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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 13
| Any former HD owners who have made the bold move to the Vision??? Are you satisified and do you still have the V-Twin presence??? I made a serious mistake went from a HD to Goldwing and seriously missed the v-twin. I am searching for more power and better handling while keeping comfort. Dont want to make another mistake. What are some thoughts???
Tks! |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 741
Central New York | I owned a Goldwing, never owned a HD but tried one. Tried a Vision and never looked back. My advice, never spend more than 20k on anything without putting a 100 or 200 mile ride in. The best bike in the world isn't worth a sh-- if it doesn't fit your style. If you scan through this web site you will get a real honest 'feel' for the ins and outs of the Vision, but it's ultimately your but on the seat and your name on the check. Over the years I have read many posts of HD riders changing to Vision, can only recall one Vision driver going HD. |
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Tourer
Posts: 500
| I have determined for me, that if you ride 2-up a lot, the Goldwing is the best way to go..The power delivery and torque of the motor is the best in the business for long range touring...If you are over 6' tall not so much as the Goldwing is cramped for those taller riders...If you are a V-twin type the Vision or the new Cross Country, is the only way to go....I have nothing but good things to say about the Vision, ride comfort, power, handling, etc. etc. I will never go back Harley unless Victory completely drops the ball......JMHO |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 802
| I went from a '09 Roadglide to a '10 Vision. It was originally a Street Glide that I converted in order to improve the handling. There were three issues with the RG that I couldn't seem to get fixed no matter how much money I threw at it.
1. Lousy rear suspension. With 3 inches of travel it didn't matter what shocks I tried I couldn't get it to ride how I wanted. I tried Works, Progressive and Ohlins and accomplished nothing besides spending money.
2. Excessive bufffeting. I tried all kinds of shields and factory lowers and couldn't get rid of the turbulence that would send my full coverage helmet shaking at anything over 65 mph.
3. Excessive heat. The lowers helped the buffeting but made the heat unbearable here in SoCal. Take the lowers off and the heat was better but then the buffeting worsened. No win situation. The Vision makes a lot of heat as well but never as much as the Harley did and with the lower deflectors not an issue.
I always enjoyed the Harley motor particularly after making a 103" out of it and I think its trans is superior to the Vision's. It handled pretty good for what it is but after test riding a Vision I realized that all my RG complaints were non-issues on the Vision. It rides like a car, corners like a sport tourer, has gobs of power and has absolutely no buffeting unless you angle the wind defectors all the way in which is overkill anyway. My only hurtle was getting used to the look which I did in short order. I even went and test rode a BMW K1600GTL last week with my wife and after riding it about 80 miles I just wanted to take it back and get back on the Vision. I'll think I'll stick with it for a while :-)
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New user
Posts: 2
Modesto Ca. | I have a 2005 Roadglide and it is a great ride but for the long rides it's my 2010 vision. If I could only have one motorcycle after having the vision
it would be a victory. My RG I have 30,000 or so in to it. My Vision under 24,000 and it will out ride my RG in every way. |
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Tourer
Posts: 432
Gettysburg, 2008 Tour Premium | I had a 2001 GL1800. It did the highway thing pretty well, was designed for it. I did not like the way it handled. It followed the crown of the road and required course corrections because of that all the time. Some full bore CRAZIES would grind the pegs off but I was not one of them. In gravel the bike did want it wanted to and often the front end plowed at the slightest turn, not fun at all. I also had a K1200LT and it had its own set of slow speed and gravel road issues--on the K1200LT forum there is a section called DROPPERS ANONYMOUS, that speaks for itself. Too bad about the BMW because it has a great engine and trannie and build quality was the best. I had the opportunity to by a 2006 when I bought my 2007 Ultra. If I would have bought the 2006 Ultra and did the 95 cc kit and stuck a set of Andrews 26 cams in it I may still have it today. The '07 was a disaster and just now people are figuring out how to make the newer bike run well, but it takes cash and I got tired of having a bike that never quite ran right--forget about stock. My 2008 Vision is a joy and is rock solid reliable. It is a predictable handler. |
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Visionary
Posts: 4278
| I traded my 09 street glide for my vision cause I love the looks.
