Harley vs Victory?

Question

Which brand would you buy and why?

Are HD reliable?

Are they (HD) still considered high maintenance?

Answer 1

If you look up after market parts for a Victory, they are listed under metric, never could figure that out.

I'm a performance rider, So id have to go with the Victory.

The Harleys are not

Answer 2

The older Harley's are high maintenance. The new Harley's require no more maintenance than any other bike. I have ridden the Victory's and I still prefer the Harley's.

Answer 3

Personally I would buy a Victory only because they are much less common.

I'm not big on cruisers but I do like the styling of the Victory Vegas Jackpot model

Answer 4

I've bought HD.  HD is very reliable now.  I've got 19K miles on a 2003 Road King and have never had any mechanical problems with it.  It doesn't burn or drip oil.

If you buy an HD from ~2000 model year forward, that has never had performance enhancements done to the engine you will find it to be very reliable.  

The new (2007/2008) HD's have a 6 speed transmission, which is a nice to have.

My only concern with Victory is the stability of the company and availability of service if I were to take a long road trip.

Add-on comment------

I know victory is made by Polaris - the concern is for how long Polaris will continue to subsidise Victory.  If the business isn't turning a profit - and based the number of Victories I never see on the road, I highly doubt that Victory is turning a profit, then at some point the bean counters will close it down.   The economy isn't exactly booming right now, lots of companies are slimming down, when the money is tight the last thing people buy is motorised toys.

Answer 5

Harley versus a METRIC bike?  SAY it isn't so!... I would, quick as a shot purchase a Ducati over a metric cruiser, or an American cruiser.  If you like cruisers, instead of a naked standard, then YOU make the choice, not me. The new Harleys are quite good, by all reports, no problems. but high prices keep "wannabes" off the road in droves. You have to be dedicated to buy a Harley, they usually cost twice what most riders pay for a very "expensive" Italian machine.

High Maintenance?  Never heard THAT one before. No, I don't consider them high maintenance. As compared to what? A Ducati? No, a DUCATI might be considered high maintenance, but some people like working on their machinery, as much as they do riding.

If that's their bag, who among us can tell them no?

And whats all the concern over what other people want to do? Are you just worried that someone, somewhere, is having a good time?

Answer 6

Victory hands down,

they look so much meaner and you get more for your money.

but then again if a harley logo touches me it burns my skin.

Answer 7

Harley is very reliable, and not any higher maintenance than any other cruiser or touring bike.  In the AMF days, it was a different story, but that was a long time ago.

Victory is a solid bike, average maintenance, and if you've got a dealer near where you live or work, then it would be a good idea.

Resale value is always higher on a Harley, so if you think you might try something else in a few years, the Harley is a better investment.  If you plan to put 100k miles on your next bike, then I'd say it's a toss up.  If I planned on keeping the bike that long I'd probably buy the Victory and spend the extra cash on a trip to someplace I haven't ridden before.

Answer 8

I would but a HD, because of reliable, low maintenance, good resale and trade-in value, established company that's been in business since 1903, 2 year unlimited mileage warranty, plus you have your choice of type of bike. I have no doubt that Victory is a good American bike.

Answer 9

yes HD are still high maintenance,

personally I wouldn't buy either, I have no desire to own any of their models...

Answer 10

I googled Victory Motorcycles once and the words "safety recall' came up so many times, I thought it was one of their models.

Answer 11

I own a HD and would probably buy another one since their reliability has increased dramatically over the years.  I have no doubt that Victory motorcycles are good but they don't have nearly the fame, appeal, and image that a Harley Davidson gives off.  Re-sale value would also be much better on a HD if you decide on selling it. Oh, and if you're after a cool sounding bike HD has a very unique intimidating sound to it that will make people look!

Answer 12

Just look at the performance numbers.  Victory is by far the better bike...also it doesn't have the g*y drive belt.  You get the prestige of an American made bike but don't have to be one of the Harley sheep or be associated with the whole corny Harley gimmick.

http://www.mcnews.com/mcn/technical.asp

Answer 13

Polaris is a billion $ company that has been around since 1954. So, anyone that says they are concerned about the "stability" of the company is an idiot. Things to consider:

Compare the stock prices of the 2 companies.

Victory has a 100 cubic inch 4 valve DOHC oil cooled engine and 6 speed trans. Stock output is approx. 90 HP and Stage 1 kit is under a grand puts you close to 100. Vegas, Kingpin and Jackpot are built on a common chassis so parts and customizing is EZ. There are over 300 dealers in the US. The bikes are bulletproof reliable. Victory dealers will let you test ride all models. Ride ahead of the herd.

Answer 14

It's like comparing down syndrome to parkinson's disease...get a Suzuki

Answer 15

Harleys The vics havent proven their self yet Good or Bad really just lots of bugs left

plus I know a couple of guys that have sold them They could hardly get an offer on them

Answer 16

Vic is considered to be the best V twin made in USA.

Answer 17

Which brand would you buy and why?

answer: Any of the 4 major Japanese Brands of motorcycles, ( Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki )

Are HD's reliable?

answer:  NO

Are they (HD) still considered high maintenance?

answer:   YES, ( but in my opinion all motorcycles are considered high maintenance) Its just HD requires MORE maintenance than other bikes