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Cruiser
Posts: 273
| Unless we bond a bit more before winter, this one may not stay in my garage for long. I really thought the ride I took before getting this one indicated a much better motorcycle.
Way too much engine noise...more than my Kingpin. Rattle, rattle, clank and clatter.
Too much noise when shifting.
Way too much heat on the right side...on a 75 degree day w/jeans and boots my leg got hot
Pathetic speakers. I can sing over the wind noise louder and much cleaner.
Pathetic radio reception...bought her in the 2nd largest city in Indiana and couldn't get more than 5 FM stations and one AM. Halfway home (35 miles into the ride), I could only get two FM stations.
But she does absorb the bumps nice and handles like a much smaller bike, but if I keep her I'm going to have to find some kind of back rest for me. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 102
Madison, AL | I replaced my speakers with J&M and got the utopia back-rest. I have the wind deflectors so I can get rid of the heat, but it sure has been nice these chilly mornings. It is nice to be able to adjust the amount of heat on the fly. I can't speak for noise when shifting since my M109R had much more clank. I don't use the FM much since I have my IPOD and XM. However, since you already have a Kingpin you have a very nice ride and it is hard to compete with. Well you end up with a Kingpin or a Vision, seems like a win, win for you. Since you already have a fine bike the bar is set a bit higher than those of us that were on a different brand besides Victory. What ever ends up in your stable I hope you have fun and enjoy the ride. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 273
| david.terry - 2008-11-04 9:18 PM
I replaced my speakers with J&M and got the utopia back-rest. I have the wind deflectors so I can get rid of the heat, but it sure has been nice these chilly mornings. It is nice to be able to adjust the amount of heat on the fly. I can't speak for noise when shifting since my M109R had much more clank. I don't use the FM much since I have my IPOD and XM. However, since you already have a Kingpin you have a very nice ride and it is hard to compete with. Well you end up with a Kingpin or a Vision, seems like a win, win for you. Since you already have a fine bike the bar is set a bit higher than those of us that were on a different brand besides Victory. What ever ends up in your stable I hope you have fun and enjoy the ride.
Dave, thanks for the kind words. I like the bike for the most part, but I guess I'm disappointed that Victory didn't improve the warts that were on the '08 models. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 1158
Richmond, Virginia | As the owner of a Kingpin Tour and a Vision Street premium, here is my 3 cents worth. The Vision is a quieter smoother ride any day
over the Kingpin. Anyone comparing those two bikes against each other is a well....a nit wit. Smitty's complaints can all be easily rectofied with some additional accessories and adjustments. 1st the Ness amplified stereo upgrade is outstanding with power amps.
2. The lower wind deflectors are well worth the money. Easy to install, they look cool on the bike and in the winter you enjoy the engine warmth by opening them up, during the summer close the fins and all that air is forced past the engine and your legs stay comfy. The backrest can be handled two ways. 1. The Utopia backrest is the easiest and least expensive but suffers from the "lipstick on a pig" mentality it obviously looks like an add on, so if you care about OEM looks, you are better off to replace the stock seat with the Victory
seats with backrests, or go custom. I have found that fast quick judgements usually end up being unrealistic and often modified,
try riding your new bike more then a day before you develop a negative attitude that may be harder to move past then its worth.
Its still the best bike on the road.....
Edited by VaParadox 2008-11-04 10:12 PM
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Cruiser
Posts: 102
Northeast Pennsylvania | Smitty, with over 90 posts you have on this site, you think you may have read some of the problems you mentioned before you bought the bike. None of the problems you mention have not been discussed. So, I was wondering why you would buy this great machine having heard of these and then complain about them like it was something you just figured out after riding for a few hours. Frankly I don't care if you keep the bike or not, but give us a break, you knew of the small problems before you spent money on what I consider to be the best damn bike I have ever had the pleasure of riding. My 08 has no warts! Hope you find what your looking for.
