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Cruiser
Posts: 256
Florida | My Cherry Vision was delivered this afternoon. While I had taken a short test drive prior to purchasing, it takes putting more miles on it to get comfortable on any bike.
First, I'm very pleased with my purchase. My dealer, Victory of Ft. Lauderdale was a pleasure to deal with. This is my 12th bike over 20 years and I've owned multiple bikes from Honda, Yamaha and Harley. Also, I haven't ridden in six years, so I'm operating the bike with a bit of caution.
The dealer experience was wonderful and I highly recommend them. It was far from the Harley experience where I've always felt at a disadvantage during the purchase procedure and the follow up service. He didn't try to sell me the "American Heritage" crap, or overload me with junk I just don't need at this time. He just touted a superior motorcycle from a company that strives to constantly improve its offerings. .
Allow me to state, I'm far from a mechanic and do not plan on doing any of my own service. So having a good relationship with the dealer is important to me. On the other hand, I'm a tech-guy (my profession) and he did not hesitate to let me know that we would learn hot to outfit the bike to my specifications together. If it's not right, no problem, he'll follow up to make sure all the gadgets work properly.
Basically, I added everything except the CB/Intercom system. All other technology items are on this bike. I didn't opt for the standard Victory GPS as has already been discontinued by Garmin. Instead, I purchased from Amazon the Garmin 2820 as it includes the current maps and adds other features such as Bluetooth and XM. While I installed the Victory XM package, I wanted to use the XM Traffic and Weather features on the GPS. The dealer installed it and it fits perfectly. I also opted for the iPod connector and am using a 2nd Generation Nano. It works perfectly and as promised. (It sounds much better than the radio).
While I purchased the Tour Premium, I will not be using the trunk on a regular basis. I've ordered the trunk wall mount and will attach it when needed. He was upfront and honest when he told me that it might take a week or two to obtain the cover under the trunk. So, I'm riding it with the trunk until the part comes in. My hope was to get some initial seat time without the trunk. But that's life and the dealer has been honest and upfront with me. I must say, that when I stopped for dinner, having the trunk was a great convenience as there are no helmet locks on the ViVi.
My first experience was backing it out of my driveway which is level, but has a swell where it meets the street. I'm not a tall driver (5'6") and gaining the proper traction backing up over the swell took some practice. I'm sure I'll become more comfortable with this maneuver with more experience.
I spent the first hour riding at reasonable speeds in my neighborhood. I am more concerned becoming comfortable riding at slow speeds and mastering tight, slow turns and U-Turns. I learned not to fight the bike as it is very intuitive at low speeds. A slight lean and a head movement into the turn makes the bike much more nimble than the 800+ lb. weight you lead you to believe. It's difficult to trust any bike of this size, but after day 1, I feel slow speed maneuvers will soon become second nature.
Next I did some street riding and was very pleased with the performance and handling. Anyone who says this bike is underpowered is crazy. While I'm keeping the RPMs low during the break-in period, I always felt there was plenty of off the line power and no limit to the roll-on.
I then gave it a ride on the 70mph Florida Turnpike. The acceleration is smooth and delivers a great roll on powerband. It was my first time experiencing the 6th gear and while it maintained a low RPM, it still delivered a good sound from the Level 1 (with Gunner tips) exhaust. The GPS worked well...but right now I'm not focusing on the technology while riding as I want to focus on the bike and riding responsibily. (The dealer also mentioned to focus on the bike initially, not the toys...great advice). I did try the cruise control and it operated like a champ without taking my eyes off the road.
At 70MPH, it was much more stable than my old Harley Road King...and this is with the trunk mounted...I'm wondering how the highway handling will change when the trunk is removed. Buffeting is basically non existent. However, when compared to the Goldwing, while the Vision delivers a great ride, it's a completely different experience from the Goldwing. The GW felt more stable at high speeds. But, GWs are a bear in stop and go traffic. The Vision handled stop and go very, very well and I always felt a good balance. (I love the low seat height!).
