I searched the web, spoke to Victory owners, and Victory dealers to get feedback (pro and con) on the lower wind deflectors for my 09 Vision Premium. The majority of the responses indicated the deflectors are a must have upgrade, however, there were numerous complaints about the clear plastic deflectors breaking, cracking, yellowing, and scratching. I also had an issue with the hinges that support the deflectors; they come in only one color -- Black!

Then, I came across the metal wind deflectors produced by Will at Cycle Ops. After seeing his posts, emails, and conversations with Will I was convinced his deflectors were what I needed and well worth the price. Well, it didn’t end there because he began producing the upper wind deflectors and I had to have matching upper and lower deflectors. I didn’t stop at this point because I couldn’t stand the black hinges, so, I had Will chrome them as well.

If you are considering this mod to your bike, I would highly recommend Will for his quality products, honesty, integrity, and great customer service -- he is a solid American. I can guarantee you’ll be extremely happy you purchased this or any other product from Cycle Ops!

Here are some additional photos...

Will is a standup guy and puts out some seriously high quality products. He is anal about the quality and that bids well for his customers!

Does Will make deflectors for the Cross Country?

Does Will make deflectors for the Cross Country?

Yeah, does Will make deflectors for the Cross bikes?

Yeah, does Will make deflectors for the Cross bikes?

Are you looking just for billet replacement panels for existing sets or the complete kit with mounts and all? Been thinking of doing them for a bit now and with all the big projects for all the new parts settling down, I may have time soon to get something going on this if I know there's a market.

Are you looking just for billet replacement panels for existing sets or the complete kit with mounts and all? Been thinking of doing them for a bit now and with all the big projects for all the new parts settling down, I may have time soon to get something going on this if I know there's a market.

While I cannot speak on behalf of all Cross bike owners, I did notice that a lot of us are interested in the lower deflectors, but are not thrilled with the $300 price tag. Some have taken matter into their own hands and began fabricating their own lowers, while the majority of us are still hopeful someone would provide a good quality product for a more reasonable price.

A lot of folks are trying to find something that looks good and fits the theme of the X bikes to fit inside the crash bars.

Maybe something along the lines of the Air Wing (http://www.bakerbuilt.com/bbairwings/index.htm). Since the 2 Cross bikes have different crash bar designs I'm not sure a one-size-fits-all approach would work.

It would be great to be able to deflect air off the legs and onto the motor or simply block air to both.

The trick is to make it look good and be functional as well. Sounds like something right up your alley Will!!

CycleOpsUSA I would really like to purchase a set of wind deflectors but didn't want to pay the $300.00 Victory wants. I think there product is over priced. The say Harley is expensive(I own one also) but Victory beats them.

Yes if you can produce a nice looking and functional set of wing deflectors I'd buy a set. I'm sure there are lots of XC riders looking for this item.

Pleae let me know what your plans are.

CycleOpsUSA I would really like to purchase a set of wind deflectors but didn't want to pay the $300.00 Victory wants. I think there product is over priced. The say Harley is expensive(I own one also) but Victory beats them.

Yes if you can produce a nice looking and functional set of wing deflectors I'd buy a set. I'm sure there are lots of XC riders looking for this item.

Pleae let me know what your plans are.

Guys, and I say this with all due respect as this is a positive comment, not anything else. You can't have the words 'inexpensive' and 'quality' in the same parts 99.99% of the time. Many people don't realize what's actually involved in making many of the parts and the associated costs that go along with them (R&D, advertising, insurance, matching payroll, employee health care, the rent, vehicles, machiniery, packaging, and on and on) and you need to understand how a business is structured and that parts prices are not only about the part, but about the company paying their bills even before a profit is shown... and the bigger they are the more structure and exponential expenses... if you're going to fairly judge prices and the quality of goods with any consistency.
Now I'm not saying Vics prices on some things are not out of control, but for the lowers and clamps and associated hardware, in this case, isn't the end of the world. If I offered them I can't see getting them done for less as I don't do 'JC Whitney' type discount catalog parts (it'll do the job, price matters most, the parts quality and flawless fit second.), I do Cartier type high end parts (it'll excel for the intended application, fit and finish quality are most important, and the price falls where it does to acomplish the former) so if "cheap cost and to just get the job done' parts are what you're after I'm definitely not your guy.

