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Fountain Inn, SC United States | I've got a friend who's looking to buy a vision and his main question is, "What changes/improvements were made from the early '08 models?"
I can't think of any major problems that were solved in subsequent years but figured I'd put it to the collective knowledge from all of you. Your answers will help others also comparing model years in advance of buying.
I've heard that the electrical system changed in some way since '08. If this is true, what changed?
What other electrical changes have been made since '08?
What mechanical changes have been made since '08?
What esthetic changes have been made?
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Visionary
Posts: 3204
Memphis | More efficient stator, upgraded battery, headlight relay to keep the headlight off until started, quieter transmission with positive neutral finder (which lead to throatier stock exhaust and 5000 mile oil change intervals), 2012's have more teeth in the ABS ring for smoother application, regular cigarette plugs instead of Powerlets. Cosmetically; round handlebars instead of the oval shaped originals, clutch and brake reservoirs are tapped for add-ons, bigger tang on the kickstand, no shock absorbers on the saddlebag lids, better clearcoat. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 1109
| I wouldn't mind the stator. I've changed the battery,the headlite is a non issue to me. I kinda like the beefy transmission noise, the regular cigarette outlets would be nice. I'll be trading up,actually I'll keep my 08 and buy a new Vision in a few years. I hope they still make the Vision then. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 763
Anderson, IN (48mi NE of downtown Indianapolis) | -New cruise control and radio buttons. Original ones were problematic.
-Gas cap redesigned. Original ones leaked
-Headlight fogging issue resolved
-Better FM stereo reception
-Kicker speakers available
-Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think reverse was available in '08 |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 1117
Northeast Ohio | On top of what has already been said.
1. The radio is greatly improved. You can actually listen to FM now. The display is much better (although a little hard to read the bottom line) and the iPod song list is scrollable (I think this may have come with an earlier model year).
a. Not sure about this, but the stock speakers are way better than my 08 and may even be better than my J&M upgrades. Volume level 15 on my 2008 is now level 9 on my 2011.
2. NO MORE POPPING - Both on acceleration, shifting and deceleration and I am running S1L1. Now bear in mind that I do not have cams, fuel controller or intake plate (yet).
3. No more trunk rattle / squeak - It feels tighter and there isn?t the hinge squeak anymore.
4. It feels faster - My dealer mechanic told me Victory changed the cam profile slightly. It isn?t as fast as my 2008 Lloyd cammed bike, but I have to tell you, I have debated whether I want to do cams now. It is that noticeable.
5. ABS - Nice option to have and hope I never have to use it.
6. Horn - I swear it is twice as loud.
7. Dash / Gauge Display - The red contrast is actually there! Nice!
8. Painted parts are a plus - I was getting really tired of the upkeep on the brushed aluminum. I know I could have painted or chromed it The painted wheels are also a nice touch.
9. Seat - It feels like they used better material on the surface. Still vinyl, but looks leather.
10. Factory driver's backrest - To compete with Utopia. Seat is ready for a driver's backrest. NO MORE KNIVES TO SEAT! Victory backrest is smaller than Utopia, but is easier to adjust, has a chrome mast and smaller pouch.
CONs
1. They changed the passenger seat area in the rear. The slope at the rear is steeper, starts earlier, and cuts into the room for the passenger. You can actually put your hand behind the seat.
2. Some of my older part upgrades didn't work on this bike. Heel / Toe shifter is a perfect example. Any of the electronic components fall into this category too (2720 StreetPilot GPS, Victory CB and XM).
Edited by ScoreBo 2011-10-06 2:32 PM
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 13
Central Nevada | Maybe its me but, I've ridden a new Vision, CR, CC, High Ball, Jackpot, and Hammer. The new Transm. doesn't really seam that different than my 08 VV, stil clunky, though positive shifts. As far as the neutral finder, most of them must have got lost somewhere along the way. I recently rode these at a Ride event in Reno during Street Vibes a couple of weeks ago. Oh by the way, I only saw 4 other Visions during Street Vibrations among Thousands of bikes(Harleys). Baaa...
