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Cruiser
Posts: 153
Newnan, GA | Hi,
I'm a Goldwing owner looking for another bike.
Many Wing riders refer to the Vision as the Judge Dredd bike. At first I thought the Vision was butt ugly. But now it s seems to be growing on me. My wife and I are going to test ride a vision this week.
I've had a couple of Kaw V-Twins (800 & 1500), so naturally I tested a new Voyager 1700. Surprisingly, I found the plastic parts to be flimsy, lacking any appearance of quality.
I'm also considering a Harley Ultra classic but the Vision seems to be a growing contender.
The dealer south of Atlanta closed down so now I must ride 1 hour north to the nearest dealer.
Until I ride one, would you please give my you personal opinions regarding quality, reliability and Dealer customer service. Any issues you would like to brink up would be appreciated.
Oh yeah. Can the trunk be removed?
Thanks
Van
Newnan, GA
Edited by Mongo 2009-10-11 8:33 PM
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Tourer
Posts: 523
seattle, wa | I believe the quality is right up there with the rest of the bikes. Not quite Honda or HD quality, but pretty damn good.
I haven't had any troubles with my bike in the year that I have owned it. Im gonna say reliability is very,very good.
I don't really know much about my dealer cuz I've never had them work on my bike. They were cool when they sold me the bike. hehe
The only issue that comes to mind right away is popping out of the pipes with an aftermarket pipes. I had Kevinx put new intake/cams/fuel controller on mine and I have pretty much been able to tune it so I dont get too many pops.
Keep the bike stock and you dont have any popping issues, it happens with aftermarket mufflers.
And yes, the trunk is removable.
I am very happy with my purchase. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 721
| Van, I traded in my '03 GL1800 (I go by the handle of G2Rich on the GL1800.com board) for the Vision back in April of '08. I now have just about 20K miles on my Vision and I can tell you that I don't really miss the Goldwing all that much, it's just a little different in the power delivery and to be perfectly honest the Vision is not nearly as "refined" as the Goldwing but then again it is only in the third production year compared to 34 years for the Goldwing. The Vision handles just as good as the Goldwing and even has better ground clearance, the biggest different in performance comes when riding the twisties at speeds from 35 to 50 mph (think Deals Gap), on the Wing you can just leave it in 3rd gear and use the engine for braking and running the revs up for speed, at those same speeds you will find the Vision needs to be shifted from 2nd to 3rd gear to keep the engine in the "sweet spot" for great performance, especially when riding 2-up towing a trailer. The saddlebags on the Vision are smaller than on the GL1800 but if you are like most touring couples you are using a trailer and that won't be too much of a concern, Bushtec has come out with a great looking trailer that compliments the looks of the Vision. Where the Vision has really shined for me is in the comfort level, the ability to move your feet around on the floorboards, perhaps the best stock seat ever put on a motorcycle, the ability to adjust the windshield on the fly with a push of a button, true iPod integration, stock passenger audio controls when you install the optional CB/Intercom (yeah, the intercom is optional which sucks, but get the CB and you'll be happy), all make the difference between the Goldwing and the Vision. Don't pay much attention to those here that complain about things, the VAST MAJORITY of Vision owners are extremely happy with their decision and would do it again I am sure. One other thing, even though Victory has a small yet growing dealer network, don't let that bother you as the core bike is as rock solid and reliable as a Goldwing (check out JD powers).
Edited by Travelin' Man 2009-10-11 10:32 PM
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | I suggest that you make a list of what YOU expect of a motorcyle then see which one fits the bill. For me, the 26.5" seat height sold it site unseen. After 55,000+ miles Im not looking back except to change lanes. |
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Visionary
Posts: 3006
San Antonio, TX | Mongo,
Please let us know what you think of the test ride. It is nice to have some current and former Wing Riders here to help you out. If you have any questions please post them here.
