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Visionary
Posts: 3773
Pittsburgh, PA | if this was already posted here then i am sorry...
http://www.motorcycle.com/shoot-outs/2009-luxury-touring-shootout-8...
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Visionary
Posts: 1290
Ruskin, Fl | I think they were a little hard on the Vision. Still more power an 12K cheaper than the HD gets my vote.
Edited by cw1115 2009-01-01 12:06 PM
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Tourer
Posts: 447
Northeastern Penna. | First, Happy and safe riding New Year to all. Now to the finer points of this article. Harley- Best looking of the 3, a classic! Coolest bike of the 3. Most powerful stereo, least warmth in the heated grips. Agree or disagree? I've only test rode a Harley Ultra, although not impressed, that like everything in this article, is a matter of opinion. Vision- Impressive machine for Victorys FIRST effort- that alone sums up everything, everyone simply has to agree with this. That's more than an opinion, it's a fact.
The Harley and Goldwing models tested have been out for years. Lots of complimentary remarks
from passerbys, about the Vision.I guess that should negate the coolest bike theory for the Harley.
Brakes on the Vision- quick stops only made when activating the rear brakes,linked system might be good in this application. Am I mistaken or does the Vision advertise linked brakes? Highly visible Gear position indicator and best headlight package with the HID on the Vision are noteworthy. All other articles read in the past, state the Vision is by far the most comfortable, nothing stated here. Goldwing- It was mentioned twice- "When you get used to it." Light, neutral steering,easiest of the 3,once the rider gets used to the seating position. Peg placement below the knees creates bolt upright position-takes getting used to. How long does one have to get used to something unbearable to say it is OK. Glare, impedes reading dash display. Still, as most motorcyclists probably agree with this article, the Goldwing came out on top. Very proud to say,
the Vision came away with the Silver medal.
We are beating the comparisons to death and always will,If you can't do that what fun is it?
Again, most importantly- Have a Safe Riding New Year! |
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Cruiser
Posts: 140
| "Top heavy due to fuel tank placement high on the frame" |
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Cruiser
Posts: 136
CALGARY ALBERTA | If you research all of the articles on this site about the Vision, you will notice that the reviews vary a lot from this author has written. Yes the the HD has a stiffer frame for 09, the same one it should have 20 years ago. How many bikes did HD sell with the frame flexing and the bike doing the wiggles in the corners to finally make improvements? Hundreds of Thousands. Sorry HD too little, too late, for too much $$. Yes I like looking at the HD as well. I just don't care to ride it as much as the Vision. I agree that the GW is one of the best bikes on the market. It just doesn't do it for me in the feel good department.
BB |
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Cruiser
Posts: 293
Arkansas | My Goldwing and my Street Glide seemed a lot more top heavy to me than my Vision does. At 5'8" I dropped both those others a few times in a parking lot-I've never dropped the Vision! (I've had it for over a year) |
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Cruiser
Posts: 231
Hampton Va | They are very very confused!!! I am 5'6" 145# and I can not reach the ground on a GW and I can hardly stand a HD up of the kick stand cause it is so out of balance... To me My Vision feels like a 400# bike I have NO isues standing it up!!!! I could not beleave the BS in that artical |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 810
| Did Victory remove the linked brakes for 2009??? I found it interesting that the Vision dyno'd 1 ft-lb lower than the 6-cylinder GL1800. Makes me think something is fishy with their review. Also, I have never felt like I have been pushed forward with my windshield is all the way up. I guess I must be too fat =).
Tim
Edited by TimS 2009-01-01 1:11 PM
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Cruiser
Posts: 97
Brighton, Colorado | I've NEVER been on a Harley. No reason to. Traded in my '05 Goldwing for the Vision. The gold wing led me to believe I was riding a Buick. Just get on, point and go. Comfortable, powerful. Some day, they'll probably put a toilet on it. The Vision, to me, has a lower center of gravity, better in parking lots, "torkier" and just plain FUNNER!!!!!!! (yes, that's a word)
Greg |
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Tourer
Posts: 495
Carrollton, TX | It is evident that these test riders are not touring riders. They need to have serious touring riders do these reviews. While they make several good points throughout the review they miss many important facts. I have ridden the Gold Wing and the Harley Ultra CVO a lot and I have put over 25,000 miles on my Vision in under 10 months and here are my thoughts related to their review. Harley CVO Ultra - I agree with almost everything they said about the Harley except it being the coolest bike they tested. Not sure what makes it this in their view. There are a lot of other negatives they could have expounded on but I won’t go there now.
