|
|
Puddle Jumper
Posts: 9
Nevada City, CA | Hello all. I'm new here and have been reading through a lot of posts in the Vision discussion section. I haven't seen this particular question asked before. I test rode a new Vision at Arlen Ness' dealership in Dublin a week ago, and really like the bike. I'd rather not buy one new, though, as the depreciation is steep (and I can't afford a new one!).
2008 - I usually see these on the market the most, and they are the cheapest. Even though it's the first year of production, there weren't that many issues, most of which have likely already been attended to.
2009 - Same as 2008, but with a few refinements to fix any first year issues.
2010 - Same as 2009, but some have ABS
2011 - biggest change so far with standard ABS, round handlebars, and quieter gearbox. It also looks like some items were cheapened (plastic front panel, cables instead of shocks on the sidebag doors). Outside of the 8-ball (which I"m not as interested in), the MSRP on 2011 was the highest, so used prices seem high.
2012 - further cheapening, but lower MSRP. I haven't seen a used one yet.
Is a 2009 or 2010 worth paying extra over 2008? Are the changes on 2011 worth the premium? What does the collective wisdom think?
Is there any table that shows the year by year changes for the Vision, as well as color choice?
-steve
|
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 249
Phenix City AL. | If you want a good price, check out the ones in the classifieds, if i did not already have a 09, one of those would be in my garage. As far as with years are better, its hard to say, I guess it depends on how much you want to pay. I know some one on thevmc is selling a 09 anniversary edition number 007 of 100. |
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 103
Duanesburg N.Y. | I paid $19,999 for my 09 vision in 10 and my dealer has left over 2011 visions at $19,999 UGH!!!!! |
|
| |
|
Iron Butt
Posts: 763
Anderson, IN (48mi NE of downtown Indianapolis) | I thought about trading in the '08 for a '12. When I did my research I came up with same results you mention above. I couldn't justify the cost for the addition of ABS at the expense of other parts. So, I'm just going to wait for the year they introduce a big advancement (or my '08 gets too many miles).
I don't think you can go wrong with any particular year. Perhaps mileage, wear & tear, accessories, etc. would be the things to look for. Some people on this forum say they got great deals on New Old Stock.
Good luck hunting for your new bike. |
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 57
Kansas City, MO | Just a nit pick or two on the 2011 info you have. I thought the front panel was plastic too, until I accidentally chipped some paint off of mine. It's definitely metal. but with the paint they put on it, you'll swear it's plastic. ...it fooled me!
Also, 2011 & 12 have the Neutral finder.
Like others have said; I would go with whichever has the best price for the miles and abuse on it. Not enough differences to get too worried about.
Edited by KCVic 2012-05-21 3:37 PM
|
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 161
Albuquerque NM | Like most others have already said, look for the ones with lowest miles and greatest service records. The only thing that might entice me to purchase a slightly newer one would be the warranty.