While I've only had a few hours of seat time on this bike, this is an initial review. My feeling is that this bike is a cross between a Goldwing and a Harley Glide...with the best aspects of both. It's much more nimble than the Glide, but not as smooth at highway speeds as a Goldwing. But, let's face it, the Wing is a fairly boring ride. The Vision is not! I'm not disappointed as this blend was the type of bike/ride I was seeking and so far, I'm happy with my purchase.
I'm taking the refresher rider course next week and am looking forward to remembering many of the riding habits I've forgotten due to my five year absence.
If you guys like, I'll continue to update this post on a regular basis. Let me know if you want to know more as I learn more. | |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | Excellent review! It will take a few miles to get your body tuned into the ViVi's phenominal handling on the highway. When you do you will find that it excedes the GW. Congrats in coming to the new way to motorcycle. | |
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Cruiser
Posts: 175
Colorado | Nice write up looking forward to the next edition, keep us posted....
Chris love that signature. | |
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Cruiser
Posts: 256
Florida | DAY 2
It took three calls to get the XM Radio activated. Call 1 was an automated system...no luck. Call 2 was to a live person...no luck. Call 3 got the radio activated.
I'm feeling much more comfortable with the bike today. I just took a 50 mile ride through town, along the ocean and on the Florida Turnpike. It's near 80 degrees today and the only time I felt any heat was when I was going stop light to stop light...at a stop. The heat was near my calves and wasn't bad, just a bit noticeable. When underway, just by sliding the feet outwards a couple of inches along the floorboards resolved the heat issue. Compared to my old Harleys, the heat generated on the Vision is minimal. Also, due to the seat being behind the engine, not on top of the rear cylinder as in most Harleys, the seat didn't get warm. Allow me to note, the floorboards are great! I had the shifter and the brake lever placed in the rear (close) position and it fits me well. I hope the critics notice that these floorboards are standard equipment, not a Parts and Labor overcharge you'll find at that other American motorcycle dealer.
While yesterday, I was a bit uncomfortable on the highway at 70+ MPH, today it felt much better and there was zero fatigue. Chalk that up to first day jitters. The trunk is still intact and it will be a week or so until the plate arrives so that I can remove the trunk. I'm very curious as to how differently it will handle with the trunk removed. However, when stopping at a Starbucks, it was nice to simply be able to place the helmet in the trunk.
Another interesting observation was that when riding over the grates on the top of draw-bridges, the bike remained stable. On my old Goldwing and Harleys, I would always have the feeling of "skating" This did not happen with the Vision.
The automatic volume control worked well. It would get louder based on your speed and vice-versa. The XM satellite sounded great...well, as good as the speakers. But let's be real. It's a motorcycle sound system, not a Lexus.
So far my only complaint is that someone should have designed a "quick release" bracket for the GPS. It's pain to take off an on. When parked, I simply place the snap-on cover over the display. If anyone knows of a quick release bracket, please add to this thread.
So, on Day 2, I'm becoming more comfortable with my purchase.
More soon... | |
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Cruiser
Posts: 109
| great job, keep them coming i feel i am riding along with you
april delivery tom | |
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Cruiser
Posts: 256
Florida | Thanks Tom. Tomorrow (Saturday) Golf in the morning, bike in the afternoon. Life doesn't get any better than this! | |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 47
Lake Park, GA | To me, the bike rides much better without the tour pack. Enjoy the ride! | |
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Tourer
Posts: 550
Tacoma, WA | Good to hear a fellow Vision rider!! I just put mine back together (had it all apart, awaiting chrome that STILL hasn't showed up!) and will be riding for the next three days with my G/F. I did powdercoat the console black, as I didn't like the reflection off of the windshield it gave while in aluminum trim. AND while I had it apart, I went ahead and powdercoated the grill, and "V" below the windshield black as well. I have the chrome forward engine panels on. Eventually, when my chrome shows up, I will replace them all with the chrome units. But for now, I am riding ALL weekend!!! YAY!!!----Metalguy | |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | Keep the review coming PBR! It's good to hear others who enjoy such a phenominal machine. I'll turn 7K in the AM when I pull of the drive Saturday Morning.