Ride Safe |
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Visionary
Posts: 2118
Pitt Meadows, BC Canada | I wish all you prospects would stop buying Visions. This will make mine worth more money when I quit riding in 25 or 30 years..... |
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Cruiser
Posts: 205
| The Vision's looks will get you soon enough.... it grows on you until you realize that it is beautiful, sinister and classy. The best compliment I have had yet was a guy that told me it is "elegant".
At first I felt like you, and had cash in hand for a Harley Ultra. All I can say is that after test riding there was NO WAY I would have bought the Harley. I had a Road King and was looking for a full fairing tourer, and never thought I would buy anything but another Harley. But one test ride and serious look at the Vision and there was no way I could justify the Harley.
You are going to love it! And CycleDragon (sponsor on here) does an after market pipe exchange that sounds great and I have never had ONE POP! And it growls like lion!...nice....
Check out my gallery (mfoster) if you want to see a nice black one with the trunk removed. Good luck! |
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Cruiser
Posts: 126
Meadow, Texas | Take the ride on the Vision. This will sell you on the bike. I was thinking of getting the latest Wing or an Ultra, then I rode the Vision and now have one on order. And hopefully I'll be riding it within a couple of weeks. The lower seat height is what really sold me which also made it handle much better than the Wing. But go and ride one and let the bike sell you on it.
Read the forum a nd you'll learn more about the bike than what the dealer can tell you. All the extras that you might need very quickly and those that you don't. Since it is much lower I tested out the manual backing and had zero problems so I didn't order the reverse option, but that was me. I'm 5'8" and wide.
I think you will like the bike.
Ride safe.
"O"
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Cruiser
Posts: 255
New Brunswick , Canada | Like LarryinMD said ...Take the ride ..the bike will sale itself...I did it 3 weeks ago and put a down payment on a Vision Tour 2010 White Pearl.
And now i have a Goldwing for Sale. ;o) I am 6ft 210 lbs , what got to me was the comfort of the bike , floorboards and the handling....the power is different but i like the feeling very much. The wife like it too. Test drived it with 2 up , carved the curves with it and when we park the bike she said that she felt more confident going into the turns with this bike compared to the Goldwing...which was the same feeling i had...it was rock solide into the curves.
I was looking for something diffrent and i found it..And yes i tried Harley Electra Glide , did not do it for me.....Now i am looking for a trailer and hitch..
Give it a try MONGO... |
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Tourer
Posts: 311
Atlanta Area | Mongo,
I live in Senoia... about 10 minutes from Newnan. You are cordially invited to come over and I will give you the grand tour as well as a thorough test ride. Tomorrow night there will be 3 Visions at my house. I have become a staging area for a ride down to Florida which is happening on Wednesday. Call me: 904-334-3526
Adam |
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Cruiser
Posts: 153
Newnan, GA | rwilly - 2009-10-11 9:27 PM
I believe the quality is right up there with the rest of the bikes. Not quite Honda or HD quality, but pretty damn good.
Does the frame have a history of cracking, transmision failure, over heating and ainti dive valve issuse ? Any recalls? How easy is it to change the air filter?
I like the Wing but....there is somthing about a V-twin that feals like a motorcycle. I like the power of the Wing, I know the 106 will work for me ( I was on a 1500 for many years). The Victory engine is like a work of art too.
Van |
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Cruiser
Posts: 273
| It's about the worst reception you can have without having none.
The bike is comfortable, the passenger rest is a pillow in need of arm rests but I think someone is making them, maybe Victory.
The power is good, the ride is compliant, and most things work as they should...most of the time. I'd suggest you read the nits in all the posts here, as there are plenty to be heard.
Not all of us have the same issues, but in some cases such as the radio, we all do.
Make sure you get the right dealer. That will, in my opinion, be the deal maker or deal breaker.
And if you crave attention, get ready for a lot of questons. Shortly after I got mine, a car full of what appeared to be Japanese guys in a Toyota pulled up by me on the Interstate and followed drove beside me for about 5 miles looking at the bike and talking.
I stopped at a gas station the other day and a guy on a new Kaw Concours made the statement that it looked like it was going fast sitting still.
