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Cruiser
Posts: 205
| You will not use the radio if you embrace the ipod feature. Once you have that clarity, control, and lack of commercials, you will never go back. Although, the radio should work well, I find I rarely use it. And a $400 upgrade to off-the-shelf Alpine speakers made a nice difference. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 152
Litchfield Park, AZ | I think I can sum up the Vision in just one sentence: If a Yamaha Roadliner and a Honda ST1300 got drunk and had a one-night-stand, their love child would be the Victory Vision......I'm just sayin' |
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Cruiser
Posts: 204
West Knoxville TN | As far as dealers go I traveled over 200 miles to buy my vision from Jeff at Victory of Cumming. Well worth the time and drive. They are great people.
Handling is best described as a 900 pound sport bike. The only limitation I have on cornering is the floorboards dragging. And believe me with the ground clearance of the vision you have to be leaning pretty far over. Low speed handling has been described from marginal to ok. I find the bike very easy to manuver at low speeds. I imagine that all the years of sport bike riding have some infulence in my thoughts but having owned sport bikes, cruiser bikes, and a wing I can honestly say it is the best motorcycle I have ever owned.
Good luck in your search. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 153
Newnan, GA | 1atom12 - 2009-10-12 10:13 AM
Come now, bring beer! 
The FAA wouldn't like that too much.   |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | phoenix9 - 2009-10-12 3:19 PM
I think I can sum up the Vision in just one sentence: If a Yamaha Roadliner and a Honda ST1300 got drunk and had a one-night-stand, their love child would be the Victory Vision......I'm just sayin'
hey, my Vision ain't no bastard...I'm just sayin'... |
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Visionary
Posts: 1484
LaPorte,Tx. | As if today, there is no other touring motorcycle that will give you more for your money as an all around touring or with the trunk off street motocycle. You will be able to do the twisties as good or better than any touring or cruiser bike. You will be able to do 500 to 1000 mile days back to back, you have 0-60 mph speeds that are equal to a Corvette, 60 mph to 120 mph roll on in 5th gear that are equal to an 1800 Gold Wing and for less than $2000 cams can be installed to make really fast and quick. It is tremendous canvas to do special painting which many have done. Each year more and more aftermarket items are showing up...you just need more $s. There are some people who don't like the Visions they have, that can be expected, all motorcycles have people that end up not liking what they have. JD Powers has the Victory motorcycles rated very high, and I know alot of people go by that information, I myself have to prove it to myself. The Vision has proven itself to me and Victory is a good company. I've been to the factory and met folks on the line putting them together, I was impressed with their work and attitude to the product. I've met in focus groups where the company was asking US what we thought. I've met Blackwell and several of the top folks...they are very driven in making their company successful. They are a very creative group of people and I believe the future of the company is very bright. As far as Polaris, you can read about these guys from any stock report and you will see it is a very strong company and is rated very high as an investment.
Now what's wrong with the Vision, well as stated by several other posts here you have gotten the full report and by all means the list is small. And do I have some of these issues with my bike, yes I do, and have most been resolved, yes, and are we working on the others, yes. It is kinda like marrage, you really love her except for... I hope you get a Vision and continue to ride. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 600
Linwood, MI | Candyman - 2009-10-12 2:25 PM
Low speed handling has been described from marginal to ok. I find the bike very easy to manuver at low speeds.
Y'know, I've seen this before in magizine reviews and I've never understood it. I, too, find the Vision to be extremely nimble and easy to handle at very slow speeds, especially considering the size and weight of the bike. I took the Experienced Rider Course from the MSF back in June and of all the big tour bikes my Vision handled all the maneuvering the best and I was even out-doing a couple of the little Shadow 600s. My Vision was the only tour bike that could do the figure-8 box without using the bonus extensions intended for tour bikes. |
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Visionary
Posts: 3006
San Antonio, TX | Mongo,
How does it handle at slow speeds?
Here is a video of my Vision on the 24ft wide 60ft long MSF box. I can do the 20 by 60 box as well but I do not have video of it....yet.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-HJCNyGois
Ride Safe and practice.
Edited by radioteacher 2009-10-12 5:04 PM
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Cruiser
Posts: 153
Newnan, GA | Yep, doing that now on the wing. Still the radio comes in handy some times.
Mfoster - 2009-10-12 11:24 AM
You will not use the radio if you embrace the ipod feature. Once you have that clarity, control, and lack of commercials, you will never go back. Although, the radio should work well, I find I rarely use it. And a $400 upgrade to off-the-shelf Alpine speakers made a nice difference. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1436
| Mongo, seems to me you have already made up your mind.... If you are looking for fit and finish the Vision ain't your bike. Motor wise it is very reliable and pretty quick, it will hang with a wing from 55mph up. Comfort is WAY better than your wing. The bike has KNOWN headlite issues unresolved to date and the manufacture is now on the 3rd radio. If you use "weatherband" you'll be out of luck with the Vision. The saddlebags and trunk will hold as much as a Harley bagger so they are in fact BIGGER than the wings, just harder to stuff. Handling is pretty close but you'll shift more on the Vic.