The vision is really a great bike but the road glide is just as good. Its hard for us to tell you what to do cause we are not you.
The best thing you can do is go ride a vision for as long as a dealer will let you. I'm not a strong guy and think the vision is stronger then me when I do a U turn on the hwy or in parking lots I plan a head on what I will do. If you don't wear a helmet the vision tranie can take getting use to. There is a woorling sound to it. The right side of the vision produce's heat but there are lowers to change that. The ride down the hwy is great. There is not many extras for a vision exhaust cams lowers and trunk rack thats about it. Most visions get about 45 mpg and 14 thousand out of the tires. You change the oil your changing the tranie fluid at the same time cause one fluid does every thing and very easy to do. The link brakes are great and they say you can't lock the rear wheel up cause of it.
I think the road glide is the best harley makes. I owned two of them and three street glides. The street glides made my ass pucker four times when it went into a wobble. The street glide never did. Gaskets in a vic motor are 63 and in the harley is 68. At thirty thousand miles on a harley the cam chain shoes can be shot and if so 500 bucks to fix and if you don't catch it in time another 500 for the oil pump.
Like I said go ride the vic I test 5 different ones on different days and was sold after the second ride but like you wanted to make sure.
What ever you do get the dealer to throw in the first 500 mile check up that will save you a couple hundred dollars.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGkFPUeNUqc
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Cruiser
Posts: 262
Flowery Branch Ga | While not an RG, I went from an 08 Sportster 1200C to a Vision 8Ball. I was used to the the bike within 20 miles, it handles that easily. I can use my mirrors now and my hands don't numb up. I ride alot with some hardcore guys and most have had some positive comments on the bikes ability to get out and run (or out run) with the HD's. I have no complaints. I origanally was looking to get an RG.The one good thing about the Vision that most don't mention is that you can find it a crowd.
Wayne |
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Cruiser
Posts: 92
Fort Walton Beach, FL | Batt13 - 2011-08-16 11:44 AM
Any former HD owners who have made the bold move to the Vision??? Are you satisified and do you still have the V-Twin presence??? I made a serious mistake went from a HD to Goldwing and seriously missed the v-twin. I am searching for more power and better handling while keeping comfort. Dont want to make another mistake. What are some thoughts???
Tks!
Stick with the Road Glide... at least if you have trouble there are plenty of dealers nationwide willing to help you out. I went from a HD to a 2011 Vision and have had three instances while on trips that my rear brakes have failed. Had to ride long distances to find Victory dealers... and have found out that for the most part they don't know their product very well... nor do they have a very substantial parts inventory. I wish someone had stopped sipping the Victory kool aid long enough to warn me away from Polaris..... |
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Tourer
Posts: 446
East TN | I had a '06 Road Glide and there were several reasons that drove me away from the RG to the Vision - Heat, OMG that motor was a FURNACE
- Handling was lacking compared to the Vision test ride
- cramped feeling on the RG I'm 6'3"
- lack of power,always had to downshift to get speed up
- electronics (CD player 700MB versus iPod 8 GB)
- Amenities (power windshield, lit tour pack, 106 CI, heated seat and grips, chrome forks, instrument cluster lighting, and more)
That's the big list, but as others have said, buffeting, style, easy power enhancement (set of cams and FC will get you 27% increase in ponies) I can ride my Vision for hours on end, where with the RG I was dieing to get off of it within a hour due to the friggin' heat even at highway speeds...
Bottom line is it is up to YOU to figure out if you want a Vision or not!!! Go test ride one for a few miles 50 or 60 and you will see why so many people have switched to the Vision!!