metalguy, you mention the powered coat on the aluminum, when I thought of getting black chromed and etched like Arlen Ness did to his machine. Do you think the etching would work with the powder coat? Is this something you did, or did you get someone else to do it?? Curious on the prize range, one verses the other.
metalguy - 2008-02-16 1:12 AM
Good to hear a fellow Vision rider!! I just put mine back together (had it all apart, awaiting chrome that STILL hasn't showed up!) and will be riding for the next three days with my G/F. I did powdercoat the console black, as I didn't like the reflection off of the windshield it gave while in aluminum trim. AND while I had it apart, I went ahead and powdercoated the grill, and "V" below the windshield black as well. I have the chrome forward engine panels on. Eventually, when my chrome shows up, I will replace them all with the chrome units. But for now, I am riding ALL weekend!!! YAY!!!----Metalguy | |
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Tourer
Posts: 550
Tacoma, WA | I know from personal experience that you cannot etch after powdercoating! Yes, I did mine myself, been doing it for a few years now. When you try and use an etching device on powdercoat, it basically chips off the coating. I tried coating a piece of brass, to see how it would work on an engraving machine, and it looked horrible! Powdercoating is relatively cheap, but the process basically just puts an even coat of plastic on a part...basically. -----Metalguy | |
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Tourer
Posts: 320
Savannah, GA -Year round riding!! Yay! | Great review, PBR!
Metalguy, I would love to see pics of the powder coating. I have been thinking of doing that, too and would love to see if it looks as cool as I think it would.... | |
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Cruiser
Posts: 256
Florida | DAY 3
Played golf this morning and just took a short 30 mile highway ride. I'm now finding myself sitting a bit further back in the seat. This is very helpful in slow turns. I guess this means I'm starting to trust the bike more. It truly handles better than any other large bike I've ever owned. I'm impressed with the natural characteristics of this bike.
I filled the gas tank for the first time and took the advice of other posters on this site. I filled slowly and when it appeared full I slightly moved the bike side to side and continued to add more gas. I had about 65 miles to go to empty and it took 4.387 gallons. After the fill-up, the fuel gauge showed slightly more than 3/4 full on the stand and full when upright. I noticed it took about a minute for the digital display to recalculate the miles per empty reading. I'm getting 42 MPG average. I'm doing my best to keep it under 3,000 RPM during the break-in period and am riding an equal mix of street/highway riding.
The only problem I'm having is with my Scala Rider Q2 headset when paired to the Garmin 4820 GPS and a Samsung Blackjack phone. Simply stated, the GPS volume is too low when routed through the Bluetooth headset. And, I'm getting intermittent beeping in my ear. I'll be on the phone with Scala on Monday. Worse case scenario, I'll unpair the headset from the GPS and just pair it to the phone. I haven't tried the phone while riding yet, but am sure the sound quality won't be that great.
I'm still riding with the trunk and the handling is great for a bike this size. I'm anxious to try it out without the trunk to see how it improves. I will admit I like having the storage space for the helmet when stopped.
When I arrived home, I stopped in the driveway to play with the Bluetooth settings with the motor running. I noticed that after a couple of minutes the heat rising from the side of the engine. This was not noticeable when riding...only when stopped for a few minutes with the engine running. Unlike my old Harleys, the seat did not absorb the heat from the engine. No complaints. | |
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Cruiser
Posts: 177
NW Illinois | metalgu I second GAgirlTrixie lets see some pics please | |
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Cruiser
Posts: 256
Florida | I visited a V-Twin forum last night and it was interesting to read what the Harley-Owners are saying about the Vision. I copied the posts I made here (my Day 1 -2 -3 blog) on that forum. The following is a question I received and the response I delivered:
V-TWIN RIDER QUESTION: Palmy-it sounds like you are real happy with the bike, I remember going from a Low Rider to a Road king being vertically challenged that backing up was scary 8 years later it's no big deal.
I am curious as to the feel of the bike, every honda I ever road felt very sterile-no real feed back from the clutch or throttle, not that it didn't respond but my harleys felt more mechanical? Is the victory neutral in its feel or do you feel like you are riding a machine. Not sure if thats a clear cut question but if you road a RK then a GW you know what I mean.
