 VIctory Kingpin
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Got to take a test ride this past weekend.I must say I did enjoy riding the Kingpin.It handled nice and easy and rode nice.Plenty of power and felt solid. I took the Cross Country out,but had to turn around due to a shifter coming loose,so I did not really get to ride it.I did want to take it but ran out of time. Some poor guy dumped one with bags and trunk in the parking lot after returning from a demo ride  . I rode a Hammer and it actually steered pretty good for a fat rear tire,but it's rear shock was set for somebody far heavier than my 175-lbs. What do you people have to say that have put a few miles on these bikes? Are they as reliable as they say? What problems occur most often. Do you ever get use to the clunk into first gear? I also noticed the front brakes on the demos seem to be a little warped possibly,and noisey. Overall I really enjoyed the Kingpin 8 Ball.If I every go for a new big bike this may be it,but not soon.
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Re: VIctory Kingpin
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Joined: Jan 2006
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Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
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Well, I may be a bit prejudice but they are like granite. The clunk is a drive gear. They have a gear instead of a drive chain. It makes the transmission mega solid. I don't notice the clunking and clacking anymore. That is why you get louder pipes.  I do notice the torque and horsepower though. They just don't break. They are very dependable. The brakes on the demo units must be abuse, they come standard with Brembo and braided lines. Mine pulls down speed very fast with no pulse or vibration. The most common problem is keeping your wrist out of it. They eat up asphalt when you twist them up. JD Power wrote up the Victory motor as outstanding. in 06 and 07. The bike will cruise 80-100 MPH and never breath hard. They have the same problem Triumphs have at gatherings. They draw a crowd. Click the link in my sig that says black. That one is mine.
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
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Re: VIctory Kingpin
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Joined: Apr 2007
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Very nice satron.How many miles on it now?
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Re: VIctory Kingpin
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Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
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I was editing as you were posting.
11K or so on it. Oil changes only. Up on a rear tire and brakes now. Amsoil calms the clank in 1st down significanly by the way. One fuse and one relay went after getting caught in a brown out (Sand Storm) in April in New Mexico. It simply has not broken from any form of mechanical weakness.
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
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Re: VIctory Kingpin
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Joined: Apr 2006
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2006
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Glad you enjoyed your Victory demos. We had a 2006 Kingpin which was totalled after only 4,000 miles, but that bike was great.  After the crash, we replaced it with a 2008 Kingpin which we put 26,000 trouble-free miles on in just over 2 years. With the only mod being Stage 1 pipes it dyno'ed at something like 83 HP and 103 ft lbs of TQ. Very strong. We also had a 2006 Vegas. Fast. Very, very fast. In April this year we picked up a 2008 Vision Tour Premium as a leftover demo that we got a great deal on. Super-comfortable, great torque in all gears and super reliable. In only 5 months we put over 12,000 miles on it. Plenty of storage. The handling on that motorcycle is amazing! The Vision is the best-handling motorcycle I've ever ridden, period. The styling of the Vision is not for everyone but if you're looking for a great touring cruiser, the Vision is IT. The Vision also has tipover outriggers. If you drop the bike, it lands with a clunk on an angle, and you pick it up. No damage to any working parts or body work. The only reason it's not on the road now is that a deer ran into the sdie of us up in Michigan.  The bike did not go down and we put another 1,300 miles on it going home before leaving at the shop for fairing repairs. Over the summer we also traded in the Vegas & KP on a 2009 Vision Street without the trunk. We just didn't have room for 3 motorcycles! lol You might want to try the Cross Roads or Cross Country. They handle similar to a Vision but with more traditional cruiser styling. You would have no regrets buying and riding a Victory. They are super-reliable. Gas, oil & tires, that's it. Good luck & best wishes.  
Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
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Re: VIctory Kingpin
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Joined: Aug 2009
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My buddy has an 8-ball. Thing does ride nice and sounds great. Not my style of bike but it rides great. He has had a few problems with his. Speedo stopped working, some kind of sensor issue. Don't remember the details.
2008 Speedy, AI removed, DIY airbox destruction with K&N filters, spectres, re-jetted and "custom" rattle can paint job.
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Re: VIctory Kingpin
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
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Yep. The Cross Country is on my short list for a two up tourer.
Contra todo mal, mezcal; contra todo bien, también
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Re: VIctory Kingpin
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I heard there is another demo ride in this area again this coming weekend.A little farther to go to,but I may make the trip to ride a few more models.Very tempting to take the plung and get another bike,just tooo many other bills right now.May even consider used if I got a great deal.
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Re: VIctory Kingpin
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Joined: Jan 2005
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"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
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My coworker loves his 2006 Kingpin.
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Re: VIctory Kingpin
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Joined: Apr 2006
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Quote:
I heard there is another demo ride in this area again this coming weekend.A little farther to go to,but I may make the trip to ride a few more models.Very tempting to take the plung and get another bike,just tooo many other bills right now.May even consider used if I got a great deal.
The Kingpin used to be Victory's best seller, until the Vision and Cross Country arrived. If you can find a dealer with a leftover KP, you can swing a great deal. Good luck.
Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
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Re: VIctory Kingpin
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Joined: Jan 2006
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Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
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You can buy a new leftover Kingpin for about 11k and a very good used one 06-08 for 8-10K loaded with accessories.
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
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Re: VIctory Kingpin
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Quote:
Yep. The Cross Country is on my short list for a two up tourer.
I dunno Bill, the styling is a bit too ... "something" for me.
I still want my motorcycle to resemble a motorcycle.
This is too much designer plastic (for me):
Bedouin.
Blessed are those eyes that have seen more roads than any man! (Homer).
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Re: VIctory Kingpin
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Well Thanassis, you do know, don't ya, that if that Victory variation of Harley's Electra Glide "Batwing" on their Cross Country is offending to the eye, that they also make the Cross Bones model, which is more like Harley's Road King, and which features a quick-release detachable windshield.
(...and I think both of those aforementioned Victory models are a far sight better looking than is Victory's Vision model...though I have to admit that every single Vision owner I've met out there do tend to rave about their Vision as "being the best bike they've ever owned")
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: VIctory Kingpin
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Quote:
Well Thanassis, you do know, don't ya, that if that Victory various of Harley's Electra Glide "Batwing" on their Cross Country is offending to the eye, that they also make the Cross Bones model, which is more like Harley's Road King, and which features a quick-release detachable windshield.
I think you mean another model, the Cross Bones is a Harley (and the only one I actually like).
Bedouin.
Blessed are those eyes that have seen more roads than any man! (Homer).
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Re: VIctory Kingpin
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Joined: Apr 2006
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Quote:
Quote:
Well Thanassis, you do know, don't ya, that if that Victory various of Harley's Electra Glide "Batwing" on their Cross Country is offending to the eye, that they also make the Cross Bones model, which is more like Harley's Road King, and which features a quick-release detachable windshield.
I think you mean another model, the Cross Bones is a Harley (and the only one I actually like).
Indeed, I'm sure Dwight meant Cross Roads...
Cross Roads
Last edited by Speedmaster05; 10/01/2010 12:57 PM.
Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
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Re: VIctory Kingpin
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Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Well Thanassis, you do know, don't ya, that if that Victory various of Harley's Electra Glide "Batwing" on their Cross Country is offending to the eye, that they also make the Cross Bones model, which is more like Harley's Road King, and which features a quick-release detachable windshield.
I think you mean another model, the Cross Bones is a Harley (and the only one I actually like).
Indeed, I'm sure Dwight mean the Cross Roads...
Cross Roads
Yep! Thanks Kevin. I did indeed mean the "Cross Roads".
(darn...that's the first mistake I've made all year  ...but at least UncleCharlie will probably be glad to see I was wrong for once if he sees this...he "hates" that I'm usually right, ya know!) 
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: VIctory Kingpin
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Joined: Jan 2006
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Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
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As you know Dwight, I am one of those.
The Victory is the best bike I have ever been a caretaker of.
I have and have had a lot of bikes over the last 43 years of riding.
Nothing cruises with character like my Victory. Not trying to be anything but a Victory. I also like supporting my national manufacturer who is willing to spend money on quality and performance in one package.
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
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Re: VIctory Kingpin
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Joined: Apr 2006
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Quote:
Quote:
Yep. The Cross Country is on my short list for a two up tourer.
I still want my motorcycle to resemble a motorcycle.
I used to think that too!
The day after I traded in my Kingpin & Vegas on the second Vision I had a panic attack that I didn't own a motorcycle with any sheet metal on it - all aluminum frame and plastic fairing!
But I recovered quickly after another ride on the Vision. The comination of power, handling, comfort and creature comforts blow everything else away IMHO.
My wife loves the Vision and refuses to allow me to even THINK about a Cross Roads! It was her idea that we trade in the 2 bikes and get the second Vision!
Especially after doing a 2,000 mile trip with a buddy on a Thruxton, whose Tiger was down for the count for repairs. He was one sore hombre.
Now that Vision 1 is getting repaired from the deer strike a few weeks ago, her wisdom is shining through. We'll take Vision 2 on our 1,500 mile road trip next weekend.
Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
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Re: VIctory Kingpin
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Bedouin.
Blessed are those eyes that have seen more roads than any man! (Homer).
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Re: VIctory Kingpin
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Joined: Jan 2006
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Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
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I went for a few hundred mile ride outside San Antonio in hill country called The Sisters. Really means nothing to those not from Texas. Anyhow was with a group of Victory riders. 3-4 Visions.
Wow! those guys threw those things around the corners like they were sport bikes! We all left some metal on the road but the Vision (other than looking art deco) really handles and runs out well.
Don't know about the Cross Country. I am not sure what that big wing is for. Is it tipover protection?
I know what you mean Bedoin. We used to laugh ourselves silly at that funny looking airheads back in the day.
Its all a matter of what you like.
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
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Re: VIctory Kingpin
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Joined: Apr 2006
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Quote:
Anyhow was with a group of Victory riders. 3-4 Visions.
