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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 33
Pillager, MN | I've been lurking for a while now...thinking about moving to a Vision. I ride a Honda Valkyrie (that I like very much), but it's getting quite a few miles on it and I just have the "itch" for something new. My wife says that as soon as I get something modded to my liking, it's time to get something else. The Valkyrie is a little unique...I have a Harley Road Glide frame mounted fairing adapted to the bike. It looks like it came that way from the factory (IMHO).
Is there any major difference between a 2008 and 2009 Vision? A salesperson at a dealership told me to avoid the 2008 (first year) and look for 2009 or newer. In fact, he said that I really should be looking for a 2011 or newer because the transmission was so much better. I test drove a 2009 and the tranny was a little "clunky", but I never had a problem shifting or finding neutral. If I get one, my plan would be to do some Lloyd's work to it...intake, PCV and possibly cams. I would want comparable performance to my Valkyrie and I think that would do it. I also noticed that Lloyd's cams are different for the 2008 and the 2009? Did I read that correctly? Are the engines different?
Maybe he was just trying to sell me what he had...naw, a salesman wouldn't do that, would he?
Any input to a newbie is appreciated!
Here's a pic of the Valkyrie in the Rockies last year...
Edited by 39 chev 2013-04-09 10:24 PM
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Visionary
Posts: 1632
Jasper, MO | Sharp bike. I've always liked the Valkyries and yours is a bit unique.
There is very little difference between a 2008 and 2009 Vision. Reverse is not available for the 2008, but is for all later years. The 2008 and 2009 Premium models came with a lot of extras stock that became extra cost options later, or not available at all. A lot of chrome parts became painted parts on the later years (which I consider to be a downgrade). The later bikes got an "improved" transmission that incorporates a neutral finder and a simultaneous change from 2500 mile oil changes to 5000 mile oil changes. Many of us were already using synthetic oil and going 5000 miles anyway, on our earlier models. ABS became available on the later years. The radios were improved by late 2009/early 2010 over the 2008 models. The accessory power outlets were the Hella type for the 2008/2009 models and were changed to an American cigarette lighter style on the later models (which I consider to be a downgrade), but it was done because many buyers were complaining about the "non-standard" outlets.
Victory changed the cam carrier design for 2009 to make manufacturing easier, which is why the Lloydz cams are different part numbers for 2008 and all the later bikes. The engines are the same--only the carriers are different--requiring a different cam. The cam profiles and performance are the same.
Your Valkyrie will outrun a 100% stock Vision in terms of acceleration, but not by a huge amount. The Vision's power is restricted from the factory, by lean programming and emissions spec cams. The top speed is limited (electronically) to 120 MPH in 6th gear. Adding a top intake filter, a fuel controller, and a set of Lloydz VM1 (for the 2008) or VM1-DR (for the 2009+) will make the race between the two much more exciting and pretty close. Adding Lloydz reprogrammed ECU to the other three items will probably put the Vision in front of the Valkyrie. You know what Valkyries can run. Visions with the filter, fuel controller, cams, and Lloydz ECU typically run 12.50s-12.70s @ 105 MPH in the quarter mile and have a top speed over 130 MPH. That's for the Tour model with the trunk installed. With the trunk off (less weight), they'll be a little quicker yet. With the wind at your back, you might even see 140 some days.
As nice as the Valkyrie is, the Vision beats the Valkyrie in handling and ride comfort.
Keep your Valkyrie and get a Vision to go with it.
Ronnie | |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 1109
| I own a 2008 and couldn't be happier, I'll keep it until a redesign comes out. I do like your Valkyrie, I've always wanted one and one day.....................
Edited by kris1956 2013-04-10 4:37 AM
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Cruiser
Posts: 207
| I put over 100,000 miles on Dragons and miss them a lot, they are a great bike and your modification really looks sharp. With that said, I love my Vision too.
Ronnie's already covered many points.
The EFI is a definite plus, oil changes are very-very quick and easy to do, and the ride is excellent. The Vision seat is the first one neither my wife nor I needed to modify in any way and is comfortable on long trips. I like the versatility of the windshield being adjustable. Some folks complain about the saddle bags on the VV but using luggage bags we get the same amount of clothes in each side that we did on a Valk Interstate and a lot more in the trunk.
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Cruiser
Posts: 207
| Two up riding.
(vision with d and j.jpg)
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 33
Pillager, MN | THANK YOU!!! everyone for your replies. Great information.