Good luck with your new baby, and yes keep the updates coming, it makes for great reading.
MY RESPONSE: Thanks for the kind words. Yes, I'm happy with the Vision. It was a major, somewhat difficult decision to go with a yet unproved bike. It was a gamble and and while I'm happy after a few days, I think I'll stay happy over the long run.
I've owned three Harleys: Heritage Softail Special (I forgot the year, but it was the cream/silver model) and Sportster (good on street, poor on highway) and a Road King (pretty good bike). The Road King was a late 1990's model and was purchased new. It was the first HD RK with fuel injection. I remember the dealer had a difficult time and getting it to deliver the "potato" sound and they were using my bike and my wallet to try to figure out how to get a good sound out of a Fuel Injected model. I liked the ride of the RK and in many ways the Vision is similar. The Vision feels and is much larger than the RK on the road and is easier to handle at slow speeds. The center of gravity is completely different.
Not to trash the RK, but one issue I had with it was the chrome. I had a combination of stock and aftermarket chrome products. When I moved the bike to my South Florida Beach Home, I started having chrome pitting problems. I was traveling (for business) at that time and although the bike was garage kept, it was an open-air garage and part of a high rise building. I would keep it covered when I was out of town. It was not directly exposed to the elements, but if you've ever lived on or near a Florida beach, you'll understand the air is humid and salty. After a short ten days, the pitting would reappear. The part that confused my dealer that only the Genuine Harley Parts would pit, not the aftermarket chrome parts. This dealer, Petersons, was much better than my previous (I won't slam them) dealership. They would pick up the bike, polish the pits out and return the bike. After a few rounds of this, I finally asked they sell it for me. It had few miles and they treated me fairly. Now, back to the Vision...
This bike is far from sterile. The way it looks and the way it rides are totally different. At first glance, it's futuristic love-it-or-hate-it design gave you the impression that it would deliver a Goldwing type of ride...until you sat on it and pressed the start button. Like a Harley, it delivers an exciting, exploding sound. Burping the throttle is similar to a Harley with good pipes..definitely not boring. Definitely a major league V-Twin. (I have the Level 1 exhaust with the Tail Gunner tips). The 106CI, 1,700+CC Engine is definitely in the major leagues and is more akin to an Arlen Ness modified Harley. Remember, other than the Level 1 exhaust and new tips, this was a "stock" bike. I was impressed that I didn't have to spend thousands extra to get this experience.
The throttle is very Harley-like, but without unneeded vibration. It's not sterile like a Honda. The roll on is amazing. I am not experiencing numb-thumbs. Yes, I can feel the engine through the grips, but only the good part of the feel...not the shaky part.
The hydraulic clutch is smooth, but engages late in the lever release. The feel of it was similar to the Road King that had the accessory (I forgot the name of it) that makes the clutch easier to pull. Although it engages later in the release, it is easy to control.
Shifting is easy. It's a toe-only shifter (although toe/heel shifters are available). The interesting part about the shifter and floor brake is that they are adjustable to three positions: front/center/rear. Being a shorter rider, 5'6" I wisely had it set to the rear position as when I test drove the demo model, I found myself reaching a bit to reach the brake lever. This was a nice feature to include and confirmed that this is a true riders bike that can fit a variety of body types.
Finding Neutral has been easy. Not Honda easy, but much easier than any Harley I've owned or ridden. Shifting is a positive-click experience and has a bit of that good Harley thunk. Allow me to add that not only is there a neutral light, there is a large LCD that displays the current gear...although there is about a one-second lag. Don't laugh, this a welcomed feature as when I was on the highway, I didn't realize I was in 5th gear until I saw the display...I thought I was in the 6th (overdrive) gear.
Per your question: "I am curious as to the feel of the bike, every honda I ever road felt very sterile-no real feed back from the clutch or throttle, not that it didn't respond but my harleys felt more mechanical? Is the victory neutral in its feel or do you feel like you are riding a machine. Not sure if thats a clear cut question but if you road a RK then a GW you know what I mean."
