|
|
Visionary
Posts: 2300
Georgia, west of Atlanta | All Visison riders, what is your background and what made you but a Vision? I am a Harley guy before my Vision, still have a 2003 RoadGlide with 47,000 miles on it. I was wondering how many other HD fellas have come over to the Vision and if any GoldWing riders are on board or BMW for that matter. |
|
| |
|
Tourer
Posts: 523
seattle, wa | I like the older HDs, I have never owned one newer than a Shovel. I have a 81 Tour Glide, and a 74 FLH. I like them for their classic look. My daily riders were usually Hondas... ST1100, Nighthawk, most recent was a 1500 Goldwing that I traded in on my Vision. The thing that got me to buy a Goldwing was when I was walking along the road and I heard a Wing come up behind me but all I heard was tires on gravel, no exhaust note, reminded me of some of the cars from the 50s that my dad would play with when I was a kid. When I was looking for a new bike I was looking at the Road Glide or the 1800 Wing. Then I saw a video that someone posted on youtube of a Vision cruising along a backroad, nice exhaust note, looked cool. A nice mix of a Honda and a HD. Took a test ride and was hooked, was even more comfortable thean my Tour Glide. (I still think the Tour Glide/ Road Glide has the best dash layout) |
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 70
Central Victoria, Australia | A string of bmws here no HD background have ridden a couple
but didn't do much for me
vision appealed after a short time in the saddle |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 2300
Georgia, west of Atlanta | rwilly. I'm a RoadGlide man too, but I do really love my Vision so far. I have to say I agree with you on one aspect: The Vision seems to be more like a Goldwing with a BIG stompin V-twin than a Harley with a refined and much anticipated engine upgrade. Hold on to that TourGlide there aren't many of them around..............I do wish the saddlebags and trunk ( TourPak ) were bigger on our Visions though......... |
|
| |
|
Tourer
Posts: 466
Grand Cane, LA | Previously owned an '05 Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 Meanstreak. Decided I needed more of a touring bike due to wanting to travel the States. Looked at '09 Street Glide and Ultra Classic but Harley wouldn't deal on the Street Glide and I wasn't willing to spend $30,000 on the Classic. Thought about a Gold Wing and the new Vulcan tourer, but then ran across an ad for the Victory Vision. Wanted an '09 but couldn't find one that wasn't black and within 500 miles of where I lived. Found an '08 Midnight Cherry at a dealership in Beaumont, TX about 330 miles from the house and the owner said he could make a deal on it. $18,500 + ttl and he gave me $5000 for my Meanstreak. Deal done and haven't looked back since. |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | I got tired of riding motorcycles, so I got a Vision.
started on a Honda 350 and graduated to a CB750 Custom and rode about 4 years. Went 17 years before I rode again. Got an '84 Goldwing and rode for 2years, logging over 38,000 miles and then got a GL1500 thinking I was graduating, however, it only made me dislike Goldwings all the more. Very uncomfortable, very top heavy. I had heard that the GL1800 was more comfortable and not as top heavy. Never cared for Harley, but might have gone Indian if I could have afforded it. Then enter the Vision, February 2007 in an internet search and knew someone had finally built my bike. Rolled away on November 17th at 11:58 in 2007 and have never looked back, except to change lanes. Rolled over 65,000 miles in 28 months and 12 days on March 29, 2010 at 7:50am, but who's counting?
I celebrated off I-85 in High Point, NC with a country ham biscuit and coffee...
Edited by varyder 2010-03-30 4:13 AM
(65000.jpg)
Attachments
----------------
 65000.jpg (26KB - 0 downloads)
|
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 260
| 4th Vic, 2000C, 2002 TCD, 2007 Hammer then Vision. Getting older and needed more room for the GF! Would love to have the Hammer for the solo rides! |
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 65
| Rode everything Japanese from 400cc to 1100cc. Never did the Harley thing. Liked the look of the Harleys but just never was a "pack" mentality follower. Traded the Yamaha V-star 1100 for the 2010 vision last month.. Still have my Chopper though.. that bike will always be in the garage ready for bar or pool hall runs  |
|
| |
|
Puddle Jumper
Posts: 21
London, KY | In the 60's...Honda Super Hawk to a '56 HD Hardtail to a '68 Royal Enfield Interceptor. Kids came along...so skip to 2003 on...Vstar 1100 to Yamaha RSTD to a '08 Vision. Mrs. K...2005 took the MSF program (we both got tired of her telling me how to ride correctly), rode a rebuilt 250 Virago for 1 month, then to a '01 Honda 750 ACE, then a VTX1300 and then to the '09 Vision Saturday (see gallery for Double Visions). We both have the 1300's and will use them for local stuff....Visions for distance, etc. UD |
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 97
Okeefenokee Swamp | Started riding at age 15 on an old right side shift Harley and up until age 42 all I had ever ridden was Harley's. Started looking at a Road Glide and some guy walked up to me and said,"You should go down the street and take a look at the Vision", i did and as they say, the rest is history.I did a couple of test rides and also a lot of research.Unless Harley starts giving bikes away or Victory goes out of biz, I will be on a Vic from now until.
For my personal riding style,which is long trips almost every weekend and a daily rider averaging around 100 miles per day I think I have found the perfect fit.
Maybe in a few months I can start to catch up to Varyder. |
|
| |
|
Tourer
Posts: 367
Cottage Grove, Mn | After a series of Jap bikes and a 24 year hiatus from riding I went looking. I sat on BMW, Wings and Harleys. Then I went to a bike show and sat on a 03 TC and bought it. In 06 I purchased Jackpot, them when the Vision came out I took one test ride (sold the TC big mistake) and I bought the Vision and haven?t looked backed. Every now and then I?ll ride a buddy?s Ultra or Wing and when I get back on the Vision I know that I have the best bike on the road. IMHO of course. |
|
| |
|
Tourer
Posts: 367
Cottage Grove, Mn | I get so excited thinking about the Vision I can?t type.. |
|
| |
|
Tourer
Posts: 411
Dallas, Texas | Almost 40 years ago started in the dirt, moved to the street, and have had just about all the Japanese brands at one time or another. Had some Ninjas for fun, and stuck to mostly Honda for the street. Traded a 1300VTX, and sold a ZX14, to buy my Vision. Don't think that I'll stray any time soon. Love the bike. Never had any interest in HD, really. Just didn't seem to fit.
