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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 28
Newnan Ga | Hello All,
My name is Chuck Dempsey, and I am in Newnan Ga. As you can tell from my username I currently ride a 05 Boulevard C90. I am getting ready to pull the trigger on either a 2011 Vision or Harley Ultra Classic. I have a buddy with a 10' Ultra. He's gonna follow me down next Sat. for my Vision test ride. My plan is to ride the two back to back on the same route so that I can get a real comparison of the two.
Now, I would like to ask you all for a truly unbiased opinion on the durability and reliability of the Vision. I ride year round, so I want a bike that can hold up to my riding without a lot of maintenance issues. My Bully has 94,000 miles and still going strong. Truthfully, can the Vision hold up?
I gotta say, when the Vision first came out and I only saw it in pics I didn't really like it. But, I told myself I wasn't going to form an opinion until I saw one in person....then I did......and have been in love with this bike ever since!!...lol!
Looking forward to your opinions,
Chuck |
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Visionary
Posts: 3006
San Antonio, TX | Chuck,
Welcome and good questions. I have had very little issues...I had my oil pressure sensor failed twice and I replaced it myself and had one ordered under warranty. I also ride year round but have a short commute. I only have 23,700 miles on mine so far and have had no major problems with the Vision.
The following five videos are made by a Victory dealer....they do lean wayyy to the Victory side but do a great job describing the basic differences between the mechanical details of the Harley and Victory.
The videos were discussed on this thread.
http://www.vision-riders.com/bb/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=7519&sta...
Ride Safe
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 28
Newnan Ga | Thanks Paul! I appreciate your reply. I've seen those video's. I've been eyeing these bikes for a while now  My commute is 90 miles round trip. I put on around 20,000 miles a year. Most of my riding buddies have either the Ultra or RK. Granted they ride a good deal but they dont ride year round. I know the Harley's take a bad rap for the issues the older bikes had. I honestly think they make a pretty good product now though. What I'm looking for is the better of the two. The closest Victory dealer in either direction is a hour and a half away. Great South HD is 4 minutes from my house. I do know from my friends HD had great customer service. How is Victory's? How did they treat you with your few issues? And, does Victory stock parts? If I need something can I go into a dealership and get it? Or, am I going to have to order it?
Chuck |
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Visionary
Posts: 1359
New Bohemia, Va | my only input is that I've got an '08 Vision purchased Nov. 07 and have 96,000 miles today with only having to replace the fuel pump around the 50,000 mile mark, under warranty. This bike is virtually maintenance free in comparison and a cream cheese dream to ride. Oh, and right now I don't have a dealer close to me right now, and I don't really care, I do my own work so far.
Edited by Cap'n Nemo 2011-06-17 8:04 PM
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Cruiser
Posts: 188
Tifton, GA | I think you will like the Vision best. I had an 07 Electra Glide Standard that I had upgraded to classic level. It was a good bike I enjoyed for almost 55K miles. Traded it for my 2011 Vision on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and Liandra has over 10K miles. I service my own bike and the bike is simple to maintain. I am getting better gas mileage, with more power, and a smoother ride. I rode to Helen GA with some friends over the Memorial Day weekend. Liandra can really handle the curves. When I traded the most convenient dealer was 150 miles away didn't bother me after reading of the reliability others on this site had experenced. Now the Polaris dealer here in Tifton is a Victory dealer. I ride almost everyday and it just seems to get better and better. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 262
Flowery Branch Ga | If you do your own maint. you won't need a dealer. I have 7200 miles since 10-8-10. I ride nearly year round. No problems yet and I'm not the best at keeping up with the maint. I won't bash HD as they make a good bike, but the Vics are just better IMO. Look on You Tube for the bagger wobble that HD has. My bike was hit the month I bought it in a parking lot. The person put a dent in the fender of a full size Chevy truck and did VERY little damage to my bike (I didn't fix it). The 2 biggest complaints I have is the amount of time it takes for the tank to bleed out air as I fill it up and the heat coming off the oil cooler. Both are minor complaints. The bike is very comfortable to ride in both traffic or the open road. Being in S. Hall Co. I do ride in heavy traffic at times. I have a 10 Vision 8Ball. Anymore ?'s hit me up.
Wayne
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 28
Newnan Ga | Thanks fellas for the quick replies. I do do all my own maintenance. My Bully has been to the dealer once since I bought it. And, that was for a gas tank recall. I only mentioned the dealer because I'm not very familiar with either bike. With my current bike, the dealer keeps nothing in stock...nothing. I have to order everything. It would just be nice to know if you needed something you could just go and pick it up. Instead of having to wait a week for parts.
It's really good to hear that these bikes are virtually maintenance free. It's also good to see some high mileage Vision's as well!! Because this is the one I really want anyway!
Sorry for all the questions but I wanted to hear from the one's that actually ride these bikes. Because, when I buy a bike I buy it to ride not dress up the garage.