Yes, I fully understand the question and had the same concern prior to test riding. The Vision delivers an American V-Twin Power Machine Feel...definitely not Honda-mechanical. The Arlen Ness influence is apparent. It's far from a sterile Honda feel. The best way I can describe the riding experience is getting you to imagine a bike that handles easier than a Road King around town and more stable than a Glide on the highway. It is not a wimp...it's a heavy bike. This 850lb behemoth (with trunk) drops 250 lbs as soon as you reach 5 mph. But feels solid on a 70mph highway cruise. Great sound with a very solid American feel. At all speeds, there is a lower level of negative vibrations...the type that causes driving fatigue. The electrically adjustable fairing windshield slides up and down to accommodate wind in the face or full protection. The vibration does not translate to the windshield or mirrors...the mirror vision remains stable at all speeds. The mirrors are oversized and provides a wide view. (Some of the press reviewers complained they could see their hands in the mirror. Duh! I guess they didn't take a moment to adjust them properly!)
Another noteworthy factor is the stock seat. It is absolutely the most comfortable stock bike seat I've ever experienced. Not too soft, not too hard. The incorporated driver "butt rest" is wonderful. As mentioned, I'm started to settle into the seat and the further back I sit in it, the better the low speed handling. This was a good experience for me.
Allow me to add that I am in no way affiliated with Victory or in any way to the motorcycle industry. I retired at a young age and was a professional product reviewer for most of my life who provided non-biased evaluations of consumer electronic products. The information I have posted about the Vision is strictly personal opinion, but comes from someone who has owned at least a dozen various motorcycles over a period of nearly 20 years.
I'm not saying that the Vision is perfect, but from my experience, this is the best first generation motorcycle product I've ever seen. It seems that this bike was not rushed out the door and Victory suffered a few delays that were beneficial to the early adopters. This is a good thing and I just wish more companies would realize that first impressions are lasting impressions.
END OF RESPONSE
So Victory riders...did I translate the Vision experience accurately?
Edited by PalmBeachRider 2008-02-17 8:22 AM
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Iron Butt
Posts: 619
Southeast Iowa | Yes! I would say that was honest straight forward answer. It's hard for people not to compare the Vision with a Goldwing, especially if they have never riden either of them. The Vision is truley it's own riding experience and you know your on a V-Twin! | |
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Cruiser
Posts: 173
Prescott Valley, AZ | I have read your posts and am in complete agreement. You are going to be quite pleased with the difference in handling after you remove the trunk. I pulled mine off a couple weeks ago and was VERY happy!!! I've got a mere 1700 miles on my MCPT but enjoy the experience each and every time I ride the bike. Like any new piece of equipment we learn more about it the more we use it and this is to say the least a very pleasurable learning experience. Enjoy your new Vision and keep the posts coming, I am currently away from my ride and am looking forward to getting home for some serious seat time!!! | |
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Tourer
Posts: 550
Tacoma, WA | I'll post pics, ok? I am sorry, didn't wanna hijack this thread...-----Metalguy | |
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Tourer
Posts: 332
Dale, Indiana | I guess I am a little weird.
Last bike I owned and ridden was a 750 Honda and that was about 20 years ago.
In need of a hobby besides working, and a wife who wants me to spend more time with her, and in need of something that I can just jump on and go when then the whim hits me, a nice bike just fitted the bill.
Wife said she would love taking trips on a nice touring bike (she loved riding on the 750 years ago), so I have made this bike partly her idea. 
I read much about The Vision and I just liked the look of the future.
I never rode my new Vision until a week after it was delivered a month ago. Heck I had the dealer guy ride the bike from the trailer to my garage.
Then came that day.
Me on my bike (which I am loading up with all the chrome) sitting in the driveway, and I hit the starter.
WOW way cool.
Warmed 'her' up (all my stuff including my chromed up 18 wheeler are 'hers') turned the radio, hit the seat and handgrip warmers, put on my ATV helmet (had to order helmets to fit my xx size head and they weren't in), put 'her' in gear and down the driveway I went. I was scared to death! (and I looked like a geek with my ATV helmet)
Stopped at the end of the driveway and turned down the county road.