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Tourer
Posts: 599
New Mexico | Handyhoward - 2011-08-17 6:47 AM
...have had three instances while on trips that my rear brakes have failed. Had to ride long distances to find Victory dealers...
I have heard of people having problems with their brakes after storing their bikes over the winter. If you ride year round I haven't heard of any problems.
Your first year of Victory ownership comes with a free 24/7 emergency road service. Will come and tow you to the nearest dealership for free. And you can renew that for $35/year, which I just did, but with 19k miles in just over a year I have not had any issues that would require that service. From my experience, and what I have read, I don't anticipate needing to use it.
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Tourer
Posts: 324
New Orleans, La, | HandyHoward, exactly what kind of rear brake problems did you have? If it was worn pads, the Vision pads are the same as the Honda Gold Wing front and rear. I usually can find a Honda shop quicker and closer that a Harley shop. If they needed to be bled any competent wrench could do that. Lastly if you bought a bike for rare occassional rides the RG is a better choice, but if you're the kind of guy who tuly "Lives to Ride" there is really only one choice you must have Vision. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 92
Fort Walton Beach, FL |
I have heard of people having problems with their brakes after storing their bikes over the winter. If you ride year round I haven't heard of any problems.
You're hearing it now... The bike is brand new... 2 1/2 months with 7000 miles... would be more miles except for the down time at dealers attempting to fix it. I ride year round... about 15,000 to 25,000 a year. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 92
Fort Walton Beach, FL | V92SC - 2011-08-17 10:59 AM
HandyHoward, exactly what kind of rear brake problems did you have? If it was worn pads, the Vision pads are the same as the Honda Gold Wing front and rear. I usually can find a Honda shop quicker and closer that a Harley shop. If they needed to be bled any competent wrench could do that. Lastly if you bought a bike for rare occassional rides the RG is a better choice, but if you're the kind of guy who tuly "Lives to Ride" there is really only one choice you must have Vision.
I have finally found the problem myself... the brake system pressure switch for the ABS system is leaking brake fluid every time I hit the pedal. I finally found one in MO, and am having it sent to my home and I will fix the problem myself so that it is done correctly. It's a warranty item, but enough is enough. |
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Tourer
Posts: 554
2 mi from Jim Beam n KY | Check out Sonny's book: "Let's Ride: Sonny Barger's Guide to Motorcycling"
He talks about Harley and Victory, and he now rides a Vision. The safety refresher alone is worth the $10. |
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Tourer
Posts: 599
New Mexico | Handyhoward - 2011-08-17 10:18 AM
I have finally found the problem myself... the brake system pressure switch for the ABS system is leaking brake fluid every time I hit the pedal.
Very Good! Hope you're back on the road soon.
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Iron Butt
Posts: 612
| Curious what your brake failure symptoms were? Did you lose complete braking? If so, how did you stop? Also, where is the part located that you found faulty? Hopefully this won't happen to me, but if it does, I'd like to be armed with your experience. Thanks!
Handyhoward - 2011-08-17 11:18 AM
V92SC - 2011-08-17 10:59 AM
HandyHoward, exactly what kind of rear brake problems did you have? If it was worn pads, the Vision pads are the same as the Honda Gold Wing front and rear. I usually can find a Honda shop quicker and closer that a Harley shop. If they needed to be bled any competent wrench could do that. Lastly if you bought a bike for rare occassional rides the RG is a better choice, but if you're the kind of guy who tuly "Lives to Ride" there is really only one choice you must have Vision.
I have finally found the problem myself... the brake system pressure switch for the ABS system is leaking brake fluid every time I hit the pedal. I finally found one in MO, and am having it sent to my home and I will fix the problem myself so that it is done correctly. It's a warranty item, but enough is enough. |
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Visionary
Posts: 2027
Brighton, TN | HandyHoward, just a curiosity question? But you have always gotten good Dealer service at the Harley places you have been? Never a bad time or incorrect diagnosis or more money and nothing found? I'm impressed. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 92
Fort Walton Beach, FL | pollolittle - 2011-08-17 1:27 PM
HandyHoward, just a curiosity question? But you have always gotten good Dealer service at the Harley places you have been? Never a bad time or incorrect diagnosis or more money and nothing found? I'm impressed.
