They were going after the H-D market, and that's a tough nut to crack, H-D already had their market locked in. If Polaris started with Indian instead of a new nameplate, it would be a different story.On the other hand, had Victory started with something other than the V-Twin, that may have changed the story a bit.
Interesting read. Looks like Polaris failed Victory more than Victory failed Polaris.
Former Ride:
2013 F6B Standard, black; sold 7/2019
Latest Addition:
2016 Gold Wing Level 3, red; SCT transmission stuck in manual mode
2019 Miles:
7,900 as of 10/6
Very well said.Originally Posted by VStarRider
I wonder what will happen to another high priced (BUT VERY DIFFERENT) American made motorcycle: http://motusmotorcycles.com/
These new breed, made in Alabama, bikes are very techno savy and many more of the parts are actually made in the USA than Indian, Victory or HD. Had I not already spent my motorcycle change on my Indian and Honda's I probably would have given Motus the mortgage to my house.
Be Careful What YOU Wish For
Honestly, they will struggle and probably fail. New comers to the market will have a hard time getting going as most dedicated riders will not like the idea of hopping on a bike and headed across country without a reliable dealer network. Dealers around the country are not making the killing that they once were and I bet there is not a line of dealers willing to shell out floor plan money on a new brand of bike. Like Victory when they first got going all around me I knew of only one dealer and it was close to 100 miles away, today I knew of only three and one of them failed before Victory did as he tried to be a Victory only dealer.
2019 Honda Goldwing Tour DCT / CSC trike
I'm not sure if it's true or not (?) but I had a Indian / Victory dealer tell me that Victory only sold around 10,000 bikes a year. That seems unbelievable to me that they could even stay in business for 18 years with those kind of numbers, but...
Victory sales went in the "tank" around 2014, so I was told, and since then have not sold enough bikes to turn a profit for Polaris...Suppose Indian has anything to do with the demise of Victory????....Not hard to figure that one out....Ride safe
As for your point about dealers not making a killing anymore, here is an example...my Yamaha snowmobile dealer, also a Suzuki and Yamaha motorcycle dealer, told me his markup in the 70s and 80s was about 20%...he had a lot to work with off MSRP. Now, his markup hovers around 8%, and that is only when there are no manufacturer incentives that the dealer has to absorb some of the cost of. For example, on a $500 cash back deal, the dealer has to foot $250 of that; or accessories are part of the promotion, the dealer has to pay for part of that, too, or sell at cost.
Former Ride:
2013 F6B Standard, black; sold 7/2019
Latest Addition:
2016 Gold Wing Level 3, red; SCT transmission stuck in manual mode
2019 Miles:
7,900 as of 10/6
Strange. Seems as though I was seeing more and more Victorys on the road. Actual data will always trump perception.
Former Ride:
2013 F6B Standard, black; sold 7/2019
Latest Addition:
2016 Gold Wing Level 3, red; SCT transmission stuck in manual mode
2019 Miles:
7,900 as of 10/6
WOW. Those are EXPENSIVE bikes. Hopefully they are set up as a "made to order" bike because they won't sell many. I wish them, and any American company, the best.
How about an entry level cruiser with some up-models available that top out around $15k? I am thinking that could tap into the market that loves the H-D style but can't afford one.
Former Ride:
2013 F6B Standard, black; sold 7/2019
Latest Addition:
2016 Gold Wing Level 3, red; SCT transmission stuck in manual mode
2019 Miles:
7,900 as of 10/6
The Victory/Indian dearer in Calf told me they sold 5 Indian's to 1 Victory. But the day they announced Victory has stopped making bikes they sold 5.
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