I realize that this question is also to do with preference.  There might not even be a comparison between the two and no offense is meant.  I am just trying to figure out what is the best to get in regards to everything.  That will be reliability, after buy support, cost of ownership, mpg, everything.  I am trying to make an informed decision and would like some feedback from the experienced ones out there.

I was gung ho to go and get a Victory but then a Fatboy caught my eye and I started considering Harleys.  As this will be a bike that I will keep for a very very long time, I want to make sure that I am getting the best for my money in all aspects.  I know that Harley has been around for LOT longer and has the community that Victory does not have yet (although it is growing).  So with all things considered, I am trying to make that decision.

Any feedback would be appreciated.

Thanks!!  

I was in the same dilema four years ago, I couldn't decide between the softail deluxe or the victory kingpin.  Both are great bikes with the same ballpark price, so its really a matter of which bike fits your body.  The best way is to test ride each bike and see how it feels on the road, I know the Victory dealer by me has tests rides and so does certain Harley dealers. Good luck and have fun.
btw - I got the softail deluxe.  

Time to get real, friend....Had a new '91 H-D Sportster for 13 years ($5K new), put 93K miles on it and a year ago, sold it for -- yup, $5K! (albeit, lot's of accessories).....Point is, H-D is the real thing -- the rest are just playing catch-up.....Went out and got a brand new '07 H-D Night Rod.....If the bike were a woman, I'd MARRY it!.......A Harley (if you're into bikes) will become part of your soul....The rest -- and some ARE very nice -- are just two-wheeled transportation......Trust me; I'm a lawyer.....gr8ital  

I went through this not to long ago. I was trying to decide between a roadking or a kingpin tour.  I looked at it like this.
Roadking has better resale and better aftermarket and better bags, though the kingpins trunk more then made up for space. The kingpin had alot more power and ran smoother, has better suspension, has better brakes and from my own research is more reliable and looks better to me. I rode both, the harley feels small and weak compared to the victory. I bought the victory cause it is with out a doubt a better bike.
Try to ride them first and buy what you like best.
Good luck.  

I'm not sure you have a big of a dillimma as you think. Consider - Harley has a great reputation, but that's about it. Considering what Harley charges for thier bikes you would think you would get much more advanced suspension, braking, etc. Harley has become so busy in marketing their products somewhere along the line they forgot to keep up with the things that matter...suspensions, brakes, etc. I sold my Harley Deuce 2 weeks ago. I chose a BMW RT. Harley's are great for putt putting around town, but not much else. The Victory's have come on strong as far as providing high quality suspensions, brakes, etc. If you have to go with one or the other - go with the Victory. Feel free to contact me I will certainly share my experiences with Harley and their dealers - whole other story my friend!  

I agree with Fender61 Harleys are like any other Brand name out there except you really do pay alot more for there bikes, If you look at every comparison that is done with professionals you will see they don't like the Harley's they would rather have another machine!! besides that your insurance on a Harley is a ton more because they are more stolen and the price to fix them is higher  

I am in the market for a new bike right now and am looking at the HD Electra Glide Standard and Road King.  I am also looking at the Triumph Rocket III Tourer and a couple of others.  I see the comments made here about HD bikes being expensive but when I look at Victory bikes, they seem to cost just as much, especially if you are looking a touring type bike.  Granted you get a few more cc's out of the Victory, but in a price comparison they seem pretty even to me.  Now, I don't know about maintenance or repairs and how that drives up the cost of one versus another as that certainly factors in, but from a pure MSRP comparison, I just don't see a real difference.  

It's not the MSRP that is a problem with Harley, it's the price for repairs and the frequencies you have to sometimes repair them.  Every piece of equipment you replace or fix has that Harley Logo and thus expensive price tag.  The last thing about Harley's is how expensive they are to Insure them- more than a bullet bike.

When you add it all makes you think what's so great about the Legendary Brand Harley Davidson? and the answer you are given is not so much Legendary as Old and Classic thus earning a place in bike hall of fame like every company thats bee around a long time!!!  

I believe that once you reach this point, price should not be your biggest concern as others have stated.  It comes down to what you personally want out of you motorcycle experience.  If you are going to ride with a bounch of guys that are into Harley's, you would most likely enjoy being on a Harley right along with them.  If you are looking a bike that will set you appart from the crowd take the Victory.  I can't say that Harley or Victory is better than the other, I beleive them to be very comparable, but the Victory's have more "personality".  I have a 2006 Jackpot, and I couldn't be happier with my choice.  10,000 miles and not the first problem.  For some specifics just riding around I get 40~45mpg, on the interstate running 80ish the best I have got is 52mpg.  I change the oil and filter and keep gas in it, I put a new front tire on at 7,500 miles, not real happy with the factory Donlop so I put on Metzler, and that is pretty much my true cost of ownership.
Good Luck  

edwardsclan:
It's not the MSRP that is a problem with Harley, it's the price for repairs and the frequencies you have to sometimes repair them.  Every piece of equipment you replace or fix has that Harley Logo and thus expensive price tag.  The last thing about Harley's is how expensive they are to Insure them- more than a bullet bike.

When you add it all makes you think what's so great about the Legendary Brand Harley Davidson? and the answer you are given is not so much Legendary as Old and Classic thus earning a place in bike hall of fame like every company thats bee around a long time!!!

Now I got it...I have not got that far into my search (checking insurance, maintenance, etc).  I am getting close and will make sure I check that out.  Funny thing about Harley's is that every owner you talk to say it is the greatest thing on 2 wheels, so it is hard to tell since HD does a great job of marketing an image and so many people have drank the Kool Aid.  I've ridden some of my friend's bikes and I liked them, but I have never had to deal with maintaining one.  

An don't forget the over heat problem Harley has to, i know its true because my uncle got one an his son does the same thing over heats an they done an they done everything Harley said to do an still they over heat an die. So i bought Vulcan 2000 for my up grade from a 750 Honda  ( very  Happy with my choice )  

Harley-Davidson is a lifestyle... the rest are just motorcycles!!!  

Christian2003:
Harley-Davidson is a lifestyle... the rest are just motorcycles!!!

I have a life, I am looking for a good bike...  

dude, go for the victory. i had a 2003 dyna and took a victory vegas for a ride on a whim. i took the victory home. the Hd is an ok bike but compared to the vegas it was under powered and handled like a tank. HD has a lot going for it, lots of dealers and t-shirts. but the victory is new and victory seems to be a company that will build better and newer bikes. plus when i walk into the crowd i can find my bike in the sea of look a likes. but it really boils down to what you want.  

I bought a vic in 01 glad I did rides better less trouble then I ever had with my harley, My brother rode mine in 02 and got rid of his harley for a victory TC, A friend of mine had his heart set on a harley, after riding my vic he bought one in 02 and a arlen ness kingoin in 04, dealing with victory has been refreshing compared to some others, read the article about the jd powers ratings, victory scored highest on ALL counts in the 05 year, anyhow just my 2 cents worth .
Anyhow you can choose to follow the pack, or you can choose to lead on a victory.......