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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 21
So.Maryland | I am coming off a Ninja ZX-12R and for a while didn't know if I wanted a cross country or a Vision. Yesterday while at the Kustom Shoppe I couldn't keep my eyes off a beautiful all black vision tour sitting in the back of the shop calling my name. And then came the next sign of confirmation, a guy rolled into the shop on his tricked out 8-Ball Vision. I now know what I want. Just don't have the pockets for a brand new 1 so used it will be. Is there a "best" model year to go with? |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/349/1377/Motorcycle-Article/2008-Victory-Vision-First-Look.aspx is the answer to your question. If I was to run out to buy one today, 2010 pre-ABS, or an 8-ball any year is what I would buy. check out an early promo vid. http://www.polarisindustries.com/en-us/Victory/Vision/Experience/
Edited by varyder 2012-04-11 11:38 AM
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Cruiser
Posts: 53
Raleigh, NC | I just bought a used 08 Vision Tour Premium. I had never ridden it. Bought it and rode it home 3 1/2 hours and loved it. While many people prefer different year/models, I was just trying to find one in my price range. My research has taught me that the Visions are pretty reliable, so I just wanted to get one that I could afford. I am planning some long rides this summer in order to truly enjoy it. Good luck finding the right one for you. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 164
Quad Cities, IL | To answer the subject line question...Becuase I saw one. I didn't think I really liked it but I couldn't get it out of my head for three months. Did some homework. Then the big mistake...I rode one!  Found the one I wanted shortly after that, a 2008 SSG being used as an Executive ride. I really wanted the gray Vision.
No regrets. I love this bike, some might say too much. |
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Tourer
Posts: 444
Bay of Gigs, WA | I rode my Norton for 35 years, badmouthed hogs the whole time... Things like, "What's the difference between a Norton rider and a Harley rider?...the ability to use dental floss." (Or "use a toothbrush, read, an understanding of soap, shampoo, herpes, the fact he can see a tail light, turn, your joke here..) "When pulled over by a cop, what's the guy on a black Harley got that a rider on a black Norton doesn't?...a warrant for his arrest." (or grass stains from being spread-eagled on the ground, a gun to the back of his head, handcuffs, etc.) Lotsa fun back in the day when you could get your ass kicked by pulling into a bar on a Japanese bike. So when the Vision came out, my wife said she'd leave me if I bought an Ultra instead of the Vic. Smart girl. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 196
| After 5 yrs on my sweet '99 V92C Deluxe, I swore that when Ma Vic came out with a luxury cruiser, I was gonna have one... After ordering it in April of '07, and getting to ride one in June, and again in September, with the better half, we were chomping at the bit for our SSG TP to finally arrive on November 21, 2007. We haven't looked back since! 
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 10
Central Iowa | We are at a demo days last year. I was sitting on an Eight ball and a "Harley" guy said, "She can't ride that thing." So, I did just to prove a point. Wanted one every since. I liked my Kingpin, but I love my Princess. I did have to buy taller boots though.
You can't go wrong with any Vision. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 1109
| I decided it was time to get a tour bike as the bar hopper was getting a bit long in the tooth and a bit uncomfortable. I looked at Harleys,Goldwings and BMW. I decided to look at a Vision as I really like the look. After a ten minute test ride I was sold and bought it on the spot. The ride,the handling and the power sold me in addition to the styling. |
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Tourer
Posts: 500
| Because, for the money, it is the best damn bike out there and I especially like being a little different....Not many have the Vision yet and that is okay with me cause if those that follow the "herd" would ride one they would discover what they are missing with brand X...... |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 965
New York State | A test ride sold me on the 2008 Vision |
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Visionary
Posts: 1365
Central Maryland | As Opas said, I like being different too. I also have a Triumph Rocket 3; which is extremely different. And I'm currently having Carpenter's Racing install the 240 hp pack in it.
How's THAT for different? |
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Cruiser
Posts: 215
W'ford Tx | I had a 99 vulcan classic bobber solo seat and all. Couldn't do anything with it but ride. Watching a friend of mine who had a trunk and saddle bags and watching him pack his stuff full while I'm walking around holding my helmet sold me on wanting a bagger. That and the fact my wife can ride with me got me looking for an ultra classic. When it came time to buy I was surprised on how cheap you could pick up a used vision vs a used ultra classic. I got more for my money with the vision and couldn't be happier. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 50
Illinois | Test rode an '08. My wife and I both loved the ride, weren't sure on the styling. We take a long trip every year with 2 other couples, one on a Gold Wing, the other on a Venture and I always felt sorry for my wife on the '02 V92C. Over the years seeing them on the rode we decided we'd have one some day and had planned on next year. When the Ness came out, it was over. We were in the dealership for a service before going to Sturgis last year and before we left, we had a deposit down. Had only seen pictures, but we saw the bike in the Victory store in Sturgis and were sold. Off to Colorado this year and Cath has her own Princess seat! |
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Visionary
Posts: 2027
Brighton, TN | Coolest dang bike on planet earth. Michael Song has the design qualities I used to dream of in high school. A little old school hot rod with classic flowing curves. Hmmm, gotta love me some Vision. |
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Tourer
Posts: 324
New Orleans, La, | I bought my 08 VV after drooling over the teaser shots on the internet for a year and then reading every article written on it before the were in dealer show roomss. One day I was drooling over the pics in a particular article and my wife eased up behind me and commented that I must really like that bike. Of course I said yes and she said that if I promised to finish repairing our Katrina ravished home I could get the VV. Well she didn't have to say it twice so on my birthday at 3 am I drove to Houston from New Orleans to test ride an early production VV. Within the first 30 ft. of the test ride I knew the VV was light years more refine than the 2K Sport Cruiser I lost in Katrina. So on Tuesday December 18th 2007 I put my money down and signed on the dotted line and have yet to experience a second of regret. It was that simple. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 142
| I've been doing some homework after i saw a 2008 Vision Tour Premium....2 year later the Vision 8 Ball came out, then i was in LOVE!!! December 03 2010 i found one ...the only one in the in Texas...2010 Vision 8 BALL...it had 12 miles (rolling on the showroom only)...I immediately called the dealer and made the deal...of course after i got my wife's blessing. she said " it's your birthday next week...why don't you get it...i'm sick of hearing about it for the past two years....LOL".