Edited by iluvink 2010-03-30 9:52 AM
|
|
| |
|
Tourer
Posts: 482
Beer Collins, Colorado (there is no fort) | For the last 10+ years I've been on a Victory. I came over from a 1500Kawi in '99 and a string of oddball bastard orphan bikes prior to that. Traded my much loved TC in on the Vision and will always keep my first year V92C. Brian
(phpUVdIKIPM.jpg)
Attachments
----------------
phpUVdIKIPM.jpg (44KB - 0 downloads)
|
|
| |
|
Tourer
Posts: 374
Tucson, AZ | Harleys for 33 loyal years until that dreaded day in 07. Got a bad one, bad dealer response, worse corporate response, so enough was enough....now I'm smiling on my 08 Vision, 41,000 trouble free miles later.
mike |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 2300
Georgia, west of Atlanta | Well I have to say it, I've had 8 Harleys, a Kaxasaki ZX-11, Suzuki TL 1000. Honda V65 and the Vision. I still have my 2003 RoadGlide, but it's a spare now, I'm liking the Vision more and more, still wish the saddle bags were bigger. Victory can ya here me ??? The engine is a stomper and HD shoulda made one like this 10 years ago................ |
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 226
on the edge of Los Angeles | Reading thru the posts here it appears there are a lot of similar stories all ending up on a Vision as a happy place.
It all started with a 70 Taco Mini bike with a 2.5 HP engine ,was always @ full thottle. 74 Honda 360 78 Suzuki 550 82 Suziki GS1100.
From 83 to 08 no more bikes... Man I missed my Motorcyle but then I got into Women, Real Estate, and Race Cars..
Now we have a 2008 Vision and the woman part has her own 04 Kingpin... She enjoys the comfort of the Vision but can kick my but with her Kingpin... |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 2118
Pitt Meadows, BC Canada | First 'big' bike was a 650 BSA Lightning. In 1980 got my first Yamaha VIRAGO - drove (and customized) a few of them for the next 18 years. Never had a HD beat me in a drag, or outstop or outcorner me - so I never felt I would go that way. Yamaha decided to 'detune' their V-twin in the late 90's - so I kept my old 1100 until I saw the first picture of a VISION. I will NEVER own anything else for my remaining riding days.... Here's my prior ride:
(DSC00441sm.jpg)
Attachments
----------------
DSC00441sm.jpg (97KB - 0 downloads)
|
|
| |
|
Puddle Jumper
Posts: 43
| I am now a Vision rider. I have a Honda VTX1300R and this bike has been a great bike. My girlfriend and me bought bikes together. She purchased a Shadow Areo 750 and i bought the VTX1300r and we enjoyed riding around. She had an incident and pretty much scared her good. We really liked riding two up on the VTX. We took a ride to Las Vegas from Arizona and it pretty much sucked. I was a very uncomfortable for the both of us. I have a friend the ownes a 2008 Victory Vision and he took me to the dealer to check out a Vision. We did and i really liked it before and after the test ride. The following weekend i took her to take a test drive with me and with in the first two miles she said that we should buy one. So, we came home with the Blue Ice Vision Premium 2009 and we both say that , why, didnt we try a vision before we bought our other bikes. We all learn by our mistakes and now we cant get off of the Vision. The ride ,balance and the over all comfort can not be beat by any other manufacture in my opinion. We do lots of riding in AZ and we have many rides planned for this year. We have had the vision October of 2009 and i have 9000 miles on it. I have many people that come up and say that they love the look and color. Many people ask me why did we buy it. I tell them take it for a ride and you will understand why many riders have purchased Visions. I have had people on the freeway going home after work and stuck in traffic roll the window down tell me how much they like the Vision. Hopefully buying another one here in a couple of years. I tell every Harley riders that they are not 100% made in America like the Victory. And you all know how well that goes. |
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 85
| Went from street to dirt bikes, back to the street. Been riding since I was 12 but bought my first bike when I was 15 then got my licence when I was 16. Had a 2003 1500 Suzuki Intruder before my 08 Vision which I bought in 08. Strange thing was I was going to buy the Ultra Classic but before I signed the deal I figured I'd test ride the Vic for kicks. SOLD ! I never looked back. |
|
| |
|
Iron Butt
Posts: 619
Southeast Iowa | 2001 V92 Deluxe, 2003 V92, 2005 Touring Cruiser, and now the Vision. Had some Honda's before Victory, never really understood the Harley thing. With the wife thrown in we had 6 Victory's and will never own another brand!!!! |
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 273
Midlothian, Va. | Been a "metric" man up until my Vision. My best bikes were VTX's (3) and I wish I could have kept my last 1800 for the around town gigs. |
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 92
Princeton, MN | Harley in the AMF days,,,zuke,,, yamaha and of course the best-- Victory,,, number 1061 99 V92c loaded to the 9s and now a Vision ....can it get any better? Im thinking not! Lovin EVERY minute of it! |
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 58
Northwest Ohio | Started on metric bikes. Bought my first HD in 1986. I've had 9 HD's total. Drag raced them for a few years with the AMRA and did quit well. I bought a new Roadglide in 06 and everything was great. This is an awesome ride. I had been watching what Victory was putting out since 98. When Arlin and Corey got involved they really started to appeal to me. After riding the Roadglide for 3 years and seeing what HD had to offer I seriously started looking at the victorys. The Crossroad really got my attention. I went to look at one and while there I saw the vision 8-ball. This bike was awesome and I left the dealer convinced it would be my next bike. That same day my buddy was in another town at another dealer and called me about the 09 ness vision they had on sale. Long story shorter I bought it. Unfortunatly I bought one with an electrical gremilin. It's back in the shop for the second time. It only has 150 miles on it. When this finally gets solved I'm sure I'll like it more. Right now I'm bummed. Sorry for the long post. |
|
| |
|
Puddle Jumper
Posts: 38
Tucson,AZ | From dirt bikes to street on Honda VFR's 1985-1994. In 2001 got the bug again and needed something I thought would keep me less aggressive and I bought a 1999 BMW K1200LT. I rode that 60,000 plus miles. I bought my Vision from Arizona Victory in December 2009. Sold the BMW and haven't thought another second about a 4 cylinder motor. I love my Vision and feel very fortunate to have such a good dealer so close to home. |
|
| |
|
Iron Butt
Posts: 763
Anderson, IN (48mi NE of downtown Indianapolis) | I started at 6 yrs old on a 1975 Kawasaki MT1-75. My parents bought it for my older brother, but I was much more interested in riding. Moved on to a Kaw KD100 then Honda XL125, XL250, Kaw KD175, and others. At about age 16 I bought a Kawasaki KDX250 and started racing off-road. I quickly changed to KDX200 for lighter weight. At some point I realized the KDX was not really a race bike and changed to Yamaha YZ125. Then Kaw KX250 and some others along the way.
