Victory Motorcycles was an American motorcycle manufacturer established in 1997 by Polaris Industries. The brand was created to compete with Harley-Davidson and quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality, American-made motorcycles. Over the years, Victory Motorcycles developed a loyal customer base and released numerous popular models.
Is Victory Motorcycles still in business? No, Victory Motorcycles is no longer in business. Polaris Industries announced the discontinuation of the brand on January 9, 2017. The decision was made due to several factors, including the competitive pressures in the motorcycle market and the need to focus resources on Polaris’ other motorcycle brand, Indian Motorcycle.
Reasons for Discontinuation
One of the primary reasons for the discontinuation of Victory Motorcycles was the intense competition in the motorcycle industry. Despite producing high-quality bikes, Victory struggled to gain a significant market share against established brands like Harley-Davidson and newer competitors. Additionally, Polaris Industries decided to concentrate its efforts on the Indian Motorcycle brand, which they acquired in 2011. Indian Motorcycle had a stronger brand heritage and was seen as a more viable long-term investment.
Another factor contributing to the decision was the financial performance of Victory Motorcycles. Although the brand had a dedicated following, it was not generating sufficient profits to justify continued investment. Polaris Industries determined that reallocating resources to Indian Motorcycle would provide a better return on investment and allow them to strengthen their position in the market.
Impact on Customers and Dealers
The discontinuation of Victory Motorcycles had a significant impact on customers and dealers. Polaris Industries committed to providing parts, service, and warranty support for a period of 10 years following the announcement. This commitment helped to reassure existing Victory owners that they would still have access to the necessary support to maintain their motorcycles.
For dealers, the discontinuation meant a shift in focus to other brands within the Polaris portfolio, such as Indian Motorcycle. Some dealers who previously sold Victory motorcycles transitioned to selling Indian bikes, while others diversified their offerings to include different brands. The transition required adjustments, but many dealers were able to adapt successfully.
Victory Motorcycles left a lasting legacy in the motorcycle industry. While the brand is no longer in business, its influence can still be seen in the design and engineering of modern motorcycles. Polaris Industries’ decision to discontinue Victory allowed them to strengthen their focus on Indian Motorcycle, which continues to thrive and grow in the market.