Tisunac

Somebody from Texas contacted me once (I'm in Virginia) after I aquire about the bike he was selling (good deal, or course), same story - he told me to pay and he'll send me the bike bla bla bla.... I've asked where he lives, he told me the name of the city, I told him I'm coming next week to a camp 50 miles from him for a SWAT training and I can stop by his place with a few of my buddies to check the bike out. He NEVER contacted me back hahaha.....

After having problems with the charging (turned out it was the rectifier/voltage regulator) I took a closer look at my lights, making sure I don't overload my system. With all the additional lights (front and back) I needed to get read of something. Than I realized - instead of taking off my LED marking lights, or HD brake lights, or trunk brake bar, I've replaced my 50W passing lights with 11W passing lights. I can see the difference in the intensity of the lights but the 11W ones are still plenty bright. Moreover, at night my 50W were too bright (cars were constantly flashing their lights) and they were "overpowering" my headlight. Now, they add more "light coverage" without being too bright. And I'm sure oncoming cars are happier, too. I do have a brighter Sylvania headlight (not sure which one but the brightest you can find at Advance Auto, gives a bright white light, not blue at all). Another benefit - the 11W ones are under $10 for both at Lowe's!... Can't beat that.... BTW, you can find a 9W LED par36 online for about $25 a piece and that was my plan (they would be about as bright as 50W halogen) but after installing 11W halogen there's no need for me to spend more money for the LED's.

After having problems with the charging (turned out it was the rectifier/voltage regulator) I took a closer look at my lights, making sure I don't overload my system. With all the additional lights (front and back) I needed to get read of something. Than I realized - instead of taking off my LED marking lights, or HD brake lights, or trunk brake bar, I've replaced my 50W passing lights with 11W passing lights. I can see the difference in the intensity of the lights but the 11W ones are still plenty bright. Moreover, at night my 50W were too bright (cars were constantly flashing their lights) and they were "overpowering" my headlight. Now, they add more "light coverage" without being too bright. And I'm sure oncoming cars are happier, too. Another benefit - the 11W ones are under $10 for both at Lowe's!... Can't beat that.... BTW, you can find a 9W LED par36 online for about $25 a piece and that was my plan (they would be about as bright as 50W halogen) but after installing 11W halogen there's no need for me to spend more money for the LED's.

Thank you, thank you, thank you....Did I mentioned English is my second language?

And Rick, I really REALLY appreciate that you took time to represent the "other" side. Maybe a more reasonable, less passionate side of the coin. I like the fact that you point out the facts that I might overlook solely based on the fact that I'm (pardon my French) pissed cause I was treated poorly by some jerk at the demo ride. My concerns become bigger and my passion toward the comfort and handling got replaced by my disappointment with the plastic. It's easy to get blindsided with testosterone when some guy laugh at your face and say that you don't know how to handle such a great bike... So, thank you again Rick.

One thing is worth repeating - both Ventureless and I were SOLD on Victory! He was about to buy a Vision and I really liked a CCT but was considering a Vision, too. Him and I never met (yet) but emailed each other numerous times about Victory motorcycles, comparing them to our Ventures, pro's and con's,... We are both big guys and Victory was a logical choice for both of us. So, it's not just that the guy was a jerk (and he was) but that kinda paint the picture about the company, too. They've decided to hire him as their representative at the event where riders come to try the bike and make their $20000+ purchasing decision. If I'm buying a $5000 used bike, I'm not expecting anything from the manufacturer. If I'm buying a new bike, I'm expecting to be taking care of. Before I buy it, during the purchase, and after the purchase when I need a service or just an advice. And I accept there are good and bad dealerships and they will win or lose deals based on that. But Victory hire those guys to be their "face" when dealing with potential customers. If they didn't put any thought in that first step, how will they take care of me AFTER they take my money? I need a car and, unfortunately, I have to deal with "those people" every once in a while. I don't NEED a bike, I want a bike. It's a luxury. And for that much money, at least I would expect a respect. At least.

Well, it looks like attitude runs among Victory truck drivers. Like Joe, I had the same comment - if you know how to ride, you would like the bike. It's the best bike in the world, IF YOU KNOW WHEN TO SHIFT!... Thanks Joe. BTW, I've sent the copy of my letter to the Store Manager at that dealership - after he contacted me by email offering $750 off the new Victory bike. I'm waiting for his (their) response. Cause after all, that is reflecting (hurting) their business directly.