The other thing that the Vision has that I REALLY WANT is cruise control. Some guys have installed an Audivox style universal electronic cruise control on their Valkyries, but I would rather have a factory cruise. I have a badly destroyed right shoulder (motorcycle accident) and really need to be able to remove my right hand once in a while to loosen it up. Cruise is the only way to do that.
Still...I have mixed emotions about getting rid of the Valk. Ideally, keeping the Valk and buying a Vision would be best, but the $$$ are not there to be able to do that.
Anyway, thanks for your advice and opinions!!!
Brad
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Cruiser
Posts: 281
| We have an 08 Vision Tour AND an 09 Vision Street. They are both amazing machines.
You should not regret owning a Vision. Good luck! | |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 612
| I may be a little partial, but the best year and and bang for the buck would have to be the 2011. The newer transmission ( doubling the oil change interval ) was introduced that year, along with standard ABS. It also is the last year that they had the HID driving light as standard equip. The 2012 and 2013's lost some "standard" features (became add-on options).
I would avoid the 2008, as there were some electrical and radio issues that were fixed in later years.
Whatever year you get, be sure to take it to the dealer and ask to have the latest software updates applied for both the radio and the ECM (fueling, timing, etc). If it has a stage map, they may charge you for a newer stage map, but trust me, they have slipstreamed incremental improvements into all maps over the years, including the basic "stock" map. Even if it only comes with a "stock" map, I would still ask the dealer to download the latest version of that map onto the ECM (they don't charge for the map, but may charge 30 mins of service time).
Edited by Turk 2013-04-10 9:10 AM
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Iron Butt
Posts: 825
, WI | The fastest, coolest  Vision was the 2010 8-Ball. My Vision road test report - http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=827740 | |
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Tourer
Posts: 500
| I rode a 1999 Valkyrie Tour for 6 years and really loved the thing as you know ...Great power delivery, good handling and smooth as silk...Traded for a VTXF1800 and was not happy...Bought a 08 Kingpin Tour and then to the current 2011 Vision Tour...I would go for the newer models 2011 plus if it were me, just my opinion, I just feel they are a little better in a couple ways...You will love the Vision as I really do mine...A much different ride but much, much, more comfortable two-up and on long rides...Great wind protection, smooth ride, and enought power for me to pass about anything I need to....I will admit although, I really like the new Honda F6B and might consider this bike next year.....Maybe not!! | |
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Tourer
Posts: 447
Cleveland, GA | I love my 2008. It has a bit over 70,000 miles on it now with no major issues. | |
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Visionary
Posts: 1632
Jasper, MO | 39 chev - 2013-04-10 7:23 AM
Still...I have mixed emotions about getting rid of the Valk. Ideally, keeping the Valk and buying a Vision would be best, but the $$$ are not there to be able to do that.
Brad
Consider looking around for a used earlier Premium model that has already had the Lloydz cams installed. That would be the best bang for the buck. Someone suggested avoiding the 2008 because of electrical and radio problems. Those electrical problems consisted of an ignition switch and main breaker recall, both of which are free at any dealer. Most 2008s will have already had them done. The early radios were problematic. Many of them were replaced under warranty with newer units. Mine was replaced with a 2010 unit under warranty at no cost to me. If you buy a 2008 and the radio isn't working right, the radio manufacturer will trade you a new one for yours and $175. Not a big deal. The rest of my bike's electrical system has been fine (2008) and will easily power two full sets of heated riding gear.
The earlier Premium models came stock with a lot of chrome and an HID driving light. The chrome turned into paint on the later models and the HID driving light was dropped. The earlier models have gas struts in the saddlebag doors and the later ones just have a cable. The later models look really cheapened in comparison to the earlier models IMHO.
The later models have ABS available, but the non-ABS Visions have very good linked brakes that work much like the ones on the Goldwing.
If you buy a stock Vision and want power upgrades, skip any and all of the factory Stage "whatever" stuff and spend your money on the top filter, fuel controller, and cams. The factory Stage "upgrades" will cost you as much and only gain you maybe 5 horsepower, while the Lloydz stuff will gain you 30 horsepower for the same or less money.
The advice about getting the latest ECU downloads is good advice if you're staying stock. If you go with the Lloydz ECU, any and all factory downloads are overridden (for the better).
Any year Vision is a good year. These things are proving to be as reliable as anything else on the road, so a few miles on a unit isn't going to hurt anything.
Ronnie | |
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Cruiser
Posts: 74
Republic of Texas | I have owned my 2008 VV for about 18 months. This is my first V-Twin engine. I have owned 3 GWs so bikes are not new to me.
