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Visionary
Posts: 1484
LaPorte,Tx. | Rider magazine has conducted a comparison of four cruiser tourers, HD Ultra, Yamaha Venture, Victory Vision and Kawasaki Voyager. The Vision was ranked third by the testers, one of the testers said the styling of the Vision is "absurd". 
Edited by VisionTex 2009-07-25 8:32 PM
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | VT, nothing against your post, but I ignore any negative talk on the Vision, as I know you do as well. The folks that comment on the bike by far are deep exclamations, like "that's a beautiful bike", or "I really love the looks of your bike.", then those who call it a spaceship or something along that lines. What the comment 'absurds' means is "it doesn't look like a harley." That's what makes me love the looks of my Vision all the more.
By the way, the Vision is made for the 8-ball styling and I'm predicting that will be the top seller for 2010.
I would like to have a V8!
Edited by varyder 2009-07-25 8:45 PM
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Visionary
Posts: 1290
Ruskin, Fl | I'm glad I had mine all blacked out for a while before Victory copied me with the 8-ball Vision. Nice to see they must be paying attention to what people want. I'm sure all the people the got rid of the grey didn't go without notice. |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | can it be safe to say that Sonny Barger has the original 8-ball Vision??? |
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Cruiser
Posts: 127
| I saw the article and noted the comment to the effect that if it weren't for the styling, the Vision would have won the competition easily. Beauty is only skin deep, right? Sounds like the "Absurd" guy just couldn't find anything else negative to say! |
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Visionary
Posts: 1436
| Well you have to admit the Vision is a love or hate it design. Some folks fell in love with it's looks immediately, others it grew on and there are those who just hate it. I guess that is why there are so many different models and styles of bike.
Beauty is only skin deep? True but it is the FIRST thing that will influence whether you investigate further. Everyone here that owns a Vision was first tempted to take the next step and investigate after first having seen the design, fit came second and so on....
I'm going to go out on a limb and say Victory will sell MORE Cross Roads than they have ANY bike they have previously made. I'll also say they will sell FAR more Cross Country's than they will Visions for 2010. You need to be very commited to the bike design to buy a Vision, be it the tour premiums or new 8 Ball. JMO |
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Tourer
Posts: 432
Gettysburg, 2008 Tour Premium | I have been reading Rider since they came out and I am suprised at the comment, especially since everyting they rated on beside luggage space was a runnaway in favor of the Vision. I have a subscription to both of thier mags and I will not renew. Not because they hurt my feelings or anything. Because the comment was "absurd" and did not belong in a review that was not portraying bias. Looks and appearance is totally subjective unless it harms function and in the Visions case I believe the exact opposite is true, form does follow function. There is no automobile made that aerodynamics does not play a part in and no matter how most motorcycles look I will go out on a limb and say the Vision may be the most aerodynamicly pure bike in existence. The Vision is the Benchmark. No other cruiser tourer or any tourer, even BMW's can touch it in stability at speed. At least that is what my last 5300 miles have told me. Of course you cannot achive the same result with syling based on 1950's Highway Patrol bikes. So lets resort to name calling. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1436
| wroman, why are you so upset over this? I guarantee we could have 5 folks ride 5 different bikes and reach 5 different conclusions. Thats all these bike shootouts are, a few novice riders giving their OPINION.
I have to question the entire aerodynamic victory claims. It might well be perfectly aerodynamic in a wind tunnel with the wind head on into the bike, but my arms tell me they are more tired after 800 miles in the saddle of the Vision then they were after riding the same on my RG. Just a seat of the pants observation by me.... opinion! See my point...... |
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Cruiser
Posts: 127
| Teach - 2009-07-26 11:52 AM
I'm going to go out on a limb and say Victory will sell MORE Cross Roads than they have ANY bike they have previously made. I'll also say they will sell FAR more Cross Country's than they will Visions for 2010. You need to be very commited to the bike design to buy a Vision, be it the tour premiums or new 8 Ball. JMO
I have to agree. The Vision is a design exercise made production. I believe it was made with the full intent of polarizing the audience, which it accomplished in no uncertain terms. That polarization developed brand recognition and exceptional free publicity, which is now capitalized on by introducing two extremely saleable bikes. A brilliant strategy. |
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Tourer
Posts: 332
Dale, Indiana | Rider magazine
That's the sumbItchs that took over 8 months to send my first magazine AFTER I paid for it.
Plus, send me at least 2 emails a month trying to get me to join their club, PLUS a mailbox full of junk mail.
Nice magazine; but it's run by azzwipes.
Edited by Indiana RoadRunner 2009-07-26 11:18 PM
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Tourer
Posts: 332
Dale, Indiana | BTW
Who cares what some silly writer says about your bike.
It's what YOU think of it that counts.
This 'you' loves his Victory Vision, and I run across a lot of folks who wish they had one. 
Wife and I stopped today at a Ralley's for a burger. Took an hour to get out of there once other riders spotted the bike. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 127
| Like everyone else, I'm often approached by people admiring or just curious. I always claim to be ambivalent about the looks so they can make up their own minds. But then they want to talk about how it rides, and then I turn into a huge fan of the bike. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1484
LaPorte,Tx. | Indiana RoadRunner - 2009-07-26 10:22 PM
BTW
Who cares what some silly writer says about your bike.