Edited by victory2002 2008-11-04 10:05 PM
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Cruiser
Posts: 261
Sugar Land, TX (Outside of Houston) | Speakers = Change to J&M (Sounds like you are standing still at highway speed)
Gear Clank = Break the Puppy in. It gets quieter
Heat on Right Leg = Install Highway Pegs - extend leg - get cool draft up pants leg
Radio reception = Get an IPod 8GB Nano - You will never listen to the Radio after that (or see the thread on installing a new antenna)
Added Bonus - Sitting in a restuarant in Eureka Springs, having a stranger stroll up to the table and say forcefully - SO, TELL ME ABOUT THAT VICTORY!
After a 4 day weekend in Arkansas with only 500 miles on it when I started, I swear now I will never own another bike as long as they keep making the Vision.
Richard
Edited by rmclarty 2008-11-04 11:25 PM
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Iron Butt
Posts: 600
Linwood, MI | VaParadox, while it's true you can eliminate several of the common complaints by purchasing additional items, to be honest I don't see why you should have to. Most of the things--and particulary the items that Smitty mentioned--are things the Vision team really should have fixed for the '09 models.
I am willing to give them a bit of leeway on the heat issue. Granted it's not a big deal for me, but there are many of our brethren here that hail from the Deep South and southwestern states who feel it much more strongly than I do. I'm willing to give them a little leeway on it because I'm sure the whole thing is tough juggling act between air flow for cooling, noise, and aerodynamics. I imagine it's tricky to get it all perfect and that can take time.
The radio issues, however, I feel there is no excuse. While it's becoming cliche, on a bike of this price range it's ridiculous to have to go out and spend additional hundreds of dollars so that my Vision "Premium Sound System" actually gets radio stations and sounds like it's premium.
Having come from a Kingpin also, Smitty, I'd do it all over again. While I understand you being unhappy about the sound system and radio reception and the back rest, the Kingpin doesn't come stock with any of those either. Even if my stereo never worked again I'd still have a much better ride than my 'Pin, and I did really love that Kingpin.
As far as all the engine and transmission noise you're getting... not a clue here. My Vision is no more noisier than my Kingpin was. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 50
| Smitty, sorry you don't like the Vision.
Hope you find a bike that suits you better.
All I have to say is my KP is collecting dust in the garage. 
Glock |
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Cruiser
Posts: 273
| VaParadox - 2008-11-04 9:44 PM
As the owner of a Kingpin Tour and a Vision Street premium, here is my 3 cents worth. The Vision is a quieter smoother ride any day
over the Kingpin. Anyone comparing those two bikes against each other is a well....a nit wit. Smitty's complaints can all be easily rectofied with some additional accessories and adjustments. 1st the Ness amplified stereo upgrade is outstanding with power amps.
2. The lower wind deflectors are well worth the money. Easy to install, they look cool on the bike and in the winter you enjoy the engine warmth by opening them up, during the summer close the fins and all that air is forced past the engine and your legs stay comfy. The backrest can be handled two ways. 1. The Utopia backrest is the easiest and least expensive but suffers from the "lipstick on a pig" mentality it obviously looks like an add on, so if you care about OEM looks, you are better off to replace the stock seat with the Victory
seats with backrests, or go custom. I have found that fast quick judgements usually end up being unrealistic and often modified,
try riding your new bike more then a day before you develop a negative attitude that may be harder to move past then its worth.
Its still the best bike on the road.....
I really didn't make any "quick" decisions. Having owned 140+ bikes over the years and having restored several vintage bikes as well, I think I'm pretty well informed when I buy. My occupation also entails making well informed decisions, though some have to be "spur of the moment". I know how to evaluate quality and I know about motorcycles. That and a buck fifty will get you half a foo-foo coffee @ Starbuck's.
I read about the Vision, I owned a Victory prior and to the day I bought this one. I rode one, not once, but twice for 20-30 minutes each time...I damn near bought a gray '08 but decided to wait for the '09 for improvements to be made.
As for me comparing my Kingpin to the Vision...didn't do that and I'm far from a nit wit just because someone might toss it out on an internet forum.
As for the wind deflectors, they won't help the heat in slow moving traffic. Matter of fact, they're just another stick on solution for a problem that Polaris should have taken care of from day one...I'm sure they test rode these bikes before marketing them. Personally, I think anything hanging off the side of the bike detracts from the actual styling adventure that makes the Vision unique.