Oh yea, I will definitely try it again...hopefully with a better results. And we actually check with the dealership - they had nothing to do with the demo ride except providing the real estate. That's according to two associates at the dealership. They were very apologetic and were keep on telling us that they had no say-so in the organization of it. And yea, the rude guy was the Victory truck driver. He was the one acting like he owns the place, treating everybody like a 4-th graders who came over to touch his precious bikes. His quote: "All these bikes are mine for a year and I KNOW they are perfect! I can burn tires and pop a wheely with any one of them any time!..." . I mean, it's pointless to waste a breath on somebody so immature and unprofessional... Victory people at the International Motorcycle Show in DC were very helpful and nice. They were asking everybody to come over to the dealership and ride the bikes. So I was expecting the same treatment from their people at the Demo Ride....

Yea, I'm really not expecting anything from them nor I did it to get a "deal" or something. As corny as it sounds, I believe in a good customer service - I will recommend every good service that I have and send everybody I know that way; and I will also try to "recognize" a bad service and let them know that. My intention is to make Victory aware of it and maybe, just maybe they will see that as a potential problem and address that. For the sake of their sales, and for the sake of us riders. I hate to avoid the good product just because of a bad service. But I will do it. I will always go to a restaurant with exceptional service, even if their food is not as great. Also, you can have the best food in the world - if you have a crappy service I'm not coming back. Just my $0.02.... I hope I'll be able to ride them again (maybe in spring) under a better circumstances, and "adjust" my opinion about them as a company and also about their products. At this point, they lost me as a potential customer (and one of my buddies also decided to look elsewhere after this)..... I did not post it anywhere yet, so I certainly appreciate if you can pass it on to the Victory forum. I didn't mean to bash the motorcycle, even though I didn't like it as much as I expected - this is all about the poor customer service and how it can affect the potential customers...

My friend and I had a pretty bad experience at the Victory Demo Ride a couple of weeks ago and I wanted to share my letter to the Polaris management with you guys. I wanted to email them but there's no email on their website - just a customer service phone number and a physical address. The lady at the Customer Service was nice but she can't do much except to "understand" and "apologize" for the inconvenience and I understand that. I appreciate the fact that she was nice and professional over the phone. I'm sure a lot of people will disagree with my opinion expressed in the letter but that was my (our) experience that day... I thought you might want to take it into consideration when thinking about your next bike. I know I'm not spending my hard-earned money there... Here it is, for what it's worth: Hi, My name is Sinisa and I’m your ideal customer. I’m a 47 year old male, professional, married, two kids in college, homeowner, with a steady income. Motorcycles have been my passion for years and I presently own two of them. I have a shed built just for my motorcycles. I am a member of several motorcycle forums, receiving a couple of motorcycle magazines, attending an International Motorcycle Show in DC every year, I’ve attended the California Superbike School and I’m spending quite of bit of money for the accessories. My wife and I are using every available weekend to go for a ride, that’s “our time”, our “therapy” and we love it. Yes, I’m your guy….I’m the one you cater to, the one that will spend money to buy a motorcycle he wants. During this year I’ve been researching which bike will replace my 15 year old touring bike, the one we use for a two-up riding. And I found one – Cross Country Tour fits the bill!... For a 6’3”, 250lb guy this bike fits like a glove right off the showroom. So, I started researching for a demo ride close by. The closest and soonest was the one at the Commonwealth Powersports in Prince George, Virginia. So my friend, a die-hard Harley guy, and I decided to go. I was ready to “convert” him into a Victory guy… The demo ride was a complete disaster. Your employees were rude, condescending, and with a horrible customer service. From a 45 min delay (one of them were late 45 min and they couldn’t start without him, apparently), to complete lack of organization system (no sign-up sheet, some kind of “cards” system that they “invented” on the spot after first ride was a mess), to associates wearing unsafe gear (novelty helmets, unzipped jackets),…And finally, to RUDE Victory employee arguing with me after I pointed out a rattle in one CCT fairing and maybe a lack of power on the same bike. I did it in best intentions, expecting they will check that out. Instead, I’ve received an earful of insults how I need to learn how to ride and when to shift, that those are his bikes and they are perfectly fine and that I probably need to find something else on the market(!!!). I couldn’t not believe it – is THAT the person who is the “first impression” of the company such is Victory? Does he represent how the Victory is taking care of their potential customers? I’ve expected a simple: “Hey, thanks for letting me know. I’ll check what’s going on with that bike a little later. Why don’t you try this one instead? You might like it better.”. Instead, I got a piece of his mind. The bullying continued later with some “smart” comments about my riding style that were absolutely unnecessary and unprofessional. … After the third ride both of us decided we had enough humiliations and left. While buying some accessories at the dealership, the sales associate asked us how was the demo ride. After telling him about my experience he told me I’m the third rider who had the same experience and left early. Needless to say, after this interaction with your employee I really couldn’t be objective about the bike(s). Suddenly, everything was wrong – the engine was underpowered, the plastic was thin and rattling, the gear shifter was loud,…. Or was I just looking for a “bad stuff”, overlooking a great handling, comfort, excellent design, nice breaks,….? At this point it’s irrelevant – I know I have to look elsewhere for my next bike. I guess your employee was right – there are so many bikes on the market and I need to find one that works for me. In the meantime, I will make sure that my riding buddies (both in my area and on the forums that I’m associated with) learn about my experience with your company. I’m sure you are aware of the fact that you are not selling the motorcycles – you are selling a lifestyle. Motorcycles are a passion, not a necessity. We can live without them. We chose to spend money on them. And I can guarantee you one thing – whoever is ready to spend $20,000+ on a motorcycle do not want to be a part of the lifestyle your company promoted last weekend at the demo ride. I still cannot understand one thing, though – why would a company who prides itself in customer service (“Ride one and you’ll own one”, remember?) let people like THOSE representing them on the “first front line”, where all the potential buyers are coming to try the product and make a final decision about the purchase? That’s too bad…. Respectfully,