I can't really add anything that hasn't already been said except the handling is --- Wow! My neighbor owns a Valkyrie. I notice he doesn't seem to lean on it as much as I do the VV.
Other than that........
I love my Vision.
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Visionary
Posts: 4278
| don't buy a 8 ball if you like music check out http://www.miesoutland.com/
they have a bid slection maybe the biggest in the state
http://tcvr.us/ | |
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Tourer
Posts: 308
Vineland, NJ United States | I have one of the original 2008s that everyone is saying not to get. I love it! It is a Tour Premium with all the bells and whistles. I bought the extended warranty but have never used it. I did put Lloyd's Cams, intake and fuel controller. I also put a Hitch Doc hitch on it and pull a Unigo trailer on long trips. I love it and so will you. Good luck whichever you decide. | |
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Cruiser
Posts: 244
Lindale, TX | 2008 Vision Tour Premium. I think it is better than the new Visions. More chrome and still an eye catcher. No problems in 4+ years of ownership. | |
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Tourer
Posts: 499
Chattanooga, TN | I also have a first year model and think anybody who were to buy it would get a heck of a great bike! But I ain't selling! Dp your own cost benefit analysis and get what you can afford without sacrificing any thing you deem to be important! | |
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Visionary
Posts: 1632
Jasper, MO | The biggest problem you'll have if you buy a Vision is answering all the questions about it. Gas stops can take a long time. Getting out of a parking lot can get interrupted. The things (especially the earlier Premium models with all the chrome) are simply natural attractions.
We absolutely love our 2008 model and it has been trouble free. It's also quicker, faster, and gets better fuel mileage than that yellow Goldwing (our traveling companions) in this picture.
When we were at the Grand Canyon, a bunch of Japanese tourists took turns posing for pictures alongside our Vision, while they completely ignored the Goldwing parked next to it. 
Ronnie
Edited by rdbudd 2013-04-10 11:21 PM
(2010 Rocky Mountain Trip 1494 (Small).JPG)
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 33
Pillager, MN | The looks seem to be an either "LOVE IT or HATE IT" bike. Personally, I love it. As you can see by my Valkyrie, I like to ride something different. Believe it or not, I get lots of questions about my bike. The Road Glide fairing throws lots of riders a curve.
Some HD riders (some...not all) start to wave when I meet them (HD fairing), but when they get close, they see the cylinders hanging out of both sides and their hands immediately disappear. As for me, I wave to everyone on 2 wheels. I have been riding for about 46 years (since I was 10 years old), so I'm way too old to be worried about what you're riding...if you ride, you're a fellow biker.
By the way, thanks again for all the great advice and the warm reception. A good community of riders is a very valuable thing. The VRCC (Valkyrie Riders Cruiser Club, http://www.valkyrieriders.com/) has a very active and helpful forum also. There sure seems to be lots of knowledgeable riders on here, like there is over there
Brad | |
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Visionary
Posts: 2118
Pitt Meadows, BC Canada | REAL WORLD
Two words that I learned many years ago in biking terms mean: "Power when you NEED it".
I drove - but avoided owning 'multi's' (more than 2 cylinder) bikes for most of my 53 years riding because they were USELESS in the REAL WORLD when you needed power - unless you motored around at 4,000-5,000 RPM.
I owned 3 Yamaha Virago's - that I could ride in 5th gear at 1,200 RPM - and when I hit the throttle - they would GO - WITHOUT gearing down. REAL WORLD power. My Honda 750P(olice) bike would just stall if you hit the throttle at anything under 3,000RPM.
And after my '08 VV was KevinXinated, I can ride it at well under 2,000 RPM in any gear - and just hit the throttle - and GO!
I have driven ALL - well, MOST big 4's, 6's - and much prefer the REAL WORLD torque of a well built, tuned - V-Twin.
...... not to mention - THEY SOUND BETTER
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Visionary
Posts: 1632
Jasper, MO | 39 chev - 2013-04-10 11:21 PM
The looks seem to be an either "LOVE IT or HATE IT" bike. Personally, I love it. As you can see by my Valkyrie, I like to ride something different. Believe it or not, I get lots of questions about my bike. The Road Glide fairing throws lots of riders a curve.
Some HD riders (some...not all) start to wave when I meet them (HD fairing), but when they get close, they see the cylinders hanging out of both sides and their hands immediately disappear. As for me, I wave to everyone on 2 wheels. I have been riding for about 46 years (since I was 10 years old), so I'm way too old to be worried about what you're riding...if you ride, you're a fellow biker.