I really like the 2010 vision 8 ball, since it's got the full tip over protection not like the 2011 model, by that my 2 cents.....
you can always dress her up...I now have everything installed except for the reverse kit
cheers!
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 8
| I LIKE THE ADVANCED STYLING,ENGINE BEING PART OF THE FRAME OF THE BIKE,VERY COMFORTABLE ON THE SEATING.
RODE FROM HANOVERTON,OH TO THE ECONOLODGE AT LAKE NORMAN,NC.IN ONE DAY STOPPED FOR FOOD & FUEL ONLY. WIFE & I WERE TIRED BUT HAD NO PAINS.
DID I MENTION THIS WAS OUR FIRST MAJOR TRIP? WE WERE GONE FOR 2 WKS.
NO PROBLEMS WITH THE VISION --- AS FAR AS I'M CONCERNED FLAWLESS IN COMFORT,DEPENDABILITY,
AND PERFORMANCE.
BAIRS INC. IN CANTON,OH. HAS A 2009 VISION PREM. TOUR & 2009 VISION STREET,BOTH CAME OF THE VIC TRUCK THEY WERE DEMO BIKE. (www.bairsinc.com)
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 21
So.Maryland | I like the 8-Ball too but I want the comforts of the tour, so wouldn't I come out cheaper just trying to find a used Vision tour? |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | Rise - 2012-04-11 10:20 PM I like the 8-Ball too but I want the comforts of the tour, so wouldn't I come out cheaper just trying to find a used Vision tour? The major difference in comfort in an 8-Ball and a tour is less foam in the tush cush and the bike overall is lower. Of course, you give up all the amenities like radio, cruise, etc, etc, but that's why it is an 8-Ball. But yes, my choice for the best bang for the buck for creature comforts is a used tour. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 188
Tifton, GA | After my wreck July 15, 2010 decided to get a bike with ABS and wanted framemount fairing. Checked out Road Glide, Vulcan Voyager, and Vision for me the Vision won in all areas. Style I really like her rear end and the rest of her is good looking too. Power beat the other two hands down. Handling my buddy said following me through a curve looks like I am riding on a rail. Comfort this is the only bike that I ever owned that I did not change handlebars, risers, or both! Stock seat rides so good if there is an improvement I would go to sleep on it instead of my bed. I like the quieter transmission in the 2011 over the earlier models and the ABS started in 2010 so for me I would want no older than a 2010. My $.02 |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 33
South Carolina | I built a harley type (S&S 124) custom and wanted a tourer. I thought I wanted an Ultra Limited or Road Glide. Used Limiteds with 10K miles are still $20. At 15 - 18K miles the Harley needs a cam shoe and the primary chain looked at. The compensator needs changed unless you get an '11. The crankshfts have runout problems. The rear suspension is bad unless you but at least an '09.
I found a leftover '11 Vision for $16 OTD, new. With that much of a price difference and the better engineered, better handling, better features, better wind protection I couldn't pass it up. Could the accessories be better, yes. Could the trunk be quick detach, yes. Could the paint be better, yes. Could the transmission not be so clunky, yes. Those are minor. I'm looking forward to NOT using a can of brake cleaner during my first oil change. Other riders don't wave to me anymore so that's a plus too...I guess they think it's a GW or some other metric....
I first rode the 8 Ball Vision and thought I wanted one of those but used they go for $12 and don't have all the features.
There are still several leftover '11.s in the SE that I know of. A dealer in Columbia MO still has new '09's and '10's I believe.
Edited by biermark 2012-04-12 7:53 AM
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Cruiser
Posts: 160
Lennox, SD | I wanted a touring bike, I had spent lots of dollars try to make my 06 Kaw Nomad into a touring bike.
I looked at the first Vision available in my area and liked the look but someone had already spoken for it.
Then in in July 2009 I went to the Victory dealer and he persuaded me to take a 1 hour demo ride. . . . I could not get that ride out of my mind and it took me 3 1/2 months to sell my Nomad and I picked up my new Vision Tour Premium in November 2009.
I love this bike.
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Iron Butt
Posts: 849
, FL United States | It chose me! I saw one at Bike Week in DB in March of '07. After looking it over for a half hour or so, we continued walking down Main St. toward our favorite watering hole. My S.O. stopped in the middle of the sidewalk, turned to me and said "You're gonna buy one of those and you haven't ridden in 30 years. Are you out of your mind?" I just smiled and replied "Yes and Yes". Black Cherry arrived 11-17-07 and altho' I don't have as many miles as my hero Varyder, I still think I'm doing pretty well at 69,346 as of yesterday's lunch ride. It was just karma, for me. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 825
, WI | I was NOT going to buy a Vision.