I was hoping to get a response from Rick, since he's the one with a real experience on the bike. Again, it didn't help that people running that demo ride were rude and unprofessional. The first impression and experience was bad and it just went south from there. As I mentioned, I wasn't going there with no opinion about the bike - I was sold on the bike, based on comfort, fit, design, characteristics, and everything I could read about them. I've already decided that's my next bike. So my disappointment was even greater... It's good to hear that a few "adjustments" can make them more responsive. That was one thing that was the biggest surprise. I've expected much more from the engine that size. The cheap plastic - yea, I'm sure there are other bikes with the same feel. I was just surprised that a $20K+ bike would feel that way. My friend rode one of the cruiser at the first ride (he gave up after that ride when the staff started treating everybody like a kids waiting for a ride at the state fair) and he said it had plenty of power and handled nicely, with no rattle. He liked it. Which makes me even more upset with the Victory as a company for letting people down by hiring a few lowlifes to represent them. Last fall (a year ago) a friend and I rode to Berkley Springs, WV to visit a Victory dealership there. They wouldn't even let us sit on them! Apparently, they had accidents with people tipping bikes over in the showroom!... IDK, I guess I need to find a more friendly dealer and sales people hahaha. They were great at International Motorcycle Show in DC but when you go to them directly..... I'm sure I'll try them again in the future. At this point, I'm not considering them which is unfortunate cause they have absolutely the best fit and I like the design, too....

A friend and I attended a Victory Demo Ride a couple of weeks ago. Being 6'3" and around 250lb, Victory CCT looked like a logical choice for me. Sat on one at the International Motorcycle Show in DC last winter and it felt great, right off of the showroom. None of the bikes felt that way, I had to "adapt" every one of them so far. So, needless to say, I was very excited to ride both CCT and Vision. And in a sentence - what a disappointment! First of all, both bikes felt underpowered. I tried to shift at 1500rpms, 2500, 3500, 4500,...either way it would accelerate the same way - slow and unresponsive. There was absolutely no feeling of engine power, the feeling that you have to hold on tight on the handlebars. Pardon my French, but it felt lazy. I'm sure quite a few people will disagree with me but that was my initial impression. I REALLY wanted it to work. I am ready for the "upgrade" and I was sure CCT will be it. But I couldn't believe how lifeless it was. The other thing - they felt "cheap". Plastic was Tupperware quality, bendable, unsecure. Side panel has no screws, just a three rubber prongs that don't hold well at all (one bike had one side panel "secured" with zip-ties since it flew off and was scratched up and cracked already). CCT had some kind of rattle in the fairing and I was told that's "normal". Please, don't get me wrong - they handle great, excellent brakes, very comfortable, nice suspension,....but no power. Mirrors were shaking at all speeds but I guess that's adjustable. I was NEVER a Harley guy but last year at the demo ride, Ultra Classic didn't feel comfortable (kinda small and cramped) but plenty, plenty of power. I rode in 3rd gear both 25mph and 65mph and it felt absolutely fine. Plenty torque and power. And yea, when you stop it will shake your kidneys out but as soon as you take off it was as smooth as butter. And it felt solid, every part was finished, it looked tight and sturdy. It felt like an expensive bike. Victory didn't feel like a $20K+ bike. Not at all!... Please don't kill the messenger. This is just my humble opinion. Maybe I've expected too much but for that kinda money I better expect a lot. I was very disappointed.... BTW, it probably didn't help that people working the Victory Demo Ride were HORRIBLE, RUDE JERKS! Very unprofessional, unhelpful and unorganized. Overall, I'm not spending money there...

Thank you guys. My old modulator was a simple one, with just one pre-programed option. The one I'm ordering is (apparently) for LED lights and all my tail lights are LED. Based on that, it should work.

