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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 7
south of Houston, TX | Not sure yet.. I will prob purchase a bike at the end of 09 and was wondering ..
1. any major problems?
2. the avail. of dealers on the road and in general vicinity to the south of houston, Texas?
just getting my ducks in a row prior to purchasing (have been bikeless for 3 years now and really starting to shake.. 
Fluffy |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | Vision. 'cause if you don't you'll wish you did! I was in for comfort and the long haul and when I read about the Vision it was well worth the 10 month wait to finally see and ride one.
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Iron Butt
Posts: 725
Reno County, KS | There's a lot of variables, especially if you're holding off until 09. They're hasn't been a "major" recall on the Vision yet i.e. they don't lock up or anything of that nature. The closest was probably the recall for a battery fastener and that was basically a re-tightening of the battery post from what I can tell. They added a shim plate underneath the ignition switch that should have been there to begin with but that was the earliest models like mine. The avail of dealers for Victory is probably the biggest downfall. You won't find as many Victory dealerships as there are Honda, its just a fact. Of course the majority of us who ride visions wanted a bike that still sounded and felt like a bike vice the electric golf cart ride that the Wing resembles, so that's not a problem for most of us. I could stand to live closer to a dealership because I live over 300mi away. I live out in the sticks though, so that's a given. You should be safe around Houston, Tx. There's plenty of dealerships down that way. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1350
| Have you taken both for a demo ride? I often wonder how much it costs to repace the handlebar controllers on the GW. They are big and have no tipover protection. We hope the bike never goes down but it's nice to know if it does all is well with the Vision.
Do you homework on your local dealers for both bikes. Talk with customers for both. Find out who will treat you best.
Good luck in your decision. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1484
LaPorte,Tx. | bigwill5150 - 2008-10-24 4:57 AM
You should be safe around Houston, Tx. There's plenty of dealerships down that way.
Send me a PM on the subject of finding a Victory dealer. There are issues with some of the dealers here. |
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Tourer
Posts: 374
Tucson, AZ | When i figured out that i was done with harley, i rode all the touring bikes. I liked something about all of them but foot position is what finally made my decision. The Beemers are a peg that is to me un-naturally back, the Goldwing again a peg felt straight down. I do alot of long distance riding and knew that i prefer to move around some so when i rode the Vision my mind was made up. I dont quite understand the concern of the amount of dealers. Somewhere this notion started but i just cant figure it out. Do you check to see how many car dealers there are when you buy one? Sure things happen but will happen with any vehicle. Ok done with my rant, sorry.
Just ride both again and pay attention to foot position....do you want to ride 500 miles with your feet in one place?
mike v |
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Tourer
Posts: 301
Buffalo Grove,Ill | Mike, no disrespect, but you can find a Chevy, Pontiac, or even a Hyundai, dealer in most towns. Its a little different with bikes. Im lucky, my closest is about 45 miles away and within 150 miles i have 4 But im in a huge city and that is not the norm. I know Houston is a big place and without knowing the issues that Tex is addressing Fluffy shouldnt have a problem. If you want to get to point A from point B, the Honda is good. If you want to ride a "Motorcycle", get the vision. Smooth as silk but still the feeling of riding. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 143
Sparta, WI | Fluffy, Do your homework and make the best informed decision you can. Ride em both! If you ride two up check with your rider to see what bike is the most comfortable.
I purchased a Fat Boy back in 02 after years of not riding. Big mistake. Mistake was made because I made an uninformed desicion. Funny thing, the H.D. salesman said it was just what I was searching for.
Good luck! In my opinion you are on the right track. Both are great rides.
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Cruiser
Posts: 241
Monrovia, Ca | Fluffy, My Victory Kingpin was in the shop after a little fender bender. My local dealer gave me a Vision to ride for 4 days while my bike was getting fixed. Road almost 1000 miles in those 4 days. On one of the long days a Goldwing buddy road along. We traded bikes back and forth to see how we liked the different rides. Like the guys have said, its a lot about riding position. On the wing, I didn't like having my feet stuck in one position, straight down. He did have highway pegs. I had to bow my legs to get to the pegs and my shins hit the fairing and that was very uncomfortable. I also noticed a lot more wind from the wing and my buddy had added several aftermarket deflectors. My wife thought the wing passenger seat seemed smaller.
The Honda is a proven performer, but if I were to buy a touring bike, it would be the Vision.
OBTW, pretty cool of the dealer (Cycle Dragon) to let me take a bike for a 4 day test ride.
