I have a couple of friends that ride sport bikes and they think the Vision is interesting but they couldn’t give up the performance and handling they enjoy. I have told them how the Vision is different and has a lot of the handling and performance characteristics of a sport bike.

They invited me to go on a ride with a group of them this morning so they could show me how real bikers ride. They expected the Vision to perform like a typical Harley or other touring bikes they have ridden with in the past so they were sure they would have to stop and wait for me.

The three fastest riders were on a BMW K 1200 R, a Suzuki GSX-R 1000 and a Ducati 1098 and I hanged right on their tails for 280 miles. There were a few other riders on BMW’s and other sport bikes but due to less riding experience or performance were lagging behind the four of us during the entire ride.

They were all blown away! We stopped to eat half way through the ride and they said that Vision is sure no Harley. They couldn’t believe how the Vision could handle the corners like it does and they were also very impressed with its acceleration and braking.  

All three of these bikes have a lot higher top end speed than the Vision but the fastest they were able to get up to on the roads we rode today was about 120 and I was right there with them up to 120 when I hit the rev limiter in 6^th gear. They never out cornered me but I did scrap the floor boards a few times keeping up with them. We spent most of the ride at speeds between 90 and 120 mph. It was exhilarating to say the least.

The big difference was they were flopping their hands and arms whenever they could as well as squirming in their seats, standing and stretching their legs out due to the uncomfortable riding position of these bikes. They talked as if 300 miles in a day was quite an accomplishment. I was as comfortable as sitting in my easy chair, listing to tunes, using the cruise control when I could and well protected from the elements.

At stop lights and road changes they were pulling out handy wipes to clean the bugs off their face shields. The Vision’s adjustable windshield had be well protected with no fuss.

Two of them at the end of the day said they needed to take a much closer look at the Vision as the level of comfort and amenities coupled with the performance and handling was very attractive and an option they didn’t think existed.

I just love the Vision more every day!

HAHA! Spock! Glad you showed them that the Vision isn't just a Geezer Glide! (Unless the pilot wants to be....)

I love to shock people with the Vision!

While on the Kyle Petty Ride this past July, we were able to go out on Road America for 2 laps. I was tearing it up on the Vision! I was a little more reserved, when it hit me that I still had to ride this bike from WI to GA, that I didn't need to burn up the oil or any body parts, so I kept it down to about 85 in 3rd gear.... But guys on Beemers and Wings were amazed that the Vision was keeping up with or passing them through the curves. I have an ST1300 also, which handles slightly better, but is not nearly as comfortable, and I always come away with a face full of road dirt....

radioteacher - 2008-09-21 11:15 PM Sounds like everyone had a great time. It is nice to know that the Vision can hang with these bikes in the sweepers and the tighter turns. I guess that there were no speed cameras on your route. Take care,

We didn't see one cop all day on our route but I had a story planned out if I got pulled over.

“Officer obviously those sport bikes where going fast and passing me like was standing still as I was leisurely taking in the country side on my touring bike on such a beautiful Sunday morning.”

VisionTex - 2008-09-23 11:55 AM rlreed - 2008-09-22 8:25 PM Two weeks ago the GF and I went on a ride with some of the club members. We hit the country roads west of Dayton where there are lots of twisties. The leader was on a BMW and started pushing it. I kept up for quite a while but after the tipovers scraped pavement three or four times I got the message from the banging on my helmet and slowed it down but it was fun as long as it lasted... Before tackling the twisties, get the air pump out and increase the air on the rear shock. Adding some air will help keep you from touching the tipovers in hard cornering.

Ditto that!! This will make a huge difference. You need to check the rear shock regularly as it will lose pressure over time.

af goalie - 2008-09-26 8:37 PM While I wasn't doing 90+ through the twisties I did surprise a few sport bike riders. Today i completed the experienced MSF course. Besides a few short test rides this was the first time I really got to put the Vision through manuevers like this. I was a little shakey at first but I settled in and did very well. I knocked out the U-turn box with no problem. Both sport bikes couldn't complete the box without putting a foot down and they crossed outside the box. They were surprised the two largest bikes, a Vision and a HD dresser could negotiate the box with such ease while they continued to struggle. Even the HD dresser owner said he might just have to test drive one. He is pretty loyal to HD but you just have to plant a seed and water it every now and then. You can't change everyones perception overnight. Everyone ewwed and ahhed over some of the Vision features, ie. electric windshield, Ipod connection, foot position, etc. I was using a passive selling technique. I just let the bike do the talking, it didn't take long for the questions to start flowing. I finished up the day with the practical test. I completed the box, swerve, brake distance and curve evaluations with zero discrepancies. Seeds planted.

Great job John you did us proud!

Fergy took this class also a couple of months ago and blew away the students and the instructor with the maneuverability of the Vision.

radioteacher - 2008-09-26 9:19 PM How big is the box for the U-Turn?

It is my understanding that this course uses a 20 foot box for U-Turns which is pretty tight.