Problem number one; SPEED -how not too-.
Problem number two; rides so good I want to go faster.
Took my time and did some starts and stops. Noticed real soon the seat warmers will fry you if you let them on high, handgrips will too. Then I hit the highway and then down a few curvy roads. Took my time and I more then likely drove like an old woman.
However, thanks to the Vision being a well-balanced machine and it just going where I wanted it to go, it didn't take to long to get the old bike feeling back. I sure am glad I didn't go with the Goldwing, which was my first choice … for a while. I just would not enjoy riding a much heaver machine at this stage of my learning curve.
Weather hasn't been the best here in southern Indiana but thanks to the warmers and fairing I have done a few short rides with some friends. I now have the fever and am getting stir crazy because I want it to warm up so I can ride.
Also, I want to say thanks to Gary and crew at Superbike Shop in Evansville, they are a great bunch, and I know I have some new friends.
http://www.esuperbike.com/default.asp
Also, I want to add that I really enjoy how all bikers seem to get along and watch out for one another. Bike riders have to be one of the last groups in this country who take care of their own and accept anybody who has a bike as being on of their own.
Let me add I am adding the CB intercom as soon as all the parts are in (and I can get the bike back to Evansville). Also adding the lights that mount on the forks, and other stuff that is listed in the book. It's nice to see that folks on this board are posting tips on getting any bugs out, and the 'how to' tips.
Additionally, thanks for posting all your experiences because it helps an old 49-year-old bike-riding greenhorn such as myself. I can safely say that my new hobby is giving me the life I never had since I am a workaholic with toys but takes no time to play with them … until now. Life's too short to work all the time.
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Tourer
Posts: 332
Dale, Indiana | Just thought of something else.
I have heard that it's coming soon. But, has anybody seen or heard if there is (or will be) any kind of LED brake light that can be mounted on the trunk?
Also, is there a way to turn the trunk tail lights into a tail & signal combination?
The Vision is loaded with taillights, however the brake and signal lights are a little to low for my comfort. I have seen to many cars crash into bikes over the years and I want folks behind me to know what my intentions are when I am turning and/or stopping, and people don't seem to look as low as the brake a signal lights are located.
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Cruiser
Posts: 256
Florida | Hi Timothy. Thanks for the great post. I agree with you about the taillights and am hoping that there is soon an easy fix to allow the trunk lights to act as brake lights/turn signals. I'm also interested in a super-bright LED strip (possibly strobing) that could be used as a brake light.
Keep the Rubber Side Down! | |
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Cruiser
Posts: 256
Florida | DAY 4
The weather was iffy this morning, but the clouds passed Northern Palm Beach County around 11am and the radar showed clear skies to the South. So, I did a highway ride today. I went to the folks' around 40 miles South of me for an all Turnpike ride. The speed limit is 70mph and traffic is light on Sundays...so it was a great day for a ride. On a side note, there's nothing like telling your Senior Citizen Folks...Hey, I got a new bike! Of course, they're not thrilled but are used to me having bikes most of my adult life. (I was raised in a household where motorcycles were not allowed...not even open for discussion. Being in my early 50's now with 20+ years riding experience, with a six year sabbatical from riding, I realize it was probably a good thing to wait to enter the world of bikes until I was a bit older. As adults, we know we're not bulletproof and typically don't attempt crazy maneuvers and don't mind wearing the proper protective gear). The only scary part of today's ride was when I was in the folk's neighborhood. It's loaded with Senior Citizens (G-d bless them all) who don't look when they back out of a parking space nor pay too much attention while driving. I had to keep a wide buffer on all sides to stay away from those errant drivers. (There's something about those Long Island snowbirds when they come to Florida...they are lousy drivers...Yankee Go Home! No offense meant).
Not much new to add today other than the Vision is a dream on the highway. Hey, it's first and foremost a touring bike and things such as changing lanes at 70mph is effortless as is the winding entrance/exit ramps at reasonable speeds...much less effort than my old Harley Road King or Goldwing.
I'm starting to become more accustomed to the mirrors and just have to move my head slightly to see directly behind the bike. Seeing the left or right sides is easy. I'm truly impressed with the lack of vibration in the mirror and the lack of distortion.
