SilvrT

Have you checked for any cracks in the exhaust pipes especially at the Y pipe area as I seem to recall this being a problem on some of the 2nd gens. If there is any crack, it will suck air in and cause the spent gasses to explode. I had a similar problem on my '85 and it was caused by cracks in the collector. Once I welded them up, no more backfiring.

Couple other PROs: Speed indicator is accurate with GPS Cruise control works very well. Fuel economy is averaging 45 mpg US (that's over 50 imperial) The CON to that is I'm using 91 octane which is what it calls for. One can use a lower grade as long as the engine doesn't start pinging. I ran some 89 octane for a tank and didn't see any difference.

From what I understand, the current models are better than they were a few years ago but... Yes, they clunk, especially going into 1st. 2nd and 3rd aren't too bad and the shifting method and rpm play a role in that. I've found I can shift up or down in those gears without much clunking at all. 4th, 5th, 6th ... little to no clunking at all. Everyone reports this to be "normal and don't worry about it" ... so I don't. Just like every other bike out there, they all have certain little "quirks". Ya just have to either accept them or move on. I've accepted the quirks which are ... the clunk into 1st, the engine sounds when hard accelerating, the ..... ummmmmmmm ... geeez, can't think of any more One other PRO I didn't mention and since we're talking about the tranny and besides the fact that it is a constant mesh straight-cut gear set .... is the "positive" neutral. Meaning, it is very easy to get neutral on this bike but I haven't had a situation where I've been upshifting from 1st to 2nd and hitting neutral instead.

I did as the Lord did ....

I'm on 2 different Victory forums and yes, there's some complaints about the heat from those "down south" when sitting in stop and go traffic; however, those who've come from the HD world say it isn't as bad as the HD. As for the bike overheating.... not an issue on the Vic as they've done a very good job of engine cooling engineering. It's not only air cooled... it also has a good sized oil cooler. What some guys are doing is removing the catalytic convertors. Those are directly under the engine where the crossover is and they produce massive amounts of heat, which is where a lot of what you feel is coming from. Removing the cats makes a big difference apparently. We don't get a lot of the really hot weather around here but I have noticed the heat on those few warmer days we've had so far ... not enough to bother me though but summer is not here yet so we'll see ... I may gut those cats.

Just about to flip the 2000 km mark so figured I'd update y'all. First of all, I've still got a big grin on my face. For me, this bike is the best of all bikes I've owned. Some Pros: Handling is effortless, especially at slow speeds. You can crank that front wheel a long way and get a really sharp turn. Rider ergonomics / comfort is excellent although I did add a backrest. The floorboards are massive and allows for lots of variance in foot/leg positioning. The brake and shifter are 3-position adjustable (fore/aft) by simply removing a bolt and sliding to the next position. The shifter requires modification to the linkage shaft if you move the shifter to the rear position. Those adjustable upper and lower wind wings are great; however, I'm having difficulty reaching down with my left arm to adjust the right side while blasting down the freeway at 120 km/h Now that it's partially broken in (still needs another 1000-1500 kms), it's smoothing out and I'm tapping into the power a bit more. It has plenty of "get up and go". I'm finding that it likes to run around the 2500-3000 rpm in most any gear and will tend to lug below 2000 although you can "cruise" along easilly at 2000 rpm ... you just don't want to crank it on. I've wound it up to 4000 a couple of times ... red lines at 5200. I've not yet twisted the throttle all the way when "getting on it" so it's hard to comment on it's acceleration ability although 2/3 throttle twist is impressive. Stereo is impressive and has a built-in iPod connection so you can control your iPod from the hand controls by the left grip. Nina says this is the first bike she's actually been able to hear the music clearly on. Passenger comfort (according to Nina) is quite good although a more "voluptuous" lady might have difficulty with the driver back rest installed. Wind buffeting is very minimal. Nina says her sunglasses (which are the over-your-eyeglasses kind) don't bounce around from the wind anymore. Some Cons: This is a V-twin that is solid mounted to the frame. In fact, the engine is considered part of the frame. Even though it is counter-balanced, some vibration is felt when you crank it on. Additionally, engine sounds resonate thru the frame and the gas tank so again, when you crank it on you can really hear the engine. For average "cruising" though about all you can hear is the "puff-puff" sound of the throttle body and the mufflers. The paint is not of the highest quality IMO as it is very susceptible to minor scuffing. I suppose in time and with more waxing jobs it might not be so bad. That said though, it's easy to polish those things out. Used Accessories for this bike are non-existant and OEM and 3rd party ones are still very expensive. For example, I just ordered a trailer hitch and wiring isolator from Bushtec ... $452 shipped to Blaine, WA. The mounting bracket for the driver backrest was $120. Passenger grab handles another $300 !!! I haven't ordered one "yet" but the trunk rack will run me close to $500 !! geeeesh ... do they think they're in the same league as a Hardley?? Those are the only CONs I can come up with. As for the PROs ... there's more but figured I'd save some for another time Did I say I REALLY LIKE this bike??? :smile5:

