|
|
Puddle Jumper
Posts: 49
Fort Defiance, VA United States | Hello everybody,
I just joined this forum the other day and now I'm writing my first post and looking for some help and information.
Let me start by saying, that I have loved the Vision since it's inception. In fact, in January of 2007 I drove 10 hours just to see it unveiled at the IMS in Atlanta. I have thought about owning one ever since.
In March of 2007 after talking to a couple of Victory Dealers about pricing for the Vision, I decided to bag the idea and bought a slightly used 2005 Honda Goldwing instead. In retrospect, I wish I had waited for the Vision's release in June of that same year.
As many of you know, the Goldwing is a top notch machine and I don't dislike it, but I have never been completely comfortable on the Wing. I've never gotten totally used to the foot position and become uncomfortable after a couple of hours. I ride long and hard and the wing just hurts for the type of riding that I do. I have modified it to fit me as best as possible including highway pegs, modified seat, and handle bar risers but I will never be as comfortable as I would like. My previous bike was a Yamaha Vstar 1100 and I was more comfortable on that because of the foot position than I am on the wing.
So, I continue to consider the Vision with some reservations. My questions/concerns are:
1. Saddlebags - they seem very very small. How difficult is it to travel with those bags? I ride solo most of the time, so that helps, but again I ride long distance. I have another western trip planned leaving June of this year. I'll be gone 20 days and will ride 8000 miles or so.
2. Does the cb mount in the saddlebag? If so, how much space is lost?
3. Backrest - I use a backrest on the wing and love it. I can't imagine riding without one anymore. I'm short at 5'7 and I'm wondering if the back rest is adjustable?
4. Power etc - I rode the Vision for the first time last week and really enjoyed the ride even though it was a bit short. I know the wing has more power, but the Vision seemed a bit weak to me. May have just been me, because I didn't run it very hard since it's new and not mine.
5. Any of you come from a Goldwing? If so, was it easy to adjust from the smooth wing engine to v-twin?
6. Heat - I've read some posts that say the Vision is rather hot around the legs especially on the right side. Comments?
7. Resale value - any idea how its holding up? It concerns me a bit that if I wanted to sell it in a couple of years it might be hard to move. As we all know, it's a love it or hate it bike, so right off the bat, roughly half of all bikers aren't interested.
8. Dealer network - man it seems it's getting thinner and thinner. I believe there are only 3 dealers in the entire state of VA now. Any idea what to expect looking ahead? How is Victory doing as a company? How concerned would you be to ride cross country with such a thin network?
9. Reverse - any of you that have owned a wing miss it? I won't pay $1500 for it.
10. Handlebars - they seem a bit far forward to me. Any way to move them back? Perhaps the backrest will help.
11. When does Victory usually release the next year model? Anyone care to speculate about upcoming changes? I had a Vic dealer tell me to expect larger saddlebags either this year or next.
12. How does it compare to the wing in service costs? I have the dealer do all my service and the wing is quite expensive to service. I have a 32k mile service due now that will cost about $550. Then another service is due at 36k at a cost around $300.
13. Do the air deflectors help much in hot weather? They are so close to the fairing that it seems as though the air flow would be limited.
14. Finally, what kind of mileage are you guys getting out of the tires? I'm lucky to get 8k out of my rear tire.
Anyhow, just looking for info and feedback especially from those with previous Goldwing experience. My apologies for the long post and rambling, but I wanted to try and cover as many thoughts as possible while they were on top of my mind. My only complaint with the wing is the foot position. If it were not for that, I wouldn't even consider trading. It also helps that its paid for. The Vision seems much more comfortable and handled better to boot. It felt smaller and more nimble to me than the wing.
Thanks for reading and putting up with the long post.  | |
| | |
Visionary
Posts: 1359
New Bohemia, Va | I can personally appreciate your admiration for the Vision, and your high rating for the Wing. I've only been riding again for 5 1/2 years and the first 2 years was an '84 wing and a '93 1500 wing. I decided I really liked riding and want to ride all the time and had planned to get a new 2003+ Goldwing if not a brand new one. Until.... I read about the Vision in February 2007. To me it was everything I had ever wanted my wing to be, a v-twin, narrow, plenty of floorboard and low seat-height. I personally do not see any other bike and never went down the road of "should I" or "shouldn't I". I got a poster of the Vision and hung at work and longed for the day to actually ride one. Once I did, that was it. So, with that being said, I'm not sure why you are asking these questions, but I will enterain each with an answer.
