I always thought the Victory touring bikes looked like someone took a Harley dresser and a Gold Wing, put them in a sack, shook them up, and dumped out the product. The Victorys seemed to be mechanically sound, although a friend of mine told me that the only bike that broke down on his group ride around Lake Michigan was the Victory. Yeah, Harleys break down too, but at least a dealer isn't half a state away. The appearance of the Victorys was simply a turn-off for me. Besides, I hate OHC in anything, and a motorcycle should have push rod tubes. I wish them the best with Indian, and I hope they make it; but again, the appearance isn't my thing. In the defense of Polaris, Indian and Victory probably were a big reason behind Harley's new 8-Valve (in addition to the EPA).
I read that Polaris sells the snot out of the Slingshots, so they are concentrating on that and Indian for street bikes /trikes. I also read that Polaris is going to fork out some major bucks to cover Indian recalls (I'm not gloating, because I bought the first year of a new engine from Mother Harley). I agree with the posts here stating that leisure income is way down since the '08 Crash. By the time the gubmint and health insurance get done with the check, it's about half gone; and the necessities come first. If it's a new bike vs. a new SUV for the wife and kids, it's no contest, especially considering that even $30K won't buy much car anymore. I am optimistic that things are going to turn around, though. I'll stop there, lest I get chewed out for being political.