|
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 185
Rhode Island | No years have any major issues that I am aware of, the 2008 was the first year and a few minor issues; if it were me 2009 or 2010 would be what I would look at. |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 3773
Pittsburgh, PA | honestly the 11 model NOT having the side bag shock doesnt meant anything to me. if anything those shocks on my 08 were SLOW to open and it appears my 11 opens a tad bit "wider" with just the cable. one BIG plus i like about my 11 is the 5000 mile oil change interval instead of the silly 2500 miles one.. the extended warrarnty has very strict standards regaurding maintenance and Proving it! (read the fine print) so even though i could have used oil to double the oil change interval (O.C.I.) i would rather still follow the Oem requirements and my extrended warranty and not risk voiding it IF god forbid i needed engine/trany work... now with the 11 the OCI is 5000 and im plenty happy with that! its not the best for a touring bike, but after having a 2500 mile OCI anything more makes me happy! (example) i have a 4000 mile trip this summer, ill change it before hand and NOT have to worry about finding a place during my trip OR voiding my warranty if i had a engine or trany issue.. (i believe in murphys law).... |
|
| |
|
Tourer
Posts: 323
Troy, NY | The first year of new design is generally better to skip. I would go with a good used one with low miles of either 2009-2011. |
|
| |
|
Tourer
Posts: 500
| I have seen some,what look like, pretty good deals on 09's in the Classified section on the VMC board...Also a few on this site...Any year with good maintenance records and care should be okay....Good Luck ...you will love the Vision...... |
|
| |
|
Tourer
Posts: 500
| There are a couple 09's right now for sale on this site under personal ads....What looks like a really nice deal with a lot of upgrades for $13,200.....Check it out, maybe it will be the right one.....Posted under name Kraco
Edited by opas ride 2012-05-21 6:05 PM
|
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 259
Land O Lakes, FL | The one thing I would seriously consider on a bike this big is the ABS option. It rains a lot of there and you just can't put a price on the safety that one feature offers when your stuck in the rain. My GoldWing didn't have it and I wish it did, I was always so paranoid as to how hard I could hit the brakes in a panic without washing the front tire out and with linked brakes you don't have much control over that since either pedal runs part of the front. Just something to consider I know it's saved my bacon already having it and my confidence is much higher in the wet. |
|
| |
|
Fountain Inn, SC United States | Some other points:
2008 had powerlet outlets that many owners want to change over to regular power outlets. I believe 2009 had regular outlets.
2010 had upgraded radio and antenna reception.
2011 went to a different gear indicator sensor. Downside is that it reads "--" when you hold in the clutch lever.
2012 upgraded the tranny with the "neutral finder" and upped the oil change interval from 2500 to 5000 miles.
|
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 3773
Pittsburgh, PA | victoryvisiontour - 2012-05-21 2:56 PM
I thought about trading in the '08 for a '12. When I did my research I came up with same results you mention above. I couldn't justify the cost for the addition of ABS at the expense of other parts. So, I'm just going to wait for the year they introduce a big advancement (or my '08 gets too many miles).
I don't think you can go wrong with any particular year. Perhaps mileage, wear & tear, accessories, etc. would be the things to look for. Some people on this forum say they got great deals on New Old Stock.
Good luck hunting for your new bike.
aiside from ABS, new wheels, charging system that charges FULL at idle and then the NEW TRANSMISSION how much bigger of a change do you want? I think a new transmission is kind of a big thing.. lol |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 3773
Pittsburgh, PA | Jedi Jeff - 2012-05-22 6:48 AM
Some other points:
2008 had powerlet outlets that many owners want to change over to regular power outlets. I believe 2009 had regular outlets.
2010 had upgraded radio and antenna reception.
2011 went to a different gear indicator sensor. Downside is that it reads "--" when you hold in the clutch lever.
2012 upgraded the tranny with the "neutral finder" and upped the oil change interval from 2500 to 5000 miles.
actually the NEW transmission was in the 2011 and the oil change doubled.. |
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 135
Chesterfield, VA | Jedi Jeff - 2012-05-22 7:48 AM Some other points: 2008 had powerlet outlets that many owners want to change over to regular power outlets. I believe 2009 had regular outlets. 2010 had upgraded radio and antenna reception. 2011 went to a different gear indicator sensor. Downside is that it reads "--" when you hold in the clutch lever. 2012 upgraded the tranny with the "neutral finder" and upped the oil change interval from 2500 to 5000 miles. Correction: The 2009 still had powerlet outlets. The upgraded tranny and nuetral finder came out in 2011 along with the increased oil change interval (increased to 5,000 miles). |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 3773
Pittsburgh, PA | PhantomX - 2012-05-21 9:39 PM
The one thing I would seriously consider on a bike this big is the ABS option. It rains a lot of there and you just can't put a price on the safety that one feature offers when your stuck in the rain. My GoldWing didn't have it and I wish it did, I was always so paranoid as to how hard I could hit the brakes in a panic without washing the front tire out and with linked brakes you don't have much control over that since either pedal runs part of the front. Just something to consider I know it's saved my bacon already having it and my confidence is much higher in the wet.