Victory Vision - They miss the most important aspect of a touring bike and that is comfort. I think almost everyone after riding all three of these bikes would overwhelmingly state the Vision is by far the most comfortable bike they have ever ridden. The Vision’s foot position options, stretched out seating and low seat height are key to achieving this.
- I don’t agree with their statement that the Vision produces considerable vibration at higher revs. Is it a little more than the antiseptic Gold Wing, yes a little but a lot less than the Harley. I am not sure how many miles their test bike had on it but the Vision smooth’s out a lot after about 3,000 miles.
- I agree the Vision’s transmission is not as smooth as the Gold Wing’s but no worse than the Harley’s. Again the Vision’s transmission smooth’s out considerable after about 3,000 miles.
- I can’t believe they think the Vision is top heavy. Both the Gold Wing and the Harley are more top heavy than the Vision. The Vision fuel tanks are placed lower on the frame than the Harley’s and forward to provide almost perfect balance. The Vision is the most perfect balanced bike of the three from side to side and from front to back with the lowest center of gravity and seat height.
- There is some flex in the Vision handlebars but not to the extend they mention. They are making a mountain out of a mole hill.
- The most unforgiving of their statements is the Vision doesn’t have linked brakes. The Vision has in my opinion the most innovative and best linked brake system on the market. I do agree that an ABS brake system as an option should be offered.
- I find slow speed maneuverability on the Vision great. Like every bike it takes a little time riding it to get used to its characteristics.
- The Vision is the only bike that has a real workable GPS solution for touring. I use the Zumo 550 but either unit can be removed quickly to prevent theft. The functionality you get with the Garmin units on the Vision far surpasses the Harley and the Gold Wing options. Most Gold Wing riders I ride with have a Garmin 2820 or Zumo 550 mounted on their handlebars even if they have the Gold Wing Navigation option due to all of its limitations.
- I don’t know where they are coming from regarding tier statement of getting pushed back from negative pressure when having the windshield all the way up. I have never experienced this. Not sure what size windshield their test bike had on it. The power windshield on the Vision is a huge benefit.
- I agree mostly with their statement on the Vision audio but it can be easily fixed by replacing the speakers with speakers from J&M. They also failed to talk about the highly functional iPod and XM radio integration the Vision has. The level of iPod integration is much more important. I can upgrade my speakers but the others cannot upgrade and get the level of iPod integration I have on the Vision.
- I crack up every time these reviewers say something negative about the looks but have to state the complements and thumbs up they get from the people are like none they have experienced on a bike before. The fact is the vast majority of people love the looks of the Vision. As test riders it should be function over form anyway and there is a function reason for every aspect of the Vision’s form.
Honda Gold Wing - I agree the Gold Wing power plant is awesome. Lots of smooth power and reliability but its design dramatically limits your foot riding position.
- One of the biggest negatives I have about the Gold Wing is it not having a six speed transmission. I was always feeling the need to shift to a higher gear. In talking with some of the Gold Wing factory executives they said the most asked for change buy existing Gold Wing riders was to have a six speed transmission.
- I find the suspension of the Vision is better than the Gold Wing even with the aftermarket options available for it and almost everyone I have talked with that have rode both of these bikes agree.
- The Vision has far superior wind and weather protection over the Gold Wing. You have less wind buffeting, your hands are better protected, your legs and feet are better protected. In rain your boots get wet on the gold wing and they will be bone dry on the Vision. The power windshield alone makes the Vision stand out in this category. I have ridden both bikes in pouring down rain and the Vision keeps you bone dry from 55 mph on but not the Gold Wing.
