|
|
Visionary
Posts: 1436
| I'm going to start this post a little negative because I want to get it out of the road and then get down to my impressions.
Since purchasing my vision it has had the following issues, some resolved and some still awaiting action/parts.
1. Oil sending units giving false oil light (x3). The fix is to replace the sending unit which has been done 3 times and I believe its fixed now.
2. Ipod cable (x2). There are numerous issues that come up from the bad cable but the fix is a new cable
3. Left bar control for Radio inop or engages wrong function. Awaiting the NEW module which is still in work.
4. Belt noise chatter squak etc.. Adjusted every 500-1000 miles and it finally stopped at 9k (I hope), lol...
5. Upper shock bushing bad. Part was recently replaced but the weird rear tire wear I am blaming on the shock bushing being bad hasn't been replaced yet (awaiting word on tire).
6. Front tire has a 1" ban in the center raised 1/8 above the outer wear. Still awaiting a resolution
7. Headlite cracked and leaking. New assy installed
8. Windshield cracked several places around bolt holes. New windshield
9. Little to no radio reception and cutout. Radio has been reflashed, downloads, etc... problem still exists and we are awaiting a solution from Victory (external antenna likely)
10. Numerous fitment issues and rubbing of painted parts. Pretty well worked out by myself
11. Seat missing a large piece of padding on drivers center saddle. Replaced seat.
I'm sure there are a few other issues that have been addressed but you get the idea.
I switched to Amsoil at the 2500 mile oil change and am very happy with the result. I tried several other full synthetics but with less than favorable results. I'm running the Bosch 3323 filter which seems to do a good job. I'm still having to change oil every 2500 or so but I have full confidence I could ride 4-5k without an issue using the synthetic.
Ok so the review. Several of the first folks to have purchased Visions had mentioned paint so I first applied several coats of liquid glass upon initial purchase of my Vision. The paint has gone without defect until last week when my son ran his bike pedal against the saddlebag making a very fine scratch, no biggy, but I would HIGHLY encourage everyone to apply a few coats of liquid glass to prevent any paint issues.
My first long ride covered some 4k miles and the bike performed extremely well. Average speeds were much higher than they have been on my previous two bikes for the same roads and fuel consumption is in line with what I got with my previous two bikes at 50 mpg. I'm pretty easy on the throttle and don't get on it hard but even when I race around it still averages 43mpg.
Traction is exceptional which is good given the bike cuts like sportstour in corners. Average speed on both the BRP and the Dragon were posted as 51 mph which is about 6 mph faster on average than my previous best, lol. My only two negative experiences have been related to rain and metal expansion joints while in a bend destabilizing the bike very briefly. Guys who have owned Goldwings would probably relate this to the feeling one gets with fork flex. Knowing how the bike reacts in his situation will put you at ease. The other involved 60mph wind gusts on a long bridge which really took some effort to control. Again had I known the winds were so strong it might not have caught me so offguard. No weatherband reception was the culprit that prevented my knowing. This said the bike took these gusts in stride given the amount of plastic.
Handling on the Vision takes some getting use to. It is extremely responsive to rider input which is odd for a large bike. The Vision handles road groove, checkering and dirt roads in stride but become familiar with each before going nutty with speed. The Vision will WEAR YOU OUT until you learn not to manhandle her, a light touch is best.
This brings us to speed/motor. This in my opinion is the absolute best part of this bike. The motor runs just as comfy at 80 mph as it does at 35. No hint of any motor related issue with the exception of the bad oil sending unit which doesn't really count. Now some may disagree with me on this but the Vision isn't a low end power-house. Its true power comes into play from 50 mph up. Once at 50 you can roll on the throttle and feel the power pulsing. I shift early so at 50 I toss it into 5th. Even at this speed and gear choice the bike will excel to 70 with ease by simply rolling on. Passing requires nothing but a flick of the wrist. This motor just really wants to go. Yes the tranny can be a little noisy a times but no more than any other big VTwin, and it gets much quieter with each oil change. Mileage may also be responsible for the reduced noise. I would like Victory to raise the rev limiter to 5200 as I have bounced off it several times with ease.
Overall the bike runs really well, has zero leaky bags (lord knows I ride enough in the rain to know), gets exceptional mpg for its weight, handles the twistiest of roads easily and has the best ergo's of any bike I have ever owned. It does take some time to figure out all of the bikes characteristic and quirks, but I have never felt out of control or uncertain of her ability ever. I would however recommend that every Vision owner put the bike on its side before leaving the dealer parkinglot. Once you KNOW how easy it picks up, you'll not be so worried about dropping her which can affect how you ride.
