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Tourer
Posts: 307
Columbia, SC | Well, about three days ago, I traded in the Victory Vision. You may have seen recent threads by me on dealer service ticking me off, and that was a part of the equation, but not the whole reality.
Reasons I bought the Vision a year and a half ago...
-Comfy for two people for when my wife rides/aspirations of frequent and long weekend rides
-extra wattage for heated gear
-stereo for tunes on the way to/from work and while on rides
-low seat height
-reliability
The reality then set in about a year and half later.
-Wife works almost every weekend, which means I end up using it as a commuter and on solo trips (overkill)
-haven't bought heated gear yet.....will I ever?
-after buying SENA headsets and after hearing justin beiber for the umpteenth time, I decided bluetooth podcast and audiobook transmissions were preferable
-seat height still good
-ultimately, still reliable, but the local dealer (of which there is only one) just doesn't give me the warm and fuzzies. I made an appointment 2 weeks out to get something looked at, and 2.5 weeks AFTER dropping it off for the appointment, they still hadn't finished the 'diagnostics' to even determine what MIGHT need to be replaced. Yeah. I don't think I'll ever buy another bike that doesn't have multiple dealers around me. Turns out, I need a choice of dealers so I can hopefully find one that doesn't take their sweet-ass time getting stuff done and forces me to be without my bike cause they "haven't gotten around" to even LOOKING at the bike 2.5 weeks after I drop it off FOR AN APPOINTMENT. (vent over)
Financially, it's a better move. For a bike that is ultimately a commuter with a few 200 - 400 mile weekends a month, MAYBE one of those two-up, smaller and cheaper would suit me just fine. So I was able to trade it in, get close to what I owed, and get a new 2012 Vstrom 650 adventure at 0% APR. It was a demo bike so there were a few extras thrown in as well. It's a lot lighter, still comfy enough for the wife to handle 200+ miles, still tons of luggage, and still reliable. On the plus side financially, since it's 0% APR and was cheaper, my payments are half of what I was paying for the Vision, which means I have more money to work with each month for whatever I need (for gas while riding perhaps?).
It was a sad day as just last Saturday I rode through some NC mountains and really got a test of what the Vision could really handle, and it can handle really well! But ultimately, it was just much more bike than I needed for what I used it for, and we could use a little extra money. Been a great forum, had a fun time with you all, and if you're considering a Vision, it's a great bike, but check out the dealer you'll have to work with. I fell into the dealer of, "Oh, we treat everyone like family." ..... Apparantly after the purchase I turned into the crazy uncle that they were always "too busy" to be nice to and help out.
Alexi
PS - After I got the bike back, they said they would call on Monday and give me an update after talking to Victory about my problems. Been 6 days since that "call" was supposed to happen. I wonder how long it'll take for them to call. I'll tell ya what. I'll update this thread when they do call about what happened. Although I don't expect that to happen unless they're members of vision-riders.com and see this thread! Sigh. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1365
Central Maryland | The V-Strom is a good bike. I had a DL650 that I traded in for the Vision.
What's important is that you're happy on the bike; whichever one you choose. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 233
flagstaff, AZ | Bummer on the Victory situation, and best of luck with the new scoot. |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | hope things work out for you financially. Also, sorry to hear that the dealer network turn you against Victory, hopefully they'll keep working on that. For many months I've not had a local dealer, but that has never given cause to give up my bike, nor would it ever drive me away from Victory. I feel they are the best made American bike on the market, they just still need some growing up to do. I think they are a good success story to be only 13 years old and doing as well as they are. I believe 2013 is a major turning point for Victory and will really shine through. |
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Tourer
Posts: 500
| Sorry to see you leave, but we all do what we have to and what makes us happy....I myself hope that Victory can get a better and more competent dealer network in time...My local dealer closed last year and I went to another that sold everything from "soup-to-nuts" but hired the tech from old dealer and I went there once..After that the tech left for another multi-line dealer and I again found one last dealer in my area that seems to be okay so far...Not had any service work done there yet, but many say it is a good place...Only time will tell....Good Luck with your new ride.... |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 752
Broken Arrow, OK | as long as you're riding and enjoying it, Alexi. Congratulations on that new bike. I LOVE new bikes! |
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Cruiser
Posts: 188
| Congrats on the V-Strom.