The Gold Wing is a great bike and if it was not for the Vision I would be riding one but the Vision is much more comfortable, handles better, has better suspension, better electronics and better wind and weather protection. The Vision also has more soul. |
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Visionary
Posts: 3773
Pittsburgh, PA | first off i want to say i am NOT a brand loyal person. Not at all. But i have to disagree with their review of the vision. Unless they had the most defective one ever made...lol When i read the review of the vision, i thought to myself. are they talking about the same bike i own?
also did you see how there was onlly 1ftlbs difference between the 100cc larger wing which is also a 6 cyl engine! that was impressive i thought.. |
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Tourer
Posts: 550
Tacoma, WA | I too am not a "brand loyal" person. I chose the Vision due to its comfort over the other two tested. I rode all three , scraping pegs on them all. All two-up, too, as much of my riding is with my sweetie, and I wanted her input of the pillion. I just plain hated the fact that the Harley vibrated so much. It seemed like the most archaic thing to me....I also didn't like that I would have to pay big money to 'make it fit' me. The Goldwing...smooth, smooth, smooth! BUT! You pay for that smooth, powerful engine with foot placement. The Vision was (for me) the most comfortable bike I tested, and easily maneuvered, too. I feel the article was totally biased towards the wing. ------Metalguy |
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Cruiser
Posts: 193
Buford, GA United States | I am not tied to a specific brand either as my fist 2 bikes were Suzuki Inturders (1400 and a 1500). Then I went with a Nomad 1500 and I really didn't think too much about it until I was showing my new Nomad to a HD fanatic. He could not believe that I had changed makes to a different brand and until that point I had never thought about it. I just went with what would be the best ride for me and didn't care who made it. For him it had to be Harley or nothing else and I just didn't see it that way as my wish was for a good bike that just got me from A to B without much concern. Anytime I rode with him we ALWAYS had an issue with the battery or something on his Harley that failed and required us to go out of our way to get it fixed. Anyway, when I decided that I needed to get a new bike as the Nomad was approaching 30k miles and my trips were getting longer and longer I decided to look at the GW, the BMW LT, HD Ultra (used with a $5k upgrade to the engine)and the Vision. The GW was the worst bike I rode as the footpegs had my feet under me and I could not wait to get off the bike. The HD felt like I was on a mini bike as it felt smaller than the Intruder 1400 I started with. I just don't see how some "larger than normal" people ride 2 up on this bike. The power was good from the engine but the bike was not worth the 35k the owner was asking for it. The best way to describe the BMW is by the M Song picture showing a guy riding along with a cramp and having to stand up to get the cramp out. The bile was real nice but you are locked into a specific stance and there is no way to change your stance unless you stop and get off the bike. I had a terrible cramp during my test ride and while the bike had a great motor,I am at 52 years old and more into comfort than looks. The Vision came out on top and after 12,000 miles, it is still on top. It is interesting that the 2 guys I ride with the most both ride a BMW LT and they can pull away from me with a rolling start but when we come to a stop nobody wants to talk to them and their ordinary looking bikes!!!
I hope everyone has a great 2009 no matter what you ride as it is all down to what you prefer no matter what the goofy reviews have to say!!!! I will ride to eat with any of you!!!
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Visionary
Posts: 1340
Gainesville Fl Home of the Gators | Most of you may be used to it at this point, but the Vision DOES push on my back with the shield all the way up. felt weird at first, but I am pretty much used to it myself now |
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Cruiser
Posts: 74
MN. | It's always interesting to me, to first read a report on a bike, then read owners reaction TO that report! It really shows the passion that owners feel towards their bikes! |
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Visionary
Posts: 3204
Memphis | If you want to read a good review by someone who seems to "get it", go here: http://www.topspeed.com/motorcycles/motorcycle-reviews/victory/2008-victory-vision-ar54657.html On the right side of Page 1 of the article is a tab called Victory Vision Pictures. (Just above the Google ad.) This is one of the best Vision photo archives on the web. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1484
LaPorte,Tx. | kevinx - 2009-01-02 6:31 AM
Most of you may be used to it at this point, but the Vision DOES push on my back with the shield all the way up. felt weird at first, but I am pretty much used to it myself now
I second that, but don't believe it is an issue. I'm sure the GW does the same, or the Ultra does the same with a big shield. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1484
LaPorte,Tx. | BATMAN - 2009-01-02 6:55 AM
It's always interesting to me, to first read a report on a bike, then read owners reaction TO that report! It really shows the passion that owners feel towards their bikes!
