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Cruiser
Posts: 69
AZ | Remember, you asked....
- At 7,300 miles my foot brake went to the floorboards for the 3rd time (have appt to really troubleshoot it this time and not just "bleed" the line).
- On my second battery in under 3 years of ownership.
- Changing a light bulb is 90 "plus minutes of front end disassembly/reassembly with new scratches added no matter how careful I am.
- For a premium bike it has a very weak speaker system.
- Having to add a performance cam from Lloyds so as the engine doesn't "choke out" above 3500 rpm and it is "quicker" under partial-throttle acceleration.
- Having access to two dealers but always traveling to the one 90 minutes away (instead of the closer one) because the distant dealer has the better service department.
Should have taken my wife on the test ride...she misses the Goldwing I owned for 6 years and reminds me of it almost every ride
Every rider is different in what they want/expect from their bike. My Vision is a nice bike in many other areas/aspects, but I won't be buying another one. YMMV
regards,
PS. Sorry for the separate thread...I selected the wrong function. Moderator please move to the proper thread.
Edited by RCS 2012-12-03 10:18 AM
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Tourer
Posts: 499
Chattanooga, TN | I haven't had any of those problems. Still have the original battery in mine, original light bulbs at 38k miles so that is coming soon. Up did upgrade the sound, but I'm hard of hearing to begin with and refuse hearing aids for now. I added a top air filter and didn't quit though cause horsepower is and addiction and I feed it! There is no better bike with the relatively inexpensive modifications I have done like cams. I love my vision |
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Cruiser
Posts: 60
Wichita, KS | Ditto everything baadawg said. |
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Visionary
Posts: 2118
Pitt Meadows, BC Canada | If you think you made a mistake in the beginning - you will invent/find reasons that you will use to do something else. Human nature.
I agree with baadawg and Bodacious - I have NOT had the problems RCS talks of. I did replace speakers and add cams - because they made a great bike - better.
It's all in the 'attitude' - RCS really wants another Wing. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 1066
Peru, IN | -If I lose any sort of braking at 7k miles, they'll be doing a LOT more than just bleeding the brakes. If you don't introduce air into the system, you shouldn't have to bleed the brakes so obviously something else was wrong.
-Sometimes, it's the fault of the battery, not the bike.
-You can change the headlights in 20 minutes without removing the entire front end of the bike. I've seen multiple threads regarding this. Do a search.
-Speaker system is fine. Nothing that can't be improved but still fine compared to similar bikes from other makers.
-You don't have to add anything (including cams) to make the bike a good performer. It's a 900# touring bike. Don't expect it to run like a ZX10. The cost of the Lloydz treatment (cams, filters, ECM, processor, etc) is less than $2k. Try putting that money in a Harley and the Vic will still run away from it. Same with the Gold Wing, etc.
-I feel your pain on the dealer thing. My local dealer is 5 minutes away and at this point, I won't go back to them unless it's an emergency and I have no other choice. There are a 1/2 dozen other dealers within a 2 hour ride. I'm starting to scope them out for future service. Dealer network is one of Victorys weaker points.
-Get a new wife. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 69
AZ | WOW, everything from a comment on my perceived "attitude" to "get a new wife"...yep, I can feel the love coming thru 
- Having owned a BMW 1150RT, BMW 1200LT, Honda GL1800, HD 88 Road King, 96 Electric Glide, and now a 103 Road Glide Ultra over the years I'm well aware of how a heavy touring bike can perform. I'm more interested in handling coupled with partial-throttle "quickness" (under 4k) for street riding vs "top end" or 1/4 mile performance. The Vision (stock) outshines the 88 RK and 96 EG, but falls behind the others listed above in my riding experience/style.
- My large arthritic hands will never accomplish a 20 minute bulb change...I know, I tried.
- The only "mistake" I made was thinking the "grass was greener" in every bike/riding category that the Vision could offer. Again, just my riding experience/style.
- New wife is not a option.
Now I'll go back to keeping my opinions to myself no matter why or who asks for input.
Good riding everyone and I'll still wave to you all on the road.