My next bike was going to be a Cross Country and then I saw the Vision 8-Ball....... |
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Cruiser
Posts: 199
Salt Lake City | Saw my first VV at a bike show in '08 - thought then that it was a stunner! For a couple more years, I dumped a ton of green on a VTX1800 "R", and rode the heck out of it. Loved that bike! I had a wicked cool "bass boat" orange metalflake custom paintjob on that bike, and easily another 3K in chrome and other goodies; I really had no plans to get another bike since I had this one set up(solo seat) just for me. When my wife finally admitted she'd like to ride with me, the first place we went was to the Vic dealer. The fit was perfect for my 6-9, 270 lb. frame, and my wife was super comfy on the back. No other bikes compared, or were even close. 2 1/2 yrs. and 25K later, we are still loving every minute of it! I do miss the rich, mile deep metalflake paint, but a neighbor bought the VTX, so I still get to see it cruisin' down the road occasionally. Additions to my VV? Chrome lowers, custom highway pegs-nothing else needed! |
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Cruiser
Posts: 244
Lindale, TX | I bought my 2008 Vision because the dealer convinced me to take a long test drive, which I have never had a motorcycle dealer offer before. After I rode back to the dealer, I wanted one. At 6'7", I finally found a bike that fit me right out of the box. Sold my 2005 BMW LT and got a great deal on a new Victory from Family Power Sports in Dallas.
Edited by Easttexasrider 2012-04-12 10:53 AM
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 49
| Went in to what I thought was a Harley Dealer looking for Harley. Test rode the Cross Country then rented it for a weekend. Loved it! Came back and test rode the Vision. Didn't even have to rent it. I knew right away, this bike is for me. It rode beautifully. The rest is history. Spent 8k on extras. this bike is a keeper! Lovin life!
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Tourer
Posts: 520
Simi Valley, CA | A 45 minute test ride... it was like it was on rails. I could not whip the grin off my face for hours afterwards....
Then I thought, I could turn this thing into the Enterprise! The rest if history.... |
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Cruiser
Posts: 102
Cary, NC | When my wife said "Why don't you get a new bike" I went looking. I was mainly interested in a Voyager. I stopped at the Victory dealer, saw the VV and liked it. This was on a Friday. Went straight to the credit union, arranged for a test drive the next day with my wife on board. We both loved it. Traded an 06 Nomad. No regrets. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 102
Cary, NC | Good to see another Vision rider close by. Hope to see you around sometime. |
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Tourer
Posts: 388
Salisbury, NC | Victory said they were coming out with a touring bike, 2 hours after it was available to order online, I placed my order. I seen it in person for the first time at Bike Week in Daytona in 07( damn the front end was ugly). Before the week was over, it grew on me. Had to wait until Oct to pick it up. Have not looked back since. ET |
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Visionary
Posts: 2300
Georgia, west of Atlanta | I saw one in Daytona in 2009, it had some type of aftermarket pipes on it and it sounded good, at first I thought the styling was a bit much, but the more I saw it the more I liked it. I bought one before Daytona 2010........ |
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Tourer
Posts: 446
East TN | I went riding with a buddy who had a Vision and I had my Harley Road Glide...I couldn't keep up with him no matter what I did except wind the Harley out till it sounded like it was about to EXPLODE!!!
Went to the local dealer took a good hour long test drive and couldn't sell my Harley fast enough...3 weeks later I was a proud owner of an '09 Vision loaded with CHROME!!! Road 600 miles home from the dealer with the BEST price and honestly could have done another 600 miles...But I was home with my baby!!
Haven't looked back since, except when riding with my Harley buddies to see where they are!! LOL |
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Cruiser
Posts: 102
Cedar, Michigan | The Vision is my 18th bike. Once I threw my leg over it and rode it that was it. I'm 6'4" tall and, as many of you tall guys know, there just isn't many bikes out there that really fit us. This is the only bike that I haven't felt cramped up on. I figure it would just be that way forever, that no one would ever produce a bike that fit me. I'm glad I was wrong. It's not the fastest, coolest or best looking bike I've had, but over time your priorities tend to change. Comfort is my number one priority right now. I love it! |
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Tourer
Posts: 423
northwest florida | It chose me! |
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Cruiser
Posts: 51
Ennis, Tx | Most of my friends had HD's or GW's and I was looking for something different... VV had it and after a 30 minute test ride - that was it... Packed her up and brought her home that day... Only smiles up front and miles behind me now... The cornering is like a sport bike, the ride is smooth, the adjustable windshield gives you the taste of riding both worlds, dash laid out nicely without a bunch of bs in front of you, sweet sounds of the 106 below you... |
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Cruiser
Posts: 63
Calgary, AB, | began looking for a large touring type bike spring '11 to go with my KLR that I've still kept for different rides, short store runs etc. At the bike show, sat on varioius HD's and narrowed it to the Road Glide as the best "fit' for me at 6'2' & 240 lbs. THEN noticed the Vic booth, with a Vision laid over on it's side to display the tip overs. Asked if I could sit on it, they sales guy says sure, pick it up. Sat on it and between the fit and the lift, I was already sold. Almost bought a leftover '10. but they were gone by the time I was ready, and NO other new "11's brought in, as the CC was so hot. Looked around at a couple local used bikes. Finally found an '08 with only about 3600 mi on here, which I've more than doubled since July when I bought it. Loved it from day one, and first ride was home about 200 miles through a windstorm, THEN I was sure I'd bought right. Early this month was in southern Cal and rented '12 HD Roadglide and Ultra Classic each for 1 weekend. Did over 600 miles on them each weekend. These with the newer 103 engines, and what they call "loaded" Came home and last weekend got in a 2 hour ride locally. OK bikes but DEFINITELY no Vision. I may upgrade to get ABS, but am thinking I"m going to have a hard time leaving the loaded '08 to get into a new '12. We'll see. I may just stay with what I know I love. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 103
Duanesburg N.Y. | Went to 2 Harley dealers with my 02 flh cop bike in good shape. Neither dealer wanted my Harley saying there wasn't a market for these bikes and as usual the Harley dealer made it as they were doing me a favor to just talk to me. A lot of us have gotten this before. On the way home I remembered seeing victory visions in my Cycle world magazine, so i stopped at a store and looked up in the phone book motorcycle dealers and found a Polaris dealer that had Victorys and went over.