This is a bike that begs to be liquid-cooled. Takes a lot of the heat issue away and makes it much more quiet.
And why should I, or anyone else have to go out and buy amps, speakers, boosters, antennas, and what not's just to get a sound that might be comparible to the Gold Wing straight out of the factory?
Sorry if my statements aren't something you agree with, but being in the quality field I'll continue to speak out from the wilderness in hope that Polaris will suddenly begin listening to those who buy their products. And as for it being the "best bike on the road".....if I'm totally honest...maybe in a couple of years if Polaris listens it could be.
And I didn't buy it to sit at some remote coffee shop having someone come up to me and go, "What the heck is that"? I bought it to ride.
Edited by Smitty 2008-11-05 9:08 AM
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Tourer
Posts: 412
Fargo, ND | It'll probably grow on you Smitty...give it some time. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1350
| Hey Smitty,
Sorry the Vision isn't what you were looking for. A weekend demo ride may have helped. :P
Wish you could have found this out before buying.
I still plan to buy one for my birthday. I have taken 5 demo rides and like it.
As we all know some changes don't happen by the next year. Maybe they sold less bikes then they thought so they had last years speakers left over? Or, like my company, they can not find a good vendor when they need it.
I hope you find what you are looking for.
When I asked the engineer at Sturgis if they updated the antenna for '09 he simply said, "No". I have to give an a for honesty. I would rather hear that then some excuse. I feel they got the major components down for the first year. In due time they should get the little items updated. I prefer they don't go water cooled. I never heard a water bike I liked the sound of. Of course the EPA controls that for the most part.
Good luck in your search.... |
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Cruiser
Posts: 273
| BlueOx USA - 2008-11-05 10:24 AM
Hey Smitty,
Sorry the Vision isn't what you were looking for. A weekend demo ride may have helped. :P
Wish you could have found this out before buying.
I still plan to buy one for my birthday. I have taken 5 demo rides and like it.
As we all know some changes don't happen by the next year. Maybe they sold less bikes then they thought so they had last years speakers left over? Or, like my company, they can not find a good vendor when they need it.
I hope you find what you are looking for.
When I asked the engineer at Sturgis if they updated the antenna for '09 he simply said, "No". I have to give an a for honesty. I would rather hear that then some excuse. I feel they got the major components down for the first year. In due time they should get the little items updated. I prefer they don't go water cooled. I never heard a water bike I liked the sound of. Of course the EPA controls that for the most part.
Good luck in your search....
I love the way my Agusta sounds. I actually like the way the V Rod sounds with a great set of pipes, and the Ducati Monster S4RS is music for the soul. I'd gladly trade the sound for less heat.
And if I choose to sell this one in a short time, I may very well take a bath on her. But sometimes it's necessary to make a mistake so that you don't make it again. I'll give her, her due and time will be the teller of fortunes with this one. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 244
Fargo, ND | I traded up from an '05 Victory Hammer. I found the Vision to have MUCH less engine noise, almost identical transmission noise (which although loud is far from objectionable), and if there were a way I could have bought it without the stereo, I would have. Like in my Boxster, I love the sound of the engine, so I turn the radio off anyway. I miss the looks of the Hammer, but I love the increased comfort and quiet smooth ride of the Vision. My wife loves it too. I couldn't say that about the Hammer. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 143
Sparta, WI | Smitty, Buyer's remorse sucks. Hang in there Smitty. The sun will shine again someday. |
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Tourer
Posts: 562
SC, Bluffton | I got past my buyers remorse when I saw my bike for sale, new, for about
$4000 less then I paid. Ain't parting with something that has lost that much
value. I have the J&M speakers in the garage, ready to install. I can't believe
I paid that much for speakers that weren't even 2-way, but I couldn't find that
2 ohm rating elsewhere. The Goldwing is 3 ohm. It should be the law 4 ohm
is the standard, and all that is sold, but I am no electical guru. Now I need
to address that terrible reception. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 212
