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Florida | Okay, before you start jumping all over me, I have heard the complaints about me placing too many threads on the board about my blog and I have to say, I agree with you. (I'll bet you didn't see that one coming!). So, here's the deal: From now on, there will be no more new threads on this board about my Vision Blog, I will simply just add a link to this thread when a new post has been added to the blog to "bump" it up the stack.
Now, is everybody happy? I am!
Here's my latest, and it's a bit different from other posts, as it's not about riding, it's about a Flame War on another board. Here's the link to take you directly to the post:
http://gadgetguru.com/Victory%20Vision%20Blog.htm#031308
As always, please post your comments here.
Thanks,
Andy, aka PBR
P.S. Weather permitting, I'm riding with some new guys with some hot bikes on Sunday. Expect some photos early next week.
Edited by PalmBeachRider 2008-03-13 8:28 PM
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | Another good write up about our ride up there PBR. Harley D riders feel exclusive above all others because of what they ride. Though the Vision is an exclusive ride and the riders are cut above, there is no need to elevate ourself's above anyone else. But I can say when asked, I ride a Vision, because it is not a typical motorcycle, I'm not putting myself above anyone else. | |
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rhode island | Your a true visioneer PBR,
The H.D riders seemed a little tongue tied.. they can have a byplane, i'll take the F-117 nighthawk! 
Edited by sandman 2008-03-13 9:39 PM
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Cruiser
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Lexington, North Carolina | I have noticed something lately that I first thought was my imagination. Before my Vision I rode a Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic LT. Almost all the other riders I passed on the road would wave no matter what they were riding. It's not the same with the Vision. I would say that maybe 1/2 of the Harley Riders I pass actually wave. Just an observation, it's certainly no worry to me. I'll just keep on waving to them and grinning ear to ear as I enjoy the ride. I think it goes right in line with the views in your post. | |
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CALGARY ALBERTA | PBR
If they only eat at McD's then how are they to know great foods. As a long term HD owner I've truly enjoyed the product, as well, many other brands over the years. Each have their own characteristics and charm. My personal expectancies from the HD line exceed what they are currently delivering. One would expect that they could have delivered a second line of big bore bikes to crossover into this and the next decade. That line might have been water-cooled, more tour - comfort orientated for driver and passenger. The V Rod was aimed to low for my 54 years of age and riding needs. The extra cost of the SE 110 escapes my pocket book and so, here I am. Harley has a great future. I just feel that they missed an important part of the emerging market.
I've always been open to all motorcycles as they are in the same genome. The motorcycling world is a fun gene pool to play in regardless. To exclude someone because of brand and or riding style limits us to a line of thinking that shunning is the only way to rid ourselves of different thought. After all, it is different thought that has molded our futures from the start of mankind.
Yes the future is bright and has Vision.
Bobby B | |
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Cruiser
Posts: 256
Florida | Thank Tom for pointing that out...as I've been experiencing the same "snubbing." This is what happens when we gambled on an unproven, untested, radically styled bike that we have grown to appreciate and respect while others simply sneer and snub.
Tom my friend, those days will soon be over. I give it 18 months, then Victory will just start coming into its own with new models ranging from a popular price entry level bike to the next level of the Vision. I can even predict a Jr. Vision as well. And we can take pride that we were the ones who did not fear being extradited from the biker world, but looked forward to riding a bike that will soon become the next great thing and watch the name Victory become part of the biker vocabulary. So, let's forget the distractors for now who Live to Ride and become the folks who Love to Ride. There is a difference.
To borrow an old slogan from Ford, I'm hoping that Victory will continue to take the strategy that quality is job 1. After all, they haven't let us down yet. Keep it up Victory, we're behind you.
Edited by PalmBeachRider 2008-03-13 10:57 PM
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Visionary
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Brighton, TN | HEHEHE HOOHOHOHOH Ow my Goodness! I have this same conversation almost daily with a Heritage Softail Classic Rider. Oh, did I mention it was a Harley-Davidson. Man, right before I bought this bike, It was a toss up between the Ultra-classic and this one. I was attempting to make both owners happy, passenger and driver. Driver didn't care what bike so long as it was a BIKE. Passenger was convinced she had to have a HD. So, I learned all the names and classes of harleys, softail, springer, v-rod, the other one with the shocks exposed. I actually started understanding how they were labeled to FLHTCU.
