Victory is history

cactusjack · 01-09-2017, 10:31 AM

The parent company of Victory Motorcycles, Polaris Industries, has announced that they are pulling the plug on Victory effective immediately.

I suspect they will be beefing up support for their other motorcycle brand - Indian.

redjay · 01-09-2017, 10:44 AM

That's a shocker. Never saw that coming.

http://www.motofire.com/2017/01/news...-closing-down/

Scootergptx · 01-09-2017, 11:16 AM

Statement from Polaris.

duffy · 01-09-2017, 11:43 AM

Apparently Polaris decided that Indian was the better marque to keep............

**canuckrider** · 01-12-2017, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by duffy

Apparently Polaris decided that Indian was the better marque to keep............

From the official press release: “This decision will improve the profitability of Polaris and our global motorcycle business, and will materially improve our competitive stance in the industry,”

I interpret it that they think that because of the nostalgia and history associated with the Indian brand they will get more market share in the overseas market than with the Victory. From a business perspective it makes sense, but does leave a lot of loyal Victory customers high and dry.

The world keeps going on. I'm old enough to remember the shock when Studebaker closed down and more recently GM eliminated the Oldsmobile and Pontiac brands.

OldSchool · 01-12-2017, 01:27 PM

" I'm old enough to remember the shock when Studebaker closed down "

My first car was a 59 Studebaker Lark. She was a good ole girl. [sniff],[sniff].

ponch · 01-12-2017, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by canuckrider

From the official press release: “This decision will improve the profitability of Polaris and our global motorcycle business, and will materially improve our competitive stance in the industry,”

I interpret it that they think that because of the nostalgia and history associated with the Indian brand they will get more market share in the overseas market than with the Victory. From a business perspective it makes sense, but does leave a lot of loyal Victory customers high and dry.

The world keeps going on. I'm old enough to remember the shock when Studebaker closed down and more recently GM eliminated the Oldsmobile and Pontiac brands.

What they are saying is that they come first, second and third and customers fourth, maybe. It's just like politics. Politicians tap into narratives that align with beliefs to get voters to vote for them. They tell them the fairy tales they like best. Cui Bono? The politician. Here, it's the corporate douchebags. That statement says they couldn't give a shit about the customer.

ponch · 01-09-2017, 01:13 PM

Wow

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twowheeladdict · 01-09-2017, 01:50 PM

http://powersportsbusiness.com/top-s...victory-brand/

I test rode Victory at every opportunity, but just never found the bang for the buck to lay down the dollars. Almost bought used ones a time or two.

Polaris is opening a slingshot manufacturing plant near me. I guess it is doing well for them.

Chuck A. · 01-09-2017, 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twowheeladdict

...........
Polaris is opening a slingshot manufacturing plant near me. I guess it is doing well for them.

They just open a new plant in Madison Alabama where they are building 2 of the 4 wheeler models and the Sling shot. New Dealer for Polaris is about to open in Decatur across from the Chrysler dealer and Victory is all over the front of the store in big letters. Guess it can come down as fast as it went up.

OldSchool · 01-10-2017, 01:34 PM

**Top Cat** · 01-10-2017, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cactusjack

I've also heard Polaris doesn't maintain parts for 10 years. Once the current supply is gone, that's it. I can't say one way or the other if that's true - I have never owned a Polaris product.

Quote:

Originally Posted by GIBBY

It is VERY difficult to get some parts now with a wait of 6 months sometimes, imagine what it will be like when they no longer build the bikes. And it is true the Polaris doesn't support there past products, when the parts supply dries up that's it.

Three words, motorcycle salvage yards

**coacha** · 01-09-2017, 01:51 PM

That is interesting. At Daytona Bike Week, Polaris had an extensive display for both Victory and Indian, so I find this rather shocking for sure.

blowndodge · 01-09-2017, 02:13 PM

Since I obviously monitor the Victory forums I hope Polaris is not counting on us to migrate over to the Indian brand. Right now there is a 95% rejection to every buying anything Polaris again. I'll continue to ride my CCT for the next couple of years and change. Not really a brand loyalist (although I like to bust chops) my favorite bike will be my next bike. Don't be surprised if MaKaw drops all their touring line in the near future. They've been backing out of that market for years now. They are focusing on adventure and sport bikes only.

redjay · 01-09-2017, 02:40 PM

The majority of people cannot afford $25,000 for a motorcycle and those that can afford it are buying Harleys, and Gold Wings, not Victory's, or Indians.

I think its only a matter of time before Indian goes the same route as Victory.