The dealer closes at 12:00 noon but the staff was just hanging out bullshitting and the doors were open. I walked in not knowing they were closed and started to look around and the owner Mike comes over to ask if he can help me so I explain what I have been through and have the blessing of the wife to go buy any motorcycle I want now that the house is paid off. He shows me my 09 vision tour premium, explains everything about it, tells me about the 5 year warranty that comes with it, offered to to let me take it for a ride but then tells me they had closed at 12:00 noon and this is 45 minutes after I strolled in. That in it self told me something about this dealer.
I got sick on Monday (heh!,heh!) and after a test ride and a trip to the credit union I took it home that day. When my bike committed visionside and took a header off my 4 foot bike lift and destroyed it self he was there for me then. That was a year ago, I do all my own work so I'm rarely in the store and to this day he remembers my name, soooooo a good dealer, a good bike with even with its issues I got got a pretty good overall package. Oh yeah my 02 cop bike??? My dealer Menneto's Victory, polaris, yamaha took it in trade and had it sold in 3 weeks and the tour glide at the Spitizies Harley Davidison sat on the show room floor before it got sold, smart move on their part dont you think Eric |
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Visionary
Posts: 2027
Brighton, TN | Eric, did you expound on this Visionside, I don't remember that story. Just bought a lift and would like to prevent my bike from following suit. Thanks. |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | like that story Eric, great to hear how the "small guy" takes care of us victers unlike the giant domineering "take or leave" dealers. As far as Visioncide, keep in mind anytime you life your machine, any machine, check the stability at initial contact, about an inch off the ground, and then do a good inspect before doing anything. I know folks say "stuff happens" but I've avoided "stuff happening" by checking, rechecking, and checking again, ALWAYS! Well maybe there was this one time... and this other time.... well, you know what I'm saying.... |
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Cruiser
Posts: 56
| I just like to be different! The wife loves the back seat, as my Kingpin Tour was getting a little hard on her back. She has recently aquired back issues and she can know ride for hours with me in pure comfort. Rode the CC Tour and like it, but the back seat was more comfortable for her on the Vision. I like the Cross Bikes, but the Vision takes it one step further on the "cool" factor if you ask me.
By the way, the power windshield is the best thing since....well, bikes were invented.
I dont look back and love the gas station converstations that all Vision owners talk about...you dont get that on any other bike.
Edited by kpVision 2012-04-15 10:06 PM
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Cruiser
Posts: 57
Kansas City, MO | Flat out; the most COMFORTABLE bike I'd ever ridden! That goes for the XCT too; which was the only major contender. Goldwing, BMW K1600 GTL, Harley Road Glide Ultra just couldn't compare.
In the end, I wanted to stick with a 'frame attached fairing' bike... and, I'll say it... I wanted the cool electric windscreen. 
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New user
Posts: 1
| My last bike was a Big Dog Ridgedback so it was time to give my kidneys a break. I love riding a chopper but, the handling, power, comfort and suspension on my vision has made this the best bike I have owned by far. I test drove it and took it home and the grin on my face cannot be wiped off.
At 6-4 I did not fit comfortably on a Harley and must admit I looked like an ape on a small toy. The first thing I noticed on the Vision was you sit in the bike not on top of it, similar to the feel of my chopper, but with far more control and Comfort.
Hands down the best bike I have ever been on!
Edited by atburt 2012-04-16 9:38 AM
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 32
| Wanted to move to a bigger bike from my previous Kawa cruiser. Vision offered the most bang for the buck plus I love the fact it is different from everything else on the road. Once I rode it I was hooked. Got a great deal on a used 08 SSG. Now Mama has a bike that we can ride on together on sunny afternoons and she doesn't get uncomfortable anymore! |
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Cruiser
Posts: 157
| To not be a sheeple,to be outside the box and to be comfortable when I ride.A goldwing is not for me it felt like being on a quad and Harley will vibrate you to numbness. |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 15
Welch Minnesota | First off, Let me just say thanks for telling your stories they are all great !!
LOL !! First time to visit this site, I had to giggle a little when i saw the topic and could not hardly wait to read all the posts. My Dad bought a bike/snowmobiles dealership back in 1970 I was eight then. Of course thanks to my wondeful parents I rode every mini bike and dirt i wanted to ( Well almost everyone ) That being said I was a pretty good rider by the time I got in my teens years.
I was a dirt bike guy to the core and didn't think much about street bikes, then at age 18 or 19 after my Dad got
out of the business I wanted a street bike ( I wanted a CBF1100 ) still remember it like it was yesterday.