One other thing, how is the charging system on the Vision? I know it has heated seats and grips. I also use Gerbing's heated gloves and jacket liner. I'm sure it will but I want to make sure the charging system won't be strained. I'm going to drool on some Visions in the morning ...lol. And, test ride one next Saturday.
Thanks again guys!....
Chuck |
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Cruiser
Posts: 60
| Welcome to the forum, I'm in Newnan as well. I picked up a used 08 Vision just about 2 months ago and still smile every time I open the garage door. I haven't had to do anything to it yet but from everything I've seen the maintenance on the Vision is a lot easier than on my 02 FLTRI.
On the Harley changing the oil always made a mess no matter how careful you were. The filter placement on the Vic is where it should be.
The bags on the Harley are easier to pack and come off easily for cleaning or maintenance. The Vision bags are more of a challenge to load and I have no idea about removing them.
Depending on your set up a tour pack on the Harley could be installed in under a minute where the Vision seems to be more involved. ( I have not removed mine.)
The lighting on the Vision is excellent. I have the HID driving light on mine and have no complaints. Sometimes it seems like the high beam is just overkill. I can't attest to a new Harley but on my 02 I hated riding at night. I had even put a HID kit on it which helped a lot but the design of the reflectors just sucked.
Any other questions the forum is always ready with an answer. Or if you want to meet up I think there are a few other members around us as well.
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 28
Newnan Ga | Hey Michael! Wasn't expecting anyone this close!! My mind is pretty much made up. As I said earlier, I've lived these bikes ever since the first time I saw one in person. Going to "look" at them in the morning. I was going to Columbus but they only have 1 Vision. I guess I'll go to Kennesaw instead. Looking forward to meeting you in person! We'll have to get together soon.
Chuck |
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Tourer
Posts: 492
Indianapolis, IN | Hey Chuck, welcome aboard! I've got a 2010 ABS with 22k on it. I've ridden it almost every day that their wasn't snow or ice on the road in the last year. The bike does great in all temps. You will especially notice that there is no problem with engine overheating with the vision, even when setting in traffic. There are a number of folks from down south that live/ride in what I would call extreme temps and I have yet to hear of a problem of overheating. I've done all my own service since purchase and the bike is a breeze to work on. With that I can say there has be zero repair service to date, the usual maintenance stuff is a cinch, oil changes, belt adjustments, etc. I have done a few accessory installs and once you understand how the plastic comes off it's easy as well. Most things are very easy to access, save the headlight bulbs. Takes a bit of a contortionist but with a little practice and a couple tricks I guess it's not too bad. Again I have had no "repairs" to date so I'm going by what I've read about the headlights. It sounds to me like you are first and foremost a rider at heart, and for that reason I would go with the vision. You will have very little need for dealers once you get the bike set up the way you want it. You do not need to worry about whether you have access to a dealership in route on your trips. Take care of the vision and you will ride with confidence. I have heard of a few that have had a problem with a stator going bad but I believe in reality this is very rare. My one recommendation is to go with a 2011 for the increased oil change interval. There have also be a few other improvements on the 2011's as well. I like the ABS on mine, wouldn't be without it. Now for one thing that scares me to death about the harleys, I just recently learned about it. I'm sure you've heard of the HD death wobble. Here's a short discussion about this topic with a link on the discussion about some that have experienced this problem. If I were to buy a newer Harley with the rubber mounted system I would most certainly have to get this fixed before I would trust the bike. http://www.vision-riders.com/bb/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=8920&posts=6&highlight=death%20wobble&highlightmode=1 I think you are wise to do the side by side comparison ride, I truly believe it will erase all doubt and second guessing about whether you are making the right choice. I did the same thing for about two years before settling on the vision. I truly wanted to like the goldwing and the k1200 better, but when it came to the test rides I couldn't get past the vic. Each person has their favorites and you will have yours as well. Good luck and let us know which way you choose. We will understand regardless of final choice. |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 28
Newnan Ga | Chris, Thanks so much for the reply, I have just about made up my mind even without the test ride. I did see where the 11's have prolonged oil changes. What's the difference? Although, I change my oil every 3000 miles anyway. (just give me peace of mind) On the stator issue, do you happen to know what at mileage they went out? This concerns me a little with the question I had about the charging system. Stator's have been an issue for me with my current bike. (on my 4th one) With the Boulevard the charging system is the weak link. Especially the 05's, which was the first year for FI. I don't believe they compensated for the constant draw from the FI on the charging system.
But, on the other hand, I do ride, and sooner or later stator's do fail. Would you happen to know what kind of regulator the Vision uses? Shunt style or something else.
Thanks for the welcome and I look forward talking to you some more soon!