The windshield is showing a bit of distortion at the top flair. I'm short, so when it's all the way up, it's okay. When I have it lower, the top and flair get in my sight field. So, if anyone from Victory is reading this thread, please consider a higher quality windshield that can be used as a replacement for the electric shield.
In terms of fatigue, it was a relatively short ride. Upon my return, when I saw my exit sign after 40 miles, I could have easily gone another 100 without a second thought. Considering that I stopped around every 100 miles on my Goldwing to take a stretch, this is a good thing.
I'm still having issues with the GPS voice commands coming through my Bluetooth helmet as the volume level is too low and I haven't had any luck with adjustments. I'll be on the phone with tech support on Monday morning.
In terms of riding philosophy, I have three mantras:
1) I ride in a "bubble" and attempt to stay aware of everything in a 360-degree radius. If I find myself in someone's blind spot, I either accelerate around the vehicle or slow down to place myself in the driver's vision area. I keep a good buffer distance from the car in front of me and if there's a tailgater, I reposition my bike to get out of harm's way.
2) When the day comes when I'm not a bit nervous when I first swing my leg over the bike, I won't ride. I refuse to be cocky or overconfident when I ride.
3) I ride within my potential...not my bike's potential. This keeps me aware, cautious and (hopefully) safe whenever I ride.
I'll keep posting my blog in this area until you get tired of my ramblings. I'm also going to start a new thread looking for other Palm Beach County area riders who might want to get together.
Happy Trails!
Edited by PalmBeachRider 2008-02-17 3:20 PM
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Cruiser
Posts: 177
NW Illinois | Randy (from Randy's in Huntley) had the idea of cutting out the VICTORY on the chrome trunk piece and lighting up the VICTORY with LED
Now we need someone to do it | |
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Tourer
Posts: 332
Dale, Indiana | I just couldn't help myself today.
Winds blowing 15 to 20 MPH gusting up to 43 MPH, and off and on rain made me sad. Then the wind backed off a bit and the roads dried.
Off I went to p/u my paper work for next week's work. Nice when I got there so I decided to take a short cruise. Then the clouds rolled in and the wind picked back up.
By the time I got home I wasn't doing anything much over 45MPH and the rain started. Wind pushed me into the soft grass along my driveway (going slow in first gear isn't one of my strong points). I did have to fight it a bit to keep the rubber side down. I got it back on the driveway and pulled up to the garage just as the rain turned lose. Darn glad I had the remote door opener on the bike.
Note to self: Practice low speed maneuvering when the weather turns nice.
PS: The bike has a really fast first gear, makes a novice such as myself sweat at times.
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Tourer
Posts: 332
Dale, Indiana | graybeard - 2008-02-17 7:47 PM
Randy (from Randy's in Huntley) had the idea of cutting out the VICTORY on the chrome trunk piece and lighting up the VICTORY with LED
Now we need someone to do it
Make it as a tail light, and a brake light would be really cool. | |
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Tourer
Posts: 332
Dale, Indiana | I did forget to say earlier even though the wind was gusting hard the Vision never moved from where she was tracking on the road. The bike just leaned into the wind gust just like I knew what I was doing. Once I hit the gusting wind almost head on I ran her up to about 70 since the rain was closing in. Did get some side gusting but I stayed in my track.
Of course, getting blow off the driveway isn't like driving the road since I was going as slow as I could on gravel. (Gravel still scares the dickens out of me)
Best thing I can say is that the Vision makes a rookie biker look good.
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Iron Butt
Posts: 904
29 Palms California | WOW! Get some! Heck, I'm looking forward to day 5, and how the Indyroadrunner does on his next outing! Indy, the Vision makes EVERYONE look good riding. I swear the bike is going 50mph just sitting in the garage! | |
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Cruiser
Posts: 256
Florida | Days 5 - 7 are posted at www.gadgetguru.com. They started becoming too long for the forum. I set up a thread for responses under the General Discussion section. Thanks for the kind words. | |
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Just Arrived - 1st Impression