Edited by certz656 2011-10-06 4:59 PM
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | I've had a lot of problems solved with my Vision in later years, and I still ride my original '08. Transmission shifts smoother since it is broken in, oil changes at 5,000 miles using synthetic, and H4 headlights for sport machines are just some of the pluses. Also, we that have the '08 have the transmission that will last beyond the now proclaimed 100,000 miles on the later bikes. Ask me how I know....
By the way,
I have all original stuff on the bike, radio, speakers, HID, and side badges. All that has been replaced is the belts, brake pads, tires, oil and filter, air filter, spark plugs (original wires), exhaust gaskets, mufflers, headlights, tail lights, regulator, and fuel pump, that's all I can remember at the moment. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 965
New York State | I had an 08 and now have an 11 the tube bars are cheep on the 11. The floor boards seem closer. I like the spedo, the radio reception is better. The seat is backrest ready. My cruise control seems drunk, it speeds up and slows down, very annoying.I did not try it much because it was being broken in but I will try it during the next 5000 miles, way better than 2500 services.
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Fountain Inn, SC United States | Can anyone speak to a change in the electrical system?
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Cruiser
Posts: 255
New Brunswick , Canada | Like SongFan said.."More efficient stator, upgraded battery, headlight relay to keep the headlight off until started" |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 1109
| I actually considered trading in my '08 for an '11 this past summer. I just couldn't bring myself to do it. I don't think I'll ever trade it in. I'll buy a new one in a few years but I'll keep the '08. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 639
Tri Cities, WA | SongFan - 2011-10-06 9:13 AM
More efficient stator, upgraded battery, headlight relay to keep the headlight off until started, quieter transmission with positive neutral finder (which lead to throatier stock exhaust and 5000 mile?oil change intervals), 2012's have more teeth in the ABS ring for smoother application, regular cigarette plugs instead of Powerlets. Cosmetically; round handlebars instead of the oval shaped originals, clutch and brake reservoirs are tapped for add-ons, bigger tang on the kickstand, no shock absorbers on the saddlebag lids, better clearcoat.
+1 he said it all. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 152
Litchfield Park, AZ | There was an issue with the '08's losing rear brake pressure in some cases...I experienced it personally on 2 occasions. I have heard from 2 different Vic mechanics that it happened only on the '08's and since then all newer model years have not had this problem. Was there a problem that was fixed? I'm guessing yes, but can not confirm.....for what it's worth. |
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Visionary
Posts: 3773
Pittsburgh, PA | phoenix9 - 2011-10-09 9:02 PM
There was an issue with the '08's losing rear brake pressure in some cases...I experienced it personally on 2 occasions. I have heard from 2 different Vic mechanics that it happened only on the '08's and since then all newer model years have not had this problem. Was there a problem that was fixed? I'm guessing yes, but can not confirm.....for what it's worth.
i had my 08 vision for 3 years and Never had a problem with loosing my rear brakes. never had any problem with the brakes at all other than having to replace a rear rotor. |
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Tourer
Posts: 394
Tucson, AZ | I'm sure all the upgrades are improvements, but except for a few drops of water on the inside of the headlight, I've never (knock on wood) any problems with my '08. I didn't buy the extended warranty because I didn't use the the original from the factory. For the record, my VV will be three years old the first of November and has 23,600 miles. |
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New user
Posts: 4
Saskatchewan, Canada | Hi cruiser
My 2008 had a weak rear master brake cylinder right out of the factory. Dealer was quick to replace it. My 2010 at 11000 mi is now doing same thing. Don't think it will be a huge job to change. Sadly I think it will be more work to change the dead bulb in the lit side decal by the engine. I love riding both of my bikes and hope you do too.
Bob |
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Vision Problems solved in later years?