Saturday last, I was at my mom's house and a guy pulls up in her driveway on a Kaw cruiser and started walking all around it. Naturally I went outside to "make sure" and he said he just wanted to "see one in person". I let him sit on it and he came away impressed.
Would I buy another one? I honestly don't know, but so far other than a blown rear speaker and oil blowing out of the breather tube onto the engine case....AND that lousy radio....I don't have any complaints.
Edited by Smitty 2009-10-12 9:15 AM
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Cruiser
Posts: 153
Newnan, GA | Travelin' Man - 2009-10-11 10:27 PM
The Vision handles just as good as the Goldwing and even has better ground clearance, the biggest different in performance comes when riding the twisties at speeds from 35 to 50 mph (think Deals Gap),
I was hoping for that
The saddlebags on the Vision are smaller than on the GL1800 but if you are like most touring couples you are using a trailer and that won't be too much of a concern,
Hmm, That's disapointing. Is the trunk as big?
Bushtec has come out with a great looking trailer that compliments the looks of the Vision.
Bushtec is a solid company. I have Bushtec hitch on my bike and wouldn't use any other.
Where the Vision has really shined for me is in the comfort level, the ability to move your feet around on the floorboards, perhaps the best stock seat ever put on a motorcycle, the ability to adjust the windshield on the fly with a push of a button, true iPod integration, stock passenger audio controls when you install the optional CB/Intercom (yeah, the intercom is optional which sucks, but get the CB and you'll be happy), all make the difference between the Goldwing and the Vision.
Comfort and ride quality is what I'm after. How much was the CB/intercom?
Van |
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Cruiser
Posts: 153
Newnan, GA | 1atom12 - 2009-10-12 8:35 AM
Mongo,
I live in Senoia... about 10 minutes from Newnan. You are cordially invited to come over and I will give you the grand tour as well as a thorough test ride. Tomorrow night there will be 3 Visions at my house. I have become a staging area for a ride down to Florida which is happening on Wednesday. Call me: 904-334-3526
Adam
I work nights.
Did you get your ride at Balck Jacks before it closed down? I'll call later tonight during my lunch break. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 153
Newnan, GA | Time will tell as far as the looks go. The ride is another thing.
Mfoster - 2009-10-12 12:14 AM
The Vision's looks will get you soon enough.... it grows on you until you realize that it is beautiful, sinister and classy. The best compliment I have had yet was a guy that told me it is "elegant".
At first I felt like you, and had cash in hand for a Harley Ultra. All I can say is that after test riding there was NO WAY I would have bought the Harley. I had a Road King and was looking for a full fairing tourer, and never thought I would buy anything but another Harley. But one test ride and serious look at the Vision and there was no way I could justify the Harley.
You are going to love it! And CycleDragon (sponsor on here) does an after market pipe exchange that sounds great and I have never had ONE POP! And it growls like lion!...nice....
Check out my gallery (mfoster) if you want to see a nice black one with the trunk removed. Good luck! |
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Cruiser
Posts: 153
Newnan, GA | Smitty - 2009-10-12 9:10 AM
It's about the worst reception you can have without having none.
Huh? Is there an issue with the radio? |
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Cruiser
Posts: 153
Newnan, GA | Far out!
Yeah the wing is a little tall. My wife did not like the Ultra's seat.
LarryinMD - 2009-10-12 5:28 AM
Take the ride on the Vision. This will sell you on the bike. I was thinking of getting the latest Wing or an Ultra, then I rode the Vision and now have one on order. And hopefully I'll be riding it within a couple of weeks. |
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Tourer
Posts: 446
East TN | Mongo - 2009-10-12 10:14 AM How much was the CB/intercom? The CB/Intercom is $899...Well worth every penny. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 153
Newnan, GA | Pretty impressive testimony.
How well does the Vision do at slow speed maneuvers?
Lojak - 2009-10-12 8:26 AM
Like LarryinMD said ...Take the ride ..the bike will sale itself...I did it 3 weeks ago and put a down payment on a Vision Tour 2010 White Pearl.