By the way, thanks again for all the great advice and the warm reception. A good community of riders is a very valuable thing. The VRCC (Valkyrie Riders Cruiser Club, http://www.valkyrieriders.com/) has a very active and helpful forum also. There sure seems to be lots of knowledgeable riders on here, like there is over there
Brad
You'll fit in well here. Most of us are the same way--we like ALL bikers. Like you, I have had a lot of bikes and have ridden for many years (48).
The thing I was most surprised by when we got our Vision back in 2008 was the level of interest from NON-bikers, as well as other bikers. People of all ages come up to ask about it. In the picture I posted above, we were stopped by a young couple who were with friends, as we were leaving the the parking lot, who wanted to know about the bike (who makes it--what is it--etc) and wanted to get their picture taken with it. They took our picture with our camera in return. Our friends on the Goldwing had to stop and wait for us. Again. I've sat near my parked biked in tourist areas and watched people walk over to the bike and get their picture taken standing near it. Heads turn to look at it as people walk by. It's amazing to me. No other bike I've ever had has gotten that kind of reaction--especially from non-bikers.
For a good laugh, park a Vision in a group of Harleys, Goldwings, or BMWs and watch the other riders trying to not get caught looking at it.
The best part is the fact that the Vision is the best bike (for me) that I have ever owned, and I came from the sport bike world and then the Goldwing world when I say that.
Ronnie | |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 33
Pillager, MN | Let's bump this back up to the top...
Just picked up my 2011 Vision today!!! Ended up buying it from All Ohio Motorsports. I REALLY wanted a silver/black two-tone and did a nationwide search and theirs was the closest one to me here in Minnesota. I called Jeremy about a month ago (the Sales Mgr) and said "is there anyone there planning on coming to Minnesota anytime in the near future"? Unbelievably, Jeremy was coming back to Minnesota for his sister's wedding this weekend. So he put it on a trailer and pulled it back to Elk River. I drove down today, looked it over, signed the papers and loaded it into my trailer. Went smooth as silk.
Of course, it has to be a rainy weekend here in Minnesota so I won't be riding it much, but I took it for a quick spin. Loving it so far. The only thing that concerned me a little was the vibration in the running boards. They were buzzing pretty good. Normal? If normal, any "fixes"? I'm used to my Valkyrie...footpegs are dead smooth. Maybe just need to get used to? It looks like the rubber covers have "tabs" that go through holes in the metal part of the boards. They look to be "popped" in correctly, but the front and back edges of the rubber covers curl up a little in the front and back edge. I demo'd a 2009 last summer at a dealership and I don't think those boards buzzed as much??? The metal part of the board has about 4 additional holes drilled in them...maybe the previous owner had custom inserts? Any advice is welcome!
I know everyone will be asking for pics, but I was going to pull it out of the garage and take a couple of shots, but it was raining. Pics ASAP.
Edited by 39 chev 2013-05-17 6:21 PM
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Cruiser
Posts: 50
| Chevy
Congrats on your ride. I too have a 2011 Vision, I too noticed a buzz in my floor boards. At about 2200 - 2700 rpms or so there was some vibration in the whole bike. After reading everything I could find, I talked with Rylan Voss. I ordered a top filter. Ran a little better but lean. Talked with Rylan again. I ordered a Lloyds fuel controller and an Advanced timing wheel. Rylan set the controller and the timing wheel. Took about 2-2.5 hrs to install, that included wiping every thing down and putting tools away. First time I rode the bike I noticed the floorboards had much less vibrations. The vibrations at 2200 - 2700 all but went away. Riding the bike is even more enjoyable.
Rylan stated that if vibration was a result of a lean condition it could be tuned out. He knows his trade and is super to deal with! Don't know if this will help but with these simple upgrades your bike will run better and set you up for cams now or later. | |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 33
Pillager, MN | I suspected that it could be lean.
That will be one of my first calls when the weather breaks. I called him a while back to chat regarding upgrades to get the Vision tuned to a little better performance. What a nice guy to talk to!
That helps alot. Thanks for the reply!!! | |
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Cruiser
Posts: 50
| Yes, he is. When I do cams he will be the man! It will take very little effort to get your ride the way you want it. I can't believe how nice they are out of the box. This is my first Vic also and I am sure you will like it as much as I do. | |
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Visionary
Posts: 1350
| Everyone I know loved their Valk. Yours looks great.
I have a 10th Anny and have 50,000 miles on her. Maybe call Lloydz and see if they know anyone selling a Vision they modded? | |
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