It has been interesting, being on the periphery of Victory motorcycle’s attempt to establish the brand in New Zealand. KR has followed the bikes since our first introduction and ride at a low-key launch (I was the only one there) in early 2008.
Subsequent extended periods testing and touring on various models has proved them to be interesting, capable machines, with their own unique personality.
Hopefully for their enthusiast's and the parent company’s sake, the third attempt at establishing retail footholds in NZ will be as successful as those across the ditch.
They certainly gave the regional Press corps every opportunity to appreciate the bikes at the new Cross Country and Cross Roads model release on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.
Stretch limousines transported representatives from a number of Australasian publications to the five-star Hyatt Coolum Resort where National Sales Manager, Peter Harvey, along with AMA Hall of Famer and Polaris Industries VP – Motorcycles, Mark Blackwell, greeted us.
We were then introduced to the new bikes, given a full briefing on the entire model range, and presented with an overview of the Brand and their plans. Peter and Mark were both keen to point out that the region is important to the growth of Victory as a Global Player and they intend to be successful in NZ.
I ran the Handycam during the presentations so here's an idea of how it went down.
'Big Dave's' Home Movie:
Mark Blackwell Introduces the new Cross Series Bikes:
Mark also gave an overview of the rest of the Victory Range:
I really liked this Corey Ness Custom too.
The full report and ride impressions will be in the next print edition of KR.
We also got a look at the Core motorcycle - a Video of that beastie is here.
Back in Auckland I called in to see the new Dealer TMG in Broadway and they are putting together a nice display and selection of Demo bikes. Well worth a look next time you are in Newmarket.