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Cruiser
Posts: 65
| Wow, 3 years 7300 miles! Your bike must be in the shop a lot. I am close to 8000 on my Vision in 3 1/2 months but I don't have any of those problems. Actually I have no problems at all. I am used to a little more speed (not quite the same as the Hyabusa, B-King and K1200S I had) but have gotten used to letting the torque do the work. It runs like a top and at this juncture I am happy with the stock pipes, cams and fuel management. I used to spend thousands to get a Harley to run this good. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1365
Central Maryland | RCS - 2012-12-03 5:15 PM
WOW, everything from a comment on my perceived "attitude" to "get a new wife"...yep, I can feel the love coming thru
- Having owned a BMW 1150RT, BMW 1200LT, Honda GL1800, HD 88 Road King, 96 Electric Glide, and now a 103 Road Glide Ultra over the years I'm well aware of how a heavy touring bike can perform. I'm more interested in handling coupled with partial-throttle "quickness" (under 4k) for street riding vs "top end" or 1/4 mile performance. The Vision (stock) outshines the 88 RK and 96 EG, but falls behind the others listed above in my riding experience/style.
- My large arthritic hands will never accomplish a 20 minute bulb change...I know, I tried.
- The only "mistake" I made was thinking the "grass was greener" in every bike/riding category that the Vision could offer. Again, just my riding experience/style.
- New wife is not a option.
Now I'll go back to keeping my opinions to myself no matter why or who asks for input.
Good riding everyone and I'll still wave to you all on the road.
I like opinions and you can find a kid with small hands to change out the bulb(s) while you sip a beer and provide instruction.
So RCS... pick yerself off of the ground and quit feeling sorry for yerself..... |
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Cruiser
Posts: 69
AZ | -
"I like opinions and you can find a kid with small hands to change out the bulb(s) while you sip a beer and provide instruction.
So RCS... pick yerself off of the ground and quit feeling sorry for yerself...."
First,Thank you for your service to our country.
Answering a forum asked question based on my own riding style/owner experience that specifically asked for "any regrets", and now I'm advised to quit feeling sorry for myself just because I did indeed post a few non-positive experiences with the brand/model....
Just like getting a big internet "hug"
Edited by RCS 2012-12-03 8:09 PM
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Cruiser
Posts: 69
AZ | 1951vbs - 2012-12-03 3:15 PM
"Wow, 3 years 7300 miles! Your bike must be in the shop a lot."
Well, my 2011 Road Glide Ultra (@ 10,000k miles) is at the dealership for a warranty issue with the rear air shocks (doesn't retain air and they are being replaced with their premium CVO shocks on HD's nickle). So it is just my 2009 Vision (@ 7300k miles) and 2003 RT (@ 44,000K miles) under the carport right now.
Sold my 2003 LT w/23k, my 2006 GL1800 w/26k, totaled my 2004 RK (well the driver that crossed over into my lane in a curve running me off the road totalled it) w/8k, and traded in my 2007 EG w/19k for my RGU. Not even going to count my 2 Honda standard bikes (250cc and 450cc) and one Yamaha 650cc I owned in the late 60's and early 70's before I took a 28 year haitus from riding (career related).
So while I havent owned 28 bikes or rode 800k miles, I have worn out a few tires over the years.
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Cruiser
Posts: 65
| RCS - 2012-12-03 9:50 PM
1951vbs - 2012-12-03 3:15 PM
"Wow, 3 years 7300 miles! Your bike must be in the shop a lot."
Well, my 2011 Road Glide Ultra (@ 10,000k miles) is at the dealership for a warranty issue with the rear air shocks (doesn't retain air and they are being replaced with their premium CVO shocks on HD's nickle). So it is just my 2009 Vision (@ 7300k miles) and 2003 RT (@ 44,000K miles) under the carport right now.
Sold my 2003 LT w/23k, my 2006 GL1800 w/26k, totaled my 2004 RK (well the driver that crossed over into my lane in a curve running me off the road totalled it) w/8k, and traded in my 2007 EG w/19k for my RGU. Not even going to count my 2 Honda standard bikes (250cc and 450cc) and one Yamaha 650cc I owned in the late 60's and early 70's before I took a 28 year haitus from riding (career related).
So while I havent owned 28 bikes or rode 800k miles, I have worn out a few tires over the years.
I do hope you can get the brake situation fixed, it does not sound like they have found the problem. It is not uncommon to replace motorcycle batteries every year if they are used intermittantly and I can't figure out why you need a headlight bulb with such low mileage but I guess it is just bad luck. Hopefully your next experience will be better. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 244
Tucson , AZ | Your brake problem is one that alot of Early models have. Somehow when the bike sits.. it sucks air into the rear brake line. Simple fix .. replace the rear brake line. Yes its a defect, but you wont get Victory to agree.
AS for batteries.. stock ones are junk. You need to keep it charged ... and go with a good aftermarket.. NOT A Victory.
The bulbs have always been an issue..
As for the sound system... its no better or worse than the rest.. simple update the system with an amp and speakers.
The dealer problem is just that here in AZ... some are good and some are not. Atleast you have a choice.