1. Saddlebags - they seem very very small. How difficult is it to travel with those bags? I ride solo most of the time, so that helps, but again I ride long distance. I have another western trip planned leaving June of this year. I'll be gone 20 days and will ride 8000 miles or so.
A- You have plenty of space with a trunk, though you don't need it and solobag on the seat. My gear and tools go in the saddlebags. When the wife wants to travel, I'll get a trailer.
2. Does the cb mount in the saddlebag? If so, how much space is lost?
A- CB goes in the space below the trunk if you have the tour bike with trunk, if not, the saddle bag, and yes, you'll loose some space, but if that is what you want, it is a good trade-off. As far as packing, see 1.
3. Backrest - I use a backrest on the wing and love it. I can't imagine riding without one anymore. I'm short at 5'7 and I'm wondering if the back rest is adjustable?
A- I think there are plenty of after market backrest to suit your need. Personnally, I don't have one and don't see the need for one, the saddle has a lot more support than a wing or harley without a backrest.
4. Power etc - I rode the Vision for the first time last week and really enjoyed the ride even though it was a bit short. I know the wing has more power, but the Vision seemed a bit weak to me. May have just been me, because I didn't run it very hard since it's new and not mine.
A- What is weak? Are you at the drags wanting to beat everybody or out for a good ride? I've never had an issue with power or what I might be missing. After 3 1/2 years and bone stock, my Vision still gets me down the road.
5. Any of you come from a Goldwing? If so, was it easy to adjust from the smooth wing engine to v-twin?
A- Are you kidding, you said you rode one, what are you really asking?
6. Heat - I've read some posts that say the Vision is rather hot around the legs especially on the right side. Comments?
A- Some folks puts some flappy things on the sides that redirect the wind to elimnate the heat, okay, it works well. Me, never yet, 100+ degree days, all day riding and never had to whine once about heat off my engine. I'm different I guess.
7. Resale value - any idea how its holding up? It concerns me a bit that if I wanted to sell it in a couple of years it might be hard to move. As we all know, it's a love it or hate it bike, so right off the bat, roughly half of all bikers aren't interested.
A- Haven't even thought about this one. I plan on wearing out my '08 before I even consider getting a new bike, maybe in 2014 when I have around 200,000 miles on her. Maybe by then they'll have the Indian perfected.
8. Dealer network - man it seems it's getting thinner and thinner. I believe there are only 3 dealers in the entire state of VA now. Any idea what to expect looking ahead? How is Victory doing as a company? How concerned would you be to ride cross country with such a thin network?
A- I see you're a homeboy so I talk straight to you. Don't worry with the dealer network, I live without one, but you do have one in Lynchburg, Berkley, WV and Southern Maryland. I know, it's a haul, but hey, I do my own service, the Yammy dealer changes my tires for the same price when I had a dealer, and the Vision never breaks, at least not mine, except for the fuel pump about 30,000 miles ago. I rode to cali and back this past summer and never once thought about a dealer except to get t-shirt. I think I picked up two.
9. Reverse - any of you that have owned a wing miss it? I won't pay $1500 for it.
A- Never on a motorcycle, never!
10. Handlebars - they seem a bit far forward to me. Any way to move them back? Perhaps the backrest will help.
A- Okay, the 8-ball seat will move your forward some, but there are also a few after markets that has just a tad more pull back, I think CycleOps is one.
11. When does Victory usually release the next year model? Anyone care to speculate about upcoming changes? I had a Vic dealer tell me to expect larger saddlebags either this year or next.
A-late in the year. I like to start the rumor that they'll discontinue the Vision, I might be right one day.
12. How does it compare to the wing in service costs? I have the dealer do all my service and the wing is quite expensive to service. I have a 32k mile service due now that will cost about $550. Then another service is due at 36k at a cost around $300.