Just out of curiosity, Polosmall... what does that have to do with the problem at hand? Two wrongs make it ok?
The truth is that not all dealers for any of the bikes out there are perfect... and yes this is the first time that I have had more than one dealer say that they were not interested in doing any warranty work since I didn't buy the bike from them. Maybe Polaris is a slow pay on warranty??? Who knows???
The fact remains that the Polaris dealer network is lousy and Polaris doesn't really care. |
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Visionary
Posts: 2027
Brighton, TN | Nope two wrongs don't make it right, I was thinking that since you came on here you have been quite fired up for the bad service you've been dealt. There is a KevinX that occassionally frequents this board who is in Gainesville and is pretty passionate about what he does. You might try there! I'm not a dealer or service provider of any kind, but when I have a problem I just find the guy that is willing to take care of the problem. I have been fortunate, the dealer in Memphis has given pretty good to outstanding service for me and another guy on this board. We've had a lot of warranty items covered and problems fixed or even upgrades done by them. I'm rambling at this point. Hope you get to enjoy your bike and glad you got the problem figured out. I do understand the frustration of not getting it fixed by someone else under warranty. |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 13
| I appreciate all the posts. As for dealers HD have there problems and some dealers will do the right thing. I am sure and convinced that Victory makes a quality product. My 2 concerns is that Victory takes big discounts off the price of their bikes which is a concern for resale in the future. The second is personal and has to do with the styling. I like at times the styling almost looks custom in style and different. Then I think it is to radical for me. But in either case keep the posts coming!!!
TKS!!! |
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Cruiser
Posts: 92
Fort Walton Beach, FL | pollolittle - 2011-08-18 8:04 AM
Nope two wrongs don't make it right, I was thinking that since you came on here you have been quite fired up for the bad service you've been dealt. There is a KevinX that occassionally frequents this board who is in Gainesville and is pretty passionate about what he does. You might try there! I'm not a dealer or service provider of any kind, but when I have a problem I just find the guy that is willing to take care of the problem. I have been fortunate, the dealer in Memphis has given pretty good to outstanding service for me and another guy on this board. We've had a lot of warranty items covered and problems fixed or even upgrades done by them. I'm rambling at this point. Hope you get to enjoy your bike and glad you got the problem figured out. I do understand the frustration of not getting it fixed by someone else under warranty.
When I spend upwards of $25,000 for a motorcycle, yes, I feel that the company producing that product should be out there working to see that the bike is running and handling properly. Seems to me that Polaris has left that function up to a dealer network which is ill equipped to handle the problems and has isolated themselves from the customer base that is having problems... rear brake failure 3 times so far with my bike. Makes me want to go right out there and ride hard... know what I mean. Polaris needs to get involved with their customer base in regards to arbitrating service problems... if a dealer refuses service for whatever reason there is no recourse for the customer... "SOL" seems to start at the top with CEO WINE and trickle down... he hasn't had the decency to respond at all to my letter.
Edited by Handyhoward 2011-08-18 9:48 AM
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Tourer
Posts: 599
New Mexico | Batt13 - 2011-08-18 7:27 AM
My 2 concerns is that Victory takes big discounts off the price of their bikes which is a concern for resale in the future. The second is personal and has to do with the styling. I like at times the styling almost looks custom in style and different. Then I think it is to radical for me.
Yes, with Victory cutting prices/offering rebates & extended warranties on new bikes it does hurt our resale value. But... I would like to believe as the company becomes leaner, more experienced, and more efficient the cost of manufacturing a quality product goes down. They could pocket the difference, but instead pass the savings on to the consumer. I figure in a few years it will all balance out.