And now i have a Goldwing for Sale. ;o) I am 6ft 210 lbs , what got to me was the comfort of the bike , floorboards and the handling....the power is different but i like the feeling very much. The wife like it too. Test drived it with 2 up , carved the curves with it and when we park the bike she said that she felt more confident going into the turns with this bike compared to the Goldwing...which was the same feeling i had...it was rock solide into the curves.
I was looking for something diffrent and i found it..And yes i tried Harley Electra Glide , did not do it for me.....Now i am looking for a trailer and hitch..
Give it a try MONGO...
Edited by Mongo 2009-10-12 10:03 AM
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Cruiser
Posts: 153
Newnan, GA | Far out! The CB on the wing is 600 bucks and that doesn't include the antenna!
joe schmoe - 2009-10-12 10:01 AM
Mongo - 2009-10-12 10:14 AM How much was the CB/intercom? The CB/Intercom is $899...Well worth every penny. |
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Tourer
Posts: 311
Atlanta Area | You work nights? Then get your lazy azz over here now. I was about to head out to garage and convert the Vision from a street fighter back into a touring bike by reinstalling the trunk. Don't let a little rain stop ya!
I did not buy at Blackjacks, I bought from the dealer in Birmingham...
Come now, bring beer! 
Mongo - 2009-10-12 9:20 AM
1atom12 - 2009-10-12 8:35 AM
Mongo,
I live in Senoia... about 10 minutes from Newnan. You are cordially invited to come over and I will give you the grand tour as well as a thorough test ride. Tomorrow night there will be 3 Visions at my house. I have become a staging area for a ride down to Florida which is happening on Wednesday. Call me: 904-334-3526
Adam
I work nights.
Did you get your ride at Balck Jacks before it closed down? I'll call later tonight during my lunch break. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 189
Baltimore, Md | My last bike before the Vision was a GL1500 and I find the Vision to be superior in low speed handling by a noticeable margin. The Wing has more linear power and is (obviously) smoother due to its flat 6 cyl engine. But the Vision is no slouch and the power is more V-Twin motorcycle style with some soul that I found lacking in the Wing. As for the radio, it's an antenna issue. Victory attached the antenna to the back of the access panel and the reception is very weak in most cases. I use XM so it's not a problem for me, but many complain about it. |
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Tourer
Posts: 523
seattle, wa | Mongo - 2009-10-12 7:02 AM
rwilly - 2009-10-11 9:27 PM
I believe the quality is right up there with the rest of the bikes. Not quite Honda or HD quality, but pretty damn good.
Does the frame have a history of cracking, transmision failure, over heating and ainti dive valve issuse ? Any recalls? How easy is it to change the air filter?
I like the Wing but....there is somthing about a V-twin that feals like a motorcycle. I like the power of the Wing, I know the 106 will work for me ( I was on a 1500 for many years). The Victory engine is like a work of art too.
Van
Looks like you have already made up your mind. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 193
Buford, GA United States | I bought my 08 Tour Premium at Victory of Cumming Georgia and I have had no major problems with the bike or the dealer. I now have 21,000 miles on the odometer and my previous ride was a Nomad. Just remember that it takes longer to gas up the Vision because of all the questions you have to answer from the people circling and wanting to know what you are riding... |
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Cruiser
Posts: 255
New Brunswick , Canada | The handling at low speed was diffrent then the Goldwing , some of treads here are saying it does not handle better then the Goldwing but for me , it was better handling to the point it surprised me. Do not forget, you are sitting lower on this bike...i think it about 26.5 inches of the ground. One thing for sure , i will not opt. for the reverse on this bike . By sitting lower and the bike is more narrow then the Goldwing , cause of motor...plus a pair of long legs , it is very easy to back up this bike , even on a small uphill parking spot when i took it back to the dealer.
As for the issues..all jap. bike had them too...Even the Goldwings had there share of hairline cracks in there frames (welding) , Overheating at low speed ect..
As for the Radio issue, i think Vic. made a change for the 2010 antenna...but not comfurmed..
Got to Try it Mongo and see for yourself..  |
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GL1800 owner needs info
