Author |
Message |
Rwven
| Posted on Thursday, February 04, 2010 - 08:37 am: |
|
in HD's product line? http://www.motorcycledaily.com/03february10_victor yacq.htm Polaris Industries, parent company of Victory Motorcycles, announced today that it has acquired Swissauto Powersports, a revered internal combustion engine designer/developer with numerous wins and pole positions at the highest level of motorcycle GP racing. The small, entrepreneurial Swissauto (with roughly 30 employees) still displays an 86 pound, 200 horsepower, 500cc V-4 two-stroke on it's website. That weight includes the gearbox and clutch! This engine has seen great success in sidecar racing as well. Swissauto is also adept at the design and development of lightweight and powerful 4-strokes, as well. Not to mention their respected abilities with forced induction. |
Fung
| Posted on Thursday, February 04, 2010 - 08:59 am: |
|
lets just hope they do something cool with it. |
Elvis
| Posted on Thursday, February 04, 2010 - 09:16 am: |
|
I know of a highly talented chasis designer who could build a kick-ass bike around the right engine . . . and it just so happens he's looking for work. If Harley continues to play hard-ball with the Buell rights, how great would it be to see Erik go to work with Polaris and create a bike that will help them gain the image as the American motorcycle manufacturer of the 21st century? . . . which would lead to increased cruiser sales and really stick it to Harley in a way that a simple sale of rights to BRP never would have done. |
Indybuell
| Posted on Thursday, February 04, 2010 - 09:50 am: |
|
Now they just need a chassis that isn't totally fugly! |
Jandj_davis
| Posted on Thursday, February 04, 2010 - 11:29 am: |
|
I am wondering if this is another step in the route to a new "Buell." There were rumers that Polaris would try to buy Buell from HD. Maybe since HD won't sell, they'll develop their own American sport bike. I would be a fan. |
Midknyte
| Posted on Thursday, February 04, 2010 - 12:17 pm: |
|
There were rumers that Polaris would try to buy Buell... Where did those rumors really come from though? Polaris actually making moves? Or all of us wishing they would?} |
Squintz
| Posted on Thursday, February 04, 2010 - 12:42 pm: |
|
I think what will be interesting is if they develop a new sportbike under a new name. And then let Erik design that brand for the sportbike market. |
86129squids
| Posted on Thursday, February 04, 2010 - 12:54 pm: |
|
OMG I MUST have one of those V-4 motors!! I miss 2-strokes- that motor must be pure aural SEX in Hefner's grotto- THEN the power to weight ratio in a real machine would be insane. I'm always intrigued to see how Polaris/Victory continue to develop- several of their latest models really look to be well thought-out. Of course they depreciate like a leaden turd after new, but leaving that aside I think they pose a threat to HD in the long run. Wish I could've taken advantage of that rental promo they had at the end of last year... |
Sifo
| Posted on Thursday, February 04, 2010 - 01:55 pm: |
|
Polaris getting into the sport bike market would be great... As long as they don't try to style it like their touring model... Yeah, you know the one... I know some love it, but |
Skinstains
| Posted on Thursday, February 04, 2010 - 02:30 pm: |
|
Victory has my vote. Even before Harley did away with Buell I thought that Victory was a creepin' up on them. The younger HD types should be looking to seperate themselves from the grey beard crowd and this would be the perfect way. FTF ! |
Court
| Posted on Thursday, February 04, 2010 - 03:39 pm: |
|
If . . . make that BIG IF . . . I were HD I'd be concerned that not long ago there was nothing BUT a Harley-Davidson. I . . and most buyers . . . were less concerned with what it cost than what it was. A "product differentiation" home run . . classic "pull" marketing. Now . . I now longer WANT it . . I need to be SOLD it. I'd not rule out a Harley-Daivdson. But at well over twice the price of the Victory, and with the Victory getting glowing reviews, Harley-Davidson has effectively slammed the gate on the very market that made them what they are. NWO |
T9r
| Posted on Thursday, February 04, 2010 - 03:44 pm: |
|
In 2010 Victory has come out with some nicely styled cruisers the Cross Roads and Cross Country. http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/victory/201 0-victory-motorcycles-lineup-preview-88589.html I've got the 2007 Hammer S and the out of the box performance is sweet. |
Xb984r
| Posted on Thursday, February 04, 2010 - 05:14 pm: |
|
"But at well over twice the price of the Victory, and with the Victory getting glowing reviews, Harley-Davidson has effectively slammed the gate on the very market that made them what they are. " Just what Victory is half the price of a comparable Harley? |
Cityxslicker
| Posted on Thursday, February 04, 2010 - 06:12 pm: |
|
They put that 500cc two smoker in a dirty frame and knobby set up, they have my biz. If Buell modified the CORE frame around a smaller displacement motor, with rear sets and more sport oriented bars.... I would be in for that too. Retirement accounts are over rated. I would rather have the bikes now |
Mmmi_grad
| Posted on Thursday, February 04, 2010 - 06:22 pm: |
|
I guess this is a good place to express my continued support and forever appreciation to the Victory " brand " coff coff , Sorry I meant Victory motorcycles there really hahahah!! If it wasnt for Victory Bikes, hd would still be just the same old company........................................... ...enough. |
Midknyte
| Posted on Friday, February 05, 2010 - 10:12 am: |
|
hd would still be just the same old company
|