Point I'm trying to make here is that till I got back into the market for a bike, I really didn't care or understand anything about the HD brand of bikes. So, it really didn't matter to me one way or the other. I have never, like roseypalmbeachrider stated, had to have one brand over the other, I'm after BEST for ME and the Homies I hang with (primarily wife and kids)! So even though I'm the youngster of the bunch, I've got one of the coolest dang bikes on Planet Earth and maybe even a little farther out there. Lots of power and I got tunes.
Yeah! I even get the snub from the other riders, primarily the HD bunch. I just wave and grin. In the same day, I followed one guy on a HD and he never even acknowledged me, even after passing him and giving the ole two finger salute down low (TFSDL). Then two other Harley guys pull up next to me on theirs and could barely resist turning their heads toward me. This is no different to me than most people if when you walk past and say Good Morning they would rather give the ole finger than lightly say "Mornin'!"
As if to end on a positive note - I get way more thumbs up, grins ear to ear, little kids pointing out the window, dudes pulling up next to ya - screaming out the window "That's one wicked bike!" or the young hottwentysomething hunnies letting you know that is also one awesomely cool bike. Is the barrista young lady calling again? I LOVE IT! This bike to me just sticks the Testosterone juices right back in the old blood stream, screaming I am MAN hear me ROAR! Swing a leg over, throw that hot hunny up behind, hit the starter, roll that throttle and go take care of what that motor and the S1/L1 is telling you to do! Why you ask, because, I AM MAN! (ride off into the sunset hot chick on back, git'r done, end of day)!
Edited by pollolittle 2008-03-13 11:33 PM
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Visionary
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So Cal | Its not so much what one rides, but their attitude. Im sure we all started riding on smaller, cheaper metric motorcycles. A segment of the market american manufacturers failed to fill. The metric brands werent any more dependable, but were more forgiving of the lack of mantainence an so, cheaper to operate. Everyone would like to believe that american products are the best in the world. That may have been the case at one time. There are many close minded people out there with the attitude "Id rather push my harley than ride a jap bike".
That statement alone says whats wrong with americas way of thinking. Rather than demand and strive for better quality they have accepted business as usual.
I grew up in a steel town, buying american was the way I was raised. At the time anything made in japan was crap. They learned we didnt.
Thanks to foreign competition, we had no choice but to improve quality. HD makes a great product now, but their 2008 models look like the 1958 models. Its nice to have choice now that Victory has entered the market.
Look at american chopper on TLC they build bikes that cost $30k+ some on the show go for $100k+ and how were they assembled? They stand on fenders to make adjustments, they use prybars and sledge hammers. Yet people would rather pay for one of those bike than spend half as much for something of better quality.
Those people arent bikers theyre posers. Read the posts on this site, riding in rain and with snow on the ground, going crazy because the snow wont melt fast enough. These are the people I want to ride with.
Just look at the miles being racked up on Visions. The pride you can feel when someone logs another 1k miles.
Most used harleys for sale have low milage. "Poser"
Anyone that would rather jump on their bike than jump in their car, need not apologize for what they ride.
The Vision might not be perfect but, just like a woman, they are the best game in town.
I feel sorry for the close minded riders because the are missing out on some great experiences. The Vision being one of them. | |
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Cruiser
Posts: 150
Las Vegas, Nevada USA baby! | I really thought it was just my imagination that some H-D riders wouldn't give a wave back when I ride. I guess I really did get more acknowlegement on my 2007 black Vulcan all because it probably fooled a lot of them into thinking it was a H-D. Oh well, I've had my H-D, enjoyed it when I had it, but that was 24 years ago. Oh well!
I got my shock air pump, and my shop service manual today! My trunk/fender cove plate won't be in for about 3 more weeks. That's okay, I gotta ride to PHX to see my mom before then anyway!