Your Vision takes very little maintence for the performance it delivers.. you HD is not in the same catagory.. you must atleast agree with that. Wings are great bikes on the open highway. But in town its a brick and it hard to manuever at slow speeds.. not like the Vision.
As for the wife.. well thats a problem you will have to deal with yourself. LOl maybe she should ride her own bike.
I hope you find what bike YOU will be happy with. Atleast you are riding.. thats whats important.
Good luck |
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Cruiser
Posts: 69
AZ | "I can't figure out why you need a headlight bulb with such low mileage but I guess it is just bad luck. Hopefully your next experience will be better.
Changed out the OEM bulbs for Philips bright white bulbs...I dont like the "yellow cast" of standard bulbs. 18 months later one of those burnt out. So Ive disassembled/reassembled my front end twice in 3 years.
resp, |
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Tourer
Posts: 520
Simi Valley, CA | 2009, 44,000 miles. No real problems. Yeah I have had the spongy rear brake pedal.... But probably my fault for not maintaining the brakes like I should have. Just ride the thing...oh wait you got an HD.... I see the problem now. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 69
AZ | hmd520,
-Thanks for the info regarding the rear brake line, it will be brought up at my appt.
- The OEM and aftermarket batteries were/are on a tender when parked.
- J&M replacement speakers improved the sound even without a new amp.
- My stage one 103 RGU is partial-throttle "quicker" in/around traffic then my stage 2 Vision unless I really roll-on the throttle, then they are comparable. I think the difference is in their respective gearing.
- Coming off my top heavy BMW LT, the lower center of gravity GL1800 handled like a dream commuting and at parking lot speeds.
- In the begining many an argument with the misses started off with the words "well then ride your own bike"...I don't say that anymore
- There are numerous things I like about the Vision...but that is not what the OP asked for in their "any regrets" thread/question.
regards, |
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Cruiser
Posts: 69
AZ | Cometman - 2012-12-03 9:00 PM
" Just ride the thing...oh wait you got an HD.... I see the problem now."
Ah yes, the "other brand" problem....
regards,
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Cruiser
Posts: 161
Albuquerque NM | All I can say is that I'm sorry to hear that you have had so many problems with your bike, so many of us here are so enamored with our bikes that it's hard to hear any negative comments. But it sounds like you have had a great variety of motorcycles in your history, and I'm sure you can find some fault with each of them.
If you want to stick with your vision there are some really intelligent people here who really understand these machines, and have never been shy about offering advice and assistance. If you choose to send it on to the next owner, I can't fault you for that particularly if it keeps the misses happy.
Whatever you do I'm sure you'll keep riding, and I hope you enjoy whatever you ride. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1229
Rancho Cucamonga, CA | It's not the first time I've heard the passenger prefers the GW over the VV. Gotta keep MaMa happy. You can add the passenger hwy pegs and arm rest, but not much you can do with the shorter seat. Some like sitting higher up than the front rider, others prefer staying out of the wind. Sometimes it's just a matter of remembering to raise the windshield up when a passenger is on.
The GW is a great bike, but I couldn't handle the loss of feet positions. |
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Visionary
Posts: 2118
Pitt Meadows, BC Canada | RCS is FULL OF SHIT
Re: RCS - Just go back and read his stuff - he's from another biker world. We have a mechanism to block these guys - I have just instituted my BLOCK - as I have on a few other abusers of this site.
Click on his link - then click on ADD/REMOVE THIS USER TO YOUR IGNORE LIST
None of his blather will be available to me in the future. I don't need any more BS in my life - how about the rest of you ???
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Iron Butt
Posts: 1066
Peru, IN | Wow, Don! You forget to take your happy pill today? The dude posted his regrets then replied to the other posts. Not sure what part of his "blather" upset you so much. Did I miss a post? |
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Visionary
Posts: 1365
Central Maryland | donetracey - 2012-12-04 2:08 AM
RCS is FULL OF SHIT
Re: RCS - Just go back and read his stuff - he's from another biker world. We have a mechanism to block these guys - I have just instituted my BLOCK - as I have on a few other abusers of this site.
Click on his link - then click on ADD/REMOVE THIS USER TO YOUR IGNORE LIST
None of his blather will be available to me in the future. I don't need any more BS in my life - how about the rest of you ???