If you want the best designed and possible quality part for the job or for simply dressing up your bike and understand taking things to higher levels comes at a cost, them I am your man.

I have to comment on this post from Will. I've known Will since before starting Cycleops. When he was starting to ramp up, we talked about price points and I commented on how a lot of people would be left out due to his pricing. Me being one of those people.

Will is about QUALITY and AMERICAN MADE. Unfortunately American made does not come cheap. On top of that Will didn't want to offer the run of the mill cheap or just OK quality items out there.

Will, wanted to offer TOP quality products for the Victory lineup.

This is a true story. A guy I know got really upset with Will on another Victory site talking about the price of his products when Will first started Cycleops.

A few months later, Will made some custom inserts for the Riders Club that this guy belonged to. The quality was so good that this guy ordered not just Cheese Wedges but CUSTOM cheese wedges.

Recently Will explained why his chroming is so expensive compared to the average chroming out there. I don't remember all the details but needless to say it is very time consuming.

I have personally seen his products and needless to say they are worth it.

Will's products are true to the saying, "You get what you pay for"!

The question you need to ask is, “Do You Get What You Pay For?”

Like many of you on this site, I’m a proponent of quality over quantity. I’d rather buy one good coat that will get me through three seasons and last for years than replace a poorly-made, cheap one every year. It’s important to consider that expense is not necessarily an indication of quality, however, I can personally attest to the quality and craftsmanship of products Will produces.
Will is a man of the utmost integrity and his word has the value of gold…he says what he’ll do and he does what he says.

diamondrmp, you beat my post. I agree with you -- well stated!

If chroming is time consuming, can we get a set of lowers that are not chromed but left clear, and that cost a lot less than Victory's $300?

I honestly want a pair, but I feel stupid spending $300 for a set. I feel like this is the $150 service manual story once again. Either that, either I completely lost trust in the pricing of Victory accessories.

Memphis Shades already makes a less expensive ($80) lowers.

I think the point Will was so eloquently trying to make is that he builds high-end products for the discerning customer who understands the value of quality.

Take Performance Machine or Ness Products for example. You just know the parts are gonna be more expensive unless you haven't visited their online stores yet. You get a different level of quality with their parts. Take the PM grips for instance. They are around $100 and the Avon grips are around $55. You feel and see the difference when they are both in your hands. Sure; the Avon will work and work nicely; but the PM grip will give you that extra feeling of quality every time you put your hands on them even though they both use Renthal rubber on their grips.

On my budget I have to pick and choose when I can get the PM grips or when I have to "settle" for the Avon grips. I use this just as an example. I'm not knocking the Avon grips. Rather; trying to explain the difference.

Will if your wind deflectors are all chrome then I would expect to pay more for them and I would. I know this would be a better quality product. But if they're Lexan or plastic like the Victory set then I don't think they are worth $300.00.

I understand your in business to make money not loose it so you have to charge accordingly.

Keep me posted if you plan on making the deflectors for the XC.

Thank You.

Thanks D, Steve, and Bob for chiming in and I hoipe no one mistook my post as anything but making the clarification of my business plan and what we produce.

As for the Vic units, given they're plexiglass... not even Lexan which is much more durable and less brittle... it is a bit pricey, but remember, Vic contracts Kuryakyn for such items so you're dealing with double markups for two large companies with heavy overhead, even though they're made in China. Like the Vision deflectors, all the money is in the attaching hardware, not the deflectors themselves.
I will keep these in mind and see what I can come up with as a viable alternative for you guys as time permits.

Will,

I hope you come up with something in the very near future. I like quality and don't mind paying for it.

Thanks
Dennis.

I need to change my username to something more exciting. LOL

If chroming is time consuming, can we get a set of lowers that are not chromed but left clear, and that cost a lot less than Victory's $300?

I honestly want a pair, but I feel stupid spending $300 for a set. I feel like this is the $150 service manual story once again. Either that, either I completely lost trust in the pricing of Victory accessories.