Thank you very much, guys. In the beginning I thought that is a relay and later on realized it is actually a modulator. It was on the bike when I bought it, I guess. So, I'll just replace it with a 3-wired unit from superbrightleds since I don't need additional programs, the main program is just fine. Thanks once again, everybody.

I have a tail light bar installed on my bike for a while. The one that flashes several times when pressed, and then stay on. Worked well for a number of years. Now the relay for it is dead. It's the one installed under the seat, with three wires coming out of it. Little black plastic box with "Made in China" and "Model 618" signs on it. I've unhooked it, connected it straight and it's working - but it's not flashing. Just on or off. Anybody knows where I can buy just the relay??? Thanks for your help, guys.

If you don't mind me asking, did you get a good deal on it?

I got mine at Ebay, I guess from one of those sellers that take a bike apart and sell part by part. It was $55 or so. Than I bought LED bulbs for it and that almost cost me more than the assembly itself hahaha. But it takes less power.... I like the look, and it's very functional to make you quite visible on the road... Very easy installation....

Thank you. Yea, so far I did not use my trickle charger ever, and the bike would start every time. I have a gel battery from Battery Plus, they checked it after I was experiencing some problems and it checked out just fine. Since I know a few guys that keep their bikes on a charger ALL THE TIME I thought that I am missing on something. So thank you for pointing that out - I will still keep it in the shed with no charger on it. Yea, I did replace my old rectifier with a new one and I believe that took care of the problem. I used an OEM new one after reading about problems people experiencing with some aftermarket (cheap) rectifiers. Did not know that you have to have different rectifier if you upgrade to a stronger stator. In that case, I'll stick with the OEM stuff for now. I replaced the rectifier last night and rode just around the neighborhood for less than 10 miles. I will ride more and see how the bike perform and did I get read of a stalling issue. I'm very glad that charging 13.5 while riding is enough. Appreciate y'all input, guys.

Good. Thank you guys. I've read everywhere that the "normal", desirable reading is 13.5-14.5 so by that I would be on a very low end of it. And that's while riding, on idling it was around 13.1-13.2. Very good..... Still, any opinions about keeping the bike on a trickle charger nightly? And would I benefit at all by upgrading the stator? It is 1999 Venture with 36K miles on it. I have running lights (halogen), under-the-trunk light, Harley license plate mounted stop lights (all LED), front wheel marking orange LED lights (always on), WOLO horn, GPS with mp3 player hooked to aux, headlight modulator,...that's about it for stuff that need power. Thanks again for your time.

Thank you, that's a very good news!... What about upgrading to a stronger stator? And do I want to keep the bike on the charger nightly or not?

-1999 2nd gen Venture with 36K miles- The story is much longer but I'll try to make it shorter - I had a problem with charging system (bike stalling and eventually dying after being ridden for a while), battery checked out fine, stator output was apparently fine (around 21) so we replaced a voltage regulator/rectifier (used a new OEM part). "We" is my brother-in-law since I'm not handy at all (please go easy on me with suggestions), my job is to hand him tools and open a beer(s). Couple of questions - now the charge is from 13.47 to 13.51 while riding, and around 13.15 while idling. Is that enough? While riding, the charge is pretty constant - low rew or high rew, it's around 13.5.... Would I benefit by upgrading to an aftermarket, stronger stator? Would that keep the charge over 14 (but of course, under 14.5) with a few additional lights? If I take the light fuse out (kills all lights) the charge goes just over 14 immediately, and that's while idling (did not try riding without lights). Also, do I NEED to keep the bike on a trickle charger or...? I did add some lights but they are all LED's. My running lights (had them forever) are still halogen, though... Any and all opinions and suggestions are greatly appreciated, guys. Thank you in advance.

You can't go wrong with West Virginia-Virginia area. Rt219 is nice, visit Seneca Rocks, than you can take either rt33 or rt250 towards Virginia - a lot of curves and great views. Than take Blue Ridge Parkway for some vistas. You can visit breweries on rt151 in Virginia (3-4 breweries, 5-6 wineries within 25 miles), grab a lunch at Devil's Backbone, or pizza at Blue Mountain Brewery. Visit Charlottesville, home of three US presidents. Back in WV, stay at Old Clark Inn in Marlinton which caters to motorcyclists, owners ride and can suggest you rides in the area (beautiful nature, no people around). Be ready - gas stations and restaurants are few and far between in WV. The whole area between WV and VA is great riding countryside...

Thank you guys. Just ordered it from Rick's Power Sport. Great customer service (so far). Should have it by Tuesday. And then we'll see if I need a stator, too. It looks like it's working but we'll see how well, once we put a new rectifier. Thanks again. You guys are great!...

I've googled "clutch field" and nothing came up..... Do you have their address or something? Thank you.