Edited by LA Victory Rider 2008-10-24 11:55 AM
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Cruiser
Posts: 297
VA | I think that you'll find the majority of people here are going to say the Vision...as will I because I love it. I actually sat on a Wing yesterday. For me, I didn't think it was as comfortable, because everything felt so squeezed in. However, they do a very nice job of laying out all of their controls. The Victory's are nice, but not as easy to access as the Wing's. The Wing also has the GPS built right in. Not a huge deal, but anoter plus for them.
As for problems, I think very few people have had any real problems, like BigWill said. However, one of the best things about Victory is that you can demo ride them. I would do it. I think after that you'll decide to buy one. But, be fair and ride the Wing if you can find a demo ride. Obviously, the Wing has been around for a lot longer than the Vision, so I would imagine that most of the engineering blunders have been worked out over the years. I think the Vision is awesome, but I am sure there are things that will improve over the years as well. But, as far as the ride, it is great. As fas as dealers, we all hope that when you buy one you won't need them, except for buying service items, but there are other products that will work the same if not better, so not much of an option. But, I can say that I love the bike. Hope you can make a decision from some of what is said here. |
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Tourer
Posts: 412
Fargo, ND | Contrary to what was stated earlier... The Wing does have tip over protection with crash bars on the front and rear (I'm referring to the GL1800). It will lay down and come back up quite nicely...just as the Vision Will. I've had 2 1800(s) and got rid of mine last one as was also mentioned...no character. Great bike, but pretty bland. Good Luck with your choice. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 623
| i had the same choice to make...after the test rides it was easy...Vision all the way...the Vision is a bike, a large Vtwin with a motorcycle soul...the wing...is a convertable civic |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 935
Rockford, IL | Other than being large class touring bikes is there much comparasion between a Vision and a Goldwing? Or even an Ultra? I'm not sure what others think but I think the three bikes are completely different from each other. They look completely different. The seating positions are different, for both rider and pillion. The handlebars are different. The consoles/dashes are different. The floorboard or pegs positions are different. True, the Vision and Ultra have V-twins and 6 speed trans, but yet, they are different setups. And true, all three bikes might have some of the same bells & whistles are far as heated seats/grips and the like. Not to mention the handling characteristics....while I've never tried a Goldwing I have piloted Ultras and I think the Vision handles much different than an Ultra. I mean when choosing between these three bikes its ALL about personal preferences. There so many variations to consider. While a Vision may fit me perfectly I'm positive that it might not fit the next persons needs the same way. I'll admit that the primary reason I purchased a Vision was for the looks. However a very close second was the overall positioning of me on the bike. I know I can ride my Vision comfortably a lot further than I could ride an Ultra. But again...this MY personal position, it may or may not be yours. Trying to compare large class touring bikes is like trying to compare full size pick-ups. While a Ford, Dodge and Chevy are the same in that they have four wheels, a motor, and a box...after that the similarities end. But here is a thought....some people buy Ford pick-ups because that is what they have always purchased. Never mind design changes or anything. Its a "go with what you know" herd or branding type thinking. Same thing can be said for a lot of Ultra riders, they have always purchased Harley's so why change now? Heck, who knows....some of us Vision riders may be doing the same thing 10-15 years from now in purchasing a new Vision because its what they "have always purchased". I can say that I won't be one these people. When it comes time to replace my Vision I may purchase another...or I may purchase a Goldwing...or whatever. I can say that MY decision is going to be based on MY preferences at the time of MY purchase. I'm not going to allow a "major problem" worry or a "dealer availability" issue influence my decision much...if at all. If I want a particular bike I don't care if the dealer is 10 miles or 100 miles away. Ok...enough rambling...for now |
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Cruiser
Posts: 98
Santa Maria CA | Fluffy you need to go test ride the two bike and feel the difference. I have had 2 Goldwings before. My wife has a 2002 gl1800 Goldwing, so i have rode wings enough. I love my Vision and have no problems to speak of, with over 26,000 miles now. I like the vision a lot better the the wing, better ride, better handling, better comfort, and better fuel mileage just a lot more fun to ride. |
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Tourer
Posts: 550