Riding and more riding!
EdRadio | |
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Fountain Inn, SC United States | PBR, as always, thanks for spreading the word about Vision-Riders. We welcome those from other forums who are interested in Visions to lurk and/or participate. I'm sure that all VR users will remain civil and cogent when dealing with opposing opinions. Any model bike brings with it its own pros & cons and rider perceptions. I'm proud that the VR forums have remained "above board" in all discussions and hope this quality will be its hallmark for the future.
Jeff | |
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Cruiser
Posts: 74
Puyallup, Washington | I'm not nearly as experienced a rider as most of you are. The Vision is only my second bike. I test rode the Harley Electra Glide Ultra the same day as the Vision. I liked the Harley a lot, but, for me the Vision was THE bike. Everyone needs to make that decision for themselves. Since i've had the Vision I have experienced my share of snubs by Harley riders but I've also been approached by some who like it and react very enthusiastically to it. The forum thread example you cited in your blog, Andy, is why I like this forum so much. There doesn't seem to be anybody on here that wants to shoot another poster down just for the sake of sounding superior. Your a braver man than I, Andy, for openning yoursef up to that kind of negative criticism. | |
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Tourer
Posts: 496
Scottsdale AZ | cjnoho - 2008-03-13 10:17 PM
Its not so much what one rides, but their attitude. Im sure we all started riding on smaller, cheaper metric motorcycles. A segment of the market american manufacturers failed to fill. The metric brands werent any more dependable, but were more forgiving of the lack of mantainence an so, cheaper to operate. Everyone would like to believe that american products are the best in the world. That may have been the case at one time. There are many close minded people out there with the attitude "Id rather push my harley than ride a jap bike".
That statement alone says whats wrong with americas way of thinking. Rather than demand and strive for better quality they have accepted business as usual.
I grew up in a steel town, buying american was the way I was raised. At the time anything made in japan was crap. They learned we didnt.
Thanks to foreign competition, we had no choice but to improve quality. HD makes a great product now, but their 2008 models look like the 1958 models. Its nice to have choice now that Victory has entered the market.
Look at american chopper on TLC they build bikes that cost $30k+ some on the show go for $100k+ and how were they assembled? They stand on fenders to make adjustments, they use prybars and sledge hammers. Yet people would rather pay for one of those bike than spend half as much for something of better quality.
Those people arent bikers theyre posers. Read the posts on this site, riding in rain and with snow on the ground, going crazy because the snow wont melt fast enough. These are the people I want to ride with.
Just look at the miles being racked up on Visions. The pride you can feel when someone logs another 1k miles.
Most used harleys for sale have low milage. "Poser"
Anyone that would rather jump on their bike than jump in their car, need not apologize for what they ride.
The Vision might not be perfect but, just like a woman, they are the best game in town.
I feel sorry for the close minded riders because the are missing out on some great experiences. The Vision being one of them.
Well said CJ! | |
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Cruiser
Posts: 115
Victoria, BC | Hey guys, if you think that the HD dudes snub you on your Vision, trying riding a Burgman 650. There are a ton of Harley's on this Island and none of them will ever wave at me (it's enough to give a guy a complex). A shame, because when they get too old to ride their Hog's, they'll find themselves migrating over to the Burgman (cause it's a step-thru - don't have to lift the leg over the seat) & like a Vision, has a very low center of gravity.
Burgman 650's are also faster than they look.
Two years ago, my Wife & I were heading to Redding California to have Rick Mayer make a custom seat for us (his Dad used to own Russell Day-long Seats). It was a nice May afternoon, we were fully loaded as I passed by two burly-looking Harley dudes at 85 mph on the I-5. Now you got to understand, a Burgman 650 has to be one of the quietest bikes out there - they never heard or saw me coming (although I sure could hear them).
