Dan,
You are correct sir. The bikes simply have to work as designed from the get go. And if they don't, there needs to be a dealer nearby who gets supported by the manufacturer as needed. My current bike is the first Victory I've ever owned. Since I was new to the brand when I bought it I also bought the extended warranty. It was only $360 for an additional 3 years and covered everything but the normal wear items. At 11K miles I needed that warranty as the rear head had a porous spot and needed to be replaced. It never leaked or dripped a drop of oil. A Victory tuner noticed a dime sized moist spot between the valve cover and the head gasket when he was installing aftermarket cams and a few other performance items. Polaris quickly and without effort on the dealer or my part covered everything 100%. I didn't even have to pay a deductible.
In nearly 69K miles, the only other time my Victory has been back to a shop is for tires. So far it's been 100% reliable. Sadder yet for a Moto Guzzi owner or a prospective owner is that even though Polaris killed off the Victory brand a couple years ago, servicing dealers are plentiful as are outlets for parts. Every Victory dealer and/or technician I've ever talked to had the same thought, if they had to make a living servicing Victory motorcycles they'd never remain in business.
But as I get older and if my wife one day decides she isn't really interested in riding any longer, I'll likely downsize (in weight and engine size) to a smaller motorcycle. If Moto Guzzi has something I like I'd not hesitate to buy another one. A steel frame Victory is also an excellent option as a smaller/lighter bike but with the same big 106" engine.
Recently there was a guy trying to sell an absolutely gorgeous 2014 black Victory Boardwalk with only 2300 miles on it. He had a factory windshield, saddlebags and even a cover as well. He started at $6800, didn't get any interest and then went to $6000. I'm just not ready for a smaller bike at this time or I would have bought that beautiful Boardwalk. Then put the Victory Judge mag wheels on it along with a pair of Victory ape handlebars. Of course then I'd have to do everything I've already done with my current Victory to enhance the performance of the Boardwalk. I know I can't leave the factory performance as it is so that starts a whole new money train of parts needed. But I trust there will be deals a plenty when I'm ready.