A- take it to the dealer, cha-ching. I do my own stuff and I enjoy it, but that might be why I don't have a dealer anymore, I just don't know.
13. Do the air deflectors help much in hot weather? They are so close to the fairing that it seems as though the air flow would be limited.
See 6.
14. Finally, what kind of mileage are you guys getting out of the tires? I'm lucky to get 8k out of my rear tire.
Front - 22,000 or so, Rear 13,000 (avg). you could go car-tire and ride forever, I'm cheap but not that cheap, I love my E3s.
Again, from my perspective, I didn't even bother with these kind of questions. I like all-day saddle time cranking out 800-1,100 miles, and I KNOW a wing would not do it for me, or a BMW or a Harley or any of the others. Vision - all the way!
I'm on the southside of Richmond and go up to Winchester often, maybe a ride and lunch sometime?
Edited by Cap'n Nemo 2011-02-21 8:39 PM
| |
| | |
Cruiser
Posts: 244
Fargo, ND | All good replies, Cap'n. I don't think anyone could have said it better. Once you go Vision, you never go back. | |
| | |
Tourer
Posts: 395
Moravia, IA | jkfrazier - 2011-02-21 7:54 PM
Hello everybody,
I just joined this forum the other day and now I'm writing my first post and looking for some help and information.
Let me start by saying, that I have loved the Vision since it's inception. In fact, in January of 2007 I drove 10 hours just to see it unveiled at the IMS in Atlanta. I have thought about owning one ever since.
In March of 2007 after talking to a couple of Victory Dealers about pricing for the Vision, I decided to bag the idea and bought a slightly used 2005 Honda Goldwing instead. In retrospect, I wish I had waited for the Vision's release in June of that same year.
As many of you know, the Goldwing is a top notch machine and I don't dislike it, but I have never been completely comfortable on the Wing. I've never gotten totally used to the foot position and become uncomfortable after a couple of hours. I ride long and hard and the wing just hurts for the type of riding that I do. I have modified it to fit me as best as possible including highway pegs, modified seat, and handle bar risers but I will never be as comfortable as I would like. My previous bike was a Yamaha Vstar 1100 and I was more comfortable on that because of the foot position than I am on the wing.
So, I continue to consider the Vision with some reservations. My questions/concerns are:
1. Saddlebags - they seem very very small. How difficult is it to travel with those bags? I ride solo most of the time, so that helps, but again I ride long distance. I have another western trip planned leaving June of this year. I'll be gone 20 days and will ride 8000 miles or so.
A- There is more space then it looks....but they arent as roomy as the ones on your wing. Honestly I ended up buying a trailer to pull behind mine for that reason.....but I do most all my trips 2 up. I think if you were 1 up you could get by supplement the storage space with a bag on the passenger seat.
2. Does the cb mount in the saddlebag? If so, how much space is lost?
A - Dont know about this one.
3. Backrest - I use a backrest on the wing and love it. I can't imagine riding without one anymore. I'm short at 5'7 and I'm wondering if the back rest is adjustable?
A - No answer here either...Ive got a 2008 which doesnt have the backrest as an option.
4. Power etc - I rode the Vision for the first time last week and really enjoyed the ride even though it was a bit short. I know the wing has more power, but the Vision seemed a bit weak to me. May have just been me, because I didn't run it very hard since it's new and not mine.
A - Compared to the wing the Vision is weak. I love my Vision....Id never trade it for a wing....but Im not a fanboy, Im a realist. Ive ridden a GL1800 often.....Ive owned earlier wings - compared to the wing the Vision is down on power/performance. The numbers may not be THAT far off....but the numbers dont tell the whole story. Engine design, gearing etc....all play a part. Ride them back to back....the Vision is weak on power.
5. Any of you come from a Goldwing? If so, was it easy to adjust from the smooth wing engine to v-twin?
A - Yes. My wing was smooth.....seemed to have enough power that I can limp thru town without downshifting and hammer on the throttle on the other side. The twin has its strengths but smooth isnt one of them. I find myself working the shifter more often to keep the bike in the "smoother" part of the engine range......vs the fact it just didnt matter on the wing. On the highway....at speed.....I rarely notice the vibrations....Victory does a good job isolating it from the rider.