LOL...I think that would be a little difficult as Will's lowers are made of 6061-T6 billet aluminum not plastic like the Victory lowers.:)

LOL...I think that would be a little difficult as Will's lowers are made of 6061-T6 billet aluminum not plastic like the Victory lowers.:)

If I end up talking myself that $300 is a fair price for a set of lowers, than of course I would pick a $300 pair that's aluminum over one that's plastic. But if the aluminum will cost even more, then I guess I'm too cheap to be in the running for a pair.

To me, the Victory $300 plastic ones are not worth $300.

CycleOpsUSA, fwd this to Obama, the Senate and Congress as they have yet to grasp the concept. Guys, he's right. Eveyone bitches about Walmart, but most seem to do their shopping there at the expense of businesses and stores like CylceOpsUSA. You want Victory to prosper? Buy there. Why be so chintzy when you already spent big money on a toy you don't really need?

CrossRoads, if you've been riding without deflectors, I'm here to tell ya, my Vic ones made a hellofa lota difference. They were wind tunnel tested along with the rest of the bike and help to keep your feet planted on the boards and the rain off your legs and boots. What's that worth?

CycleOpsUSA, fwd this to Obama, the Senate and Congress as they have yet to grasp the concept. Guys, he's right. Eveyone bitches about Walmart, but most seem to do their shopping there at the expense of businesses and stores like CylceOpsUSA. You want Victory to prosper? Buy there. Why be so chintzy when you already spent big money on a toy you don't really need?

Ttrust me brother, if I didn't think it would fall on extremely deaf ears I'd ride up there and deliver the message in person. Since his true intentions are to bankrupt us in hopes of creating a new world order and controlling the new currency that would emerge from it, things are going just the way he wants them too. Sucks to be us right now, doesn't it?

Ttrust me brother, if I didn't think it would fall on extremely deaf ears I'd ride up there and deliver the message in person. Since his true intentions are to bankrupt us in hopes of creating a new world order and controlling the new currency that would emerge from it, things are going just the way he wants them too. Sucks to be us right now, doesn't it?

What's happening to our country comes as no surprise. If voters were only intelligent enough to view the voting records of candidates and then place their votes accordingly, we'd have one fantastic country. I would like to see Americans have to pass a civics test before they can vote even for dog catcher. There wouldn't be too many voting these days.

What's happening to our country comes as no surprise. If voters were only intelligent enough to view the voting records of candidates and then place their votes accordingly, we'd have one fantastic country. I would like to see Americans have to pass a civics test before they can vote even for dog catcher. There wouldn't be too many voting these days.

Man, the 'civic aptitude' test is an AWESOME idea! Damn, never considered such a thing but now that I have that would sure weed out a lot of deadbeat voters who fill in the wrong blanks for all the wrong reasons. That is just friggin' brilliant! That's a good sidekick to 'work for food' instead of giving food staps that pay more for cigs, malt liquor, and junk food instead of sustenance foods. I'm likin' the way you think. Wanna run for office? You've got my vote!

Man, the 'civic aptitude' test is an AWESOME idea! Damn, never considered such a thing but now that I have that would sure weed out a lot of deadbeat voters who fill in the wrong blanks for all the wrong reasons. That is just friggin' brilliant! That's a good sidekick to 'work for food' instead of giving food staps that pay more for cigs, malt liquor, and junk food instead of sustenance foods. I'm likin' the way you think. Wanna run for office? You've got my vote!

Like you, too busy running my own business to run for office - also too smart to want to do that. I can make more noise and be heard on the outside. My reps hear from me often - for all the good it does. :ltr:
Do you have a website? I'd like to view your products. They come highly touted - I like that.

Like you, too busy running my own business to run for office - also too smart to want to do that. I can make more noise and be heard on the outside. My reps hear from me often - for all the good it does. :ltr:
Do you have a website? I'd like to view your products. They come highly touted - I like that.