It's what YOU think of it that counts.
This 'you' loves his Victory Vision, and I run across a lot of folks who wish they had one.
Wife and I stopped today at a Ralley's for a burger. Took an hour to get out of there once other riders spotted the bike.
Believe it or not, people do believe the written word. Some folks only know what is written as a comparison of goods that they may want to purchase, because that is the only way they can find out about that product. With that, the power of the pen is very important in the success or failure of any product. |
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Tourer
Posts: 432
Gettysburg, 2008 Tour Premium | Teach, I doubt the wind has anything to do with your arms being tired. More than likley the handlebar and your relationship to it has more effect. I did have to be aware of muscles tightening to hold a position when getting used to the Vision. After awhile relaxing becomes second nature but I will have admit my relationshio to the Ultra's handlebars never required thim amount of attention.
I am upset because the 'looks' of a motorcycle is the one thing that I do not ask for in a review. IN fact it is the only thing that is totally not left up to imagination. And the article stated that in most ways the Vision would be number one. Looks are also the only aspect that is totally subjective unlike braking distance, suspension complience, power, passing ability........ |
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Visionary
Posts: 1632
Jasper, MO | Dimonback - 2009-07-26 8:12 AM
I saw the article and noted the comment to the effect that if it weren't for the styling, the Vision would have won the competition easily. Beauty is only skin deep, right? Sounds like the "Absurd" guy just couldn't find anything else negative to say!
I suspect that if the Vision were made by Honda, then the "Absurd" guy would have had nothing but praise for the "innovative and cutting edge styling". Then again, maybe not. I am going to send them a note suggesting that the test reviews need to stay objective and to leave opinions about styling out of the equation. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, after all. Potential luxury touring bike buyers are more interested in the function and comfort of the bikes than what the testers think of the styling. They did not even list the comparative storage capacities of the bikes, although they did list the load ratings. The conclusion was that the Vision would have been the clear winner, based on function, power, handling, and comfort if the one tester hadn't hated the styling. Then, they just HAD to insinuate that the Goldwing was "an entirely different class of machine, but could be bought for the same money".
I emailed them a year ago asking for a comparison test between the Goldwing, Vision, and BMW. Now that they have done the V-Engined touring bike test, maybe they will do the other one. Anybody wanna bet that the Goldwing will be declared the winner? I don't think they can be totally objective in their conclusions, since they are so biased toward the Goldwing. The Goldwing has been the class standard for a long time, with the BMW being a viable alternative, but there is now a third contender in the form of the Vision. It's everything the Honda and BMW are, but is also more comfortable. Could Rider Magazine be honest enough with their readers to actually say that? I doubt it. I do enjoy the rag, but I think they are biased.
Ronnie |
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Cruiser
Posts: 127
| rdbudd - 2009-07-29 12:19 PM
I am going to send them a note suggesting that the test reviews need to stay objective and to leave opinions about styling out of the equation. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, after all. Potential luxury touring bike buyers are more interested in the function and comfort of the bikes than what the testers think of the styling.
Ronnie
I don't mind their inclusion of opinions in the article. After all, they are "experts" in the motorcycle field, and as such, being paid for their opinions. It would be hard to objectively quantify the feel, handling, and comfort of the bikes, therefore we accept their opinions in such an article- it stands to reason we accept their opinion as to styling. And then we go on our way, content with our own opinion of the bikes styling. |
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Visionary
Posts: 3204
Memphis | I just got my Rider mag this week and read the article. It wasn't so bad. Any time you get four writers together you will never get a unanimous decision. I remember one writer bashing my previous bike because he couldn't get both feet on the ground. One reason I owned that bike is because it was big and fit me great. The article was a bit convoluted and contradictory but I still like reading anything about the Vision I can find. The results of the voting (1st,2nd,3rd,4th=10 points) are exactly the same as if they had voted 1st, 1st, 4th, 4th (which is exactly what the designers knew would happen). The last place bike (Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager) got three 4th place votes and one 2nd. I willing to bet that the 2nd place vote came from "absurd" dude. The article was disappointed that the Royal Star Venture S (tied for 1st with the Harley) was so dated and hadn't changed since 1999. In that exact same article they marvelled: "Park a 30-year-old E-Glide next next to this 2009 version and the resemblance is stunning." These were the two first place bikes. I find it interesting that all four writers would fight over who got to ride the Vision in the twisties. It's alway going to be about the looks first. Harley has developed an icon and they deserve the recognition that comes with that. I don't buy icons. I buy what best fits me and my lifestyle. This is the conclusion of the article: "Several of us agreed that with it's excellent suspension, cornering clearance, powerful brakes, comfort and smooth and quiet operation the Victory was the pick of the litter in terms of function, though it's lack of luggage space was disappointing. It only came in third, however (scoring an amazing first, second, third and fourth, for 10 points), because of styling that one tester called "absurd". If it hadn't been for its Buck-Rogers-meets-'57-Chevy styling, the Victory Vision Premium would have won this contest easily." They agree with us; the Vision is way better than any old school touring bike. They just can't get past the looks. If Victory had put out a ramped up Kingpin and called it their luxury touring bike I never would have even looked at it. The fact that the styling is so outrageous is exactly what drew me to the company in the first place. I don't even compare my Vision to any other v-twin on the planet. It's just too unfair. The only thing Harley has is the classic look. The last thing those guys want to talk about is numbers or handling. The other v-twin guys like to brag about the power of their bikes. When the subject turns to handling, comfort, distance on a tank of gas or standard equipment (on the Premium) and the ability to ride with or without the trunk, they fold like a house of cards. I have much better conversations about the stuff that really matters with Goldwing and K1200LT riders. I like Clement Salvadori and Rider magazine. Just because they don't agree with my style doesn't phase me a bit. They do agree with my opinion that the Vision is one of the best bikes ever built and when it comes to riding and not posing, it is at the top of the list. p.s. - I think this thread is in the wrong category. Should be in General Discussion. Hard to find if it's not on the home page list. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 127
| the Vision is one of the best bikes ever built and when it comes to riding and not posing, it is at the top of the list
Pretty much sums it all up, eh? |
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Cruiser
Posts: 266
Hartland, , WI | My best response so far...and I'm gonna stick with it.
