Wow, I thought they were doing really well http://www.autoblog.com/2017/01/09/victory-motorcycles-closed-ends-production/
Being honest it was hard to see where it would fit in with Polaris buying the Indian brand, no point in owning two brands that only make cruisers and stepping on each other's toes.
Yes, they do make a zillion selling these things. And, the quality is pure Chinesium (and made in Mexico I think)!
but the Indian brand is low volume , high profit where as the Victory brand was mass production... and somewhat reliable as compared to a HD. I'm just surprised they are shutting up shop as I see so many on the road...
Better to buy the Chinese one then. That is a surprise that Victory will stop production. I thought it was good for HD to have some opposition (both Victory and Indian) so hope that Indian will bring out some more rideable bikes (NOT crusiers) to get one up on HD.
Bean counters Chris. It's all about profit margins, shareholder returns and market sentiment blah blah blah.
I guess I find it frustrating because everyone employed in the plant will be layed off a swell everyone in design and R&D, not to mention those who have invested in Victory dealerships all over the world. Couldn't they have sold it as a going concern ? In saying that, I think its endemic of the belief in the US that everything must be big. Harley finally twigged and made a 500cc cruiser and its 3rd biggest selling road bike in Australia. Another one bites the dust...
Always amazed to see the numbers for Harley Davidson - that's a lot of guys NOT going around corners, HUH like I can talk, my bike doesn't even run ATM, but it always makes me feel better mocking Harleys
Why can't we see Hyosung's demise? Their numbers are similar. I'd be much more comfortable seeing those go by the way side...
HAH a brain cell just sparked to life - one night I walked past the Ashfield Victory dealership years ago - they were really good looking bikes, I actually thought they were chinese knockoffs of Harleys, though better looking because my preference is for black over chrome. One of the engines looked great, it had been painted black then sanded on edges of the castings for silver lines and had a few bright orange pinlines in various places on the bike with black wheels. I suppose this is all testament to the Harley marketing prowess and the more two wheelers the better in the long run
Didn't even realise Polaris has the Indian brand... didn't realise people liked Victory or Indian? both bikes just seemed so expensive although I never had a good look at them.
I forgot about the Smith Family (Matt & Angie) Pro Stock Motorcycle team in the States. They're the only team running a Victory (against Buels, Suzukis and a H-D team). Lots of $$$ needed to make a bike run competitively in the NHRA and the Smith's were doing a good job. Guess their fate will be the same as everyone involved with the brand. Terrible really.