Half an hour later my wife has to go the ladies room, so I pull over to a rest area to have a break. Just as we were getting ready to leave, these two 'Hell's Angels looking' guys park their bikes 10 feet away. I'm thinking we are in big trouble now, as there was no one else in the rest area. They lumber over to talk to us & I'm ready to run. Turns out they want to know what that machine was that flew by them & darn near scared the crap out of them. Never had seen a Burgman before, and were full of questions as I lifted up the seat to show them all the storage space & explained about the CVT transmission - how the bike is always in it's max torque range, & how it climbs mountain passes like a goat. They were impressed.
I noticed that all there patches on their vests had to do with Vietnam & the military. They had both served in Southeast Asia, & despite their rough looking appearance, they were actually nice guys. We talked about their military service & about where we were going for the next nine days. One of them said that we were welcome to come & stay at his place in Salem for the night (both his elderly parents had died that year & he had the house all to himself). My wife was standing behind him and I could see her shaking her head - like no way she wanted to be in the same house. We talked for awhile & then headed further south.
They learned about how useful that scooter looking bike was, & I learned that even scruffy-looking guys that ride Harleys can be quite nice.
I should also mention, that although the Hogs here don't wave back at me, they always gather around my bike to check it out when I park in front of the Harley dealer . HD does make some nice clothes & great boots at reasonable prices, so I like to shop there occasionally.
So if the HD crowd doesn't want to wave to me on the Vision - hey, I'm already used to it. 
Cheers,
Reg | |
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Visionary
Posts: 3204
Memphis | I used to ride a V-Star and it was common to watch the Harley guys start to wave, then try to take it back as they went by. Hilarious.
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Cruiser
Posts: 177
NW Illinois | Lets not read to much into who waves and who doesnt after all we had a thread on 10 reasons Vision riders don't wave.
I know personally there are many times I don't wave because I am either pulling in the clutch, anticipating what soccer mom is going to do in front of me, or maybe just squeezing the wifes knee.
Im just enjoying the ride sometimes I wave sometimes I dont and there is no attitude behind either
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Visionary
Posts: 2027
Brighton, TN | Oh, OH, OHHH, To take the joy out of bashing something as to whether or not they wave, c'mon. There is nothing majorly wrong with these bikes, so the pack mentality is taking over. Dangit they are not part of my group, so down with the masses. I wish I was squeezing something else instead of waving, now that would be fun. Anyway, wave or not, I probably will, unless I find something else to squeeze. Good point silverbeard (seems like it would be worth more silver). I grew up in the backroads of Texas and now Tennessee where a lot of folks still wave from inside their cages. I like it that way. Send Dr. Pepper and wave. Gotta keep sewing. | |
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Cruiser
Posts: 177
NW Illinois | Ill take silver anytime though, I still say its salt and pepper which is not worth much either except on your steak & fries | |
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Cruiser
Posts: 256
Florida | Tomorrow I might have something to write about as I'm riding with the guys from Conquest Customs. Surely, there will be some good photo opportunities. I try not to write unless there's an experience to share.
I've been busy this week and was only able to get in a little seat time - gotta get those taxes done. But, I am becoming more and more solid in my opinion about the versatility of the Vision. I absolutely love the ride on the highway and 70mph cruising is very comfortable. Like any big bike, stop and go traffic is my least favorite type of riding...but it's tolerable. It's difficult to describe the importance of the floorboards to anyone who has not ridden a Vision and the only adjective I can come up with to describe them is: Versatile.
Today I had a tough decision: Golf or Riding. Sorry guys, I got in some golf today. I'm not what you would call a great golfer and have only been playing for around four years. Today though, I played fairly well...at least one side was great for me. I shot a 91 (the hard way) with 50 on the front and 41 on the back. Heck, if I could have played the back twice I would have shot an 82...Imagine That!
Today's score is a record for me on this, my new course. My old course was much easier, but this one is a bear with super fast paspalum greens that are like putting on a pool table. They are difficult (for a player of my ability, or many great players ) to land a green from the air as unless you backspin, the greens are hard to hold. So a 91 was a good score for me on this course.
Now, if anyone can figure out how to get a bag of clubs on the back of a Vision without pulling a trailer, I'm all ears!
To me, the ideal summer trip would be going city to city visiting friends, enjoying a game of golf, then moving on to the next destination.
