[Chattanooga_Mark]

Upon proceeding with the marketing strategy of dropping Victory in favor of going with Indian exclusively, Polaris should have been required to drop any technologies they had in development, whether they had been used or not.

That’s a ridiculous position so I’m guessing you posted it tongue in cheek.

 

[walks35]

Upon proceeding with the marketing strategy of dropping Victory in favor of going with Indian exclusively, Polaris should have been required to drop any technologies they had in development, whether they had been used or not.

Wut? They needed to drop their own technology?

 

[IndyVictory]

Emissions standards will keep pushing all manufacturers into liquid cooled bikes. Polaris knew this when it was designing the motor. It was never patented under Victory or Indian brands but Polaris. Could see them using it in both with some cosmetic dress up had they not killed off the brand. Think like big auto with same internals with different skins and outside features. The issue though would always be competing with themselves. It's not a great business model and we've seen the results of that in big auto killing off several brands last few decades and specializing brands to avoid self competition. No matter what one of the brand names needed to go away. The Indian name happened to be available so they scooped it up or someone else would have done it. Needed a return on that investment so pull the plug on Victory and focus on a single line. It all makes business sense. I'm not brand loyal at all I wanted a XC back in 2012 when I started riding my Honda VTX. Didn't get one until 2018. It suits my needs well and I can see me picking up a low miles garage queen Challenger in the future when I'm done having fun with this bike. I care more about the bike than what company logo is on it. If I like it then I'll get one. I see what Indian is doing and there is more appeal to younger buyers like me every few years. Less rolling chrome monument now with some style closer to what attracted me to the XC. It will never be the same but maybe it doesn't need to be.

 

[satxron]

How stupid!

How bout its not woke at all. They went to the black and white because it doesn't jump out as a color conflict on some paints, its easier to mass produce and, I noticed they said help get rid of them but taking our existing inventory.

I think its to clear out the aging inventory by letting folks know the multi color Indian logos may be collectibles. Sounds like a lot to do about nothing. Dog is right, he has not a clue about Polaris if he says they finally got it right on building motorcycles.

 

[MagVic CCT]

That’s a ridiculous position so I’m guessing you posted it tongue in cheek.

I had exactly the same thought, but my second thought was, too bad, because I believe you're missing the point of the discussion. A simple acknowledgement of (their own work) Victory's role in getting them to where they are. Someone else said it, already........stupid to alienate a base of customers. I always wonder about those who will also hold a position against evidence.

 

[Chattanooga_Mark]

As I read what you have to say and consider it, I'm struck by a thought regarding originality and the Indian line. I don't believe that Polaris intended to do anything original with the Indian. In fact, I am recalling a vague thought I had at the time that the Thunderstroke engine was announced. That was, why would they put so much engineering and effort into designing an old and not so efficient engine design? Considering what it is, they didn't do a bad job of producing an engine with good torque, but it seemed like a step backwards considering what had been achieved with Victory.
But, on consideration Polaris put themselves into exactly the same type of trap that Harley was in for quite a time. Modernization of engines was not going to sell to "the faithful". For whatever reason that I may never understand, there are more riders out there (excluding the rocket crew) who want antiquated motor design over optimal design. See V rod. So, Polaris started from the premise that they needed the old OH valve, push rod motor to sell to the "faithful". Now, that sales are up(?) I guess it's time to ease in the (repurposed Victory) upgrades. Maybe it will work?

How bout its not woke at all. They went to the black and white because it doesn't jump out as a color conflict on some paints, its easier to mass produce and, I noticed they said help get rid of them but taking our existing inventory.

I think its to clear out the aging inventory by letting folks know the multi color Indian logos may be collectibles. Sounds like a lot to do about nothing. Dog is right, he has not a clue about Polaris if he says they finally got it right on building motorcycles.

That wouldn’t require a multi year plan or memos. All they’d have to do is stop producing multi color Indian headdresses and likely no one would have noticed.

 

[Chattanooga_Mark]

Emissions standards will keep pushing all manufacturers into liquid cooled bikes. Polaris knew this when it was designing the motor. It was never patented under Victory or Indian brands but Polaris.

Not true. I remember reading about the new water cooled engine in Industry News sections of magazines. The articles showed drawings and descriptions of what ended up, years later, being the Challenger engine. The original patents were filed under Victory Motorcycles.

The dealers were shown the artist renderings and prototypes and told “this will be your new Victory Cross bike line.”

Even the Octane, in running condition, was brought to Victory dealer meetings and presented as the “entry level bike Victory dealers have been asking for.” Again, only to come out years later as the Indian Scout.

