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Cruiser
Posts: 170
Houston, TX | FYI. I was talking with Rick the owner of Polaris West in Katy, TX on Saturday. He said that it is possible to retrofit a 2008 Vision with Reverse. He has had the bike apart and the parts will fit. It just involves getting the '09 reverse kit and a couple extra parts that can be ordered from victory. He said it really isn't hard to do. Just my $.02. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 261
Sugar Land, TX (Outside of Houston) | My reverse is much cheaper - Left foot back and then Push, Right foot back and then push, repeat until where you need to be.
OK - Just trying to be funny, but the low center of gravity on the Vision makes it a breeze to move with the feet. I was amazed how easy (compared to my Valkyrie) it is to back up. I don't think I would ever pay for an electric reverse on something so easy to move. It would make more sense to properly plan my parkng space.
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Visionary
Posts: 3773
Pittsburgh, PA | yeah i could only imagine the money it would take to make one fit.. i would say well over $2000 |
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Visionary
Posts: 1632
Jasper, MO | Still, it might be worth it for some. I'm sure it would be cheaper than trading for an 09 with factory reverse. Not all of us are 6 feet tall and can peddle these 900 pound beasts around like a hobby horse. I have a 27 inch inseam and a physical impairment that makes peddling backwards while astride the bike very difficult unless gravity is on my side. Yes, I always try to park with an easy exit in mind, but sometimes stuff happens. Like finding your bike blocked in when you come back to the parking spot.  We managed to get out, but having a power reverse would sure have been nice. It's not something that I would need every time I ride, but it is something that I could sure use from time to time. Reverse should have been standard equipment on a bike of this caliber, just as it is on the Goldwing and Beemer. It should also have a center stand like its competitors. Checking the air in the rear tire would be much easier if we had a center stand. I love the bike, but even a great bike can be made better. It's a really good first effort for Victory, but there are a couple of improvements I would like to see.
Ronnie |
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Visionary
Posts: 1436
| I'm very curious as to WHAT was changed in the final drive that the reverse wasn't a direct bolt on plus wiring? Anyone heard anything as to why the reverse isn't a direct bolt on??
I frankly have no problems checking rear tire pressure & its MUCH easier than doing so on my HD's. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1350
| I was told at Sturgis the reason it's not an easy backfit to the '08 is because of a bracket and the wiring harness. Myself I don't like splicing into the harness when I ride long distances.
Like everything else there is always someone that will say, "What do you need that for?" It's my money, my bike. I agree with my 28 inseam reverse is a mandatory accessory. Better than buying chrome rims that are hidden by bags and dual front brakes. :p |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 19
| One of the Vision engineers @ the Polaris R&D center said that there were some frame modifications necessary for the reverse on the '09 bike and that retrofitting to '08 would be very expensive and/or impossible. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 143
Sparta, WI | I have reverse. Her name is Vivian. Just a little pull here and a little pull there and we are back on the flats. I am getting quite keen at finding the right place to park but I wouldn't want to get stuck in low spot without Vivian. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 143
Sparta, WI | I have to say, my legs are in better shape since I purchased my Vision. I make sure I have on my Red Wings when we take off. Half a$$ed shoes are not the way to go. Been riding a bicycle early in the morning trying to gain a bit more strength. It is what it is. Not feasible to put reverse on an 08. Vivian is the answer for me.
Edited by Minnow 2008-08-22 2:19 PM
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Tourer
Posts: 332
Dale, Indiana | The cost of the reverse will sure by a lot of chrome!!
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Visionary
Posts: 1436
| I'm rather tall and long legged so backing isn't really an issue and the bike rolls nice for a heavy. I did have occasion twice after I first bought the bike that reverse would have saved some groaning, lol. Once when trying to back up after having miscalculated a turn around and ended up on some gravel at the end of someones driveway. Second time I pulled into a spot before realizing there wasn't enough room to turn and back in (narrow down slope). Both times the passenger grab rails provided a nice leverage point.
Bottom line is reverse might be a great option upon initial purchase but I wouldn't add it after the fact.
I might go buy me a Ural with powered sidecar & reverse for winter  |
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Visionary
Posts: 1484
LaPorte,Tx. | I'm pretty sure I read in the last issue of VRA magazine the reverse is not available for the 2008 Vision. Which is interesting if a dealer already looked into making it work. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 146
| I am fixing to purchase my first 08 Vision and the dealer stated that a reverse could be added to the 08's. Did anyone ever find out 4 sure if a reverse could be added?? Thanks!
Gadget |
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Cruiser
Posts: 273
| elvis441 - 2008-08-18 1:44 PM
FYI. I was talking with Rick the owner of Polaris West in Katy, TX on Saturday. He said that it is possible to retrofit a 2008 Vision with Reverse. He has had the bike apart and the parts will fit. It just involves getting the '09 reverse kit and a couple extra parts that can be ordered from victory. He said it really isn't hard to do. Just my $.02.
And I'd think the rep would know.