I loved racing motorcycles, but never really felt like I had a bike that fit me. Even after many modifications the bikes didn't seem like they were made for the specific application I was using them for. Then I rode a KTM. Wow! What a difference in handling, power delivery, steering, bla, bla, bla. I bought a KTM250EXC and won my class that year.
Two years later I got a KTM300EXC. Now this was by far the best off-road bike I had ever ridden. I called it the 3-stroke. It was a snappy 2-stroke motor, but with the torque of a 4-stroke. This bike was ready to race right out of the crate. I racked up 4 harescramble series wins and 2 seconds. I also won 2 enduro series and mulitiple single race wins in other series. This bike brought me well over 100 third place or better finishes in harescrambles and enduros.
So, my lessoned learned, start off on the right bike. I have ridden many street bikes of my own and borrowed several from friends, but none of them brought me the road riding joy that the KTM300 did off-road. I had not owned or ridden a touring bike, but always wanted one. I was set on either a Goldwing or Ultra Classic, but couldn't bring myself to actually make the purchase. An ex gf called one day and asked if I had seen the new Victory Vision. It baffled me because I know of every bike out there. I figured she had the name wrong. I immediately went to the internet and sure enough she was right. The photos caught my interest immediately. I went to the local dealer to check them out. I bought one that day. The Vision fit me just right.
I will never be racing this thing, but I get the same feeling of anticipation every time I plan a trip like I do the week preceeding a race.
The ride is so much more enjoyable when I am happy with my machine and confident in its performance. |
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 146
| Interesting thread. I am an HD (former) guy myself owning an older 1200 Sportster and a dyna softail. I just lucked upon the Vic world in 2003 when I was in the market for an HD road king / ultra. Never heard of Victory until then. Just happened to pass a parking lot at work that had a parked '03 TC with a for sale sign on it. I stopped right there and located the owner. Ended up buying it and loved it. When the Vision came out I HATED THE LOOK!! I told my then Vic dealer that I would never own one............UNTIL I finally rode one about a year and a half ago. I left that test ride like a man with a mission and needless to say.....ended up buying one a few months later. |
|
| |
|
Puddle Jumper
Posts: 11
Port Hardy BC | Hadn't ridden in years when we picked up a 1980 Goldwing in about 2002. The bike got tired and I had been following the Victory story for a few years and fell in love with the Kingpin. I bought a 2007 off the internet from Langley BC dealership and had it shipped to us on the North Vancouver Island, no dealers of any brand for 240km. Loved the ride but it is a bit small for me and the wife. Looked at getting a second hand Wing newer than last but load rating still too low for us. Checked out the Vision and it has a higher GVW so bought the 2009 that they still had on the floor for a deal. Rides as nice as the Kingpin but a bit hard to back down a gravel driveway. The wife loves it and I can't even feel the difference when she is on the bike unlike the Kingpin. Keeping the Kingpin for solo rides and trips with the boys.
We also bought an Interstated 14 foott dual axle trailer with the Moto Pak 2 option. It will hold both bikes for trips and during the long rainy season up here in the rain forest. |
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 50
hudson, IL United States | when i was a little kid my dad had a couple of bikes honda, HD, and a kawasaki bagger. when vic first came back out he had one but had to sell it like two years later. he told me that was the only other bike he would buy. my first bike was a 2006 honda shadow spirt 750, got it when in collage. got married needed a bigger one. rode a goldwing that was her dads for about 1000 miles we both didnt like it. i didnt want a HD because of cost to keep it on the road, rode a couple of those too. test rode the vision 2 blocks, pulled a u turn put her on and was sold. just had to tell them to get us a black one. last bike i will ever buy and being 25 year old and getting crap about having a "old man" bike instead of a go fast one, i would still get the vic.
Edited by lil vic 2010-04-05 8:07 PM
|
|
| |
|
Iron Butt
Posts: 763
Anderson, IN (48mi NE of downtown Indianapolis) | lil vic,
Whenever I ask the "go fasters" to go for a ride it's always too cold, too windy, chance of rain, etc. They won't ride unless it's perfect weather. If you wait for perfect weather around here you will be waiting for a long time. Their bikes are always sitting in the garage as I ride by.
I like all bikes and would ride any of them. However, I must have a bike I can ride without worry of mother nature. I was in the park with the dog tonight. Storm clouds rolled in. Others in the park said, "you'd better hurry back or you're gonna be in for a cold wet ride". I continued on with the dog because he was having fun. Got rained on. I actually dried out on the way home due to lower air deflectors, windshield, and heated grips & seat. (And the dog was comfy in his trailer).
I would like to have a "go fast" bike, but I'm not giving up my ride-anytime-bike to own one. I don't see it as an old man's bike at all. I see it as something I can actually use...a lot.