For the most part it is a good bike, but the nit-noy crap will wear you out if you get a bad one. So do or don't but go in with eyes open.
Oh and one last thing; there isn't a damn thing made for the Vision that doesn't cost $300+++++ Not a big deal but again eyes wide open. |
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Visionary
Posts: 2118
Pitt Meadows, BC Canada | Mongo, If you are looking for fit and finish, the Vision is your bike. Mine has been perfect from day one - and so is every other VV I have seen in 1 1/2 years. And only one small problem easily fixed with the radio. Go for it.... |
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Tourer
Posts: 506
Woodland Hills, CA | Mongo - 2009-10-11 5:29 PM
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
Van,
Ride the Ultra, then ride the Vision. The decision will be easy! Both bikes have their issues, but as a 20 year Harley rider (and still owner), there is no comparison....the Vision is a much superior bike with the possible exception of very slow speed handling, but that does not take much to get used to.
Good luck. |
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Tourer
Posts: 506
Woodland Hills, CA | One more thing, one hour is not too far to ride for this bike to get to a good dealer. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 153
Newnan, GA | Oil issuses?
Smitty - 2009-10-12 9:10 AM
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. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 153
Newnan, GA | Teach - 2009-10-12 6:16 PM
Mongo, seems to me you have already made up your mind.... If you are looking for fit and finish the Vision ain't your bike. .
OK I would like you to explain that statement. What do I need to look out for?
Motor wise it is very reliable and pretty quick, it will hang with a wing from 55mph up. Comfort is WAY better than your wing. The bike has KNOWN headlite issues unresolved to date and the manufacture is now on the 3rd radio. If you use "weatherband" you'll be out of luck with the Vision. .
The lightgs are unknown to me. So, what's up wth the lights.
WX band is not there or it doesn't work.
The saddlebags and trunk will hold as much as a Harley bagger so they are in fact BIGGER than the wings, just harder to stuff. Handling is pretty close but you'll shift more on the Vic. For the most part it is a good bike, but the nit-noy crap will wear you out if you get a bad one. So do or don't but go in with eyes open. Oh and one last thing; there isn't a damn thing made for the Vision that doesn't cost $300+++++ Not a big deal but again eyes wide open.
OK, Thanks
Edited by Mongo 2009-10-12 10:06 PM
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Cruiser
Posts: 153
Newnan, GA | OK, Shoot me an e-mail with your address. mongo1958@yahoo.com
1atom12 - 2009-10-12 10:13 AM
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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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 47
High Ridge, Mo. | Get the reverse. You won't reget it. I'm 5-10 and have no problems backing up (one up) on level ground, but if you need to go uphill slightly....
I doubt if there is a more comfortable bike out there. Does anyone really sell aftermarket seats?
Buy the extended warranty, just in case. I have a free 5 year with my 09, but then I couldn't get ABS. That's on the 2010's.
Look how far Victory has come in only 10 years, and the vision in only 3. Besides, the Vision is the most original looking motorcycle to come along in years |
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Tourer
Posts: 311
Atlanta Area | Email sent... Weather is going to be good to us today... Perfect day for a test ride!
Adam
Mongo - 2009-10-12 10:01 PM
OK, Shoot me an e-mail with your address. mongo1958@yahoo.com
1atom12 - 2009-10-12 10:13 AM
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: 205
| I just have to say that you guys are too cool. This is really a helpful site for people interested in the bike, with honest and experienced riders, and novice people like me. It makes for a good package of information. And 1atom12-- you are too funny, and generous. Offering to let someone come over and ride your bike and talk shop prior to buying one... that is really cool.... and the "bring beer" is hilarious.
Hope everyone has a nice day. Today out here in Long Beach, CA there is something really odd happening. Little tiny pieces of water are falling from the sky? I don't recall seeing this for a long time. I probably won't ride today... I am not sure what to make of this phenomena. Maybe I'll post a picture of it so you guys can help me figure out what it is.
Edited by Mfoster 2009-10-13 10:16 AM
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Tourer
Posts: 311
Atlanta Area | Two Visions in the garage now! In another 4 hours there will be three!
No pressure on the beverages, I bought beer! |
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Tourer
Posts: 460
Centennial, CO | Mongo,
I have read each post and I can say that each has merit!
I want to be sure to iterate that each person has had nearly the same experience. We all LOVE the Vision and most of us would never look at another bike again. Of course, there are those that have had enough issues with their bike to warrant a package shipment back to Victory. However, this is the exception and not the rule. By far, the Vision in only three years has made strides large enough to make most other bike manufacturers wonder what they are doing and how they will compete in the near future let alone the long term.
I have had my bike for just over a year now and I put over 13k on it in that time. Keep in mind that I live in Colorado and the weather for the last year has been less than desirable most of the time. Its unusual for our climate to be so rainy and/or cold during the spring, summer and fall. But none the less, we had a dusting of snow just last weekend (a bit early by two weeks). But this didn't stop me from riding as much as I could. On ANY of my previous bikes, I would stop riding if it hit 50 degrees. Now, I am ok if it gets below 40. Its cold...but not unbearable as in the past.