Well, when they totally ruin our busineeses we can run together. Sounds like a strong ticket to me. :) cheers
As for the site, I'd love you to go and look around to see what I do. It's www.CycleOpsUSA.com. Look forward to hearing what you think of my goodies.

thumb up

Will....I checked out your website and the one thing I was looking for I didn't find. Nowhere on the Cross bikes does it advertize the model name. So here's a product idea: Cheese wedges in black that have CROSS ROADS and CROSS COUNTRY inscribed as if the factory had done it....we bagger riders are a conservative lot, you know.
Ric

Will....I checked out your website and the one thing I was looking for I didn't find. Nowhere on the Cross bikes does it advertize the model name. So here's a product idea: Cheese wedges in black that have CROSS ROADS and CROSS COUNTRY inscribed as if the factory had done it....we bagger riders are a conservative lot, you know.
Ric

Hey there Ric, funny you should mention tagging the new bikes. I've got these at the chromer now as well as others at the powder coater getting done in black, candy red, and candy blue. These pics are of the polished ones ready for their translucent candy coatings. Most do a base coat when doing candies but the extra yard we go to polish them instead gives an amazing effect when light hits it compared to a base coat. 1/4" thick billet 6061-T6 aluminum CNC WJ cut. These two are approx 4" long and 1.3 or so high. Designed for the primary 'bump' but are great on batt boxes, bad tags, your truck window, and anywhere else you might like to stick one (no pun intended! LOL!). Many other styles to see on our website in the Primary Insert section. And we also do customs too.

http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/8163/dscf1666a.jpg

http://img844.imageshack.us/img844/2010/dscf1665me.jpg

As for wedges or engine covers with model specific artwork I will not be doing those as stock items but I do offer customs so we could design a really cool set of either however you want them.

While I'm at it with these, I might as well show you guys the other new addition to the line just posted on the site.

Winged V in chrome

http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/5489/besttc.jpg

And with a gloss black billet backing plate

http://img844.imageshack.us/img844/2844/dscf1172copy.jpg

In candy blue powder coat over polished billet

http://img808.imageshack.us/img808/9366/dscf1646copy.jpg

http://img62.imageshack.us/img62/5186/dscf1652copy.jpg

Will....I checked out your website and the one thing I was looking for I didn't find. Nowhere on the Cross bikes does it advertize the model name. So here's a product idea: Cheese wedges in black that have CROSS ROADS and CROSS COUNTRY inscribed as if the factory had done it....we bagger riders are a conservative lot, you know.
Ric

Hey there Ric, funny you should mention tagging the new bikes. I've got these at the chromer now as well as others at the powder coater getting done in black, candy red, and candy blue. These pics are of the polished ones ready for their translucent candy coatings. Most do a base coat when doing candies but the extra yard we go to polish them instead gives an amazing effect when light hits it compared to a base coat. 1/4" thick billet 6061-T6 aluminum CNC WJ cut. These two are approx 4" long and 1.3 or so high. Designed for the primary 'bump' but are great on batt boxes, bad tags, your truck window, and anywhere else you might like to stick one (no pun intended! LOL!). Many other styles to see on our website in the Primary Insert section. And we also do customs too.

http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/8163/dscf1666a.jpg

http://img844.imageshack.us/img844/2010/dscf1665me.jpg

As for wedges or engine covers with model specific artwork I will not be doing those as stock items but I do offer customs so we could design a really cool set of either however you want them.

While I'm at it with these, I might as well show you guys the other new addition to the line just posted on the site.

Winged V in chrome

http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/5489/besttc.jpg

And with a gloss black billet backing plate

http://img844.imageshack.us/img844/2844/dscf1172copy.jpg

In candy blue powder coat over polished billet

http://img808.imageshack.us/img808/9366/dscf1646copy.jpg

http://img62.imageshack.us/img62/5186/dscf1652copy.jpg

Will, Oooh, I like that winged V together with the black backing plate...I'm beginning to fill my cart. As for the XRoads / XCountry badges; what I am hoping for is something just like those, only "Cross" is spelled out for the uninitiated among us. I can vision (no pun) applying them to the hardcases. I would settle for black cheese wedges with "CrossRoads" spelled out on 'em. My XR (see, we know what that means) is my do everthing bike, so it does a lot of errand work here in the People's Repuclic of Portland, Oregon, where there are not many Vics, especially the Cross'. So I often get asked what it is. Most think it's a one off custom. That's why I'd like to stick something on her that's in keeping with the art deco design and informs the outsiders that she's a CrossRoads. I think Vic dropped the ball on this, as they need to work on "branding" more seriously.
Ric

RICZ you need to call Will. He does custom also. I had a business and Will kindly made these as a gift to my ex biz partner and I. TOP QUALITY and FANTASTIC PERSONABLE CUSTOMER SERVICE!!! Unlike a lot of other business's out there Will answers his phone and you talk to him!!!