Or, I could FedEx my clubs ahead to each golf course, but that would be too easy!
Tonight was fun as well. I had dinner at my new neighbors. I live in a new community and my neighbors go back and forth between here and their main home in Toronto. They are wonderful people and I'm lucky to have them next store. They had a female friend visiting (Cutie). We were talking bikes and she perked up. Her Husband just got a new Electra Glide and likes it. She's heard of Victory, evidently they have dealers in Canada and I advised her to tell her husband NOT to go take a test ride as he will buy one on the spot. She called him and asked if he's ridden one...I didn't listen to the rest of the converstaion.
Bottom line, Great Day and tomorrow will be even better.
I have some new stuff coming and will advise.
Andy, aka PBR
Edited by PalmBeachRider 2008-03-15 11:28 PM
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Cruiser
Posts: 115
Victoria, BC | Andy, if you love golf, then you need to come to Victoria. We have many excellent golf courses, one of which is on top of a mountain just to the west of the city - called Bear Mountain. Spectacular views! Started by an former NHL hockey player & his buddies. It's awesome.
There's lots to see on this website, but here are a few links:
http://www.bearmountain.ca/Home.aspx
Click on each tee for a flyby:
http://www.bearmountain.ca/Home/Play/MountainCourse/CourseTourandFl...
Cool - play the extra large:
http://www.bearmountain.ca/Home/Live/TheVillage.aspx
More info:
http://www.golfvancouverisland.ca/golf_courses/bear_mountain.asp
Info on packages:
http://www.golfvancouverisland.ca/packages/victoria.asp
If you do a Google search, there's lots more to find.
Cheers,
Reg
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Cruiser
Posts: 256
Florida | Well, it's that time again...another blog update. This one is different than my typical posts as the subject is a Sunday ride put together by the folks from Conquest Customs. The route had us on a scenic route by the Atlantic Ocean. There's a lot of photos on this post. Here's a link:
http://gadgetguru.com/Victory%20Vision%20Blog.htm#031608
As always, please leave your comments here.
Thanks,
Andy, aka PBR | |
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Cruiser
Posts: 189
Baltimore, Md | Possibly this affects only a few, but I use a 24" EIZO monitor at 1920 X 1200 native resolution. At that resolution, which is becoming more and more common these days, the photos on your blog appear too small for good detail. Just a thought, but have you given any consideration to linking them to larger versions for people at higher resolutions? I know they are at their max res. as shown as I've used Firefox image zoom to attempt to enlarge them, but they pixelate. Nothing wrong with doing it as you do, just a suggestion for those who might want to see your photos in more detail.
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Cruiser
Posts: 256
Florida | Thanks Flint. The images are thumbnails and I removed the links to the original images to keep the page running smoothly. But, improvements are coming shortly. | |
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Cruiser
Posts: 115
Victoria, BC | I concur with Ray. I find the pictures on the blog too small. It would be nice to see a larger size. Keep up the good work.
Reg | |
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Cruiser
Posts: 294
rhode island | The cobra bike was outstanding! 
Edited by sandman 2008-03-17 7:37 PM
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Cruiser
Posts: 256
Florida | Hey Sandman, it's a beauty. Scott from Conquest really did a nice job on that bike. I wish I would have gotten a good shot of those pipes. He designed the bike where it can be as quiet or as loud as the rider wants. Riding behind it was an experience. | |
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Cruiser
Posts: 294
rhode island | P.B.R
Was any thing done to the motor?? or perhaps some tuning at loydz.
in any case it is a mean looking scoot.
I am looking forward to my trip in april, its been a long winter. Thanks for your stories. | |
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Cruiser
Posts: 256
Florida | I'm far from the expert when it comes to engines. Maybe Scott will read this thread and respond. If not, go to www.conquestcustoms.com and link to the Contact button. He's a great guy who knows bikes and loves to talk about his work.
In the meantime. I'm working on a story for Wednesday that is a bit different. Here's a teaser: Deceptive practices on buying a bike and setting up a blind date. Yes, there is a correlation. Is this a story you'd like to read? Comments welcomed. | |
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