I don't want you to be discouraged by some of the things that are said here. As mentioned by a couple, the honesty on this site is amazing. You will get all kinds of information, good and bad.
Many people have had severe issues with things like the headlight, CB (me for one here), stereo and the like. But the fact remains, each bike like a soul has its fair share of good and bad. My issues pale in comparison to others while others pale compared to mine. I truly liken this to a car. The same car off of a line will have different issues. But the overall affect is that the car in general is great and so many are sold that it must not be that bad.
The fact is, if nothing worked on the bike except the transportation portion of the bike, I would be extremely happy. It rides like no other big bike I have ever owned or ridden. Some will say it doesn't handle well as slow speeds while others love it both slow and fast. Me, I love it both slow and fast. It took a bit of practice to learn to lock the bars in a 180 turn but I got there. Turns out I was afraid since it was so big. But I, within a week was able to roll into a driveway and make MANY of the bikers in the lot ask how I was able to get the bike to turn so sharply as they would not have even attempted it on their HD or other big bikes.
As mentioned by so many others. You MUST ride this to believe it. It truly is a one of a kind bike. I tell people all the time..."do not ride one unless your ready for your wallet to come out and write a check". One guy didn't believe me and less than a month later he took a spin and wrote a check that day.
As for fit and finish. I am not sure why some say its horrible while others say its awesome. Its a bike and the fit and finish is just that. Its the fit and finish of a bike! There are issues with it just as with a GW or other Honda as the same with my old Kawasaki Vulcan and etc. The fact for me here is that I bought this bike knowing I only had a FEW upgrades to go and have the bike finished the way I wanted it to be. ALL of my other bikes I worked on constantly to get that little extra. This bike...I could have lived with it the way I bought it. It was great then and even better now with just a few mods.
I will recommend that on my '08, I did purchase the cams and cannot tell you how much of a difference those made. It was worth every penny I paid and as I said to the wrench (KevinX), it was a deal at twice the price.
You'll love it! Go test ride and report back! |
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Visionary
Posts: 1436
| mongo, if you look at saddlebag alignment, alignment of seat to saddlebag doors, aluminum cowls under seat to panels, aluminum cowls on front to bodywork, none fit or align properly. You can play around some and get them closer, but fit and finish is off (poor QC).
The headlites come with small cracks in the clear lense and then the top edge separates making it look smoked. Shortly after the smoke look appears rain water will begin getting into the headlite. This defect is present on ALL Visions.
The radio has a weatherband selection, just don't expect to receive a signal and broadcast. Ride behind a tree and radio reception is gone.
As I said it is a great handling, very comfy bike, but it has issues that you would be best knowing going in. You might not have issues with these quirks/defects as many don't. I however do have an issue with a manufacturer who doesn't fix crap that ain't right. There are always the "cheerleaders" and the "don't buy" it folks. Thats fine so long as you get the WHOLE story. Good luck with your decision. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 153
Newnan, GA | 1atom12 - 2009-10-13 1:18 PM
Two Visions in the garage now! In another 4 hours there will be three!
No pressure on the beverages, I bought beer!
I got home about an hour ago. Work sucked. I'm pooped.
Have fun.
Van |
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Cruiser
Posts: 153
Newnan, GA | Teach - 2009-10-13 6:42 PM
mongo, if you look at saddlebag alignment, alignment of seat to saddlebag doors, aluminum cowls under seat to panels, aluminum cowls on front to bodywork, none fit or align properly. You can play around some and get them closer, but fit and finish is off (poor QC).
The headlites come with small cracks in the clear lense and then the top edge separates making it look smoked. Shortly after the smoke look appears rain water will begin getting into the headlite. This defect is present on ALL Visions.
The radio has a weatherband selection, just don't expect to receive a signal and broadcast. Ride behind a tree and radio reception is gone.
As I said it is a great handling, very comfy bike, but it has issues that you would be best knowing going in. You might not have issues with these quirks/defects as many don't. I however do have an issue with a manufacturer who doesn't fix crap that ain't right. There are always the "cheerleaders" and the "don't buy" it folks. Thats fine so long as you get the WHOLE story. Good luck with your decision.
Thanks, I'll be looking for those isssue and asking the hard questions if and when it comes down to it.
Van |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 20
Chesapeake, VA | Teach - 2009-10-13 6:42 PM
The radio has a weatherband selection, just don't expect to receive a signal and broadcast. Ride behind a tree and radio reception is gone.
I have only owned my bike a couple of months, but I have not had an issue with the Radio reception or the WB. Both work very well for me, and on our trip out to Natural Bridge recently I had no issues picking up local stations or the weather band in the areas we traveled through. Now that's not to say the reception was 100% clear the whole time, but it was no different than traveling in my truck, as you reach the end of the broadcast area, you start to get some "distortion" so we would change the channel.
Kevin
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GL1800 owner needs info