As for 'radical' I think the only truly radical design they have is the Vision. The rest of the lineup is IMHO just modernized. I think Honda is putting out some radical designs. Have you seen the Fury?
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 45
Jax, FL | I had an '05 Road Glide and I think it is the best riding motorcycle the motor company builds. Traded for an '07 Ultra (BIG mistake). It took a lot of money to make the Ultra rideable around town, let alone the type of cross country riding I do at times. having said that, I wouldnt trade my '10 vision 8ball for any HD.
Just got back from a three thousand mile trip and the only drawback was the heat on the left side was unbearable. Bought a set of deflectors from the dealer in Elkhorn WI, really made a huge difference. BTW if you happen to be in the Elkhorn area stop in they are good people.
Dave
USN (ret) |
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Cruiser
Posts: 177
| I got rid of my 08 Vision for a 11 Road Glide. Now, now, now everyone quit hating and stop wondering why i still visit this site. My wife took an upper managment job at one of the top 20 HD dealers in the world. I was actually looking to buy an 11 Cross Country this spring but when she took the job i got rid of the Vision and got the Road Glide. I LOVE the RG, but the Vision is superior in the suspension dept. and a little stronger in the motor. We all know there is a big difference in the 2 motors, but me personally with my HD piped, tuned and larger air filter, i love the torquey-ness of the HD. My ONLY bad thing i will ever say about a Victory is that dealer network SUCKS!!!!! And no i am not talkin s--t my wife still rides her Kingpin to work and we still support Victory..... |
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Cruiser
Posts: 135
Chesterfield, VA | I never have understood the whole issue about re-sale values. I don't buy a motorcycle as an investment, I know it's going to lose value - not increase over time. Having said that, I just traded in my 2009 tour premium on a 2011 Vision tour and was happy with the trade-in amount. Of course I bought the 2009 Vision in April of 2010 as a left over model and got it for a very good price after all the rebates. I've basically done the same thing this time by buying a 2011 at year-end with about $3,500 worth of rebates (includes the military rebate) which substantially reduced my cost.
So the bottomline is if you can get a year-end model with rebates, you have reduced the depreciation on your ride if you decide to sell down the road. IMHO rebates and reduced intial costs are a good thing, and something I try to take advantage of.
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Visionary
Posts: 2300
Georgia, west of Atlanta | I still have a my 2003 RG it has 54,000 miles on it and my 2008 Vision: 12,000 miles. I mostly take the Vision on trips now and use the RG for around town or short excursions. The Vision is just more comfortable. The bike are similar but do have different personalities. As for dealer support, HD is better, not because every Harley dealer is a gem, just because there is at least ten times more. That being said, HD been around 110 years, Victory only 13.
Edited by XRsteve 2011-08-19 7:39 AM
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Iron Butt
Posts: 721
| .
Edited by Travelin Man 2011-08-19 8:10 AM
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Cruiser
Posts: 232
| I'm new here don't want step on anyones toes.I have a Roadglide and a 05 gl1800 wing ,now i have 2011 vision tour. IMHO the vision is where it's at WE ride alot have several bikes. I have 300 mile on the vision,had it 3 days
and i love it, sept 5 will be heading to long beach WA. from ky will be gone 3 to4 wks. That will tell us if this bike will work for us. As it stands now i'd keep it over all the other bikes we have except for our 58 pan. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 92
Fort Walton Beach, FL | I loved mine too... had 500 miles on it when I got home from the dealer. UNTIL the problems started while touring the Great Lakes... bad front tire - Dunlop replaced... Victory turned it down under warranty made me pay to have it installed. Rear brake ABS failure... dealer bled brakes and had no idea why they needed it. Victory covered this one. Rear brake failure in the middle of nowhere... I bled them down and they got me home. Rear brake failure... I found root cause... defective pressure switch... ordered switch from Surdyke in MO because no-one around here had one, and they are on back order with Polaris for two weeks. I'll fix it myself... much more reliable than Victory dealer tech's that I have dealt with so far. Oh, and until you take the time to weather proof your cruise control, you can count on it working when it feels like it... not necessarily when you want it to. I weather proofed mine and have had only one slight problem since... in a heavy downpour. Polaris's training of dealer tech's leaves alot to be desired... it's learn as you go... so those of us who are having problems are the guinea pigs. |
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Visionary
Posts: 4278
| Handyhoward
You bleed the rear breaks threw the front calipers right? I lost my read brake and was told to bleed the center bleeder on the front caliper and all is great not.
