2015 Victory Vision Tour Abs

This Preliminary Evaluation (PE14006) was opened after NHTSA became aware of alleged steering lockup involving Victory Vision motorcycles built by Polaris Industries, Inc. (Polaris).This issue has been the subject of numerous online forum posts by the filer of VOQ 10534733.Both the VOQs and forum posts (from all sources) formed the foundation of our investigation. The subject motorcycles are equipped with a two-piece, plastic, front fender.The back half (the all-black portion in the photo below) is secured to the fork with a single fastener on each side.It is secured to the front half of the fender with two plastic pushpins.The back half of the subject 2-piece fender is alleged to cause steering lockup when it partially separates and becomes wedged in the lower faring.We have expanded the PE's original scope to include the MY2014 and 2015 Visions because (1) these bikes came on-line after we opened this investigation and (2) the subject fender remains unchanged.Since its introduction in May, 2007, Polaris has produced 7,337 Visions (and trim derivatives).In the 8 years since, we are aware of 35 incidents of partial fender separation wherein the fender wedged in the lower fairing opening.None of the incidents involved a crash.During testing, with the fender both wedged in the lower fairing and with it pinned in the seam joining the right and left lower fairing halves, we noted a ?notchy? steering feel but no steering lock-up.At no time was steering control lost in either circumstance (wedged and/or pinned).When the front forks were rotated at angles greater than 10 degrees, and vehicle speed was, by necessity, below 10mph we noted an increase in steering effort that was easily manageable.This is consistent with the results of Polaris? testing where steering effort increased at steering angles beyond ten degrees.Such steering angles were only reasonably obtainable at speeds below ten mph.Polaris concluded that a fender separation of the type owners allege, does not represent an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety, but does compromise owner satisfaction.Consequently, on April 28, 2015, Polaris advised the agency that it decided to undertake a consumer satisfaction campaign to improve fender durability on all MY 2008-15 Victory Vision motorcycles regardless of mileage, time in service, or ownership status.Owners will receive notification of this campaign by June 20, 2015.A copy of Polaris' April 28, 2015 letter to us about this program is in the public file for this PE.In light of the low risk to motor vehicle safety as a result of displaced fenders, and Polaris?s actions to reduce the likelihood of fender interference through a consumer satisfaction campaign, further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that no safety-related defect exists.The agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.For additional detailed information on this investigation, see the attached closing report.The ODI complaints cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following (ODI) numbers: 10534913, 10535066, 10430546, 10469285, 10468997, 10592181, 10585428, 10534743, 10597031, 10535938, 10594160, 10594161, 10606364

A STOP RIDE MEANS THE CONSUMER MUST NOT OPERATE THEIR VEHICLE UNTIL THE REPAIR IS COMPLETE. We have been made aware that some dealers are incorrectly communicating the importance of STOP RIDE communications.

Victory has determined that some 2015 Victory motorcycle models, designated for sale in the State of California, may not meet emission control standards set forth by the California Air Resource Board (CARB). Some 2015 Victory motorcycles, equipped with California emission control components, may not effectively utilize stored fuel vapor from the charcoal canister. Victory has developed an updated Idle Air Control distribution hose which enables the engine to draw fuel vapor from the charcoal canister into both front and rear cylinders resulting in more complete utilization of stored fuel vapor. The ECM software must also be updated.

This Team Tip is being released to dealers to provide information regarding the required transition to online PCDX and PCDX training.

This Voice of Victory has been released to clearly define Victory Motorcycle’s expectations when filing a warranty claim related to shipping and/or concealed crate damage. In the event that damage occurs during the shipping process, or that damage is concealed under the shipping bag, it is critical to adhere to the claim steps outlined in this communication.

Victory has determined that some 2015 Victory motorcycle models, designated for sale in the State of California, may not meet emission control standards set forth by the California Air Resource Board (CARB). Some 2015 Victory motorcycles, equipped with California emission control components, may not effectively utilize stored fuel vapor from the charcoal canister. Victory has developed an updated Idle Air Control distribution hose which enables the engine to draw fuel vapor from the charcoal canister into both front and rear cylinders resulting in more complete utilization of stored fuel vapor. The ECM software must also be updated.

VICTORY MC: TSB HAS AN OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTER. SELECT DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON BELOW. AT MOUNTING HOLES ON FRONT FENDER HALVES, CRACKS WILL DEVELOP AND EITHER HAVE BOTH OR ONE REPLACED. MODEL 2008-15 VISION. *PE