Tacoma, WA | Ride the heck out of both. Two-up, if you tend to ride two-up!! I rode the Vision and the Goldwing within 2 hours of each other, and it was great to get the feel of both so close together. I tend to ride pretty hard, and scraped both of them on my test rides, to see where the lean angles were on both bikes. I did freeway, and in-town riding, all two-up. The seats on the wing sit a bit closer together, and I like being that close to my sweetie. The Goldwing seat, while comfy as well, separated us more. I felt a bit cramped on the wing, and other than having the pegs straight down, I loved it. It also felt as though it needed a 6th gear, running out of gears quickly. I test rode the Ultra, and it was well behind in comfort, power, and the way it fit me. The dealer's favorite words seemed to be "we offer products that will make the bike fit you". I wanted the bike to fit me from the start, and it just didn't. Nice bike, too, just not for me. One more thing: the GPS for the 'wing to me....sucks. I really like my Garnin, and here is why: I can bring it in with me to program a route for the next day, or put it on my car's dash if I wish. Updates are easily done on my laptop, and I can change my route while underway, traffic permitting. As soon as it is in gear, the one on the wing siezes the controls, and you cannot use them...way down on the right side console.....just my .002$ . The only reasons my Vision has been to the dealer is oil changes, and routine maintenance, as well as the two recalls for the ignition shim, and terminal tightening. (And one iPod cord...) I have just over 16,000 miles thus far in less than a year in the Pacific Northwest. I love my bike.------Metalguy |
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Tourer
Posts: 550
Tacoma, WA | Oh, and if you want other biased views for the 'wing, just go to GL1800Riders.com They love their bikes too!!! I still stir things there occasionally. ----Metalguy
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Iron Butt
Posts: 721
| metalguy - 2008-10-24 12:45 PM Oh, and if you want other biased views for the 'wing, just go to GL1800Riders.com They love their bikes too!!! I still stir things there occasionally. ----Metalguy I'm right there with you stirring things up  but I do it as G2Rich over there........... For the most part it seem like they have as much an attitude about their Goldwings as Harley riders have about Harley-Davidson, "I ride the best so I don't need to look at other bikes", if everyone had that kind of attitude I would have to seriously consider giving up riding.....................but then again, I enjoy riding all bikes so why should I let them make me give up that pleasure!
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Cruiser
Posts: 125
Kerrville Texas ( now a homeowner on six acres) | The Vic. dealer in San Antonio is a quality guy He and his wife own and operate it and the rest of the staff are great as well. My wife and I have been traveling the country since Oct of 07 and have had our Vision serviced at eight different dealer across the countryand have only had one that I would consider "marginal".All others treated as if we were long time costemers.
When we get close to a scheduled service , we get on the internet and find the nearest dealer.I only had to go past the reccomended mileage once (400 miles).
Hope this helps!
We love our Vision (18,900 miles so far)
Smadge |
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Tourer
Posts: 506
Woodland Hills, CA | All bikes have their pros and cons, so I would recommend, as others have, that you ride them both as much as you can, and 2 up of that is how you ride. After spending years on a Harley, I was not sure which way to go for a new bike. Of course, I looked at Harley, but had friends with GWs, one of whom lent me his for a week, so I could really compare. For me, my first 5 minutes on the Vision made the sale. I really liked the GW, but it was just a bit too cramped for me, and like others have said, I didn't like not being able to move my feet around. The Vision has really large floorboards, and much more room, but then I'm 6'-4". And my passenger also has much more room, as well. As far as handling, the GW was really good, but the Vision was great, at least to me.
The only down side for me is the limited Victory dealer network (compared to Honda), and the factory's poor customer support, which is too bad because the Victory is a great bike. Having said that, I have a really great dealer who works hard to take care of any problems I may have (ant they have been minor, which is amazing for a new model of any vehicle!). In any case, ride them both as much as you can and see what suits you best. For me, the decision was easy and I have not had a single regret or second thought on selecting the Vision, and the riding just keeps getting better.
Good luck.
Personally I have a lot of time on Harleys and some GWs |
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New user
Posts: 1
| Ten-Four!
The Victory Vision has SOUL.
I rode mine seven thousand miles the first six weeks I had it.
GoldWing is a nice dependable bike, but lacking in soul and floor boards.
It is kind of cool, after four or five hundred miles, to be able to take a little walk without getting off of the bike. |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | Guy Crook - 2008-10-24 3:27 PM Ten-Four! The Victory Vision has SOUL. I rode mine seven thousand miles the first six weeks I had it. GoldWing is a nice dependable bike, but lacking in soul and floor boards. It is kind of cool, after four or five hundred miles, to be able to take a little walk without getting off of the bike. Well put. The best feature of the Vision for me is that I can walk when I get off the bike. It was a chore when cranking out the miles when i got to a stop to limber up a little befor getting off. The Vision, it is stop and hop without any problems, and yes it does have soul, man and machine at its finest!