Accurate historical context matters.

 

[Chattanooga_Mark]

I had exactly the same thought, but my second thought was, too bad, because I believe you're missing the point of the discussion. A simple acknowledgement of (their own work) Victory's role in getting them to where they are. Someone else said it, already........stupid to alienate a base of customers. I always wonder about those who will also hold a position against evidence.

Intentionally ‘missing’ the point. To the point of denial of factual historical reality.

 

[MagVic CCT]

Intentionally ‘missing’ the point. To the point of denial of factual historical reality.

Not related to this discussion but certainly in line with the last thought, a young colleague of mine in a discussion we were having about an event at work today made an observation which I thought was as insightful as it was simple. He observed that many of us will take being right over being accurate or instructed. Some will even argue to the point of saying things that are both contradictory and stupid in an attempt to remain right.

This was about an event with a customer. Guy made a fool of himself with his argument. It changed directions more often than a woman in a shopping mall where everything is 60 percent off. OK, a little mesoganistic, but trying to be humorous. My wife would laugh at that image. I try to gauge many of the things I say based on her reaction. She's a real woman not offended by trivial things, but has a real feminine sensibility which I would never offend. I digress, but it's good to count one's blessings on occasion.

Maybe we should start a thread extolling the virtues of our women. We probably owe it to them.

 

[KeepRidin!]

How bout its not woke at all. They went to the black and white because it doesn't jump out as a color conflict on some paints, its easier to mass produce and, I noticed they said help get rid of them but taking our existing inventory.

I think its to clear out the aging inventory by letting folks know the multi color Indian logos may be collectibles. Sounds like a lot to do about nothing. Dog is right, he has not a clue about Polaris if he says they finally got it right on building motorcycles.

I hope you're right. However, I think if that's the case, I think it's still stupid to get rid of the colored logo.

 

[KeepRidin!]

Seems like yesterday, a lot of Vic riders were upset at Polaris for not making new bikes for Victory. Polaris would simply change out paint schemes and handlebars on the the same bikes, and slap different names on them.

 

[IndyVictory]

HD has done that for years. Heritage they call it. I call it boring old design. I give Indian some credit they have been evolving the design, slowly. Better than being stuck in the past.

Indian and others would do well selling as accessory wider saddlebags that fit in place of the stock. It would probably sell so well they end up changing the stock to a larger size. Doesn't take much, 2-3 inches can create a lot of additional space. It's the biggest gripe I have with any brand. I don't care if it's a bubble butt look I want function over form.

 

[don07tncav]

Woke...smoke... who gives a crap. We all know Polarass upper management are idiots.

 

[IndyVictory]

I think I already said it but can't remember.

I'm seeing ads online for new Indian bikes and they all have the name only with none of chief guy on them. Would anyone really care if they had only the name without an Indian figure? Then it's just a name on the tank like every other brand. I personally don't care either way what is on side of bikes. It's gonna get dirty anyway. 🤷‍♂️

 

[Depot Picker]

Wouldn't bother me either way.

 

[Flyboy]

I recall when the Boardwalk came out and ended up replacing my beloved Kingpin, I replied to a post that I thought the Boardwalk looked quite similar to the Pin. I was quickly shutdown on that one (but never took it personally with this group).

IMHO sometimes it's better to leave things be and just go for a ride . Have a great weekend all!

What the Hell are you saying? I was looking at the Pin and went with the Boardy because the fenders are innies and the Pin outies and the seat is a outies to the Pin’s innie. Ah, the taillight is different and….

Give me a minute… ah then there is the, ah, yeah the fenders…

 

[Flyboy]

The Thunderstroke engine was new and unique.

Pushrods and all…

 

[KeepRidin!]

Pushrods and all…

Yeah that, and I was thinking more along the line of it has two cylinders. Or wait, maybe Polaris copied that from Harley, when they made Victory?

 

[KeepRidin!]

What the Hell are you saying? I was looking at the Pin and went with the Boardy because the fenders are innies and the Pin outies and the seat is a outies to the Pin’s innie. Ah, the taillight is different and….

Give me a minute… ah then there is the, ah, yeah the fenders…

View attachment 640388
View attachment 640387

They both have tires.

 

[Rags]

What the Hell are you saying? I was looking at the Pin and went with the Boardy because the fenders are innies and the Pin outies and the seat is a outies to the Pin’s innie. Ah, the taillight is different and….

Give me a minute… ah then there is the, ah, yeah the fenders…

View attachment 640388
View attachment 640387

Lol, they are Cousins............................