Edited by victoryvisiontour 2010-04-05 9:32 PM
|
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 50
hudson, IL United States | victoryvisiontour
i understand what you are saying and i feel the same. i dont see bikes as old man bikes any more after having this one. Now i see bikes as there are, the toys, the shows, and the ones that people use in place of there car, and that is what my vic is. A guy at work once told me that his HD was not a mode of transportation, but that it was an investment. that is one statement that i will never understand. i have a brand new truck like 1200 miles on it. i am still not happy driving unless i am on the bike. |
|
| |
|
Tourer
Posts: 492
Indianapolis, IN | You all will love this. Did the typical teenage motorcycle experience moving up from small dirt bikes to medium street bikes, did the family thing and then wanted to get back into riding once the kids were grown. I wanted my wife who had never really been on a motorcycle to learn to enjoy it. We had inherited a honda elite 150 scooter from my dad when he passed away a few years ago. We would take it camping and she enjoyed riding it. So I decided we needed to progress a little. I found a used Suzuki AN650 scooter, better known as a Burgman, for sale at local dealer. I decided I would surprise her and just bring it home. The first thing she said when she saw it was, "Well, you're going to take me for a ride aren't you?" Since May of 04 we have put nearly 30K miles on that bike and still love it.
The past two years we have been wanting to go on longer tours and knew what we needed to do. We checked out all the typical touring models on the market, and when all things were considered we both knew there was really only one choice. Now we just can't get enough time on our K10 Vision.
By the way, I would challenge anyone with goofy thoughts in mind to test drive a 650 Burgman. Once you've accelerated past the 100 mph mark at somewhere around 15 seconds, and still climbing, you will have a whole different feeling about that bike. But nothing beats the Vision! |
|
| |
|
Puddle Jumper
Posts: 5
| Hi Everyone,
I had 3 Ultra Classics in a row. 2002, 2003, 2007 and then a 2008 Yamaha Ventura I missed the big twin feel. I have only have my Vision Premium for a week and have 980 miles on it, love it so far.
Great touring bike! |
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 193
Buford, GA United States | Started out with a Cyclops Mini Bike 8hp
Then upgraded to a Honda 65 (black one)
At 15 years old I got a Honda 100 Scrambler
Just borrowed bikes for a number of years during which I had no cash flow!!!
Then I got back into bikes and got a Suzuki 1400 Inturder in 97 and because my wife was on the bike every time I cranked it we got a 98 Inturder 1500 LC after about 9 months and 9,000 miles. Next we upgraded to a Kawasaki Nomad 1500 before the 2008 Vision.
I leave tomorrow for Key West and I am riding all the way on Vicky and I am stopping in Newberry Fl. to visit with Gatorx for a few hours to get the cams installed....Does it get any better than this??? Just got to keep the Tebow tears off the new parts... |
|
| |
|
Iron Butt
Posts: 742
North Orange County CA | How we got here is often not a road that make any sense with out the "missing" pieces. Its easy to say 'I started on a honda step through 50, a couple o dirt bikes later I bought my first (fill in the blank) and here I am after 40 years on the best bike I ever owned". But what about the holes? The psychic, monetary and temporal ones that complete the picture of our journey.
The first motorcycle I ever got to ride on (as a passenger) was a Vincent Rapide owned by a guy who rented a barn from my dad to store his car/ motorcycle collection. I was hooked forever, I used to climb through the hay loft to sit on it and make engine noises.
Bikes I've owned and let go:
Honda C50 1963 (self explanatory)
Yamaha CT1 1971 (broken frame - too many big jumps)
Matchless G3 1941 (retoration fever sold before completed when I couldn't afford a fuel tank)
Husky WR 250 1968 (nut buster tank , castor bean oil)
Yamaha YDS3 1966 (seized at speed)
BSA A10 1962 (rescued it from bad chopper hell - Fast, loud, sold to buy the R50 for a trip to Canada)
BMW R50 1966 (I put 100k on this one, then traded in on the R75 - I have always regretted selling it, but at the time I wanted more speed)
BMW R75 Black Toaster 1972 (traded for a chocolate lab puppy for my kids - I never imagined that it would be my last ride for over 10 years)
AJS 18 1947 (penance project for the selling the Matchless - realized I'm just not willing to do penance any more, I want to ride not wrench)
H-D FLHTC 1991 (sold to make room for Vision - handled like it had a hinge in the middle, parts liked to vibrate off, the wife hated the noise and the ride. I liked it).
Bikes I've loved from afar; some with no rational reason, but isn't that what love is all about anyway?
The Vincent (dont care which one)
The Indian 4 (just like Roy Rodgers!)
1969-70 Jawa 402 Banana Frame ISDT (When the eastern block dominated off-road sport this was the machine they did it with)
Greeves Griffon - who cant love the bike ridden by the guy first guy to beat the European Motocross riders and was so tough he didnt wear gloves. Gary Bailey.
1970 Royal Enfield Series II Interceptor (the coolest all chrome tank ever made and neutral finder too)
1972 Triumph Trophy 500 (Yeah, the purple one!)
1970 Norton Commando S (Yellow, Please)
1974 Coffin Tank CZ
Suzuki Titan (Dont laugh! We all have guilty pleasures.)
BMW R90s (Smoke) - I loved this one so much that I actually painted my black 72 toaster to match the 1974 Smoke R90s.
1978 Ducati Darmah SD (Black and Gold). The most fun I ever had on two wheels (before the Vision) was test riding this bike, amazing handling and power for its time.
1998 Moto Guzzi Centauro (if there is a cooler name for a bike, I've never heard it.
Current stable:
BMW R75 SWB White Toaster 1972 - still don't love it; but the Mikuni carbs improve it dramatically; weak electrical system.
Victory Vision SSG Tour Premium 2008 The first brand new street bike I've ever owned.
I have always maintained that the Vision is the fulfillment of my motorcycle dreams. It's the bike that fills in the spaces that the others couldn't. It's the machine that says "screw it I"m finally going to own the dream, I'm not going to settle or compromise any more".