That's all you need. Hope you don't have a criminal record. DO NOT carry guns, ammo, drugs, etc

Maybe... but it didn't on mine and looked the same after 3 years. I simply cleaned mine really good with paint thinner and then shot it with some high heat black rattle can paint. You can also use a Dupli-Color product called Shadow Chrome (aka Black Chrome). The base color has a built in etching agent that will help with adhesion to chrome.

... and we're finally getting some SUNSHINE and temps above 20 C (68 F)

Kevin, you have to get the 3rd party liability thru ICBC. Megson only provides collision, comprehensive, etc.

I use them. Have been for about 3 years or more. Less expensive than ICBC for a motorcycle; however, it's about the same, maybe a bit more for the cage. I've not had a claim so don't know how they are in that regard. What I do like is when my ICBC basic coverage expires, the priv ins reverts to a storage policy. They insure through Intact insurance.

I've had mine since I was 22 yrs old (44 yrs ago now) ... on the 3rd set now and just like going to a dentist, the price keeps going up LOL Regrets? not a chance! Would I trade for real teeth ... NO. Implants... maybe. One thing about dentures is when ya want to give a REALLY BIG SMILE ... ya CAN! LOL

I'm currently at the lowest rate possible so... it can only go UP from here LOL

maybe so... but I'll never give up tryin!

When I changed insurance over from my Wing to the Vic, the ins agent said I would get a refund of appx $225 ... wooo hooo I thought and off I went with a smile. I got the cheque a couple days ago and then I started thinking about it.... This was for basic 3rd party insurance for only 7 months which I paid just under $600 for. How could the Vic, which is of the same size category, cost that much less??? So, I inquired. Insurance/registration papers have a box for engine size in cubic centimeters. Motorcycles are rated based on that. The Wing was 1800cc The Victory, which is not a "Japanese" make, is listed as 106 .... cubic inches. The insurance agent didn't realize that and put 106 in the cubic centimeters box which gave me an insurance rate for a motorcycle under 400cc. Crap!!! ... now I got to go have my documentation re-done and give the money back

Some folks are exceptions to the "norm"

Not so long ago a guy could pick up an older car for a song and a dance ... today it seems all the older cars have become popular and the prices have shot way up. Back around 1978 I bought this 1970 Plymouth Fury III Sport 2dr H/T with the hideaway headlights and a 383 magnum 4bbl. Power everything on that car and it was in mint shape... got it for $1600 ... that car today would be worth several thousands. Heck, even dumpy old plain jane 4 door boxes are going for more than they originally sold new. hmmmmm... am I hijacking my own thread here? LOL

And in my case, there are those things I buy that I THINK I want to add ... and don't but never take them back to the store ... they just accumulate in my collection of "things" which is now getting to the point that I'm a borderline hoarder LMAO!! Like a couple days ago I bought a set of driving lamps to put on the new Vic ... I'd already installed one pair down low ... figured I'd put these other ones up near the signal lights... then I decided it was going to be too much trouble adapting them so... into the collection of things they went (along with a pair of PIAA lights that I took off the Wing when one of them burnt out) LOL! If I were to add up the purchase value of those "things" I could probably retire!

... than they are in the US and especially in the southern US... becoz .... We don't get to ride as long as y'all do .... (as I sit here looking out the window at a torrential downpour... )

I'm astonished that Miles would suggest cheaping out on such an important farkle

Coz they'll get ya from behind too ... http://hqcowichanvalley.com/home/news/v/Local/195894/Witnesses-lead-RCMP-to-alleged-drunk-driver-after-motorcycle-hit

Having the cats is only to keep it legal and meet EPA regs. Sure, the mfg tunes them appropriately but I figure it's a compromise and without the cats, one can get better tuning, better performance, cooler engine, and smoother overall. (IMHO based on what others are saying). Once I get past end of warranty I plan to do some "performance" mods which will include removing the cats. Now, not that I really NEED more power but hey, I gotta experiment with chit during winter downtime yanno ..

ya, I've noticed a lot of blueing on my pipes too, especially where the crossover is and that's right where the cats are. I can feel the heat on my right leg when we're stopped at a light but it's not so hot that it bothers me. Good thing there is chrome shields that help keep it looking nice LOL

Guys on the Victory forums are simply gutting or removing the cats ... and apparently it reduces the heat quite a bit.