Will, Oooh, I like that winged V together with the black backing plate...I'm beginning to fill my cart. As for the XRoads / XCountry badges; what I am hoping for is something just like those, only "Cross" is spelled out for the uninitiated among us. I can vision (no pun) applying them to the hardcases. I would settle for black cheese wedges with "CrossRoads" spelled out on 'em. My XR (see, we know what that means) is my do everthing bike, so it does a lot of errand work here in the People's Repuclic of Portland, Oregon, where there are not many Vics, especially the Cross'. So I often get asked what it is. Most think it's a one off custom. That's why I'd like to stick something on her that's in keeping with the art deco design and informs the outsiders that she's a CrossRoads. I think Vic dropped the ball on this, as they need to work on "branding" more seriously.
Ric

The main reason it isn't spelled out on the inserts is it makes them long which means smaller font and harder to see otherwise, and also the X is a cool look being larger. Secondly it would have put them at a higher price point than the rest of the series as linear cutting length determines cost and the extra word would have priced them too high to fit within our current insert price points. To settle on which of the designs would make the final cut I consulted with and posted a poll on another forum (edited per forum rules) for several days to come up with what it seemed most owners wanted. However, a custom insert as you want it is no big deal for me to do if you want it spelled out. As for wedges or engine covers, doing those as you ask is no problem. Just let me know what you like fontwise and I'll come up with a cool design for you. Glad you like the new Winged V too. That theme has been the hot one lately in all the different parts I now incorporate that into from luggage racks to covers to shift linkages.

Just look at me like Burger King... you can always have it your way! dance 1

Thanks Diamond. This is a whole new culture for me - had nothing but Jap bikes for decades. I'm discovering something like a fraternity here, but a little displaced as I am essentially a touring rider. Had to get something with less weight, a lower seat and CG in order to continue riding. I never fancied cruisers for many reasons (mainly cuz they tend to fight you in tight corners) so I am grateful to Vic for coming out with the Cross bikes when they did - was perfect timing on their part.
I am a long time member of the Motocycle Touring Association and a Board member. I wrote a two part article for the club's magazine about contemplating the purchase of a CR and then the after-purchase experience. Is this something you would like to have in your forum?
Ric

Will, I'm gonna hafta revise my thinking after taking a good look at my bike. I can't use the winged V with backing plate as I hoped cuz my primary case has an outie there, instead of an innie. But I do have an excellent spot for a pair of those chrome "X-Roads" badges on the side covers. Do they come with an adhesive, or? Just had a major cancer surgery and am awaiting chemo treatment, so I'll have some time to play around with my redheaded mistress in the garage.
Ric

Will, I'm gonna hafta revise my thinking after taking a good look at my bike. I can't use the winged V with backing plate as I hoped cuz my primary case has an outie there, instead of an innie. But I do have an excellent spot for a pair of those chrome "X-Roads" badges on the side covers. Do they come with an adhesive, or? Just had a major cancer surgery and am awaiting chemo treatment, so I'll have some time to play around with my redheaded mistress in the garage.
Ric

Hey there Rick, didn't see this post for some reason. Two things... first, did you take any more pics of the inserts on the side covers like you mentioned you were going to? Second, you abosolutely can use the plates with the Winged V insert as they are designed to fir both the 'innies' and the 'outies'. Here's a pic of just that very combo on a new Cross Country.

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_EdiFPNUSBPU/TQa1NsAkiBI/AAAAAAAAAtc/hk2-K1pURDg/s800/left_side.jpg

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_EdiFPNUSBPU/TQa1OpRR28I/AAAAAAAAAuo/Vvvi3PQ-qRc/s800/insert.jpg

Goes perfect with our new engine covers too, dontcha think?

Will,
Haven't been able to roll the bike out of the garage yet, so don't have those better photos. You are right, that winged V and backer look great and I hope many see these pictures and dicide that's for them.
Ric

I want that winged V for the trunk so bad but until I can scrape up the funds; it's just going to be on the "wish list" for now.

cheers

Ric, from your lips to God's ears, and the same goes for you too Bob! :D