BATMAN, I agree it is very interesting, one that is hard to figure out, well not really. Here is my slant on it for what it is worth. The motorcycle website hires a guy, has a degree in writing stuff......, and he also rides motorcyles......what a job, right. They give him three motorcycles to ride, and they tell him, get it done. And they may even script it for him, base on advertizing dollars. The end result is what you have read......! Now here we are, folks that have ridden one of the bikes tested for thousands of more miles that this dude has ridden in his entire life. Yes, we are passionate, that's just who we are.
"The Gold Wing was so giddy about how much we liked it, it hoisted itself in celebration!" This was one of the captions under one of the articles picture.......!  Why would anyone listen to this stuff! Oh, and did you get the comment about the "American Touring Motorcycles", there are only two American motorcycle companies mentioned in this article.
The Vision is the best American motorcycle......how do I know, I slept in a Holiday Inn Express last night. Ride on Vision Pilots! 
"Pete called it the Flexi Flyer because of this sensation; some vagueness to front-end feel at speed." Who the hell is Pete"? Hey, Fergy & Spock, you guys ran the "Dragon" along with a bunch of other Vison Pilots, did you all think your bike as a "Flexi Flyer", you you be willing to take on a GW or CVO!!!!   I ran Hwy 7 in Arkansas with Songfan this summer, no flexi there. |
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Tourer
Posts: 495
Carrollton, TX | VisionTex - 2009-01-03 9:56 PM Hey, Fergy & Spock, you guys ran the "Dragon" along with a bunch of other Vison Pilots, did you all think your bike as a "Flexi Flyer", you you be willing to take on a GW or CVO!!!! I ran Hwy 7 in Arkansas with Songfan this summer, no flexi there. The Vision has never felt like a Flexi Flyer to me no matter how aggressive I have pushed it in any riding situation and believe me Fergy and I have pushed the Vision really hard. I will put the Vision up against the Gold Wing or Harley CVO Ultra any day. The CVO is no contest but the Gold Wing while a good bike that I have put over 600 miles on as a rider is a contender but it will not handle as well in the twisties. I have talked to several people that have owned both the Gold wing GL 1800 and now the Vision and all of them have told me the Vision is superior in suspension n and handling. There are also some reviews that put the Vision ahead of the Gold Wing GL 1800. |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 24
savannah ga | OK LETS SEE AS I HAVE OWNED ALL 3
In order as top heavey the gold wings takes 1st hd 2nd and vision takes 3rd hands down
power and preformance 1st gold wing 2nd vision 3rd hd but the wing lacks the vtwin rumbel i like.
weather well thats tough because my wing had all the extra wind gaurds on it and it blocked all harsh weather but melted me in the summer .The vision does a great job of blocking the elamets but even with lowers on it, the cold creeps in .I can make a quick adjust to the windshield and lowers and the summer heat is no problem . hd suckes in the cold drafts every were and even with lowers you get wet unlike vision .The wing in the rain was good as long as you stayed at high speeds 70-80 then it shot over you but your feet will catch it. Low speed 1s vison 2nd hd 3rd golding . top speed and handling it 1st gold wing 127 wind buffering but handled good 2nd vision 115 no problem noted . 3rd hd 108 hang on for dear life wind from all over and felt like you were pushing a flat bord on your forks lol . as far as back presure on you 1st gold wing 2nd vision 3rd hd the hd takes 3rd because thers to much wind smashing you from the front to feel any in the back lol. uny i had a fjr witch had a strong back force so i didnt pay much attion to the vision untill after a long ride home at highways speeds i put the shield up and i felt a slight push but i never noticed it before , cant real explain that one. Well as far as looks thats in the beholder some people just shoot the vision down just because it dont have the clasice look , and thats what drew me to it . Remember this is my appions on the three cant touch on all topices and sorry if i hurt any feelings just stating MY facts . sorry for being long winded ride safe all. |
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Luxury touring bike shootout