Tavares, Fl | Smitty I also share in your experience. I'll probably stick it out a year or two and get rid of it. I was expecting a premium touring machine as advertised and this one sure missed the mark. The ride is good and you get lots of attention but thats about it, a decent barhopper but definitly not a touring machine. I hate it when I pack for a few days ride, not enough room, no where to lock the helmets on when you go inside. The first time I covered the bike at the hotel the wind broke the antenna off. Two hours to the nearest dealer in Ohio, the two closer dealers quit handling Victory bikes and had nothing good to say about the company so I wait till I get to Fl to get the warranty service done since there was a dealer close to here. Well guess what, they are no longer a Victory dealer and now I'm back to hauling it away to get the repairs done...Even the Harley guys laugh at the engine noise, radio sucks, intercom is a task keeping up with the VOX setting while traveling. I did figure out the best way is to set the VOX high and use the PTT button to talk after shelling out a grand for it, expecting it to work much better. I don't know who they used during the three years it was under development but it was not someone who did a lot of touring..... |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | I'll pop out a few worthless words for you Smitty. First, sorry to hear that don't find the Vision to be the bike you thought it was. I'm learning a lot on this board about what people look for in riding, and apparently the Vision ain't it for some. For me, it is total motorcycle perfection, but what do I have to compare too of only owning 4 motorcycles before the Vision, all Honda's and a 23 year break. Moving to Victory was graduation day for me and I no longer wish I had a better bike, to me it is the best. Elements of riding for me is expectation of noise, and Victory has plenty of it. However, after break in it seems to have quieted.
I feel I got a great machine but I will tell I'm getting a new cb because the original is below par and my bag doors are being replaced because of the dimple. I find my radio road speakers are great and I'm about half deaf. My wife says I just don't listen, but no, loud noises all my life makes me turn it up a notch more when it gets worse. The speakers work well for me. My favorite radio station is nearly 50 miles away as the crow flies, and I pick it up fairly decently most of the time.
What I like best about the Vision is that it is truly a long haul machine. I've been to Orlando and back, 730 miles in 11 hours and wasn't even tired at the end. I'm leaving Monday to go to the Rio Grande in Texas, 1,650 miles and I plan on doing it in under 36 hours or better. I'm looking forward to the trip in comfort I've never experienced even on a Goldwing.
Now I'm not going down a laundry list of what you should do as you have way much more experience than I, except this, stand at the dealers counter and say "fix it". Write letters to Victory and say "fix it". That seems to have worked for my problems as I'm getting new bag doors and a cb radio. The "heat" on the right side is not an annoyance for me, its there, but not an annoyance. Have I riden one with those clear wings stuck to the side, yes. Do they work, yes, very well. Unfortunetly they cost you about about $250.00 and aggrevation of putting them on, I'm glad I don't need them, but they do work.
Well, I've rattled all I can, and again, I hope things work out for you. I started not to say anything, but felt compelled to jump in since you felt you needed to share you thoughts, I shared mine.
Edited by varyder 2008-11-05 12:42 PM
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Tourer
Posts: 562
SC, Bluffton | rlreed - 2008-11-05 12:27 PM
I hate it when I pack for a few days ride, not enough room, no where to lock the helmets on when you go inside.
The Victory guys are too cool to wear helmets is what I am lead to think. They also didn't
understand that just like engines, there is no replacement for displacement in the storage area.
They must take their cars to the grocery store.
Anyhow, I posted before that Kewlmetal is working on some bar end helmet locks. They hoped
by Christmas they would be available. A rack on the trunk & bag should give me that extra
storage I need.
Herb
Edited by g1nomad 2008-11-05 12:37 PM
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Tourer
Posts: 460
Centennial, CO | Smitty - 2008-11-05 9:14 AM
I love the way my Agusta sounds. I actually like the way the V Rod sounds with a great set of pipes, and the Ducati Monster S4RS is music for the soul. I'd gladly trade the sound for less heat.
And if I choose to sell this one in a short time, I may very well take a bath on her. But sometimes it's necessary to make a mistake so that you don't make it again. I'll give her, her due and time will be the teller of fortunes with this one.