For me the Vision is the motorcycle that pays me back for years of mixing oil and gas, of seized engines, fouled spark-plugs and barely functional electrics. Its the reward for the thousands of miles ridden at night with weak headlights, habitually revving the engine at stoplights to keep the tail light lit. It dims the memory of dirty, noisy chains, bad chrome, funky paint and vinyl graphics. Its the payoff for hundreds of thousands of miles riding on painfull saddles, while fighting wind, rain, winter cold, mind numbing noise and vibration, marginal handling and dangerously inadequate brakes.
It's the motorcycle that pays me back for all those years of not being able to afford any of those unrequited, two wheeled loves who's glory probably burns far brighter in my memory than their reality.
|
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 1632
Jasper, MO | Dad let me ride his 150 Honda to high school in 1965. Didn't even have a driver's license yet, but nobody cared back then. I bought my own 1966 305 Scrambler in 1967. I even got a driver's license, but it didn't say anything about motorcycles. Missouri didn't require a motorcycle endorsement until after 1968, and I was "grandfathered in" after that. Uncle Sam sent me to Panama where I bought a new Yammi RT2 in the Canal Zone (which no longer exists thanks to Carter and Clinton  ). After that came a series of street bikes (mostly Suzuki), and dirt bikes (mostly Honda) and then a Goldwing for the new wife to passenger on. Kids started coming along, bills kept piling up, and the bikes got neglected. I kept a Honda XR200R and sold my GS1100E and the Goldwing and used the money for family transportation. A few years go by. The old urge to ride was still there. I've always liked the look, style, and sound of Harley, but never owned one. I have several friends who owned them, and the reliabilty of the brand never impressed me. The Japanese cruisers always did look like a cheap, plastic imitation of a Harley to me, so they didn't interest me either. I kept visiting bike shops, but nobody was making anything that interested me. I took a variety of new bikes for test rides, but nothing suited me. Part of the problem is the fact that I have a very short inseam, and the bike makers were elevating the seat heights increasingly higher and higher, plus the sport bikes had evolved into a totally ridiculous riding position. I ended up buying a used 1986 Kawasaki Voyager XII, which was a pretty good bike. Good power, good fuel economy, and touring amenities. 1999 and Victory. My favorite Suzuki dealer picks up the Victory line. He is one of the very first dealers in the country to take on the new brand. I drool over the KYSO V92C on his floor and start researching Victory. Spring of 2000 and a red Victory Sport Cruiser shows up. After a few test rides on both the Sport Cruiser and a Classic Cruiser, I take the Sport Cruiser home with me to stay. I immediately modified the D&D slipon that was on the bike so that it became a low-mount (D&D hadn't come out with the low-mount version yet), put a Mustang seat on it (Mustang said it wouldn't work, and still does say that), put a set of LeatherLyke hard bags on it, a Victory luggage rack, a Victory snow-cone windshield, a J&M CB on it, and we went riding. We rode the bike to Spirit Lake before the event became the AVR, and the bike got lots of attention from other Victory owners, especially those who had SCs. The pillions all wanted to know where I got the "custom" seat for the Sport Cruiser. I demonstrated and explained how to put the C model Mustang on an SC to several people, and today it's a fairly common SC modification. Mustang still says it won't work  .
We rode the SC for several years, but I still wanted a big, comfortable, well equipped touring bike. The current Goldwings were just too tall and top-heavy for me, plus they were about as exciting to ride as a Buick. Quiet, competent, and boring. 2007 and Victory announced the intro of the Vision. A couple of friends and I rode to a dealer in Springfield on a cold winter day to view the Vision pre-production bikes. I thought the styling really sucked, but it had a nice low seat height and didn't feel nearly as top-heavy as my buddy's GL1800. Test ride needed. Spring of 2008 I ride my dealer's SSG demo. Styling still sucks, but the ride is impressive. Couple more test rides, comparing directly to the GL1800. Goldwing is a little quicker in a drag-race, but topend is the same and the Vision actually rides and handles a little better than the Honda. Styling still sucks, but it's starting to grow on me. I'm starting to say things like "I wish the saddlebags held a little more". VITO in Eureka Springs is coming up, which we have attended on our SC several times before, and I ask my dealer once again what he would have to have for the SSG demo. We really wanted the Midnight Cherry by now. I made an offer on the SSG demo that my dealer accepted. I couldn't pass it up. We've still got our one-owner SC, but it doesn't get much exercise anymore. The wife thinks I should sell it, but I hate to part with it. It has served us well, and has a lot of history with us personally, with Victory, and with the VMC. It started right up yesterday after sitting in the shed all winter.
Ronnie
VMC Charter Member #13 |
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 99
Cold lake Alberta | Lots of Yamaha's And Honda twin and Fours. In 03 picked up Suzuki 1500 LC and loved it, then a 98 HD Evo Lowrider as an addition, SOld the Suzi and had a VFour Yamaaha venture , great bike although heavy handling for sure. Couple oF Heritage Classics and a beautiful o6 Strret glide with stretch bags and apea etc..
took a ride on my buddies "FUGLY" 08 Vision and......bought an 09 TP Vision S1L1..love it. I am looking at adding a 2010 KP 8 BALL shorlty if not, next year
So far so good!
Edited by salty 2010-04-08 11:48 AM
|
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 118
Spfld, IL but temp Bay area, CA | Suzuki 100 when I was 16
HD 350 Sprint at 18
74 Norton Commando new at 22(last of the right foot shift and still in the basement)
03'TC after not riding for years
Was going to restore the Norton but then I saw the bike of my dreams;
American made, V-Twin, and the coolest looking bike ever!
