
@@dustclouds You bring up valid points about aftermarket parts availability and the salvage parts market. It's true that relying on Chinese manufacturers for parts can sometimes be hit or miss in terms of quality.
For those who are comfortable working on their bikes themselves and are willing to accept the risks associated with potential crashes, purchasing a Victory motorcycle at the right price could be a viable option. However, as you mentioned, it's essential to be prepared for potential challenges down the road.
Overall, your insights provide valuable considerations for anyone considering buying a Victory motorcycle.
I had a cross country and loved it but unfortunately sold it because It's way to outdated and the parts? very hard to get. Too bad I wish Polaris stopped producing the Indian and kept the Victory going. Or kept building both. I think the Vic would out sell the Indian by a long shot. One last thing I hated where they put the god damn battery on them. Horrible oversite
Thank you for sharing your experience. It's always tough when parts become hard to find for the motorcycle you love. It would have been interesting to see Polaris continue producing both Victory and Indian motorcycles. Many viewers share your sentiment about the potential success of Victory.
I buy honda goldwings and have two bikes and honda corporations is very much still in business in 2024, but a 1994 goldwing they don't make parts for anymore but everywhere you look I see 1990 goldwings rolling most dealers only change oil and tires , so if victory is reliable as a honda goldwing it want go to the shop often anyways 🤷🏿♂️🤷🏿♂️, when a Harley guy said they have dealerships all over the in country , I say who in hell wants to be broken down while traveling buy something you know is reliable 🤔🤔, I would try one if I had room in garage I wouldn't travel with it that is what goldwing and trailer is for.
Thank you for sharing your insights and experiences with Honda Goldwings! It's fantastic to hear about the reliability and joy you've had with your bikes. Victory motorcycles are known for their durability, much like Goldwings, and with proper maintenance, they can provide a dependable ride for many years.
Regarding Harley Davidson, it's true that they have an extensive dealership network, which can be reassuring for some riders. This is particularly beneficial for those who travel frequently, as having access to service and support across the country can be a significant advantage.
Harley Davidson faced challenges in the 1980s when it was owned by AMF, leading to concerns about reliability. Many people still hold onto that perception today. However, I can share from personal experience that my Harley Davidson Road King has been incredibly reliable. I've ridden it across the country and back, now clocking in at about 30,000 miles, and with regular maintenance, I haven't had any issues.
Ultimately, choosing a motorcycle is about finding what suits your needs and preferences best. Victory motorcycles, like Honda Goldwings, are a solid choice for reliability, and Harley Davidson has come a long way in ensuring their bikes are dependable too.
Personally, I love all motorcycles and who knows what other brand I might own in the future-maybe a Honda Goldwing, Indian, BMW, or another Harley Davidson. The most important thing is to enjoy being on two wheels and to stay happy and safe as a Cage Free Moto.
I just went from a 2015 Cross Country to a 2017 Octane, They are amazing motorcycles and I feel that Polaris dropped the ball when they decided to rebadge the Victorys with Indian logos. My sorry but for the first few years thats what they did. I really feel Victory would of out sold Indians being that they are trying to use a lineage that they did not build.
Just looked it up and they are nice, you are correct, they look like the Indian model... wow! Congrats on the Octane, take care and stay safe.
👍🏻 🤜🏻💥🤛🏻
👍
Unless one is obsessed with keeping cosmetics original lack of factory is not a big deal. (Multibrand mechanic of several decades here). The aftermarket will cover common wear parts as it does with other machines (like my Norton Commandos many decades out of production). Motorcycles are fun toys but there are two kinds of riders and most of them are helpless so they require full dealer support and require fairly frequent trade-ins to maintain warranty status (which is perfectly fine because mechanics need to eat too!). Cosmetic parts are the usual items to fade from general availability first on old bikes. They're easy to support and easy to buy cheap but best if you are your own mechanic if you consider keeping it (though that goes for everything else). Any real mechanic can competently work on any machine given tech data. ANY machine.
Note to the grumblers: Polaris are not the problem. The public stopped buying Vics because the recession and the end of the early oughts "Harley famine" (which also gave rise to clone choppers) refilled the market with Harleys. Polaris betrayed no one. They simply did not sell in a saturated market.
The bizarre styling killed sales after everyone who wanted one bought theirs. Those who liked it tend not to understand why the mass market didn't buy them.
Someone who already owns Harleys won't need a Vic or an Indian but today bikes are toys and owning many isn't a problem. Both existed to fill unmet cruiser demand by people who would have bought an HD. THE key reason to own HDs is the decades of enormous aftermarket support make it easy to keep any big twin or Sportster for life. Polaris sales will never make matching that practical however good the motorbike. Someone uninterested in HDs new has plenty of European and Japanese offerings.
Thanks for sharing your insights and experience as a multibrand mechanic! It's true that aftermarket support plays a significant role in maintaining older motorcycles, similar to your experience with Norton Commandos. While factory parts availability may decline over time, aftermarket options often cover common wear parts.
You make a valid point about the two types of riders and the need for full dealer support for some. Additionally, you highlight the importance of being a competent mechanic for those considering keeping older bikes.
Regarding Polaris and Victory motorcycles, you offer an interesting perspective on market saturation and styling preferences affecting sales. It's clear that Harley-Davidson's extensive aftermarket support sets a high standard.
Overall, your insights provide valuable context for understanding the dynamics of the motorcycle market. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!