Smitty,
I must say, the noise that the Vision made when I first picked mine up was HORRIBLE! It was loud, rattled inside the engine (enough to make me think something was drastically wrong) and it clunked hard when shifting.
I rode the bike to my first service at 500 and it seemed to quiet down considerably. I got to my next service and by that point it is quiet smoother and much more like I expected.
My dad first rode my bike and immediately complained about the noise. When I got back from Vegas two weeks later and the bike at 2100 miles, he again took a ride. He got off and said, "hey, where did all the noise go? THIS is what I thought it should be like."
So, if you can, give it a number of miles to settle in. The break in time IS important and I think you will love the bike by that time.
Good luck!
Oh...and I am upgrading my speakers soon. And, the wind deflectors DO help! |
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Visionary
Posts: 2118
Pitt Meadows, BC Canada | Smitty - I went to bed somewhat upset after reading your beefs. So I slept on my reply. Here it is: You say you had 140 bikes blah blah. Sounds to me like you didn't like any of them, and so you keep looking for a better one. Also sounds like you are just an unhappy person. Maybe you should take up another sport.
My first ride from the dealer was on an 80+ degree day and the dealer, new to the bike had left on the heated seat. Also the foot controls were set up for a guy 7 feet tall and I am 5' 8". The clock flashed at me all the way home and the gears whined and the transmission clunked. But you couldn't have wiped off the grin on my face with a two-by-four.
Smitty - it is ATTITUDE that leads to enjoyment. Yours is just bad.
I have adjusted my driving skills to get rid of gear/clunk/pops. I put in new speakers. And that's it.... I 'adjusted'. Try it.... |
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Cruiser
Posts: 212
Tavares, Fl | Don't count on it, I have almost 5000 miles on mine and its gotten worse.... |
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Cruiser
Posts: 106
Illinois | donetracey - 2008-11-05 12:56 PM
Smitty - I went to bed somewhat upset after reading your beefs. So I slept on my reply. Here it is: You say you had 140 bikes blah blah. Sounds to me like you didn't like any of them, and so you keep looking for a better one. Also sounds like you are just an unhappy person. Maybe you should take up another sport.
My first ride from the dealer was on an 80+ degree day and the dealer, new to the bike had left on the heated seat. Also the foot controls were set up for a guy 7 feet tall and I am 5' 8". The clock flashed at me all the way home and the gears whined and the transmission clunked. But you couldn't have wiped off the grin on my face with a two-by-four.
Smitty - it is ATTITUDE that leads to enjoyment. Yours is just bad.
I have adjusted my driving skills to get rid of gear/clunk/pops. I put in new speakers. And that's it.... I 'adjusted'. Try it....
If you went to bed upset about this, you have bigger issues than Smitty. |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 13
Wake Forest, NC | "I really didn't make any "quick" decisions. Having owned 140+ bikes over the years and having restored several vintage bikes as well, I think I'm pretty well informed when I buy. My occupation also entails making well informed decisions, though some have to be "spur of the moment". I know how to evaluate quality and I know about motorcycles. That and a buck fifty will get you half a foo-foo coffee @ Starbuck's. "
140+ bikes, but don't make quick decisions....now that's funny!!
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Iron Butt
Posts: 965
New York State | RiverRat95533 - 2008-11-05 3:31 PM
"I really didn't make any "quick" decisions. Having owned 140+ bikes over the years and having restored several vintage bikes as well, I think I'm pretty well informed when I buy. My occupation also entails making well informed decisions, though some have to be "spur of the moment". I know how to evaluate quality and I know about motorcycles. That and a buck fifty will get you half a foo-foo coffee @ Starbuck's. "
140+ bikes, but don't make quick decisions....now that's funny!!
How many wives ? |
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Cruiser
Posts: 294
rhode island | Didn't victory up grade the stereo for 09,? the big Honker exhaust took care of any engine noise and the
lower air deflectors take care of all heat and cold situations. This is a motorcyclist's motorcycle. 
Edited by sandman 2008-11-05 3:49 PM
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Well, picked up the new Vision today and so far....disappointment