Chuck |
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Tourer
Posts: 492
Indianapolis, IN | They have change the gears in the trans to make them run quieter and shift more smoothly. Some with earlier models had trouble finding neutral once the oil got miles on it. Somehow this was related to oil shear that occurred with the old gear design. I'm not an expert, only repeating what I've read. The new design solves this problem and therefore the oil change interval was raised. As I understand it there was no problem with oil life with the former gears other than the neutral problem. The vic stators are installed in the very best way, as far from the engine heat as possible. My personal opinion is that any stator issues are due to supplier manufacturing issues. From what I've read most who have a problem with the stator experience it early on at low miles. This tells me there was a problem in the manufacture of the stator. I am confident that Victory is addressing this issue if not already solved it. Many people are running multiple accessories including two heated suites with no charging system issues. My wife and I both wear heated jackets in cool weather and have had no issues with with the charging system. I can't answer your question about the regulator, but I have yet to hear of a reg. failure. One thing I have noticed is that when folks have a stator charge issue it is immediately noticeable by changes in the normal voltage readings on the volt meter and they seem to fade away rather than just fail. Again I think with the thousands of bikes victory sells we only hear/read about the hand full that have an issue. Remember that victory uses the same engine design on all there bikes. BTW the vision has a 50 amp alternator system, so at 12 volts that's 600 watts total for the bike and accessories. |
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Visionary
Posts: 3204
Memphis | The stator can handle every electrical Victory option you can add to the bike. The stators were also redesigned in 2010 to be more efficient. You can run the Gerbings stuff, no problem. I have 52,000 on my '08, no issues. The early models also left the lights on during start-up and that was hard on the whole electrical system. The transmissions have always been able to easily go 5000 miles between oil changes, the only issue was finding neutral as the oil got worn out. The new tranny with the neutral finder detent took care of that. The new trannies are also quieter so that allowed Victory the leeway to give the stock exhaust on the 2011's more rumble and still comply with EPA. Bottom line, the 2011 is the best Vision ever made. Victory continues to improve it, including the fuel pump, radio, and adding ABS. The only issue left is the capacity of the saddlebags and that is also being addressed from what I hear. Every issue you have read about on the Vision has been addressed to make it better. The Vision is my first Victory ever and I am continually impressed with how dedicated they are to making the best bike possible. Buy the 2011 and sleep like a baby. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 262
Flowery Branch Ga | Lighting is one of the reasons I chose a Vision as I ride to work in the middle of the night. At least 3 times a week I see deer in the road. I have rode as low as 25 degrees with only regular clothes, linered leather coat, and insulated leather over pants. I do need heated grips for my poor hands. As for the older transmission----I currently have about 3200 miles on this oil change and don't have a noticeablely more diffucult time finding nuetral. I found it once by accident while doing a tight u-turn. The tip overs work great! Again I won't bash on any other brand, IMHO the Vision is just a better all around bike (including other Vic offerings) than anything else out today. As for dealers----I have visited the new dealer in Tifton, PPS in Kennesaw, and use PPS in Cumming. All have been friendly and helpful.
Wayne |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 732
Western WA | Bullyrider,
First, welcome to the forum!
I rode a Boulevard for years. Great bike, and as you've said pretty bullet-proof.
I have had my share of issues with my 2008 Vision. All of them minor, none with the engine, tranny, or other mechanical parts, and all were fixed without (much) hesitation by Vic.
I'm in my 4th riding season with the Vision and I can truthfully say I have never regretted my purchase, and never missed the Boulevard. My chief reason for selling the Bully was she was just too light on the freeways while riding two-up. I was tired of getting blown around by every truck that I passed, or passed me. The Vision took care of that. Plus, I put quite a bit of money in after-market parts to get the Bully 'just right'. New Mustang seats, extra lighting, risers, etc. Didn't have to do that with the Vision. Of course, there is a substantial price difference between the two bikes.
If reliability is your main concern, I really wouldn't give it a second thought.
But go ride one. That's what will settle the issue for you. I remember my test ride, about two minutes in and a thought blossomed in my mind as I finished the first set of corners - "I could see America on this bike." And I'm doing my best to fulfill that thought.
Good luck. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 206
Lumber Bridge, NC United States | welcome to the smile club. I bought mine without test riding went into dealer after many hours of research, sat on it put a deposit on it and 3 days later picked it up been smiling ever since. good luck in your choice I am sure you will make the right one. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 785
Mt. Vernon, WASH. | Ride the H-D first, then @ the end of your Vision test ride you can swing by the H-D dealers and kick that Ultra right square in the gas tank! |
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Central Wisconsin | Bullyrider - 2011-06-17 6:42 PM Hello All, My name is Chuck ....................,I told myself I wasn't going to form an opinion until I saw one in person....then I did......and have been in love with this bike ever since!!...lol! Looking forward to your opinions, Chuck Chuck! How have you been? I just read this thread and said I know you You know me on the delphi lc1500 forum as Wisconsin...Tom. Dianna & I had our Vision down in Tennessee for SITS last year and 2009. Everyone on this thread is right on. The Vision is GREAT! Perfect for 2up riding, with your lovely wife. Couple things I don't care about and one has been mentioned is the side saddlebags could have been designed better, but they do hold a lot of stuff and we use the liners. The other thing is an annoying exhaust pop once in a while, which can be eliminated by shifting at 3500 rpm, IAC valve helps, different mapping and Lloyds exhaust gaskets. Don't get worried over this though it's not really a big problem. Other then that the engine seems bullet proof and the bike handles great!