Had to have the '08 Vision Tour Premium
No problem finding it in the parking lot and I love all the admirers and questions whereever I go
Norton restoration can wait another couple of years |
|
| |
|
Puddle Jumper
Posts: 22
Springfield, MO | 1970 CB175 (aug '96-'98) 16th birthday present
1980 CM400 ('98-'00)
1996 Suz Bandit 600 ('00-'01)
1985 Virago 700 (about 3 weeks in 2002 I think) ~20 miles logged (too many!)
2005 SV1000 (Apr 05-aug 05) 6,000 mi logged
2003 Hayabusa (aug 05-sept 06) 13,000 mi logged
2006 Vegas 8-ball (sept 06-apr 07) 7,000 mi logged
2007 Hammer (apr 07-nov 09) 26,000 mi logged
1992 BMW R100GS (feb 08-july 09) 2,000 mi logged
2008 Vision Street (nov 09-present) 2,500 so far
wes |
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 99
Cold lake Alberta | When the Vision came out I HATED THE LOOK!! I told my then Vic dealer that I would never own one............UNTIL I finally rode one about a year and a half ago. I left that test ride like a man with a mission and needless to say.....ended up buying one
DIDO! |
|
| |
|
Tourer
Posts: 446
East TN | 1972 mini bike 5 hp Woo Hoo
1975 Suzuki 650 (water buffalo)
tough poverty years (1983-2006)
2006 Harley Davison Road Glide
2009 Victory Vision Tour Premium |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 3006
San Antonio, TX | 1982 Kawasaki CSR 650 Air cooled inline four cruiser - Right after that I saw and rode the 700 LTD and just kicked myself because it was a better ride with a lower seat. I sold it in 2002...I am still kicking myself for that move.
Over the years I would ride other bikes but not own them until......
2008 Victory Vision |
|
| |
|
Tourer
Posts: 323
Troy, NY | I'm 36 and just got my motorcycle license last year. I had the Piaggio MP3 500 scooter for 4 months and then saw an online video of the Vision. Now it just my beautiful 2009 Victory Vision!! |
|
| |
|
Tourer
Posts: 329
scotts valley, California | You're telling my story, Gadget. The appearance is way too un-Harley, too radical. Motorcycles should look like Harleys or maybe old Indians, right. Then Kevin Ness talked me into taking his Vision for a little test ride. He said, "Don't be afraid to beat it a little", so I took it out and gave it a little whipping...... Well maybe I could learn to live with the looks, ay? Twenty thousand some Vision miles later, I kind of like the looks; know what I mean? |
|
| |
|
Iron Butt
Posts: 802
| Well, there are 45 of them leading up to number 46, '10 Victory Vision Premium which has been "8 Balled." Here is a list. Marc
Edited by marcparnes 2010-04-11 8:36 PM
|
|
| |
|
Puddle Jumper
Posts: 33
NC | 94 Suzuki Intruder 1400 (Torquey, a bit top heavy and the 4spd had it whinning past 60mph but good reliable bike)
99 Kawasaki Vulcan 800 (Nice little cruiser that sounded good but heck with oiling chains LOL)
98 Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Classic
90 HD 883 Sportster (Horse Trade, never tagged it)
00 Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Classic (Great cruisers and sounds awesome with V&H straight shots)
02 HD Electraglide Ultra Classic
02 BMW K1200 LT (Top heavy but nice features, tightly built and great fuel mileage, averaged 49.8 MPG overall on cross country ride w\ 2up)
02 HD Dyna Wide Glide (Always been my favorite bike for looks but hard to go to after getting used to touring bikes, got tired of the back pack LOL)
01 HD Electraglide Ultra Classic (A great handling touring bike, and I'll probably own a 3rd before it's over)
08 Victory Vision (Owned 3 weeks so far. Comfortable, handles good and nice features but the transmission and fuel management system could use some work in my opinion so far) Will know more in a couple weeks after a 2K mile road trip up North. Decided to try this bike as I liked the features which are similar to the BMW and still like the low end torque and sound of the V-twins. Still undecided on the looks LOL.
I can't put my finger on why I have never been really interested in the GW, rode an 1800 and it was very strong and I liked it but just haven't been that interested in one yet, maybe one day.
|
|
| |
|
Tourer
Posts: 329
scotts valley, California | Wow, fifteen month lag time between posts on this thread. Another fifteen thousand miles and I am starting to like the looks of my '08. Now the Harleys just look so girlie. Don't get me wrong, I still like that heritage look. Too bad they can't keep up |
|
| |
|
Iron Butt
Posts: 825
, WI | Some of my favorites - My first custom bike 
A Motor!!!!!!! Yes 
My first new bike - 1973 Ducati 750GT - I was 19 
My H1. Painted it black with spray cans. 
The chrome years - 1994. 
My 2000 Ducati 750 SS - Fun!!! 
The Monster S4 - Really fun!!! 
Me and my dad. He rode until he was 81. 
My first Victory - 2004 Vegas 
Edited by Rollin' 2011-07-09 12:40 AM
|
|
| |
|
Puddle Jumper
Posts: 49
Fort Defiance, VA United States | I'm a previous Goldwing owner. I had 2005 Goldwing prior to the Vision. Bought the 2010 Vision in March of this year and then sold the Wing. No regrets. |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 1229
Rancho Cucamonga, CA | Started riding some 5hp motorcycle of an unrememorable name when I was 15 because I could ride solo with a learners permit, whereas a car required an adult to ride with me. Didn't ride much for 4 years after, then bought a Honda Transalp wich got me thru most of my college years. Always yearning for a "Harley" I finally could buy one when I turned 30, so I got a Road King and a pull behind trailer and started touring the country. After 9-11, HD came out with a firefighter version of the Ultra Classic and I had to have one. Two touring bikes in the garage was a little much, so I eventually sold the Road King to my brother. Even though the Ultra had very special meaning, I never quite enjoyed riding it as much as the Road King and I was getting to feel too much like a sheep on any club ride I went on. I hit some tight financial times and decided to sell the Ultra, but knew it wouldn't be long before I was back on another bike. Started looking at the 'new models' of HD's, but they just seemed so much like the 'old models', so I started to look around for other bikes. Fell in love with the Vision first time I saw one on the internet. Not so much the trunk though. . . then I saw the street model. . . then the Ness Vision. . . it became my computer wallpaper for about 1 year while I sorted out my finances.