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Tourer
Posts: 373
Lansing, MI | That makes no sense. Your wife works for a HD dealer so you had to buy an HD (WTF?) but she still rides her Kingpin (TO WORK). Just admit it, you were really thirsty and needed some HD Koolaid.... |
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Tourer
Posts: 373
Lansing, MI | Handyhoward - 2011-08-17 8:47 AM
Stick with the Road Glide... at least if you have trouble there are plenty of dealers nationwide willing to help you out. I went from a HD to a 2011 Vision and have had three instances while on trips that my rear brakes have failed. Had to ride long distances to find Victory dealers... and have found out that for the most part they don't know their product very well... nor do they have a very substantial parts inventory. I wish someone had stopped sipping the Victory kool aid long enough to warn me away from Polaris.....
Damn dude, I would be pissed too. There are some really shitty dealers out there, we have one here in Lansing. They don't know jack about Vics and don't care one iota about the customers. That's why I don't go there anymore.
The key is finding a good one. Like someone else said, you need get ahold of Kevin Cross at Polaris of Gainsville. At the very least he can give you some good advice.
I hope you get past this and ride the hell out of that Vision because I have one and love it. Good luck.
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Visionary
Posts: 1359
New Bohemia, Va | One of the price to pay for riding a Victory is the lack of dealers on every corner, yet there is plent of support everywhere if you just look for it. Sadly, those who have bad experiences or have not given up on drinking the other koolade will speak the loudest and sharpest about the brand. It is easy to see that Polaris is a winning company, and Victory is a winning motorcycle. Those who appreciate that don't snivel about their own issues, but will go directly to a source of assistance. It is curious that I never even flinched when the local dealer shut down and the next close "support" is 2 to 3 hours away. But with that said, it has never changed my view that the Victory, especially the Vision, is the best motorcycle on the planet. I hope you get your problems worked out HH, and I certainly don't blame you that you go back to the Neverland of HD...
a footnote to HH: I am sorry for you messed up trip because of bike issues and would have hoped it turned out different. As many has pointed out, that is not an exclusive Victory problem, you face that with all manufacturers. It is sad that the one who wins the "prize" becomes a guinea pig.
Edited by Cap'n Nemo 2011-08-20 9:38 AM
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Cruiser
Posts: 177
| No actually cookvegas I was bored with the Vision. No accs., no delaer network the one's on the west side of the state suck. Smokin Joes+a--holes, Village don't know S--t and well then.......o yeah that's it. |
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Visionary
Posts: 2300
Georgia, west of Atlanta | Being happy with both my 2003 Axtell 107" RoadGlide and my 2008 Loydz 106" Vision I see both sides of " the View" on this post. They both have their own strengths and weaknesses. They are similar bikes but have different traits as well.............
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Visionary
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New Bohemia, Va | Very well put steve, I'm glad to read folks who will admire both bikes for what they are. |
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Visionary
Posts: 2300
Georgia, west of Atlanta | Thank Cap. How ya doing today ?? |
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Visionary
Posts: 1359
New Bohemia, Va | XRsteve - 2011-08-21 5:26 PM
Thank Cap. How ya doing today ??
Good here. I'll be in Atlanta Sunday, but not on the bike. |
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