Wow! those guys threw those things around the corners like they were sport bikes! We all left some metal on the road but the Vision (other than looking art deco) really handles and runs out well.
Don't know about the Cross Country. I am not sure what that big wing is for. Is it tipover protection?
Ron, it ain't easy dragging the tipovers on a Vision! I did it once, and we were basically horizontal sideways. lol
Usually the Vision riders that are dragging anything are dragging aftermarket highway pegs. The ground clearance on a Vision is very good considering the low center of gravity.
On the Cross Country those are functional engine guards. The other option is the traditional tubular engine guard.
Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
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Re: VIctory Kingpin
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Joined: Aug 2005
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Loquacious
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Quote:
The only reason it's not on the road now is that a deer ran into the sdie of us up in Michigan.
everyone ok I hope
Erwin
05 America
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Re: VIctory Kingpin
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Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
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Kevin, I don't know what they were dragging two did have highway bars. I know I was dragging floorboards.
Well, you used to have a KP so you know that situation. They are way lower than they are able to go so you leave some metal behind with regularity. The boards seem to be able to take the abuse though.
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
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Re: VIctory Kingpin
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Quote:
Quote:
The only reason it's not on the road now is that a deer ran into the sdie of us up in Michigan.
everyone ok I hope
Thanks Erwin, everyone was fine - except the deer.
The tipovers and floorboard extensions gutted it cleanly.
Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
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Re: VIctory Kingpin
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Quote:
We used to laugh ourselves silly at that funny looking airheads back in the day.
Which funny airhead would that be?
Bedouin.
Blessed are those eyes that have seen more roads than any man! (Homer).
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Re: VIctory Kingpin
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Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
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Quote:
Which funny airhead would that be?
 ???
Contra todo mal, mezcal; contra todo bien, también
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Re: VIctory Kingpin
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Bedouin.
Blessed are those eyes that have seen more roads than any man! (Homer).
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Re: VIctory Kingpin
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Joined: Feb 2005
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
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 Yeah! Good one, Bill!!!
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: VIctory Kingpin
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Joined: Feb 2005
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
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Btw, after seein' both the pictures of Thanassis' Beemer AND her in this thread, I'm now tryin' like the devil to think up how to make up a joke about ridin' Suzanne Somers through Europe! (...even though of course, Thanassis' R1100RT is an "OILhead")
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: VIctory Kingpin
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
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It'll have to make reference to a thighmaster..... Oh, btw, welcome back 
Last edited by bigbill; 10/02/2010 8:30 PM.
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Re: VIctory Kingpin
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Joined: Jan 2006
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Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
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The one with the big jugs hanging out.
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
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Re: VIctory Kingpin
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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If you mean the picture of the Beemer I posted, you are confusing me because that isn't an "airhead". That's why I asked for clarification. Plus, it'll be the first time in 15 years I hear someone say it looks funny (which is fine by me) ... and to then say they (whoever your WE is) laughed themselves silly. It's gotta be something I said .
Bedouin.
Blessed are those eyes that have seen more roads than any man! (Homer).
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Re: VIctory Kingpin
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821
Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
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Dwight mentioned that yours is an "oilhead". Besides, we're off the bikes and on Suzanne Somers. 
Contra todo mal, mezcal; contra todo bien, también
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Re: VIctory Kingpin
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Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
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That bike is not an airhead. I used airhead intentionally because we thought they were butt ugly. Others loved them. The post was to say not all bikes are for all people. I was agreeing with you. If you would like to know what I think of your bike you posted feel free to ask in another thread. I am not shy at all. But this was a thread started about Victory asking for those with Victory experience what they thought. Now about Ms. Summers the other airhead with the big jugs. 
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
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Re: VIctory Kingpin
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
Hey, welcome back, Dwight.
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Re: VIctory Kingpin
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Quote:
That bike is not an airhead. I used airhead intentionally because we thought they were butt ugly.
Oh ok.
Your lines "We used to laugh ourselves silly at that funny looking airheads back in the day. "and when I asked what you meant, your line "The one with the big jugs hanging out" sound very much like you were referring to the bike in the picture.
Thanks for clarifying that.
"Now about Ms. Summers the other airhead with the big jugs."
Those would be air-cooled parallel twins.
Airheads have opposed "boxer" twins.
Bedouin.
Blessed are those eyes that have seen more roads than any man! (Homer).
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Re: VIctory Kingpin
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Adjunct
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How is the general maintenance on the newer Victories? I had heard that the first time the air filter is changed, the frame needs to be cut???
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Re: VIctory Kingpin
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,702 Likes: 22
Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,702 Likes: 22 |
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
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Re: VIctory Kingpin
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821
Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
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Quote:
How is the general maintenance on the newer Victories? I had heard that the first time the air filter is changed, the frame needs to be cut???
someone's yankin' yer crank.
Contra todo mal, mezcal; contra todo bien, también
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Re: VIctory Kingpin
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Joined: Apr 2006
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Quote:
How is the general maintenance on the newer Victories? I had heard that the first time the air filter is changed, the frame needs to be cut???
That's some funny stuff right there! lol
Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
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