Don, you keep up with that self righteous "blather" and some of us are gonna block YOU!  |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 48
huntington In. | Well said willtill! Thought this site was a place to find help with problems, not be criticzed for having them. |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 15
| This guy is full of BS ,He must be a harley rider.Put cams in so moter does not choke out,The guy does not know what he is talking about.The vision is the best bike out their. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 1109
| RCS, good luck with your |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 48
huntington In. | I agree the Vision is the best bike out, but not everyone will agree with that. Just because doesn't is no reason to jump down his throat. The queation was asked. He told his peoblems and opinon, which he has every right to. Again for the record I think the VISION IS THE BEST BIKE PERIOD. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 244
| Not to hijack the thread but what you can't replace with any other bike is the fact that people walk across parking lots and ask if they can look at your bike? Never saw one like that before, must have cast you a bunch. Who makes it, you all have head it. I'v had a few problems with mine, unlike the wing with 140K, Rear wheel bearing hub beat out & then the fork seals started to go. I think the Vis will make 100K easy. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 69
AZ | WoW... now I'm full of XXXX, don't know what I'm talking about, and from another biker world?? ANOTHER BIKER WORLD????? Really.
To those posters that replied to me (even if you disagreed with my "regrets") in a civil manner I thank you for the intelligent replies/suggestions.
To those posters that replied in (how can I be charitable) a "less thoughtful & civil way", well, if you "must" block me to bring some peace and tranquility to your vision-riders internet life, then so be it...I hope it brings you what you desire.
MODERATORS: This thread has run it course, I ask that you please lock it.
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Tourer
Posts: 499
Chattanooga, TN | <p>Too late RCS. I just have to chime in. Apparently all that ails your Vision can be fixed by a simple laxative taken on your part. Amazing! I'm so glad I came here today because I learned something new, yet again! A laxative can fix burned out headlamps, a bad battery, a bitching moaning spousal unit and many other ailments. I've been spending way too much money on maintenance when I have a can of psyllium fiber in the cupboard! Thanks guys!</p><p> MODERATORS: YOU MAY NOW LOCK THE THREAD. I HAVE HAD THE FINAL WORD</p>
Edited by baadawg 2012-12-04 7:58 PM
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Visionary
Posts: 1350
| Dude don't apologize for the Vision not being right for you. Just be glad we have so many choices.
Have you seen the pics of the "street" GW? Nice looking ride. I hope to see it at the Javitts Center. But the wife may miss the backrest.
Shame on you for not taking the wife on a long test ride before buying.
Hope things work out for you.
I keep Anny plugged in all the time with the original battery.
7300 miles, if you're not happy with it, you won't look forward to riding it. |
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Tourer
Posts: 444
Bay of Gigs, WA | hmd520-why would the rear brake line "suck air into itself" when sitting? That's something I've never heard of. Wouldn't such a port of entry also leak under pressure? I, too, have had the foot brake probs, had them bled by a dealer at 10,000 and they still weren't really any great shakes after that...Some rigs need to go, but when you're weighing in at over 1100 pounds solo, this is one that need to stop, too. I can't blame the rear brakes for eating the back of a Nissan pickup in October '12, (there was sand or gravel on the road and the front tire washed out) but I was noticing a lot of travel on the lever prior to it and irritated that it was deteriorating again. I'll look into the brake line, but still wonder what would cause it-bad flares on the fittings?
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Tourer
Posts: 367
Cottage Grove, Mn | hmd520 - 2012-12-03 8:24 PM
Your brake problem is one that alot of Early models have. Somehow when the bike sits.. it sucks air into the rear brake line. Simple fix .. replace the rear brake line. Yes its a defect, but you wont get Victory to agree.
AS for batteries.. stock ones are junk. You need to keep it charged ... and go with a good aftermarket.. NOT A Victory.
The bulbs have always been an issue..
As for the sound system... its no better or worse than the rest.. simple update the system with an amp and speakers.
The dealer problem is just that here in AZ... some are good and some are not. Atleast you have a choice.
Your Vision takes very little maintence for the performance it delivers.. you HD is not in the same catagory.. you must atleast agree with that. Wings are great bikes on the open highway. But in town its a brick and it hard to manuever at slow speeds.. not like the Vision.
As for the wife.. well thats a problem you will have to deal with yourself. LOl maybe she should ride her own bike.
I hope you find what bike YOU will be happy with. Atleast you are riding.. thats whats important.
Good luck
Air bring sucked in through the rear brake line???? Really!!!! First of all it's physically impossible. If as you say it is sucking air into the hydraulic system that would imply that there is a vacuum within the hydraulic system. The hydraulic system cannot operate in a vacuum. That said I will not argue that your brake line is defective and needed replacing but it cannot suck air into the system.
Edited by Blackjack 2012-12-06 9:34 AM
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Tourer
Posts: 548
Mount Vernon, WA United States | RCS - 2012-12-03 10:16 AM
Remember, you asked....
