Evidently, all manufacturers want you to demo their bikes. This year, Harley-Davidson and Victory are making huge efforts to convince you to twist the throttle of their new models and to compare to what you currently ride… or to what you just test rode at the competitor demo site. Victory incites you by offering you some money, Harley-Davidson by multiplying the events and offering beginners a stationary ride on a real motorcycle.
In addition to 180 free demo events hosted this year at Harley-Davidson dealerships, other company Demo Events are offered in more than 15 locations and are staffed by Harley-Davidson employees. What’s new? Harley-davidson now offers the opportunity for non-riders to experience their “Jumpstart”, a stationary motorcycle allowing aspiring customers to learn how to start, shift and twist the throttle on a fully-functioning motorcycle that does not move.
For those around NY state, the next Harley-Davidson one-day Dare to Compare Experience will be held June 6-11 at the Americade Motorcycle Rally (the biggest motorcycle touring rally in the world) and will offer riders not only their demo test rides, but also the option to swap their competitive brand motorcycle to test ride during a full day a 2011 Harley-Davidson motorcycle. The Dare to Compare Experience is offered on a first-come, first-serve basis with select models from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. It will be located at the Beach Road Lot down the hill from Fort William Henry. These rides are free, but participants must bring a valid motorcycle license, sign a release form and wear eye protection and a helmet that meets DOT requirements (picture copyright Harley-Davidson)
Can you really compare a Harley to any other machine in this world
To me no they are one of a kind
Yes, they are one a kind, Baggers and Sportsters with nothing much in the middle anymore. I purchased a new Victory Jackpot, for the 106 engine, 250 tire, nice paint and chrome. So far I have added some new bars and it is a very impressive motorcycle.
And it is ALL American. I hope Harley comes out with some newer exciting models again, like the FX line tricked out, but they won’t!
Give some credit to HD, they have come a long way in improving the styling, more models. Added more CVO options then ever before. Improved their accessory line of products. Remember the days the first thing everyone did was replace the seat back in the day,,lol. Just a couple years ago the went with side mount lights on the Dyna, and removed the tail on some models, etc. Within 5 yrs they released 6speed, and 96cci, ETC throttle, Brembo Calipers, 17″, 18″ wheels. List goes on.
I have to also give credit to the custom market, you guys on this blog with brilliant and innovative custom design that i believe have influenced the accessories market that HD picked up on in the last 10-15 yrs. Hats off to you all custom builders!! May be off topic but had to get that off my chest
That stationary Harley is really cool and fun to ride. I remember riding the one in front of the grocery store as a small child. Very innovative.
” start, shift and twist the throttle on a fully-functioning motorcycle that does not move.” Sounds like my first bike, a 120cc Suzuki 🙂
Lets compare the Harley Davidson Streetglide to the Victory Cross Country…
Victory 106CI engine / HD – 96CI engine
Victory 6 speed true Over Drive (100K mile trans) / HD 6 speed trans
Victory Oil & Air Cooled / HD Air Cooled
Victory Overhead cams / HD no
Victory 4 Valves per head / HD 2 Valves per head
Victory 109 ft lbs of torque / HD 92.6 ft lbs of torque
Victory 1 fluid / HD 3 fluids
Victory Weight 765lbs / HD 773 lbs
Fuel Capacity 5.8 Gal / HD 6 Gal
Victory Cast aluminum frame / HD Steel Tube
Victory Dual Overhead cams / HD Standard Pushrod
Victory Cruise Control / HD Cruise Control Upgrade cost
Victory Storage space 21 gal / HD not listed (but smaller)
Victory Neutral Assist / HD No
Victory Oversized Floorboards / HD Standard Floorboards
Victory $17,999 MSRP / HD $18,999 MSRP
Victory American Made / HD American Made
After riding a Streetglide and a Cross Country and researching the above specs and pricing, it is obvious that you get more bang for your buck, require less maintenance, and overall get more bells & whistles out of a Victory than a Harley Davidson – They are both American made and both are great bikes but if you dare to compare……..In my opinion, Victory takes it Hands down!