Now I am riding my wallpaper.
I feel like Socrates who has been free'd from the cave, truely embracing a new reality and unable to convince those still in the cave that there is more than just shadows. [Plato's allegory of the Cave] |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 2300
Georgia, west of Atlanta | Wow haven't checked this post in awhile. What a great big collection of different bikes. I never listed all of mine but here goes:
1973 HD SuperGlide FX-1200 ( Kick start only )
1957 HD wishbone frame chopper with 1973 shovel engine
1977 HD FXE 1200 ( first electric start bike )
1978 HD XLCR Cafe Racer ( wish I still had this one )
1983 Honda V-65 Magna ( Hauled ass )
1983 HD XLX 61 ( iron head piece of shit )
1988 HD XLH 883 ( Now 1424cc )
1983 HD XR-1000 ( Dual carb XR750 wantabe )
1993 Kawasaki ZX-11 ( fastest bike I've ever owned )
1995 Suzuki TL-1000 ( Japanese Ducati wantabe )
2003 HD FLTRI RoadGlide ( First bagger )
2008 Victory Vision ( biggest most comfortable bike I've ever owned ). |
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 262
Flowery Branch Ga | After looking at motorcycles off/on for years I bought a used 08 105 Ann. 1200 Custom Sportster with about 500 miles on it in March of 09. Took the MSF course and got my license in April of 09 at 39 yo(I'm a late bloomer). I got the crap beat out of me by the Sporty for about 7000 miles before trading it on a 10 8Ball Vision in Sept of 10. I realized that I just rode too much for the Sporty and it would end up costing too much to make it what I wanted. Besides the wife wanted to ride with me and there was no way the two of us were doing it on the Sportster. I now have 7800 miles on the Vision. I have caught some slack for leaving the herd. The VV, IMHO, is about the best all around bike out there. I have no regrets about the buying the VV and I can alwats find it in a parking lot. That's my story.
Wayne |
|
| |
|
Tourer
Posts: 394
Tucson, AZ | Started out in 1989 riding Gold Wings. In 1997 went to a Valkyrie because my wife stopped riding, loved the bike. In 2000 bought a new HD Heritage soft tail, HUGE mistake. Traded in after eight months for a 2000 Valkyrie. Had it for over eight happy years. Arthritis in my knees kinda forced me to get a bike with more leg room. Bought VV and have never looked back. Most comfortable bike I've ever owned. |
|
| |
|
Tourer
Posts: 394
Tucson, AZ | BTW, I bought my bike from Cochise Motorsports in Sierra Vista. Mike who owns the dealership here in Tucson is a very knowledgeable guy, wanted $7500 more than the guys in Sierra Vista. A no brainer for me. |
|
| |
|
Puddle Jumper
Posts: 13
| First bike was a 1985 Yammie 400 street bike. Rode a few years then had a hiatus for about 15 years. Bought a V92C Deluxe in 2002. Everyone I knew had H-D and I wanted to be "different". Great choice as it served me faithfully with no problems. Test rode a Vision last fall at the dealer. Went back a month ago when the Victory Demo Ride truck was there and rode it again. Got back to the parking lot and one thought was in my head.....Gotta have it! Went back a week later and bought a 2011 Crimson Red. Guess you could refer to the purchase as a solution to "mid-life crisis"! |
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 66
Oklahoma City | I started riding a bit late in life (31) even though my wife had been pestering me for years to get a motorcycle. Maybe subconsciously I knew at that time I would have gotten a sport bike and would be dead right now, I liked to go really fast back then. I bought a brand new 2004 Honda Shadow 750 for my first bike after I had taken the MSF course. I loved that bike, even rode it from OKC to MN and back in '05 with the wife following in the car. I finally outgrew that bike in '06 and traded her in for a 2006 Kingpin. I had that bike not even a month and high-sided her breaking my collarbone. Sad thing was I hadn't even made a payment yet! I had all my gear on so the collarbone was the only damage I sustained, the bike had over $6k in damages. Insurance took care of everything and I was riding her again 3 weeks later. I had that bike until May of this year when I traded her in for an '11 Victory Vision. It was what I've been wanting since I started riding, a tour bike that will take me all over the country with my wife after I retire from the military this year. |
|
| |
|
Puddle Jumper
Posts: 8
Southern Arizona | Grey rider, I also bought my 2011 Vegas at Cochise Motorsports, in Sierra Vista, AZ. Cliff, Doc, and Greg are the best. This shop has been servicing my 1992 Yamaha Virago 1100 for the past 15 years. I finally traded in my Virago on the Vegas and the deal they gave me was S W E E T. Good price, great service. I couldn't be happier. I bought the Vegas on my 56th birthday. Here are some pics of my 65th birthday present. |
|
| |
|
Puddle Jumper
Posts: 8
Southern Arizona | Oops, pics didn't load. |
|
| |
|
Puddle Jumper
Posts: 8
Southern Arizona | Try pics again. |
|
| |
|
Puddle Jumper
Posts: 8
Southern Arizona | Try pics again. |
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 118
Spfld, IL but temp Bay area, CA | Bought my first bike at 16, brand new 1969 Suzuki 100. At 18, a new 1971 Harley Sprint 350. In 1974, new 850 Norton Commando, still sitting in my basement waiting to be restored--the last year of the right foot shift, 1 up and 3 down, before the nanny state mandated all bikes move the shifter to the left side and have a 1 down and the rest up shift pattern in 1975. When new, it would run 130+. Then after a long hiatus for kids, the bug hit me again around 2000 but didn't pull the trigger until summer of 05 when I found a new 03 teal and white TC. Still have it (over 26K trouble free miles) but in the fall of 08, bought my 08 Vison Tour Premium--the best bike of any I have ever ridden or owned. Now over 17K all trouble free miles. |
|
| |
|
New user
Posts: 1
| wanting to go darkside on my '05 kingpin. 180-55-18. any help? |
|
| |
|
Tourer
Posts: 457
Green Bay, WI United States | 250 cc bulltaco pursang w git and shit kit / off road - shifter on the right side- compression release
400 Kawi Twin
750 Susukii GSL w/ fairing and trunk
Kawi Concorde
03 TCD Victory-still riding
Vision Custom Street Premium-riding the living shit out of |
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 82
Fargo, ND | Started on a Honda 750 (four) in the 80's, Moved on to a Suzuki G1000 when it was the superbike. Bought my first Harley, a hardtail chopper with a suicide clutch after that a (65 Electraglide Panhead). Then to a custom FXR built by Fast Cat Racing in Reno NV. Finally after 30 years of custom mods to my former scooters (so I could actually fit on them) I found the "VISION". I am 6'7" tall and I finally have a motorcycle that fits me right out of the crate!. I'm enjoying riding more now than I ever have in the past 30 years. Even if the Vision dissapears I will have mine untill I can't hold it up anymore... then I will turn it into a Trike and keep on riding. Thank you "Victory" for the perfect motorcycle for me! I no longer have to settle for an inferior bike (HD) in order to "FIT IN". I prefer riding the most advanced cruiser on the road and to hell with the pack! Then next time a Harley rider askes you how you like your BatMobile... tell them "If it's good enough for Sonny Barger, it's good enough for me!" Then just look at their face, it's a riot! they either shut up immediately or the "poser" asks you who Sonny Barger is Either way you leave them speachless.