Now mind you all I didn't even have a street bike license when I walked into the local dealership., The salesman said can I help you ? I said yes and point at a Red & Black CBF1100 I want that bike and I want a Hooker 4 into 1
header exhaust put on it, I want to go up 4 teeth on the back sprocket drop 1 tooth on the front sprocket and I want a new dens-lube chain put on it ( or something oil-less ) and I want bigger & softer rear tire on it.
The salesman had alittle of the deer in the head light look, He said wow you sure know what you want....... He said how did you come with this package have you rode one set-up like this ? I said no but my Dad use to be a dealer and thats what he did to every 750 ever had.
Oh I see he said........... You must ride alot then with your dad have been a dealer ? I said no I have never driven a street bike other then one of my friends had one I drove a few blocks. He said would you like to take one for a ride before you buy it ? I said I don't have a bike license he said well just drive it on the frontage road. Sure I said.
He rolled one out from outback said here you go 1 down and 4 up. I didn't think to much about got on and drove out punched it wide open and the front tire didn't come off the ground like my dirt bike...... My brian in a nano-second slammed on the front brake & another part of my brain said wow this things alot heavier then my dirt bike. Slightly before I was stopped gave the throttle a few quick twists to get the motor up in its sweet spot and I dropped the clutch and stood it up the back wheel for the next 3 gears until I ran out of frontage road.
Turned it around and headed back to the dealership where I was greeted by the about 4 salesman and 1 really mad guy I later found out was the owner, After a ghood butt chewing from him & i put down a $500 down payment and told the salesman I want it set-up just like I had asked and when can I pick it up ??
Ran home all excited to tell my dad what I bought and how I had it set-up, He said wow thats great when do you pick it up ? I said about 2 weeks they should have it ready. He said good just make sure your bags are packed and you get out of my house before you pick it up.
Puzzeled to say the least..........I said what r u talking about ?? He said well between you 4x4 pick-up, your car & your boat its time to leave before you get a bike also. I said but Dad if I have to move out and pay rent I can't afford a bike or half the other stuff I have. He said exactly start packing.........He said I have seen you ride your dirk bikes and if you get a street bike you will mostly likely kill yourself.
It took me about 15 years down the road to realize that deal old Dad did me the biggest favor of my Life right then and there. and I am pretty sure might have saved the life of one crazy young male.
Now on to the Vision story ( I hope I didn't bore you to tears with that story ) Now 2008 I walk into my Poaris dealer where I buy all my sled parts there is a bunch of Victories on the show room floor and I never gave them a second look the first few times in the store then summer comes and I have sum time on my hands and I wonder around the show room and I really like the Hammer style bikes but there is a Vision there also and the salesman comes over that I have knowen for years ( Small guy about 3 -4 inches shorter then I am ( I'm 5-10 about 200 lbs ) He said what r u thinking...........I said I don't know what I am thinking ( I was standing next to the Vision ) He said r u thinking of buying a bike ? I said I don't really know but maybe someday, he said if you ever buy a Victory you need to Buy a Vision. I was puzzeled & surprised to hear this.
he went on to tell me he had rode them all and this was the Bike he would buy and he said He knew it was the one I would like. He proceeded to tell me all about the bike. ( He was 35 years old ) That also surprized me. ( I Did know that being a snowmobiler I was done freezing my butt off and I wanted a warm bike so I could ride it in cool spring & fall days. )
I studied the Vision for 2 years.............Then last fall at age 48 I walked into my local dealer where I Now live and said I want to buy a Vision..........He said Dan you know I am not a Victory Dealer but if you have a few hours I will show you something. I said I sure do he said get in my truck and we drove 90 Miles to Altoon Wisconson to Sport Rider Motor Sports and met with Adam in sales. He gave me the run down and he knew the bikes well..... 30 minutes later I said write it up.
( This is a wonderfull Dealership ) - And Mike the owner treated me wondeful.
So after writing it up he said when do you want to pick it up...... I said I don't know I have never riden a street bike & I do not have a motorcycle license and the minnesota government is shut down so when I get it I will be back.............Adam now with the Puzzeled look kind of smiled to himself and said OK.
The rest is History, I ride with a bunch of Harley's and I have switched and traded bikes with most of them and I must say I can't wait to get my Bike back...........All people that have rode my bike that come off Harleys all act pretty much the Same. They all look down and say WOW that things comfortable, and handles way better then I ever would have thought......... And its Fast for a Big Bike........ And it doesn't feel heavy either.
There is no other Bike for me. ( The fix faring sold me ) I would not have a cross country because of the wind influence blowing on the faring.
I smile every time I ride it.
I have sense loaded it with just about every assy Victory makes.
Thats my story.
Dan
Edited by IndyDan 2012-04-20 12:18 PM
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 37
Dayton, OH | Wow, someone else with a ZX12R and Vision aspirations. Definately go with a Tour; you can always pull the tour pack off to get the street look. For the cost of the filler plastic you'll have 2 bikes. The Vision is amazingly competent in the turns and extremely comfortable. I kept mt 12 because it is rare. I got the Victory. Vision because it's not a Harley!! Not one to follow the herd. |
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Tourer
Posts: 444
Bay of Gigs, WA | Gottavision: Love those slash cut exhausts. What are they? |
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Cruiser
Posts: 105
| 1. Unique one of a kind styling.
2. Adjustable windshield is the BOMB!
3. Unsurpassed air management.
4. Extremely comfortable suspension even lowered.
5. Holds its line in a curve like it's on a rail.
6. Fixed fairing beats a fork mounted fairing 11 out of 10 times.
Great, great bike!