6. Heat - I've read some posts that say the Vision is rather hot around the legs especially on the right side. Comments?
A - Yeah....its hot....not really any way to avoid it. Its definitely there, definitely uncomfortable at a stop.....but not a big issue when moving. An annoyance, not a deal breaker.
7. Resale value - any idea how its holding up? It concerns me a bit that if I wanted to sell it in a couple of years it might be hard to move. As we all know, it's a love it or hate it bike, so right off the bat, roughly half of all bikers aren't interested.
A - Well when I was buying I just couldnt find ANY used to buy....so I had to buy demo off the floor. I rarely see any setting anywhere used to get a true feel of the market - but Id say that may be a clue that it would sell easier then you think.
8. Dealer network - man it seems it's getting thinner and thinner. I believe there are only 3 dealers in the entire state of VA now. Any idea what to expect looking ahead? How is Victory doing as a company? How concerned would you be to ride cross country with such a thin network?
A - Its definitely not a Honda or HD as far as dealer network. Ive ridden my Vision almost everywhere....never needed a dealer. Honestly it does concern me....but it just wasnt something I decided was that big of a factor for me.
9. Reverse - any of you that have owned a wing miss it? I won't pay $1500 for it.
A - Nah, dont miss it. Its not that hard to maneuver really. I was always more of a strategic parker anyways....so no reverse is not a problem.
10. Handlebars - they seem a bit far forward to me. Any way to move them back? Perhaps the backrest will help.
A - I believe they sell a few different bars....but dont quote me.
11. When does Victory usually release the next year model? Anyone care to speculate about upcoming changes? I had a Vic dealer tell me to expect larger saddlebags either this year or next.
A - No idea.
12. How does it compare to the wing in service costs? I have the dealer do all my service and the wing is quite expensive to service. I have a 32k mile service due now that will cost about $550. Then another service is due at 36k at a cost around $300.
A - Again, no idea. Its a stupid simple machine to service....dont waste your money at the dealer unless your really all thumbs.
13. Do the air deflectors help much in hot weather? They are so close to the fairing that it seems as though the air flow would be limited.
A - Those air deflectors are the greatest shit since sliced bread.....they make a HUGE difference....night and day. They work equally well in the cold weather.
14. Finally, what kind of mileage are you guys getting out of the tires? I'm lucky to get 8k out of my rear tire.
A - Thats what I was getting out of the Dunlop Elite 3s....Im running darkside now....got 24K on a single tire and its looks like it will go even further with ease.
Anyhow, just looking for info and feedback especially from those with previous Goldwing experience. My apologies for the long post and rambling, but I wanted to try and cover as many thoughts as possible while they were on top of my mind. My only complaint with the wing is the foot position. If it were not for that, I wouldn't even consider trading. It also helps that its paid for. The Vision seems much more comfortable and handled better to boot. It felt smaller and more nimble to me than the wing.
A - My wing experience was much like yours. Great machine.....but Im 6ft4in/315lbs and there just isnt any place to put your feet on that bike that works for me. I could go about 3 hours on the wing....and I was fidgeting to get that done. On the Vision I logged 33 1/2 hours straight......1680 miles.....and mile 1 was just as comfortable as mile 1680. Tons of foot room, super comfortable stock seat.....seating position that makes you feel the bike was molded for you.
My take......the wing technically/mechanically is the better bike. The Vision comfort wise is the better bike. Both are GREAT bikes. In the end riding long distances in comfort was more important then power, smoothness, reverse etc......so I choose the Vision over the wing.
I NEVER regret it....
Thanks for reading and putting up with the long post.
I put my answers inside the above quote.... | |
| | |
Tourer
Posts: 575
Spirit Lake IA "Birthplace of Victory Motorcycles" | People swear by this backrest! I have one and love it when riding by myself. When riding 2 Up, it is just a little uncomfortable for my wife. http://www.utpr.com/vision.html | |
| | |
Visionary
Posts: 2027
Brighton, TN | I never thought the vision was weak on power, is it possible that the power delivery is just different. We had one lady on here who thought it was a little weak because the bike wouldn't lurch while blipping the throttle. The power really doesn't get in your face until somewhere around 2500 rpm, but I've necver ridden a wing before. If not enough juice. Talk to lloyds im sure they can fix you up.