- At 7,300 miles my foot brake went to the floorboards for the 3rd time (have appt to really troubleshoot it this time and not just "bleed" the line).
- On my second battery in under 3 years of ownership.
- Changing a light bulb is 90 "plus minutes of front end disassembly/reassembly with new scratches added no matter how careful I am.
- For a premium bike it has a very weak speaker system.
- Having to add a performance cam from Lloyds so as the engine doesn't "choke out" above 3500 rpm and it is "quicker" under partial-throttle acceleration.
- Having access to two dealers but always traveling to the one 90 minutes away (instead of the closer one) because the distant dealer has the better service department.
Should have taken my wife on the test ride...she misses the Goldwing I owned for 6 years and reminds me of it almost every ride
Every rider is different in what they want/expect from their bike. My Vision is a nice bike in many other areas/aspects, but I won't be buying another one. YMMV
regards,
PS. Sorry for the separate thread...I selected the wrong function. Moderator please move to the proper thread.
I'm probably just putting a fan on the flames, but here goes. I re-read the original post. Note there are some bullet points... then some observations in his post.. He spent a lot of money on a bike and has high expectations.. I'm with him there and I got a bargain on my old V92C, but to the day I sold it, and even today, it has some details that bugged me such as my mine was the intermediate version between 2002 and 2003 so every piece of tin was actually metal. Light stems, mirrors, everything....... except the cheese wedge. Sorry... that just bugged the crap outa me. I guess it still does and I don't even own the bike..
Sooo lets look at what he REALLY posted with the emotions and flames and such..
1. No matter what it is, he's got issues with the brakes. Not cool. Justify with "its a new bike" or "things happen" but it is what it is.. A lingering problem that's not safe. He's working on it.
2. Battery not charging. Could be the bike, could be the place he's getting the batteries, could be related to the next issue in the way the charging system is working or isn't... Bottom line.. it is what it is and none of us would be happy.
3. Changing the lightbulb.. Sounds like he's had to do it more than once. Really? My V92C was a pain to change the lightbulb and it used to eat them. No other bike I have owned or owned ever had more than one lightbulb change in it's life. I'd be annoyed and I was annoyed with the V92C... I ticked me off that I had to carry a spare headlight bulb... But I digress... Maybe it's the weather in which he rides, or the roads, but bottom line...
Batteries going bad, headlights to replace, and a brake issue... along with the admiral not happy... He's not happy. Many others are, but I'm sure many aren't.
The "real" bikers here just want him to have a ride that he's happy with. My suggestion is first get it fixed. With the brakes, until they can say... "we replaced this because this is where the failure was" it's not fixed.
On the headlight and batteries... Again, until they can say "x is happening and causing the batteries to fail" it's not fixed..
I would not have accepted the "we had to bleed the brakes" answer. My question would have been why. Unless you changed the brakes or the fluid or something... their only going to get spongy if there is something wrong. Bleeding is not fixing... It may be the solution once the problem is found.
As far as the admiral's ride.. try to find out specifically what she doesn't like. I would wait until you are comfortable and happy with the bike first, if that's even possible, but then find out the specifics. The GW vs Vision for the passenger has been a topic. It's a love it or hate thing, but maybe something simple like arm rests or grab rails make the difference. But if you are not happy with the bike it's a mute point.
Good luck... I wish I could get a Vision. I've have ridden them many times, and as far as I'm concerned for long distance there is no other choice. Every other bike requires making compromises for long trips, including the GW for me. The Vision does not. I would have no issue driving one off the showroom floor right into a 1000+ mile run only stopping for food and gas. I've done that on my V92C, and it wasn't really all that fun and all I kept thinking was... man.... I wish this was a Vision.
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Cruiser
Posts: 188
| Sorry to hear you are having so many problems. I have 27K HARD miles on my 09 Vision, and its been trouble free.
Beat the gold wing I use to ride and later the one I rented for a week by a landslide in almost every way. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 212
Tavares, Fl | I can sympathyze with him. I bought one of the first 08 Visions to come out. I had problems with it but my biggest problem at that time was finding a dealer to work on it when I rode it to Daytona from Ohio and it stalled out in traffic, actually causing a three car rearender. When I called Victory they just told me I had to deal with the dealer. I got so disgusted I sold it and went back to Yamaha.. We missed the Vision so I began researching them, found many new dealers in the area and found their quality control was much better so I'm back.. I bought a 12 Vision....I guess the good thing is while stranded in Florida waiting to get it fixed we fell in love with the area and moved here, now I can ride year round.. |
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Regrets...