01-09-2017, 10:31 AM	#1
cactusjack Mega-Contributor Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Where it doesn't snow...ever! Posts: 21,926	Victory is history The parent company of Victory Motorcycles, Polaris Industries, has announced that they are pulling the plug on Victory effective immediately. I suspect they will be beefing up support for their other motorcycle brand - Indian. __________________ Scott "Cactusjack" Hanks VBA #00105 H.O.G. #4250060 2011 H-D Ultra Limited 103ci :: 2011 HD Electra Glide Ultra Limited w/Stage 1 :: Rallies: Mesquite '08\|Custer '09\|Cortez '10\|Crescent City '11\|Kanab '12\|Antlers '12\|Estes Park '13\|Antlers '13\|Orofino '14\|The Dalles '17 Login or Register to Remove Ads
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01-09-2017, 11:16 AM	#3
Scootergptx Advanced Member Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Grand Prairie, TX Posts: 654	Statement from Polaris. __________________ 2011 Vaquero V&H slip ons Roaring Toyz intake PCV (removed) Ivan's ECU flash
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01-09-2017, 01:13 PM	#8
ponch Sr. Contributor Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Way East Valley Posts: 12,014	Wow Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk __________________ Ponch VBA 0019 VROC 8109-R BMWMOA 162849 BMWRA 41335 BMW: When you care enough to ride the very best. My Motorrad Blog My Motorrad YouTube 2009 BMW R1200RT Previous bikes:2007 Nomad \| 2001 Vulcan 800 Classic \| 1984 GPz750 \| 1978 KZ1000A2 Rallies: Custer '09\|Prairie Du Chien '10\|Crescent City '11
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01-09-2017, 01:50 PM	#9
twowheeladdict Advanced Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Middle Tennessee Posts: 616	http://powersportsbusiness.com/top-s...victory-brand/ I test rode Victory at every opportunity, but just never found the bang for the buck to lay down the dollars. Almost bought used ones a time or two. Polaris is opening a slingshot manufacturing plant near me. I guess it is doing well for them. __________________ 2010 Vulcan Voyager, 2007 Vulcan Mean Streak, 2009 Vulcan Nomad
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01-10-2017, 01:34 PM	#11
OldSchool Sr. Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Ballwin,MO. Posts: 1,542	__________________
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01-09-2017, 10:44 AM	#2
redjay Top Contributor Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Ontario Posts: 6,927	That's a shocker. Never saw that coming. http://www.motofire.com/2017/01/news...-closing-down/
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01-09-2017, 11:43 AM	#4
duffy Sr. Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Hot Springs, SD and other warm and dry places Posts: 1,043	Apparently Polaris decided that Indian was the better marque to keep............
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01-09-2017, 01:51 PM	#13
coacha Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Haysville, KS Posts: 6,259	That is interesting. At Daytona Bike Week, Polaris had an extensive display for both Victory and Indian, so I find this rather shocking for sure. __________________ Ron "Coach" Allan, Haysville, KS 1999 Nomad Wine and Red "KawaTanker" 2009 BMW R1200RT 2003 BMW K1200LT "Magic Carpet" DOA 11/7/2015 VBA #00291 IBA # 41995 DS #320 '08 Elkins, WV; '09 Helen, GA; '09 Custer, SD; '10 Stanton, VA; '11 Maggie Valley; '12 Townsend, TN; '13 Estes Park; '13 Blairsville, GA; '15 Eureka Springs; '16 Helen; '18 Custer, SD
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01-09-2017, 02:13 PM	#14
blowndodge Sr. Contributor Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Washington City, Utah Posts: 16,474	Since I obviously monitor the Victory forums I hope Polaris is not counting on us to migrate over to the Indian brand. Right now there is a 95% rejection to every buying anything Polaris again. I'll continue to ride my CCT for the next couple of years and change. Not really a brand loyalist (although I like to bust chops) my favorite bike will be my next bike. Don't be surprised if MaKaw drops all their touring line in the near future. They've been backing out of that market for years now. They are focusing on adventure and sport bikes only. __________________ I love my Victory Cross Country Tour 106. Smells like Victory! Ultra's are Limited There are two types of Harley riders. Those that trailer them and those that push them. The most Interesting Man in the World "Find the things in life you don't do well and don't do those things" Member # 0005
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01-09-2017, 02:40 PM	#15
redjay Top Contributor Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Ontario Posts: 6,927	The majority of people cannot afford $25,000 for a motorcycle and those that can afford it are buying Harleys, and Gold Wings, not Victory's, or Indians. I think its only a matter of time before Indian goes the same route as Victory. Last edited by redjay; 01-09-2017 at 03:46 PM.
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