Harley versus Victory

The Big American Motorcycles

Let me start this discussion by getting to the bottom line. Harley is Harley. Only Harley is Harley. Victory is not Harley. Victory will never be Harley.

The other bottom line: Victory's Vision is a darn good motorcycle, with modern handling and great reliability, and a lot of Vision buyer's would be Harley buyers if Victory did not exist.

What's cool about Harleys is the classic design, the incredible low speed maneuverability, the fact that most things can be fixed in a parking lot with minimal tools, the ability to get help and usually parts almost anywhere, and, of course, the patented sound.

What's cool about Victory is that it's American built, has a fresh modern design, great handling, comfort like crazy, electric everything imaginable, and it seems to be reliable.

I spent the weekend with a group of riders on both bikes. They both have that big American V-Twin sound, although the Harley sound remains unique. The advantages of each are what you would surmise, especially if you have read reviews and test rides in the motorcycling press.

Personally, I believe that this is a great new addition to the American motorcycle genre, and that it will not only provide an alternative, but also spur Harley to new and better things, as well.  
Michael Padway San Francisco Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Blog for Michael Padway San Francisco Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Obviously you are looking for someone to tell you which one you look coolest on. On either you will look just like every other big v-twin poser...silly.

I was so disappointed that Victory turned out to be just another Harley wannabee. Why does every new motorcycle start up in this country want to do the EXPENSIVE rich boy toy thing?  

About the only similarity between the Vision and the Ultra is that they are American-made.  The Vision looks like something out of Battlestar Galactica.  A better comparison would be the Vision vs the Goldwing. And you're right; only a Harley is a Harley.  Ness and Sands have brought an influence to Victory that WIllie G. would never do.  And by the way, Harley didn't build the Ultra as a posser's Big-Boy Toy.  It's the flagship of Harley's line; has been for years.  So go ahead and catch bugs with your arm-pits, I'll cruise my Ultra coast-to-coast with comfort and respect.  

Look at Harley and Victory prices....you don't pay that kind of money to save gas on 2 wheels. You can get cars that are cheaper and get equal mileage (Honda Civic for example) and are usable 24/7 year round. You pay that kind of money for penthouse hookers and ego strokers. HARLEY AND VICTORY ARE RICH BOY TOYS.  But then it seams most people that are attracted to those kinds of bikes are not too concerned with money, and judging by their attire they are not to concerned with reality ether. But when you don't have bottomless pockets or a vacuous mind reality is what you have to deal with all the time. I would dearly love to buy an American bike if an American bike maker would build a real motorcyle at a real price. Not everyone wants to ride around on a cruiser boy poser pillion or $20,000 800 lb 2 wheel cars. The American bike market is heavily biased towards wealthy celebrities and rich and or desperate exhibitionists 'cause it's easy to get them to spend lots of money.  

MY big boy poser toy cost $24K.... and it weighs 900 lbs, not 800.  thbbbbbtttt!!!

I did not buy it to save gas.  I did not buy it to participate in a fashion show (if I wanted a fashion show, I would not have traded in my HD Road King).

I love to ride motorcycles.  I like swooping through secondary road twisties and I like eating up the miles on the superslab.  I like doing these things with a bike that can do more than what I ask of it and also provide some modicum of comfort.  I ride in the cold and the heat.  I ride for my commute to work and I ride on tours.

I made great sacrifices to get my Victory Vision.  I did it by choice.

If you are unable or unwilling to make the sacrifice to acquire an HD or a Victory for your riding, then that is your situation and I will not judge it.  I do find it particularly telling that you have the unmitigated gall to judge my decision.  The hypocricy smells of jealousy rather than well rationed value comparison.

Tell you what, little boy... Obama mama goin' to give you extry money from us'n rich fokes, so yew jes' stand by and hold your breath for all dat change yew be votin' fo'.  Den yew kin git yer own Harley or Victory to pose on.  

Txrdr, Indian is America's oldest motorcycle brand. Does this make Harley a wannabee?    

Victory is a bonafide manufacturer. I like the 8 Ball. The other models have somewhat bulbous styling. With the exception of the Vision, however, they are getting better with each new release.    

From a technical standpoint, the Vision is a nice bike. I particularly like the bumpers that protect the bike if it's dropped. On the other hand, the styling needs improvement.  

I agree, Victory is here to stay and I feel we are better for it.
I sure do like the Victory engine. If they would build something closer to a standard, they would be in the running for my next bike.  

Hey guys Im mandy and Im looking for a biker partner at www.meetbikers.net my username is mandy1984. Register at www.meetbikers.com and lets have some fun
You could also meet a lot of biker people  who are passionate and fun  

Geoff.:
Txrdr, Indian is America's oldest motorcycle brand. Does this make Harley a wannabee?    

Victory is a bonafide manufacturer. I like the 8 Ball. The other models have somewhat bulbous styling. With the exception of the Vision, however, they are getting better with each new release.    

From a technical standpoint, the Vision is a nice bike. I particularly like the bumpers that protect the bike if it's dropped. On the other hand, the styling needs improvement.

What the hell does Indian have to do with this debate of Harley vs Victory?  

Texrdr  I've read your prior postings and it looks like you have something against people that can afford nice-good looking powerful machines. What's your problem? Don't be a hater!!! If you can't afford it that's your problem, don't dog on people that can. As far as Victory being a wannabe Harley that's your opinion but if you ask anyone who has riden for a while; these bikes are both great bikes, great performance, great handling, great style, great looks, great builders. If you can't afford a "RICH BOY TOY" as you call them, then stick to something that you can afford and lay son!!!  

My first post here at this forum.  I read something here that led me to "join", just to make this post.  I'll likely then not return, unless curiosity grips me...

Judgemental?           Definately.
Angry?                 Likely.
Jealous?               Yes.
Envious?               Yes.
Snide?                 Yup.
Elitist?               Could be...
Middle to low income?  Likely.
Insecure?              Yes.
Lonely?                Probably.
Minimally endowed?     Likely.
Wishing he was like the rest of us?  Oh, yes, no doubt!

Who is he?  Maybe TxRdr can tell us.