Edited by stretch1956 2011-07-30 2:14 PM
|
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 134
, MO | My first bike was a 750 Suzuki 2 stroke, in 1986. I had a bike before a car. Since then, I've have viragos, vtx, vstar and Vulcan. Shifted to victory with a kingpin and now enjoy a vision. |
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 207
| First real bike was a Yamaha 250 Enduro back in the mid 70's, got a RD350, next a Harley Sportster, then kept a RE5 Suzuki Rotary for several years. Sold the RE5 then got another Yamaha 650 Maxum?.
After that bike, bought, rode, and sold several XS1100's until my wife spotted a Valkyrie Interstate on a road trip. Owned two Valks and put over 170,000 miles on them before getting a VTX1800R. (Selling the Valks was really-really tough.)
We saw a vision a couple of years ago and started looking until we found the right one. I commute on the VTX but ride the Vision as much as possible.
The Vision is the finest bike that I've owned so far.
|
|
| |
|
Tourer
Posts: 457
Green Bay, WI United States | OH yes the RD 350, great memories. Never had one but rode one and this was a sweet fast bike. Not sure but I think one size of the RD motor's became a go-cart motor that included the transmission??? Not sure..... |
|
| |
|
Puddle Jumper
Posts: 45
Jax, FL | I'm surprised I missed this post. There have been a few
1. Yamaha LS2 100
2. KZ400
3. KZ400LTD
4. KZ440 LTD
5. 1965 Guzzi that I rescued from the trash
6. '84 sportster
7. '73 rigid shovel (found out later it was stolen)
8. '76 sportster
9. '81 super glide in a rigid frame
10. '91 Electra Glide sport (12 years I rode that thing)
11. '99 Electra Glide as a spare
12 '05 Road Glide ( the best model the motor company makes, IMHO )
13. '07 Electra Glide Ultra Classic ( now my spare bike, but it is pretty )
14. '05 Triumph Thruxton
15. '01 Triumph Bonneville
16. '10 VV8ball.
The thumpers were toys until I got the VV. I needed the room in the garage, so they had to go. now I'm down to the glide and the 8ball, till I see another bike I cant live without.
|
|
| |
|
Tourer
Posts: 573
Central Illinois | No way I can remember every bike.
I started with an Omega 125, manufactured by the same people who make Kawasaki, but before Kawasaki came to the US. Next up was a 175 Kawasaki enduro style. After I wrecked that and got a big settlement I bought one of those crazy fast Kawasaki 2 stroke triples, the H-1, in 1971. Things get fuzzy after that but some of my rides included a Honda 305 Dream and a Triumph Trophy 500. I finally started to settle on a ride style with my 1965 BMW R-60 with a "clip-on" fairing. Next up was a 1981 Honda XC-500-C with a Vetter IV fairing. I took a few years break in riding while my kids finished high school and then got back in with a 2007 Yamaha Royal Star Tour Deluxe, think Venture without the radio and trunk. Then I really went to the dark side, no not a car tire, by buying a 2010 HD Electra Glide Ultra followed by a 2011 HD Road Glide Ultra. When the warranty was about to expire on my Road Glide I decided no more HDs so I went searching and found my 2013 Vision. |
|
| |
|
Puddle Jumper
Posts: 9
St. Thomas, ON | First bike a 1972 BSA Lightning 650 in 1973 : new 1975 Kawasaki 900 (totally customized it); used 1966 harley Servi-car: new 1982 Harley FXE ; used 1965 Dneiper with sidecar; used 1978 Sportster: I was injured and didn't think I'd ride again. Had been looking at a Victorty dealer nearby for a few years and he closed. So was looking at another Harley but couldn't decide plus everyone rides a Harley now. So went to look at a Triumph 2300 and the dealership just got the Victory the week before. I was thinking of a Cross Country, but the Vision 8 ball is so different and I like different so ordered one. Almost didn't get it, they said may not be able to get one, but then said only two came to the province that year, mine being one. Love it. |
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 271
Belding Michigan | Boy I have been riding for 43 years and I am one of those people who buy and sell stuff for the fun of it. That said I have had more bikes than I can remember. I rode Goldwing's from 1982 to 2008. In 2008 I sold my 2003 Goldwing 1800 and a Harley Road Glide and bought a 2008 Victory Vision. I will not sell it till someone come up some better bike and I have not found it yet. Archie |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 3773
Pittsburgh, PA | 1978 kawasaki kz650Sr
1992 Honda cb750N Nighthawk
2002 kawasaki vulcan vn800B
2005 kawasaki vulcan vn2000 (2053cc) 125ci
2008 Victory Vision Tour Premium
2011 Victory Vision (abs) with optional flux capacitor |
|
| |