I think it would be important to state that outside of when I was riding dirt bikes as a kid every bike I have owned have been Harley Davidsons. Every HD I have owned with the exception of 1 I averaged about 20K miles a year on them, ( the 1 was a sportster and that kind of riding on it would have killed my back ) Also I'm 30 years old as of this last Sunday, 5'10 150 pounds, and do mostly long distance highway riding, some aggressive in town riding but mostly enjoying the cruise
Ok, so I have established the fact that I was a dyed in the wool, drank the kool aid, couldn't even fathom throwing a leg over anything other than HD kind of guy right? I feel that is somewhat important to note for any possible visitors so they can see what "one of those" kinds of guys think of Vics.
I remember a couple of months ago seeing a commercial on TV about Victory motorcycles. I sat back and became curious because I didn't know about this strange bike claiming to be American made and bold enough to say, "ride one and you'll own one". I kind of scoffed and said ok whatever. I got on the Google monster and found information and reviews about the different models, couldn't really find anything truly negative or those constant naysayers that seem to be a part of every group. I also noted that in 90% of the reviews, even though they were heavily HD slanted, the only reason the HD won over the Vic was well, it's an HD.
Interest peaked at this point. I won't go into the data that everyone can find online comparing the 2 on paper, I'll cut to the meat of my story.
I rode to the dealership on my 2013 Road Glide Custom, which only had aftermarket pipes, and high flo intake for performance mods. Prior to this bike all I had were softails, and the sporty. Needless to say, I felt like I was living high on the hog (no pun intended) with this bike having hard bags, meaty 103ci motor, cruise, and stereo. I figured there isn't anything that anyone else can offer better than this.....
Walking into the dealership I was taken back by how much better the bikes looked in person than online. First thing I did after talking to the salesman was throw my leg over the bike I now own. I sat and attempted to hate the bike, I really wanted to not like it. I didn't want to admit something was better than my beloved HD. I knew all about the accessories and options on the CCT due to prior research. I sat there realizing I was already sold but had to keep a poker face for pride sake.....
From the onset in comparison to the HD I traded in, I never knew the shortcomings of a Harley until I straddled this gal.
I stretched my legs straight out, and still had room to point my toes some within the hard lowers! The floor boards are HUGE, I friggin love these things.
The seat... oh so comfy and formed for a pocket to hold the rider.
Handlebars are positioned nicely, I will eventually add the 2 inch pull back bars since I like to be further back and upright.
Now for the ride... When I started this up I was baffled it didn't shake, vibrate, rattle, and cause a general ruckus. I almost tried hitting the starter again just for kicks. This thing is quiet, and SMOOTH, it's truly unnatural to straddle 106ci and not be vibrating like crazy. The shifting, yes it clunks going into 1st, no it's not worse than any HD I've owned and personally I don't mind it at all. The clutch is insanely easy to pull, gear shifts are smoother, the motor just purs and begs to run. Literally this thing wants to GO. I thought I was going 35 in a 35 zone, looked down and was quickly sailing past 50 Did I mention the brakes work really well too?
Very long rambling story short (for those that have read this far, I salute you) There is literally only 1 thing HD has that is superior than my Tour, and that is the gas gauge. I mean everything. I do most of my own wrenching and know many HDs well, I have literally lost all desire to own another one, except an old loud bad @$$ looking chopper just for fun. Oh of course I get a lot of wise cracks from my brothers on HDs, but the ladies all gather around mine not theirs. Now some of them are asking me where is the dealership
I rode a brand new CVO Ultra Glide last weekend and wow, that only confirmed my opinion that HD won't get my dime again.
Please be easy on my review, this is my first one of any kind to do! I know it was to long but thanks in advance! cheers
DevilDog
Ok, so I have established the fact that I was a dyed in the wool, drank the kool aid, couldn't even fathom throwing a leg over anything other than HD kind of guy right? I feel that is somewhat important to note for any possible visitors so they can see what "one of those" kinds of guys think of Vics.
I remember a couple of months ago seeing a commercial on TV about Victory motorcycles. I sat back and became curious because I didn't know about this strange bike claiming to be American made and bold enough to say, "ride one and you'll own one". I kind of scoffed and said ok whatever. I got on the Google monster and found information and reviews about the different models, couldn't really find anything truly negative or those constant naysayers that seem to be a part of every group. I also noted that in 90% of the reviews, even though they were heavily HD slanted, the only reason the HD won over the Vic was well, it's an HD.
Interest peaked at this point. I won't go into the data that everyone can find online comparing the 2 on paper, I'll cut to the meat of my story. I rode to the dealership on my 2013 Road Glide Custom, which only had aftermarket pipes, and high flo intake for performance mods. Prior to this bike all I had were softails, and the sporty. Needless to say, I felt like I was living high on the hog (no pun intended) with this bike having hard bags, meaty 103ci motor, cruise, and stereo. I figured there isn't anything that anyone else can offer better than this.....
Walking into the dealership I was taken back by how much better the bikes looked in person than online. First thing I did after talking to the salesman was throw my leg over the bike I now own. I sat and attempted to hate the bike, I really wanted to not like it. I didn't want to admit something was better than my beloved HD. I knew all about the accessories and options on the CCT due to prior research. I sat there realizing I was already sold but had to keep a poker face for pride sake.....
From the onset in comparison to the HD I traded in, I never knew the shortcomings of a Harley until I straddled this gal.
I stretched my legs straight out, and still had room to point my toes some within the hard lowers! The floor boards are HUGE, I friggin love these things.
The seat... oh so comfy and formed for a pocket to hold the rider.
Handlebars are positioned nicely, I will eventually add the 2 inch pull back bars since I like to be further back and upright.
Now for the ride... When I started this up I was baffled it didn't shake, vibrate, rattle, and cause a general ruckus. I almost tried hitting the starter again just for kicks. This thing is quiet, and SMOOTH, it's truly unnatural to straddle 106ci and not be vibrating like crazy. The shifting, yes it clunks going into 1st, no it's not worse than any HD I've owned and personally I don't mind it at all. The clutch is insanely easy to pull, gear shifts are smoother, the motor just purs and begs to run. Literally this thing wants to GO. I thought I was going 35 in a 35 zone, looked down and was quickly sailing past 50
Did I mention the brakes work really well too? Very long rambling story short (for those that have read this far, I salute you) There is literally only 1 thing HD has that is superior than my Tour, and that is the gas gauge. I mean everything. I do most of my own wrenching and know many HDs well, I have literally lost all desire to own another one, except an old loud bad @$$ looking chopper just for fun. Oh of course I get a lot of wise cracks from my brothers on HDs, but the ladies all gather around mine not theirs. Now some of them are asking me where is the dealership
I rode a brand new CVO Ultra Glide last weekend and wow, that only confirmed my opinion that HD won't get my dime again.
Please be easy on my review, this is my first one of any kind to do! I know it was to long but thanks in advance! cheers
DevilDog