Jim
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Cruiser
Posts: 162
Extreme Southern, AZ United States | I was riding a 2002 TC It was getting a little long in the tooth wife and i put way over 100K on the bike and she wanted something a little newer I knew i would be buying a Vision cause at that time it was the only full dressed tour bike Victory had. I still have the TC and it has almost 170K on it now The Vision has been cammed and the Lloyds air box and it"s goin strong! |
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Tourer
Posts: 401
| I rode one... |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 49
| rainryder - 2012-04-20 5:09 PM
Gottavision: Love those slash cut exhausts. What are they?
D&D slash cut pipes. Love the look and sound. |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 28
Ft Worth Texas | Hey Rise, I consider myself still young and came from a long line of sport bikes. I wished I had went straight from the last R1, to the Vision. I rode the Hammer for 3 years, my first experience with Victory. 35k on it and changed the battery and a clutch cable 1 time. Didn't like the Vision at first, but she started to grow on me the more I read. Then I rode one at a demo as was hooked. I did throw in a test ride on a wing in there,just to make sure. Fantastic motor that makes you grin, but thats all it had. The Vision is everything you need in a motorcycle. It amazes me with every mile I add. I too drooled over the V8 for awhile, ended up with the 08 black/silver tour comfort @ a great price. As to why I chose it: it handles, it has a V-Twin, it has a great motor, it has an electrice windscreen(holyshit great feature), it has floorboards that go on forever, it looks different than anything else, easy to clean, get prepared to take longer at the gas station as you will be speaking to alot of strangers about your Vision. As soon as 1 person stops..... |
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Visionary
Posts: 3006
San Antonio, TX | It fit my short legs and the wife said "Its cool!" |
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Cruiser
Posts: 65
| I had been shopping for a deal on a used Streetglide for about a year. I have been riding crotch rockets for about 20 years and was sick of being in pain after 30 mins or more on the bike. It got to the point that I rarely rode. The only time I had fun was when I was doing some serious canyon carving (got addicted to it when stationed in Okinawa Japan) which was rare here in the U.S. on the east coast. I knew I wanted at least a 2007 because it was then that Harley went to the 6 speed tranny. Everywhere I looked they were $13K and up but came with no additional features i.e. cruise control, heated seats, heated grips, stereo, etc. One day a friend of mine in the bike community posted a pic of his new steed. A 2011 Cross Country in white dress. Man was it sharp. I then decided to check for any Victorys on craigslist. To my shock, I found my 08 Midnight Cherry Vision Tour Premium w/S1L1 exhaust and Gatlin tips waiting for me with a killer price (got it for $11.3 with 13.5K miles on it and only 15 minutes from my house). I loved the color and the look. It had all the upgrades except CB. I researched "Victory Vision" for two whole days looking for pros and cons and found mostly pros. I dropped the hammer two days later and it was mine. I ordered a street trim panel and ride it in street mode but will use the trunk on long overnight road trips or when the wifey's wants to ride. Now my club members are shocked at me always being on "twos" compared to when I had my GSXR 1000. I added the WitchDoctor Muscle Muffler no baffle last week and have been smiling even harder every since. "Vicky" does it all for me. She's comfortable, stylish, fun, and corners like a dream in the canyons. I had a friend tell me on the phone yesterday that riding behind me and Vicky on our last ride was enough to convince him to get off his Hayabusa. He's in the cruiser market, currently looking at a full dressed Kawasaki but oh well, trying to convince him to look more at the Cross Country instead since they are similar designs. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 193
Buford, GA United States | I saw it when it first came out and could not get it out of my mind. Rode a street in Myrtle Beach and came home and bought one 3 months later. Miss Vicky has been a dream to ride since December 2007, almost 57,000 smiles on her. Rode the Dragon last Monday 2 up and ran 4 single ride Harley's off to the side and the wife did not complain because we were not pushing the limit. She did say that when we left Gatlinburg that she did not want to ride the Dragon and I said okay we will just go back on Highway 129. We now have a new rule that I have to tell her the number and the name of the road. I don't remember voting on the new rule... |
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Cruiser
Posts: 207
| Been looking for a used one that I could afford for two years because my Valk was getting long in the tooth. They are two great bikes but I like the ride of the Vision more than the Valk or my VTX-1800r. Can't wait to take the Vision over to East Tennessee and the Carolinas to ride the Dragon and Moonshiner 28.
Edited by Don07tncav 2012-08-15 6:25 PM
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 48
huntington In. | Read an artical about them just before they were introduced. Loved the style decide that I would have one some day. That day came last April. Found a 2009 tour, had to drive 6 hours to pick her up. Did the paper work, paid the man work and loaded her up (because I won't ride in Chicago) and brought her home, with out ever having riden her. Got unloaded and into garage at midnight. Took her out that night and all next day, and haven't looked back. Don't see me riding anything else. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 122
Westchester Co., NY | I loved my '04 TC so when I upgraded I wanted to stay with Victory. I went to a demo days to try the Cross Country and the Vision. I planned to get the Cross Country due to the additional storage capacity and I liked the more traditional styling. However, after riding the two back to back I decided I liked the Vision better. Add to that the I found a used 2011 Vision sold as new only a few months before, and with only 650 miles on it, and with a 5 year transferable warrenty, and with about $1000 in upgrades all for $16,500 sealed the deal. It has been great ever since. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 161
Albuquerque NM | After a good long weekend ride with friends, 700 miles or so, two up on a sportster my wife said "you're getting a bigger bike". Who am I to argue with her? So we started looking, and while I had ridden Harley almost exclusively I had been enamored with Vic since the first time I rode a V92. At first glance I didn't care for the vision and felt its styling was too over the top for me to take seriously, this made the dealer laugh and he said just wait until you ride one. Well we kept up our search for the right bike for us, we looked at the Vulcan and Goldwing even though I really wasn't serious about a Japanese bike. Looked at the Harley's and started the mental math for new seat, handlebars, etc and I just felt crowded with the fairing right there in my face. Finally a demo day at the Vic dealership, we test road the Vision and we were hooked. No need to change a thing just add fuel and go, our dealer even helped me find a good used one localy even though he didn't make a dime on the deal. Now the only problem I have is getting my dad to leave it alone, I'm going to have to find him one of his own! |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 35
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan | Was riding a sport bike and was time to switch over to a cruiser. Really fell in love with the Victory family, and started drooling over the Vegas Jackpot. No mater where I went to see one, on line or a showroom, the last thing I had to look at was, you guessed it, the Vision.