I have also considered something similar, but for me was to trade my Vision and KTM Adventure for a Yamaha Tenere. Basically looking to consolidate bikes, but I would really hate to not buy American. That sounds funny being I own a KTM but the trade deficit between Austria and the US is almost nothing and the Buell Ulysses didn't not tickle my fancy.
Good luck with the new bike
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Tourer
Posts: 499
Chattanooga, TN | Best of luck to you on your new bike. Sorry to see you go. I love my 08 Vision and haven't had any trouble to speak of but hey, your the one who's riding it AND making the payments on your wheels. |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 31
Las Vegas, NV | Congrats on the new bike. Whatever bike it is to make you happy and the financial sense always plays into it too. But no matter what the product, if you don't have good service to back you up, it's time to move on. Keep the rubber down and a big smile on your face as now it's time to ride without any stress. Best of luck..... |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 33
Georgia | I feel your pain concerning the dealership. I purchased my 2012 Vision tour a month ago and part of the radio display was out when i purchased it and it had a couple other issues. I was told that they would order a new radio and I could stop by and they would install it while I waited. The dealership is 60 miles from my house and they didn't order the radio and I rode to the dealer twice during the week after purchase only to be told they could not look at it and that I would have to bring it back and leave it. Well after telling them it's hard for me to leave it and asking if they could just check to see if there was a software update being that the radio display would come and go they agreed to check for a update,so I took the bike back and after nearly 3 hours of waiting I was told that the software was up to date I would have to bring it back and leave it. so after 480 miles in trips to the dealer plus 120 for my wife having to pick me up. they've had my bike nearly 2 weeks and I'm still waiting for the radio to come in when they could have ordered the radio to begin with. they've had my bike almost as long as I had it in my posession and I've put almost as many miles riding back and forth to the dealer as I've put on the bike leisurely, and they claim they can't find a problem with the other issues I had so I'm sure when I finally get it back I'll be taking it back for the occassional no start, backfiring and idle issues. |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 33
Georgia | I hope my vision is ready soon because I really miss it.
Edited by vision2012 2012-07-15 6:55 PM
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Tourer
Posts: 307
Columbia, SC | Yeah. This board has been AWESOME. Good folks, helpful, and so little drama (aside from the occasional darkside/don't darkside drama, which itself was rather tame compared to other boards)
I just prefer the warm and fuzzy of having good service and i feel like i'm not getting that. Nice bike, nice motor, but more than i need in bike and less than i need in service (dealer fault, not bikes) |
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Visionary
Posts: 2118
Pitt Meadows, BC Canada | ................. gaddang oilthreads
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Visionary
Posts: 1308
Sand Rock, AL United States | ride what fits your life and what makes you happy, this life is short  |
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Tourer
Posts: 492
Indianapolis, IN | My ulitmate goal would be to have one each of four different style bikes, heavy touring, sport tour, hot bar hopper v twin, crotch rocket. Then I would just pick the one for my mood. But you have to be treated like a customer rather than a red headed step child with the dealer you buy from to be happy. (This will always be a dream for me ).
Enjoy your new wheels and have fun with the wind in your face. Be safe!! |
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Tourer
Posts: 307
Columbia, SC | This is what i'm talking about. Not one post yelling at me for being dumb or making the wrong decision or something. Just a bunch of glad-youre-happy's and ride-what-you-like's. Great people on this forum!
Alexi |
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Visionary
Posts: 2027
Brighton, TN | Well then, I always hate a happy camper, you dumba$$, can't believe you would do such a thing. However, I too would love to have one of each also, tour bike, cruiser, loud and rowdy bar hopper, crotch rocket for track days, dual sport bike for those off road adventures. I already have the dirtbike.