Edited by varyder 2008-10-24 5:15 PM
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Cruiser
Posts: 64
US | I have never ridden a Gold Wing does Honda do demo rides? at local dealers. Victory seems to be one of the few I have heard of doing that.
Robert |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 742
North Orange County CA | The wife HATES our 91 HD Ultra - not exaggerating, she HATES it! A couple of hours of riding and she is ready to kill me and shove the bike in the ditch. The thought of a long prison sentence means nothing in the face of the pain and annoyance I have just put her through. Im almost 6'5" she is 5'11' and between us were loading up the suspension with something in the neighborhood of 420 lbs. before gear. The heat, and noise are constant irritants but the cramped seating and rough ride are flat murder on her Rheumatoid Arthritis.
She wanted us to move to a Gold Wing after sitting on it at the Long Beach Cycle World Show, but we could not find a dealer locally that would allow us to test ride. The BMW was ruled out for us because the passenger seating was way too small and due to the seat height it was much more difficult for her to climb on.
We rented bikes on our last vacation as a method of testing and discovered that the 2007 Ultra Classic was not an improvement over the '91 in terms of comfort factor for her. She liked the Gold Wing but still felt cramped just like on the HD, but she liked the ride and the noise level much better.
When we tested the Vision (two up) SHE decided we should own this machine. I had already ridden the Vision solo, and was sold. She now has enough room to move and keep the joints from stiffening up, the passenger seating and the ride are as good as you are going to find short of resorting to a high end cage. The low seat height and large floor boards/ tip overs give her an easy way to get on the bike.
All of the top end touring bikes are good machines, you have to decide which one is right for you; for us the Vision offered the comfort factor, performance, handling, and style that we wanted.
Another nice benefit to owning a Vision is that you get to buy an AMERICAN motorcycle, without feeling as if you're joining a group that might ask you to drink some Kool-Aid one day.
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Cruiser
Posts: 266
Hartland, , WI | mkultra - 2008-10-24 8:40 AM
When i figured out that i was done with harley, i rode all the touring bikes. I liked something about all of them but foot position is what finally made my decision. The Beemers are a peg that is to me un-naturally back, the Goldwing again a peg felt straight down. I do alot of long distance riding and knew that i prefer to move around some so when i rode the Vision my mind was made up. I dont quite understand the concern of the amount of dealers. Somewhere this notion started but i just cant figure it out. Do you check to see how many car dealers there are when you buy one? Sure things happen but will happen with any vehicle. Ok done with my rant, sorry.
Just ride both again and pay attention to foot position....do you want to ride 500 miles with your feet in one place?
mike v
I'm with Mike. Bought a BMW 2005 LT loaded after deciding between Goldwing & BMW. Envisioned long rides, the better half got the good seat with arm rest, etc. and after 2.5 years I had a whopping 8,300 miles on it...doesn't make sense to spend all that money and not be able to ride it. It was a performance gem; it rode like George Jettson's car...incredible to ride it hard in the twistys. But after an hour like clockwork...I had to get off and stretch my left knee. The foot position slightly behind your knee sucks!
Saw this thing (Vision) in front of Polaris dealer and had to go check it out...I test rode it for 10 minutes and bought it...the comfort is ridiculously awesome. What shocked me was for my first two cylinder big bike it was incredibly smooth and the electronics' where very important to me and the only thing I went backwards on was the security key fob...press one button and lock all the trunks at once.
The foot position on the Wing for me is no better than the LT...touring bikes are meant to ride...A LOT!
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 16
Rockaway, NJ | I have OWNED 2 GoldWings a 2001 GL1800 & 1985 GL1200 as well as a Yamaha Venture Tour. The VISION is far most the BEST of them. I have to say it is the MOST in the comfort department. My 10th Anniversary seat feels like a sofa seat. The heated Grips and Seat work GREAT. The Vision handles as good if not better than the Wing in the tight turns. I have a vertical challenge so the seat height is a major issue. The VISION is the ONLY bike I can touch flat footed when stock. I had to get a custom lowered seat for the GL1800 and still had issues touching the ground. With all the options you can get on an 09' Vision why get anything else. BTW I sold the GL1800 to buy the Vision #78. Need I say more.
2009 10th Anniversary Victory Vision #78 |
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deciding between the Goldwing and the Vision