Edited by pollolittle 2011-02-22 8:03 AM
| |
| | |
Tourer
Posts: 373
Lansing, MI | I just bought a Vision and I have rode a friends with the above metioned Utopia backrest. NICE! It's adjustable too! I will have one ASAP! It's about the same price as the Victory setup but much better! Plus, it's made here in the good old USA! (In Ohio.) You have to put a small slit in the seat on the 08 / 09s but no biggy.
Somone has an exchange service for the bars to pull them back two inches. Forget who...
Power? Hello Lloyd! Filter, Intake plate, cams, exhuast and a good tune= Problem solved. and if that's not enough there's always the 116" big bore kit, P&P the head, bigger valves...
http://www.lloydz.com/store/store_results.asp?ShopByStyle=1&Section...
If you're worried about storage, get the trunk or "tour" pack, IT'S HUGE!
Edited by cook06vegas 2011-02-22 8:24 AM
| |
| | |
Cruiser
Posts: 262
Flowery Branch Ga | I have a 10 8Ball Vision with 3900 miles. I know it's not much but I bought it in September and I'm not that hardcore, I hate the cold.
1. Been more than enough for the wife and I for weekend getaways packing for cool weather.
2. Don't know.
3. I have a seat off of a street, not the 8Ball and haven't needed a backrest.
4. The best comparison I an make is--My riding partner has an 08 Superglide (the lightest weight big twin) with stage 1 air filter and download and rush slip-ons. He can't keep up.
5. No.
6. I can feel it. I will get wind defelctors eventually. Not too big a deal.
7. I didn't buy it to resell. I'm not concerned. You just don't find them used very often.
8. After talking to the Cap'n as well as others before I bought mine I was no longer concerned about it. VERY reliable is what I got told.
9. Never had it before.
10.I, too, am 5'7" and find it very comfortable. (But I came off of a Sportster)
11. Don't know.
12. I don't worry about it. You gotta pay to play!
13. So I've heard. will find out sooner or later.
14. Don't have enough miles to answer.
I am 5' 7' about 215# and have no trouble handleing the bike solo or 2up. I have never been unable to find a comfortable position to ride and niether has my wife who is an inch taller than me. I don't think you would have too many if any regrets getting a Vision. I looked at quite a few different bikes before making my choice with the help of people here on this forum. I hope I have been able to help you.
Wayne | |
| | |
Puddle Jumper
Posts: 49
Fort Defiance, VA United States | Thanks to all for the posts. Great information. I will likely move to a Vic, either a Vision or the CC. I had never really considered the CC until today while speaking to a Vic dealer. While he loves the Vision, in his opinion, the CC is perfection. I'm going to return and demo both bikes and then decided between the two. None the less, I will be on one or the other very soon. I'm sure I'll miss some things about the wing, but it's time to get more comfortable. I want to be more comfortable on this cross country trip than the one I took 3 years ago on the wing.
Thanks again for all the kind and helpful replies.
Joel | |
| | |
Tourer
Posts: 373
Lansing, MI | The XC is nice looking and the bags are HUGE but you WILL NOT get the wind or rain protection of a Vision. Also, with the stock height windshield on the XC you might experiance some buffeting. It can be reduced with a taller shield. Moral of the story = Vision is a better bike for all out comfort and wind protection.
Thre perfect Victory would be a Vision with Cross C / R ass end.
Take them both for L O N G demo rides...
| |
| | |
Visionary
Posts: 1632
Jasper, MO | jkfrazier - 2011-02-22 5:48 PM
Thanks to all for the posts. Great information. I will likely move to a Vic, either a Vision or the CC. I had never really considered the CC until today while speaking to a Vic dealer. While he loves the Vision, in his opinion, the CC is perfection. I'm going to return and demo both bikes and then decided between the two. None the less, I will be on one or the other very soon. I'm sure I'll miss some things about the wing, but it's time to get more comfortable. I want to be more comfortable on this cross country trip than the one I took 3 years ago on the wing.
