Victory Motorcycle to Wind Down Production

[Stichill_imp]

Other than the Heritage Softail and Softail Deluxe, and I don't think so. To me the big Indians look way more retro than the Harleys, with the skirted fenders and Indian head ornaments.



In terms of product planning, "are #1" and "will be #1" are two different things. I don't see a big future for Indian. They seem like the perfect 2005 product offering. Things have changed and will continue to change.

[ClassicVW_imp]

I think you're being a little harsh with the 2005 comment. Don't let the Indian visual style lull you to thinking they're dated machines.

Yes things have changed, but to Indian's benefit. Look around. Retro is in again. Not just Indian but Honda, BMW Ducati, and others are making and selling a ton of retro look bikes but with modern engines and suspensions. .

[the Ferret]

Really? To me all the Harleys look like they were designed in 1938 when the knucklehead was introduced and that's why they are so popular... Look old and function like new. Kinda like the CB1100.

I think Indians mission is clear... Take as many sales as they can away from Harley Davidson. They have no interest in trying to takes away sales of sport tourers, or sport bikes, or ADV bikes, or scooters, or mini bikes from any other manufacturer. They are only after sales of 1000cc plus V twin cruisers.

[Stichill_imp]

I think you're being a little harsh with the 2005 comment. Don't let the Indian visual style lull you to thinking they're dated machines.

Yes things have changed, but to Indian's benefit. Look around. Retro is in again. Not just Indian but Honda, BMW Ducati, and others are making and selling a ton of retro look bikes but with modern engines and suspensions. .

I didn't say they were dated machines. I'm talking about marketing. The American classic cruiser boom of the zeros (early 2000s) ended with the crash of 2008.

Really? To me all the Harleys look like they were designed in 1938 when the knucklehead was introduced and that's why they are so popular... Look old and function like new. Kinda like the CB1100.

I think Indians mission is clear... Take as many sales as they can away from Harley Davidson. They have no interest in trying to takes away sales of sport tourers, or sport bikes, or ADV bikes, or scooters, or mini bikes from any other manufacturer. They are only after sales of 1000cc plus V twin cruisers.

If true, this is a mistake IMO.
http://www.motorcyclepowersportsnews.com...orcycling/

[rboe]

Clearly Indian sales say they are popular and the style is still resonating.

Moto Guzzi had some success in the Big Twins races - with a shaft drive. Working hypothesis; while chains are considered more efficient at the beginning of the race they start to loose it while shaft drives maintain the same. Over the distance, if the race is long enough, shafts end up with an advantage.

I think Indian/Polaris should come up with an inline four. Alas, it may seem like they are copying the Triumph Rocket. Certainly they need to come out with a performance standard based on their Pikes Peak racer.

[Stichill_imp]

I think Indian needs to stop using painted plastic, black plastic, chromed plastic, and glued-on logos on their motorcycles. How hard is it to just be authentic and make everything out of metal? Royal Enfield seems to manage.

[vegasdriver_imp]

Polaris did not intend to keep victory. The used the victory buyers to learn the motorcycle business. After they bought indian, they did not do any improvements to the cross country, the best selling of Victory models. I am glad I have my vics to compare to the other brands. They are very well built and don't break. The are comfortable, and built for American sized people. Harley is too short and crowds you. Victory doesn't appeal to everyone. That's ok too. It is nice to be different. I will continue to ride them. The parts will be made for 10 years, so they say. I will never buy any product made by polaris because of what they did. I am selling my indians. I hope the indian line dies a quick death. Yeah I am mad, and feel used. I still like my vics though.

[curlyjoe_imp]

I think Indian needs to stop using painted plastic, black plastic, chromed plastic, and glued-on logos on their motorcycles. How hard is it to just be authentic and make everything out of metal? Royal Enfield seems to manage.

Beautiful picture of a Henderson! Maybe someone should bring back the original in-line 4. At the time it was the fastest thing on wheels with a top speed of 110 mph.

Jay Leno gives a nice history of the Henderson 1931 KJ and the police special.

[Sam Mac_imp]

A friend of mine just bought an Indian the other day. I sat on it at his shop and was surprised at how light it felt. I expected it to be top heavy like a Harley but it feels lighter than the CB. Still think it's ugly.

[the Ferret]

Sam, did you ask your buddy what made him choose the Indian over a comparable Harley?