I will say this. i have used the ABS 2 times now.. one time was interesting... going over a very bumpy road then a car pulled into my lane and hit his brakes.. i felt the ABS engage! and then one time on my way to the dealer car blew through a stop light in front of me and when i hit both brakes as hard as a can the bike stayed perfectly straight and no wheel lock up and no fish tailing.. my 08 has been in simular situations and i remembered the rear would lock up and wiggle. |
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 135
Chesterfield, VA | Back to the original question...IMHO the 2011 is the best bang for the buck. They added a lot of improved features on the 2011 model with the ABS and upgraded transmission. I purchased mine at the end of last summer after the 2012 models hit the floor. At the time they were offering $2,500 rebates on the 2011's and I also got another $1,000 off for the military appreciation (retired Army), bringing the out-the-door cost to just over $17,000. My point is there are some good deals available on older "new stock" if you time it right. |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 3773
Pittsburgh, PA | sarvbill - 2012-05-22 7:23 AM
Back to the original question...IMHO the 2011 is the best bang for the buck.? They added a lot of improved features on the 2011 model with the ABS and upgraded transmission.? I purchased mine at the end of last summer after the 2012 models hit the floor.? At the time they were offering $2,500 rebates on the 2011's and I also got another $1,000 off for the military appreciation (retired Army), bringing the out-the-door cost to just over $17,000. My point is there are some good deals available on older "new stock" if you time it right.
i completely agree with you .. and not because i have a 2011 either.. the 2011 has all the "toys" from the past vision with the improvments. then 2012 models is when they started to Cut Out some of the "toys". i also got a good deal. $2500 from Vic then $1500 from the dealer! then an amazing trade-in on my 08 vision! It was a win win for me. |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 3006
San Antonio, TX | 2011 is the sweet spot. |
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 62
Des Moines | Yeah, the 2009 still has the Powerlet ports and after using them the last couple of years I actually prefer them to regular power ports.
The only thing I wish my 2009 had is the neutral finder. I don't mind the tranny noise and clunking, but finding neutral can be a bear at times.
Edited by emanIA 2012-05-22 10:26 AM
|
|
| |
|
Iron Butt
Posts: 752
Broken Arrow, OK | We should do a poll as to which year is the best bang for the buck. This poll will be open to 2011 owners only :P
It's 70 deg outside, 5 mph breeze and I'm stuck 3 stories underground on a job. Man I wanna ride.........
Edited by okie vision 2012-05-22 10:55 AM
|
|
| |
|
Puddle Jumper
Posts: 9
Nevada City, CA | Thanks, everyone, for your opinions. I thought about setting up a poll, but I didn't want that to be my first post! :-)
I do see some good deals on here and thevmc, which makes it even harder to decide! I think the 2011 would probably be the one to get, but they are harder to find a good deal on compared to '08s and '09s. Lots of folks upgrading their older Visions for newer ones. I also don't see a '11 color that grabs me, but I should reserve judgement until I see them in person.
-steve
|
|
| |
|
Tourer
Posts: 494
Akron Ohio area | 2011 has HID headlight.
2012 doesn't. |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 3773
Pittsburgh, PA | okie vision - 2012-05-22 10:54 AM
We should do a poll as to which year is the best bang for the buck. This poll will be open to 2011 owners only :P
It's 70 deg outside, 5 mph breeze and I'm stuck 3 stories underground on a job. Man I wanna ride.........
+1 LOL !!!!!! |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 3773
Pittsburgh, PA | ok now i am confused... i went to a vic dealer in ohio today.. they have (2) 2012 visions and they Both had HIS lights and Electric windshield.... the sales person was more knowledgeable about atv's than Victorys... so he was no help.. i was wondering if they dealer just ADDED those features to the 2012s??? |
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 92
| I just purchased mine and all that was standard equipment on the 2012.
|
|
| |
Which year offers the best bang for the buck?