Thanks again for all the kind and helpful replies.
Joel
Everybody has covered it pretty well, but I'll throw in my two cents.
The Vision and the Goldwing use the same tires and weigh about the same. Tire life is about the same, and will depend on the rider and the riding conditions.
Wind protection is very good on the Vision, but not as quite good as the Goldwing, particularly for the passenger. The flip side of that is the power windshield and optional lower wind deflectors of the Vision let you be MUCH more comfortable in hot weather on the Vision than the Goldwing. The Goldwing is miserably hot to ride in hot weather IMHO. Cold weather protection is slightly better on the Goldwing, but the optional lowers for the Vision effectively equalize the difference. Heated riding gear makes the difference a moot point anyway.
The power delivery is different on the Vision than the Goldwing, partially due to the different gearing. First gear is lower on the Goldwing, so you'll get harder acceleration in first gear on the Goldwing. If you do a 5th gear roll-on passing maneuver from 55 mph, the bikes are dead even in stock form. If you want more performance out of a Vision, 110 rear-wheel horsepower is easily achievable on a Vision. At that level, the Vision runs away from Goldwings. If you have the Lloydz upgrades, including the reprogrammed ECU (which also eliminates the speed limiter) done to a Vision, you can start at 45 MPH in 5th gear on both bikes and the Vision will pull way from the Goldwing from the start, and keep going past the top speed of the Goldwing. Yeah, I know, these are not race bikes, but sometimes you have to find out these things.
Handling is comparable between a Vision and a Goldwing, but the Vision has better cornering clearance, so can carve the canyons a little faster.
The "ride" is better on a Vision than a Goldwing. A $2000 Traxxion suspension upgrade for the Goldwing will help even the score.
Foot positions: Goldwing has one, unless you add highway pegs, then you get two, with the second one having your feet splayed wide around the motor. The Vision has 12 inch long floorboards and about any foot position you want. For really tall riders, there are optional highway pegs. For all-day, or all-week comfort, the Vision is the clear winner.
If you're short legged and getting old and feeble like me, the 2.6 inch lower seat height of the Vision, compared to the Goldwing, is very much appreciated.
The Goldwing has a bigger charging system. The Vision can power two complete 134 watt sets of heated riding gear, heated seats, and heated grips at the same time. Is that enough?
The Goldwing has bigger saddlebags than the Vision. The trunk capacity is about the same for either. I've taken two long distance trips with my Goldwing friends, and we all took about the same amount of stuff. The Vision takes more planning to pack, but it'll hold enough for two weeks on the road. The first thing Victory needs to redesign on the Vision is the interior of the saddlebags. They could have made better use of the space that's already there under the lids.
The missus and I like the CB/Intercom and stereo control setups better on the Vision than the Goldwing. She has completely autonomous control over the volume settings for her headset for each of the three functions. On the Goldwing, not only was the intercom live all the time, picking up constant wind noise (the Vision's is voice operated), but she was a slave to the volume settings I chose. I'm hard of hearing, so I always had it too loud for her. With an aftermarket device in-line with her headset, she could lower her volume, but not increase it over what I chose. If I didn't want to hear the stereo in my headset, she couldn't either. On the Vision, she can control her volume completely independently of mine. I can even have mine turned all the way down and she can still listen to the stereo, which is usually the case with us.
On the Goldwing, we could choose either fairing speakers or headset to listen to, but not both. On the Vision, we can have fairing speakers on only, headsets on only, or both on at once. Having the speakers and headsets on at the same time greatly improves the sound quality you hear.
The CB unit mounts in a well below the bottom of the trunk and takes away no trunk space. Additionally, there is a little left over space down there with the CB unit that I use for seldom needed things that we still want to take along, like extra cords for the heated gear, extra fuses, cleaning cloths, a few tools including tire plugs and insertion tool, etc. I carry a 12V compressor in the bottom of one saddlebag and the bag liner still fits too.
If you do get a Vision, skip the Victory headsets and get J&Ms. If you already have later model J&Ms, just get the lower cord to match the Vision and you're good to go.