Chuck looking at the Vision. Just a parking lot maneuver wearing my shorts
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Cruiser
Posts: 277
Apopka, FL | First, Welcome Chuck. Obviously, you are one who likes to analyze things... me too. But once you ride the Ultra and then the Vision, your analysis will be overthrown by your emotional desire to put a VV in your garage! I used to ride a Suzy, the Intruder 1400. Another bullet-proof bike with lots of power and handling. Just a bit small for 2-up. Sold that for a Victory TC. Loved my TC for 4+ years. That's when I knew I liked being on a Victory. I enjoy being a little different than everyone else. Finally upgraded last year to a Blue Ice Vision like Thomas' above. (BTW Thomas, nice Photoshop of your two bikes!)
Chuck, if you commute that much, you need the Vision. More comfort, more power, less $ and less maintenance. Harley's have 3 different oils to change, belts are a half day vs a half hour.
I currently have a buddy's RK in my garage parked next to my Vision. What a difference. The RK doesn't handle, doesn't go, doesn't stop, but she has a great sound and smooth tranny. But all I have to do is sit on my VV and by the time I'm 100 feet down the street, I just say, "WOW!" What a bike. It handles, it runs, it stops, it's like riding a 2-wheeled Lincoln! Go get you an '11 and you won't regret it ever. |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 28
| Do NOT get the Vision if you hate talking to people and answering questions at almost every fuel stop. It really sucks
I ride with other folks that don't have Visions and I'm the only one that ever has anyone asking questions or making positive comments about their rides. Really pisses my buddies off.
Have had my Vision since April of last year and love it....gets better over time (almost 9k miles on it...had a bad 2nd half last year and was not able to ride as much as I usually do). Have had no service issues. Power and overall ride are much better in my opinion. Even if you spend a LOT of EXTRA money on the HD the performance doesn't match the Vision.
Freedom Power Sports in Cumming and Kennesaw are both top notch dealer locations (now owned by the same guys). They do great work, reasonable prices and good to deal with. I go to Kennesaw because it's closer to me (I'm in Woodstock, GA). |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 28
Newnan Ga | Guy's, thank you all for all the replies. Well, I did the deed a lil sooner than I thought I would. My buddy and I went to the dealer yesterday morning. (Freedom Powersports) I rode the HD first, then the Vision. Hands down, the Vision blew away the HD!! But then I saw it....the Cross Country!! (with the tour pack!) Don't get me wrong the Vision was everything I hope (and knew) it would be and more! But, I love the looks of the CC!! I have drooled on these bikes at every bike show that I've been to. So, from a practical stand point, since I ride alone 75-80% of the time it was kind of a no brainer. Especially, after I rode it!! And since they now offer a tour pack. Quick disconnect to boot! The passenger seat is a definite upgrade from the one on the Bully. Tons of bag space! I believe they may be a little bigger than the Vision? The tour pack is pretty big too. Same engine and tranny as the Vision, so I'm really stoked!!! Wouldn't you know it was christened by a ride home in a monsoon!! And, it handled great in the rain!! Hope you guys aren't dissapointed in me. Especially after all the questions...lol. (not to mention it's about five grand cheaper!!
Y'all don't mind if I still hang around some do ya?
Chuck |
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Central Wisconsin | Chuck thought I'd post your sharp looking 2011 CC on here for you. Hope to see you on here again. Yeah I think the CC has bigger saddlebags. NICE! 
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 28
| Not at all. Love the CC as well, especially that quick disconnect trunk. The bags are bigger. The underpinnings of the CC and Vision are the same machine (built on what Victory calls the CORE platform).
Congratulations, welcome to the Victory family....ride on! |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 785
Mt. Vernon, WASH. | And the best part, you decided not to ride around on century old, Flintstones technology-congratulations and welcome to the fmily!! |
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Visionary
Posts: 3006
San Antonio, TX | Have fun and enjoy the ride....please post a picture.
Ride Safe |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 28
Newnan Ga | radioteacher, there's a couple pics about 3 or 4 post before this one. Thomas posted them for me. |
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Visionary
Posts: 3006
San Antonio, TX | I thought that Thomas's post was a different CC. Looks great.
Ride Safe! |
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New to the forum.....