In a flippant moment with a "dude" and his friend standing looking and making comments about the bike...one guy loved it...one guy hated it...and as I walked up I heard the one guy talking about how he hated the look.
He got all embarrassed when he saw me standing there and apologized about the remarks and I said..."no apology needed, after all you are not the one that owns it!"....as he got into his 1992 cancer ridden Chevy Celebrity. He nodded at me like thanks...then it dawned on him what I meant as I stood there next to the SSG Vision Premium just sparkling in the sun and grinning from ear to ear.
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Cruiser
Posts: 238
SF Bay Area | Yeah, it's so absurd people can;t stop taking pictures of my bike...
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 34
| Come on Guys and Gals , Do you really give a crap what some guy from a mag says about your bike of choice . I love my 2009 Blue Ice Premium Street , and so does my wife . Thats all that matters to me . Cheers and enjoy your beautiful ride .
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Tourer
Posts: 332
Dale, Indiana | VisionTex - 2009-07-27 6:19 AM
Believe it or not, people do believe the written word. Some folks only know what is written as a comparison of goods that they may want to purchase, because that is the only way they can find out about that product. With that, the power of the pen is very important in the success or failure of any product.
Being a person who understands the power of words.
I STILL DON'T CARE what some dweeb in a biker magazine has to say.
I read a lot about the Vision before I bought her. The guys who blasted the Vision are the ones who sold me! Got to consider the source. 
Edited by Indiana RoadRunner 2009-07-29 9:39 PM
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Iron Butt
Posts: 623
| whats absurd is how slow and underpowered the HD are. LMAO. I love it everytime one wants to run, they fade off behind me rather quickly. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 125
Kerrville Texas ( now a homeowner on six acres) | Funny this discussion hits today. My co-pilot and I just returned from "The Dragon" and followed that up with a ride across hwy 143/165 (cherohala Skyway) and back to Tellico Plains Tn. We had several folks look at and ask questions at Deals Gap and another station along the way. At some of the roadside overlooks we had people tking pictures of the big "V". So, who really cares what those guys say. It is amusing that after the initial evaluations in 2008 that now that the Vision is in it's third year of production and "?" units now on the road they would find that it is somewhat OBSURD.
Personally I think their evaluation is a little bit OBSURD.
Smadge |
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Cruiser
Posts: 177
| All i can say is obviously this jerkoff who wrote the article is all about the old school, boring looks of every other bike on the market. The Vision is the sweetest ride on the road. RIDE, RIDE, RIDE..... |
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Cruiser
Posts: 60
| Maybe they forgot to mention that "absurd" was an acronym Always Beautifully Stunning Under Riders Demands.
lol |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 669
Peachtree City, GA | You know, that writers opinion is just that - his opinion. Typical of someone who is stuck on retro styling.
And I bet that his personal ride is an HD |
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Cruiser
Posts: 171
San Antonio, Texas | My guess is that by saying "absurd" he really meant, "It just don't look like a Harley." |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 742
North Orange County CA | "I don't think it's nice, you laughin'. You see, my mule don't like people laughin'. Gets the crazy idea you're laughin' at him. Now if you apologize like I know you're going to, I might convince him that you really didn't mean it..." |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | Tarpits99 - 2009-07-30 10:04 AM
"I don't think it's nice, you laughin'. You see, my mule don't like people laughin'. Gets the crazy idea you're laughin' at him. Now if you apologize like I know you're going to, I might convince him that you really didn't mean it..."
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Cruiser
Posts: 127
| Well, my little mule was sitting outside Best Buy yesterday afternoon while I was picking up stuff for the wife. Sure enough when I came out there was an admiring crowd (of 4) around it. I'll be honest, none of them looked like the biker type, but all were complimentary. |
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