Long story short, jumped straight to the Vision, and will never look back. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 73
Sullivan, IN United States | My choosing a Vision was more chance than anything else. I had been bike shopping all winter '09 until spring 2010. I had been working lots of extra hours and I had a nice "Kentucky Bankroll" (no offense) I was riding a '07 Yamaha 1100 which is a good bike, but I was ready for something bigger, with a few more comforts. I was wanting a Yamaha Royal Star Venture but my local dealer in Terre Haute was having trouble getting one or even locating one, so I looking for a suitable replacement. I looked at the Kawasaki Vulcan Voyager 1700 and it was nice but not what I had in mind. Then I rode a Harley Ultra classic and it too was nice but I am not a "Harley" type and the Goldwing didn't fit me as the controls are pretty much straight down and I needed them to be out in front as I am kind of long in the inseam besides the faring almost hit my knees. The only thing left to do was hit the Victory dealership, and when I got there a salesman asked me what kind of bike I was looking for and I said a Touring bike, so he showed me the Vision. I studied that thing up and down without saying a word then suddenly blurted out " I don't like the way it looks" . Well he said let?s talk a little about what the bike will do and not so much as what it looks like. He asked me if I was interested in a test ride and I replied yes, we did some paper work and off I went into the downtown traffic and up on I70 for a spin. Now quite honestly getting use to the solid mounted faring was a bit tricky at first but I mastered it easily. So when I returned back to the dealership he asked me what I thought of it and I told him I was impressed that's when he said " it comes with a 5 year warranty....ok so crow doesn't really taste too bad if served with a good steak sauce. I bought it right then and there and it is absolutely the greatest bike I have every ridden. And as for the looks, even the Harley guys I ride with now say they like it, it grows on you. That's how I ended up choosing a Vision. |
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New user
Posts: 2
Calgary, AB | I had a 2008 BMW K1200LT which I loved but as I got older and fatter my knees could not take the riding position anymore
I was drawn to the VV because it has so many of the great innovations found on the BMW not the least of which is the stationary mirrors.
I took a test ride at the Demo days and I was hooked. Picked up my 2012 Sunset Red VV July 21st and i could not be happier. |
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Tourer
Posts: 323
Troy, NY | Well I was never thinking about buying or even riding a motorcycle. My parents rode when I was young. But never thought of it myself. We bought an RV after a dozen years to tenting 2 week vacations with the family. I wanted to be able to take a riding vehicle when RVing. So I decided to get me motorcycle license and bought a scooter. It wasn't a whimsy scooter....it was the MP3 500 from Vespa. It was 500cc. Okay you can stop laughing. Anyway, I took the wife for a ride on it and she bear hugged me for the entire 5 minutes ride. My arms where felt like I did 50 push ups. I was pushing her back the entire ride. She said she wanted to ride something with a "couch" on the back. So I was looking at used Goldwings, the Yamaha Star and then I saw a video of the Vision online somewhere. I think I watched that video constantly for a couple of weeks. It was the looks the caught my eye. I was looking for something used but couldn't find anything in my area for under $19k used. I went to the dealer to see one in person and just sit on one. They only had a customers Vision, so I could just look and drool. After searching on-line for awhile, I found my brand new Vision from a dealer on NC. I flew their and drove her back home from NY. Mind you, I never road the Vision yet and never road a motorcycle per se. Well I rode the 250cc motorcycle for my training/test. When I got to the dealer I was like holy sh$t what did I just do. The Vision seamed 10 bigger than I remember and I was excited and extremely nervous at the same time. I drove her back home with almost no problems. I had to turn around after getting lost and had to remember the clutch is not a brake like the scooter was - lol. I have never looked back!!! |
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Cruiser
Posts: 51
Arizona | Why I bought one? Well, I never like having the same thing as everyone else has. That goes for both my bikes and cars.
Honda Valkyrie Tour. Great bike! Great Performance. Disappointing mpg over 75 mph.
BMW K1200LT, nice bike, but not a V-Twin. Too quiet, in the words of my wife.
Victory KPIN, Ness Vegas, Great style and performance. Both solid bikes, but could not make either of them a comfortable touring machine.
My Vision, has all the positive attributes of the forementioned bikes. Best bike for the money.
Picked her up in 2010 brand new, for $15K. Never regretted my purchase. Not even a little buyer remorse!
Best all around bike for my money. Comfortable, and great performance. Again, not everyone has one.
Edited by craigar 2012-08-18 12:06 AM
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Cruiser
Posts: 226
on the edge of Los Angeles | Back in 07 when my wife told me she wanted to get a motorcycle I went forward and started my serious looking. Been off bikes for 25 years by then.