I am like you were. Mine rarely gets used for touring, mine is strictly commuter and I love all the extras for getting to work. Love me some RADIO. Your right it's probably a little much for just commuting, but I do. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1308
Sand Rock, AL United States | sfalexi - 2012-07-16 8:51 AM
This is what i'm talking about. Not one post yelling at me for being dumb or making the wrong decision or something. Just a bunch of glad-youre-happy's and ride-what-you-like's. Great people on this forum!
Alexi
looking at your signature, 2 things, thank you for your service and how do you like the CBR250R? I was thinking of getting it for my boy next year. What are your impressions? |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | Well, is right, being one of the first to respond to your public decision. The thoughts were there, but I saw your decision was multi-facet so I left it be. Being relatively a "novice" in years of riding compared to many I find the Vision has a universal fit. It may not be a croch-rocket, but it is nimble, for a tourer it is quick, and for its size it is narrow, yet roomy. I find I can go from open road to city riding without a care. Alone, I move through traffic unfettered, and two up, I can go anywhere at the drop of the hat. I have justified the cost because I use it for my second, no wait, my first mode of transportation and usually have to be forced not to ride. Those situation have only been in icy situations, or where I have to move cargo too big to fit on the bike. I quit counting consecutive days a long time ago, but it is safe to say I ride about 350 days out of the year. Given all that I have come to love and appreciate about the Vision, it will always be top dog, even if I was to get an Indian. Again, enjoy your new ride, it is you that needs to be happy in your decision. Don't be a stranger.
Edited by varyder 2012-07-16 11:23 AM
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Visionary
Posts: 1308
Sand Rock, AL United States | I share your priority and feelings for the Vision Chris but you know that. Indians are cool |
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Tourer
Posts: 307
Columbia, SC | jimtom - 2012-07-16 12:11 PM
sfalexi - 2012-07-16 8:51 AM
This is what i'm talking about. Not one post yelling at me for being dumb or making the wrong decision or something. Just a bunch of glad-youre-happy's and ride-what-you-like's. Great people on this forum!
Alexi
looking at your signature, 2 things, thank you for your service and how do you like the CBR250R? I was thinking of getting it for my boy next year. What are your impressions?Thanks for awesome support! Always nice to know there are people who support us!
The cbr250r is a fun little bike. I really enjoy riding it. The seat is tough. After an hour you'll start squirming.
You can read all the spec (fuel mileage, top speed, etc) so i'll try to give my thoughts based on the last 800 miles i've ridden on it.
I think it really works well and it's a great bike if you don't need to go fast and don't mind a featureless bike that just works. I can keep up with traffic just fine, and 6th speed will take you from 40 mph to whatever your topo speed needs to be (my commute traffic flows about 75-80 and i can keep up just fine). Wind protection is not great, it definitely gets windy, but wear earplugs and it shouldn't bother you too much, plus there are now aftermarket windscreens are available.
It's been out a year and a half, so you CAN find slightly used ones. But even if you can't, hell, 4500 bucks will nab you a brand new ABS model, and you know this thing will compete with ninja 250s on resale, even more if you have abs i'm sure. I do need to remember to rev a little higher when starting off (um... Not as torquey as a 106 ci engine i guess!) and have stalled a few times, but other than that, it's just a joy having a lightweight commuter that gets great gas mileage, brakes work fine on, and can do highway speeds.
Don't expect sportbike performance. Nice sportbike looks though. But it works, and works well. Whole hell of a lot better than other 250s. can't compare to a ninja 250 but i think it's supposedly a little more real world friendly with a little more torque and needing less rpm to get around town. ABS is a nice feel good feature and lowers insurance a little too.
Alexi |
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Visionary
Posts: 1308
Sand Rock, AL United States | thanks, that's what I needed to know. |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | I wonder how that compares to the 250 rebel, if they still make them. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1308
Sand Rock, AL United States | I used to have one. like most small bikes , uncomfortable and buzzy at speed. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 281
| Good luck with your VStrom! I really like the ergonomics on that machine. Best wishes! |
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Goodbye Vision - Hello V-strom