The Victory models were somewhat less expensive than the comparable Harley Davidson bikes. This gave potential Harley buyers some motivation to give Victory a try. The disadvantages that faced Victory when compared to Harley were varied. It did not have over one hundred years of product development behind it and did not have the dealer network or the parts and accessories catalog that comes with Harley ownership. But there were enough bikers who wanted to break from the cruiser norm to keep Victory in business for eighteen years. I never took one out for a test ride, because I was never tempted to buy one. My BMW carried Victory and I would check them out in the showroom, but I am a Harley guy.
In a press release the company announced that, "Polaris will assist dealers in liquidating existing inventories while continuing to supply parts for a period of ten years, along with supplying service and warranty coverage to Victory dealers and owners. Today's announcement does not affect any other Polaris business units."
The last sentence seems to be aimed at owners and potential owners of Indian motorcycles, which are also produced by Polaris. Indian bikes do not have the price advantage over Milwaukee iron that the Victorys held. It can be argued whether or not you are buying a better motorcycle for the same money, but you cannot justify purchasing an Indian based on cost. The Indian brand has a long history, but Polaris has produced Indian for less than ten years. If Polaris can pull the plug on Victory on short notice, I think that potential Indian buyers give it a second
thought before they write that big check for motorcycle that may not be in production in the coming years. The dealer I referenced earlier also sells Indian, so I am anxious to stop in and hear what my salesman has to say about this development.
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