I had an open mind in a closed mind world of biker wanabees. Meaning everyone said get a HD so naturally I did consider them. One day I spoke with a soon to retire commuter & former M.S.F. instructor who was using a Honda sport bike to commute down the 405 fwy to get to work. He said to check out the Victory line since he claimed they were well engineered. So I did and the first dealer I went to had a Vision on display. I was blown away by its total difference to what I was expecting. That in itself was appealing like many others here have stated it is different & unique.
Couple weeks later my wife and I went to a different dealer to look at the line up and was convinced by them that I need to ride one.. So we jumped on a Kingpin Tour and it was nice and predictable I drug the floorboard on a corner that had a bump in it so it was.. Got back to dealer and jumped on a Vision Tour. BTW when my wife first saw it she was freaked out by its looks and told me she would not sit on that f-in thing. Now she jumps on the back and has an oh yeah moment. Off we go for the test ride. It was kinda different as we pulled off the lot but by the time we got down the block I was saying WOW this bike is different. Took the same route as the KP and the bump in the corner was a non issue we continued for almost 1 hour before returning.
I am now wondering why so many say HD so I did not buy that day. I did another back to back test of the HD Road Glide and Vision. That's when I made up my mind. I could not - not by the Vision. It had better power, better handling, more comfortable, and better brakes. Less $$ too.
That was March 2008 I re-entered the motorcycle world after leaving it 25 years earlier.
Today 4+ years later the Vision has 82k on it and my wife ultimately got what she wanted a 2010 X/C.
In closing it's off this morning with a group of other victory riders headed to Mt. Baldy for a Saturday ride. So its going to be a mix that includes a minimum of 4 Visions. They rode one too "one time" :-)
Enjoy!
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Visionary
Posts: 4278
| WHY DID YOU ASK? YOUR NOT VERY SMART. |
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Tourer
Posts: 548
Mount Vernon, WA United States | While I don't have one if I need a Cruiser again it will be a Vision. I keep looking at the Cross-Bikes as they are more my "style" but the Vision is in a class by itself. I'm not one that rides for the wind, or "it's all about the ride." A motorcycle for me is transportation. I want it to be comfortable and fun. I find as I get older I like cars and trucks less and less. May be because ultimately I have more mileage on motorcycles, I don't know but I find more recently all the blind spots in a automobile annoy me. Parking lots actually get my blood pressure up. Completely different on a bike.
Actually it's the only downside to where I live now. I hardly ride, because I hardly go anywhere, because I am at the best destination. Yeah, my opinion... That's the only reason I don't have a Vision and stick with my Guzzi's. Lately if I go more than 4 miles, it's because there's a boat attached to the truck. Any longer rides are for shopping and the loot wouldn't fit on any bike.
But, bottom line... my eyes are on a Vision if anything changes. If I get a job with a commute, a Vision will be a no-brainer. There is nothing on the bike market that comes even close for long distance comfort. |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 19
california | They look cool!!!!
Plus i was tired of HDs horse crap and plastic part in the motor. |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 5
| The test ride sealed the deal for me. Of all the bikes I'd ridden, none "fit me" like the Vision. The balance, style, handling all worked. I have never ridden a bike so well designed. Oh ... and I like not looking like everybody else.
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Cruiser
Posts: 103
Duanesburg N.Y. | simple answer, better bang for the buck
Eric |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 9
Moody Alabama | I wanted to be different. I wanted my new bike to stand out in a crowd. I will not sacrifice ride quality, performance or dependability to fit in with the crowd.
My wife had never been on a motorcycle until the day we test rode the Vision. We took it home less than an hour later. |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 12
GREEN RIVER, WY | Why did I chose Vision? Wind mangement. heated seats, a windshield that goes up and down, and i wanted a ride that would handle sw wyoming wind! by side louvers that work wonderfully. and abs brakes so I can avoid Antelope deer elk moose teenagers on fast pedal bikes that come out of nowhere. And a color Bronze Mist that matches the high desert of Wyoming. Most of all I have had dirt bikes street bikes but my wife loves to ride the Vision she can move her feet around and enjoys the wide seat. We are leaving For a three day anversery trip of thirty years trip through Utah Idaho and Big Sky Montana & back to WYO. We have hade it 45 days and have 8000 miles on it already. I also have Iowa ties to Victory I use to drive by the Spirit Lake plant many years making deliverys to drugs store in northern Iowa stoping at the convienace store by victory hoping to catch a galnce at one of those bikes that was back in 2002. And I finally have MY first Victory Vision 2012 Bronze Mist from Victory Morgan Valley Evanston Wyoming.
Happy Wife Happy Life
Edited by rev.rr 2012-08-31 11:13 PM
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 46
Western Wyoming | Because it was the only bike in the parking lot with the key left in the ignition.
And after 38+ yrs.on Harleys felt it time for a change and talking to some Vision owners back in North Carolina 2 summers ago.I've had the Vision for 12 mos. 16,000 miles and the best touring bike out there imo
Edited by DTWOR 2012-09-01 12:14 AM
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 15
| I like Harleys just fine but wanted a touring bike with more horsepower than my Softail. The Bronze Mist blew me away too. I could've had a brand new 2011 (gray) for about a grand less. I also liked the idea of less chrome on the '12. The fact that all of the bells and whistles were standard equipment was another big draw. I always enjoyed accessorizing the H-D and the selection is great but I find that a stock Vision just has everything out of the box. Not really anything that I've got to have that isn't already on there. Absolutely thrilled with my choice.
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