Just my $00.02 worth. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 935
Rockford, IL | Well....technically....reverse CAN be added to an 2008 Vision. However it is NOT easy task by any stretch of the imagination. It WILL require replacement of the rear upper main frame section. Apparently there is a "tapped boss" area on the 09 frame that is not on an 08 frame. Part of the reverse motor system bolts to this part of the upper frame. I know I've seen this discussed somewhere here on the forum...but i can find the post anywhere. It had pictures of what I'm talking about. But basically reverse can be added, but it would probaly be cheaper and easier to purchase an 09 with it already installed. p.s. sorry to disagree with ya Smitty
Edited by Lotzafun 2009-01-04 10:35 PM
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Cruiser
Posts: 146
| I hear what your saying Smitty and I wouldn't press the issue if I had not had 2 other dealers in my area tell me that it is simply NOT possible. When you look at the Victory online ordering website it says on one page that it fits 09 models only but click over a few tabs to vehicle fit it clearly lists the 2008 models. Just not sure who is right here?? |
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Cruiser
Posts: 146
| Ok....feel like I am making progress here now......that answers a lot. I have NOT, however, been able to find ANY information on this from any website/forum other than what you just told me. Do you happen to have the link or direct me to it that talks about this with pics?? Also, you mentioned probably cheaper to buy an 09 model........cheaper than purchasing the 08 for 16k?? |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 935
Rockford, IL | Gadget - 2009-01-04 9:43 PM Ok....feel like I am making progress here now......that answers a lot. I have NOT, however, been able to find ANY information on this from any website/forum other than what you just told me. Do you happen to have the link or direct me to it that talks about this with pics?? Also, you mentioned probably cheaper to buy an 09 model........cheaper than purchasing the 08 for 16k?? Ok...found it !! And my memory was correct, replacement of part of the frame is needed in order to install reverse on the 08 http://www.vision-riders.com/bb/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=2296&posts=19&highlight=reverse&highlightmode=1 Getting an 08 for $16k is fairly decent price. I paid $16,777 for mine back in Sept. and that was a sweet price at that time. So I guess the question is....how much is this frame piece that would need to be replaced? And what about the electrical issue? Or is it even a issue? |
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Cruiser
Posts: 146
| Thanks for everyones input......it really helps. Guess i'll wait to see what future posts say about the electrical. Hope to keep this going though until a conclusion (cost) is reached.
Gadget |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 1158
Richmond, Virginia | retractable spikes in boots would be cheaper than adding reverse to an 08..... both over 1000.00 a 15 second amount of brain power prior to parking is a lot cheaper i think. but then my brain only functions in 15 second intervals to begin with.... |
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Cruiser
Posts: 170
Houston, TX | Good Point VaParadox... |
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Cruiser
Posts: 114
Southeast, AZ United States | Contact Mike at Arizona Victory, Tucson, AZ 520-770-9500. He has installed the reverse gear unit in a customers 08 Vision and will be happy to answer any of your questions.
Ride Safe,
Vsion
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Cruiser
Posts: 266
Hartland, , WI | rmclarty - 2008-08-18 12:50 PM
My reverse is much cheaper - Left foot back and then Push, Right foot back and then push, repeat until where you need to be.
OK - Just trying to be funny, but the low center of gravity on the Vision makes it a breeze to move with the feet. I was amazed how easy (compared to my Valkyrie) it is to back up. I don't think I would ever pay for an electric reverse on something so easy to move. It would make more sense to properly plan my parkng space.
I'm with Richard:
I sold my BMW 1200 LT because I sat on the Vision once...enough said. But my LT had reverse and really needed it. When I got on the Vision and sat so low I thought I was on a 500 lb. bike and immediate threw it around like one. IMO I can't hardly imagine missing it eaither. |
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Jacksonville Florida | The center section of the frame is quite different on the 09 for the reverse motor mounting. The engineer at Victory R&D center told us you would have to change the wiring harness because there were 7 interlocks for the reverse gear in the 09. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 273
| 
I was simply going by what my dealer and his rep (who was in his store when I bought my '09 and answered my question in the negative) said.
Sounds like you'd have to get a great deal on a '08 to justify it. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1340
Gainesville Fl Home of the Gators | Len Rhymes - 2009-01-06 9:46 PM
The center section of the frame is quite different on the 09 for the reverse motor mounting. The engineer at Victory R&D center told us you would have to change the wiring harness because there were 7 interlocks for the reverse gear in the 09.
Center ssection, harness, and a bunch of work. Anything can be done, but is it worth it. By the time you were done you would have $600 in a harness, $1000 in a frame segment, $400 in electrical componants, and 10-15 hours in labor. That would take you a LONG way to buying an 09 |
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Cruiser
Posts: 146
| Kevin, just to be clear on my end, you would need to replace the rear frame section-purchase a new drive sprocket and then splice into 3 places on the wiring harness? Will the '09 rear frame section attach to the front section on the '08 without any problems? What would you be looking at to accomplish this.....ballpark figure?? |
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Jacksonville Florida | Gadget, I would guess this would be close to $5 K. To much for this conservative. Now I wish I had waited on the 09 and ordered the reverse option. Story of my life. Day late and dollar short. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 965
New York State | Who needs reverse all of us with 08 Visions will develop strong leg muscles |
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Tourer
Posts: 394
Tucson, AZ | All I know is that before I bought my '08 tourer, I asked my dealer the difference with the '09 models. He told me that the frame had been modified for the reverse. Seeing as how I wasn't looking for reverse in the first place, I took the better deal on the '08. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 146
| Well, I made the mistake in the first place by NOT researching this issue further BEFORE I sold my 2003 TC. I had been lead to believe from "2" different dealers that reverse could be added to the '08. It didn't help matters when I looked at the Vic website and saw that the '08 models ARE included in the list under the "Vehicle Fit" tab for the reverse kit. So, I tried my best to get into an '09 model but they are just too much right now. Now.....after complaining so much the last couple weeks I feel obligated to tell yall that I am the NEW & PROUD owner of an '08 Vision Tour Premium "Super Steel Gray". I had been saving to purchase one ever since they were first delivered to the dealers. I actually received a FANTASTIC deal on this '08 so I really can't complain too much since this also included installation of CB/Intercom, Trunk Luggage Rack, Heel/Toe Shifter, Stage 1 Level 2 with Fluted Tip. I am betting I will be able to sell the '08 in a year/year and a half and hopefully get as good a deal as I did on this one. Ships out to me next Tuesday. No more complaining.......LET'S RIDE!!!!!!!
Gadget |
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Reverse on 2008 Vision