Fuel economy is usually pretty comparable between the Vision and the Goldwings I ride with. The Vision usually gets 1 or 2 MPG better than the Goldwings on average. The Goldwings have 6/10ths of a gallon more fuel capacity. The range per tankful is pretty close between the bikes, with the Goldwings having maybe 10 or 15 more miles range. 240 miles on a tank is common with either, but the Goldwing guys always want to stop and stretch before we get that far anyway.
In my book, the bikes are very comparable. The Goldwing has the edge in total storage capacity. The Vision has the edge in comfort and handling. Especially when it comes to all-day comfort, the Vision is the winner. Real world power performance differences at highway speeds are much less than published numbers would lead one to believe. For those of us who can't be satisfied with "good enough", for about the price of upgrading the Goldwing's suspension to Vision level comfort, you can have power in a Vision that is superior to a Goldwing. Many Victory dealers are generous with their test ride policy. Take a Vision out for a 200 or 400 mile day and see for yourself the difference in comfort between a Goldwing and a Vision.
Ronnie
Edited by rdbudd 2011-02-22 9:00 PM
| |
| | |
Visionary
Posts: 1229
Rancho Cucamonga, CA | I took a XC for a 30 mile demo ride today. The two bikes are very different. Test ride them both and get the one you like. I was a little big for the XC. | |
| | |
Tourer
Posts: 395
Moravia, IA | rdbudd - 2011-02-22 8:37 PM
Many Victory dealers are generous with their test ride policy. Take a Vision out for a 200 or 400 mile day and see for yourself the difference in comfort between a Goldwing and a Vision.
Ronnie
That was actually the biggest reason I probably own a Vision. Honestly I probably would have even rode one....but I stopped to see about a used Goldwing and they guy practically begged me to take it for a ride.
"Its full of gas....heres the keys.....take it for a ride and bring it back before we close.....if your undecided we could probably arrange for you to take it home for the weekend...."
...wow.
Compared to the Honda dealer across town....who had this to say when I asked about a test ride:
"You can ride it all you want after you buy it"
....really....who the hell buys a 22K bike and the first time they ride it is home. "Happens all the time"
Which is why he had a 2008 holdover on the floor....what an idiot.
I finally did get to test drive a new GL1800 but I had to drive 45 mins away....and then that kills my back to back comparison.
.....in the end the Vision won easily....but I think if it wasnt for the great dealer I probably wouldnt have considered it.
The HD Ultra I rode felt like a joke afer riding the Vision and Goldwing.....no power, small bike....just didnt have anything going for it except an HD badge and nice sounding exhaust.
.....just my opinion though. | |
| | |
Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | the problem is that most Harley or Wingers don't know what we know nor are they willin' to find out. | |
| | |
Tourer
Posts: 395
Moravia, IA | varyder - 2011-02-23 5:27 AM
the problem is that most Harley or Wingers don't know what we know nor are they willin' to find out.
That is somewhat true.....ask a bunch of HD guys "hey you wanna take it around the block".....9 times out of 10 they wont even SIT on it.
Wingers are a bit better....as they arent concerned about the "classic" looks or lack thereof in this case.
If comfort is key.....the Vision is king.....no doubt.
....well, honestly I never did get around to riding the BWM.....so I cant comment on it. | |
| | |
Visionary
Posts: 1359
New Bohemia, Va | I went to ride a Triump rocket III once because of all the great reviews. When I got there I read the specs and the seat height is 29 inches and it looked wide, so I knew right then not to even bother. As motorcycles go, it looked cool, but I'm well past cool, I want comfort. By the way, the Truimph dealer is the local polaris dealer also. I asked them why they didn't sell Victory's and they told me that Victory can't get their act together. I just laughed, shook my head and left, not been back since.
As far as BMWers go, I work with two and they both love to ride, but planned stops about an hour a part is the method of riding, I wonder why? One of the riders was trying to brag on his BMWer with all the accessories and I went toe to toe with him; cruise, stereo, (mine has iPod, his doesn't) and so on. He then asked if mine gets hot where I have to stop? I said no, he says his feet cook. No wonder, the peg is directly behind the cylinder heads. | |
| | |
Cruiser
Posts: 104
Corona, CA | I commented to nozzledog at the ride that if I had bought a XC I would have been pissed when I got to ride the Vision.
As he said - the XC is like the little brother to the Vision. I agree
your comment - << As many of you know, the Goldwing is a top notch machine and I don't dislike it, but I have never been completely comfortable on the Wing. I've never gotten totally used to the foot position and become uncomfortable after a couple of hours. I ride long and hard and the wing just hurts for the type of riding that I do. I have modified it to fit me as best as possible including highway pegs, modified seat, and handle bar risers but I will never be as comfortable as I would like.>>
That sounds just like me when I finally decided to look at the Vision after riding my silver 05 and never feeling the way I wanted to on the bike. Not a bad bike - just didn't work for me. I added the Corbin seat, Kury foot pegs, risers, RaceTek front end and anything else I could find to try to get comfortable but it just wasn't happening. After a 1000 mile ride in Colorado last year we decided to look at the Vision.
As a former wing owner I agree about the riding position - it sucks ! You sit in a jockey position.
You can add the forward foot pegs to get a comfortable position while cruising but anytime you have shift or brake you need to keep moving your feet back & forth on the pegs.
The Vision is a different ride with the V twin and the power delivery IS different. Gearing is higher and you will take it to the high 2Krpm range to shift as opposed to short shifting the wing. The power is there - it's just more visceral.
Believe me - you will love the Vision. | |
| | |
Iron Butt
Posts: 669
Peachtree City, GA | My wife road an XC and then a Vision... We bought her a Vision....
I already had my Vision and then road the XC (I liked the looks) and came back disappointed. I love my Vision a little more every time I ride it. | |
| | |
Cruiser
Posts: 262
Flowery Branch Ga | I also want to add that according to my wife the level of passenger comfort on the Vision can't be beat. If it can make a woman happy how bad can it be?
Wayne | |
| | |
Tourer
Posts: 444
Bay of Gigs, WA | I know I've said this before, but-"You can ride splayed out-like a teenager on the telephone." | |
| | |
Puddle Jumper
Posts: 49
Fort Defiance, VA United States | Yippeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!! I am the proud new owner of a 2010 Black ABS Vision. I'll be flying from VA to CO in the next week to pick it up and ride it home. I'm pumped and can't wait for my June trip. Come to think of it, I can't wait for the 1600 mile trip home. Guess I'll need to sell the Wing now, but no hurries. Thanks again for all the help, advice and info. I'll be on the board for a while and will try to assist other newbies as well. Can you tell I'm psyched !!!!!!!!!!! | |
| | |
Visionary
Posts: 1229
Rancho Cucamonga, CA | Congratulations, I'm jealous. I was looking all over the country when I wanted to buy one, looking forward to the nice long ride home. It ended up my best deal was only 70 miles away.
Did they offer you a 'Fly and Ride'? A lot of dealers will pay for your plane ticket if you buy from them.
Edited by Nozzledog 2011-02-27 10:26 PM
| |
| | |
Tourer
Posts: 373
Lansing, MI | Cool. Congrats! Make sure ya post some pics!
~Matt.
| |
| | |
Cruiser
Posts: 104
Corona, CA | Joel,
Did you buy Franks Bike ?
I was looking at that and it looks like you got a great deal ! | |
| | |
Puddle Jumper
Posts: 49
Fort Defiance, VA United States | That's the one. I think I did ok. A new 11 equipped pretty much the same way was gonna cost about $8 more. | |
| | |
Cruiser
Posts: 204
West Knoxville TN | Congrats indeed. Take lots of pics on your way home and post them all. | |
| | |
Cruiser
Posts: 111
Prairie Dog Heaven, CO | You got a steal. ;-) | |
| | |
Puddle Jumper
Posts: 49
Fort Defiance, VA United States | You may be right Frank. At least you got a quick sale. I'll email you when I get home. It's gonna be a couple of hours. It's been crazy here today and our computers have been down all day. I'm looking into the trip tag right now. Joel | |
| |
|
Considering a Vision