Someone asked if I'd buy the Vision again knowing what I now know. I would have to say my bike has had a number of minor issues but they don't take away from the exceptional characteristics it has. So yes I would buy this bike again knowing what I do. Now I'm heading out to ride again, and YES it is STILL raining.... |
|
| |
|
Tourer
Posts: 562
SC, Bluffton | Radio reception & left saddlebag alignment are the only things I have shared with you, good thing.
I am still shocked that an intercom system wasn't standard OEM, and I ain't about to have a
Victory wiring harness & CB/Intercom after the fact installed. Even as of yesterday, I read of
someone having problems after the install.
I am pleased with the Vision enough to make it a keeper right now. 2nd gear still infuriates me
enough sometimes to just pull it over on the side of the road & leave it. I would so fire the person
who was in charge of the R&D on that. I hate reving an engine, & I have to rev 1st prior to shifting
into 2nd if I want to proceed with any torgue at all. I am a person that will never come close to a rev
limiter, and my other bikes have never even come close to it. Never had the need for it.
Put the Cee Bailey's 2"+ on yesterday. Very pleased!!! No more distortion. Victory, stop
paying who ever is making your windshields, even if it is a relative.
I got my Vision last October. It was the most awesome winter riding I ever experienced. Engine
heat was nice, heated grips & seat. Perfect.
Please send us some rain. The back yard needs it! I have laid sod, planted "perfect patch" and
spread seed this year. Almost nothing but plastic sod netting & Dirt.
Herb |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 1290
Ruskin, Fl | Teach,
Very well put. I really haven't had much to complain about. I did bigwill5150's antenna upgrade yesterday with mixed results. I going to play around some more today and post my results. Water getting into my left turn signal. There I a new one waiting for me at the dealer under warranty. My belt just started to chirp when cold. I put it on the motorcycle jack to adjust it yesterday. It's real loose, put I didn't like the way the bike sat on the jack, so I left it alone for now. I just noticed that crazy wear pattern on the front tire yesterday. 7100 miles. I have never seen a front tire do that. Any idea if it's a tire issue or bike related. I checked the pressure a couple of weeks ago for the first time. 30 psi and I didn't notice odd wear pattern. I increased it to 38. I thought maybe there was some connection. Checked this AM after the bike sat all night and it was 34, so I don't think that has anything to do with it.
|
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 1436
| Mike it s stiffer compound in the center of the tire aimed at preventing a flat spot. Unfortunately from time to time you get a tire that resistes the center wear and it ends up raised. Had this on a Bridgestone tire and the dealer replaced it under warranty because it shouldn't do this (safety issue). You might want to see your dealer and maybe they can get it replaced under warranty orworst case pro-rate the replacement. |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 2118
Pitt Meadows, BC Canada | Teach: Here is my history on your problems:
1. Oil sending units giving false oil light (x3). The fix is to replace the sending unit which has been done 3 times and I believe its fixed now. NEVER HAD A PROBLEM
2. Ipod cable (x2). There are numerous issues that come up from the bad cable but the fix is a new cable DON'T USE - N/A
3. Left bar control for Radio inop or engages wrong function. Awaiting the NEW module which is still in work. TANK CONTROLS WORK JUST FINE - REPLACED SPEAKERS CUZ STOCKS ARE CRAP
4. Belt noise chatter squak etc.. Adjusted every 500-1000 miles and it finally stopped at 9k (I hope), lol... NEVER TOUCHED OR HAD PROBLEMS
5. Upper shock bushing bad. Part was recently replaced but the weird rear tire wear I am blaming on the shock bushing being bad hasn't been replaced yet (awaiting word on tire). NO PROBLEMS SO FAR
6. Front tire has a 1" ban in the center raised 1/8 above the outer wear. Still awaiting a resolution MAYBE I CORNER WRONG????
7. Headlite cracked and leaking. New assy installed NO PROBLEM SO FAR
8. Windshield cracked several places around bolt holes. New windshield NO PROBLEM - I GUESS INSTALLER HAD HEAVY HAND
9. Little to no radio reception and cutout. Radio has been reflashed, downloads, etc... problem still exists and we are awaiting a solution from Victory (external antenna likely) MINE WORKS FINE IN POPULATED AREAS - NO CUTOUT
10. Numerous fitment issues and rubbing of painted parts. Pretty well worked out by myself NO FIT ISSUES ANYWHERE
11. Seat missing a large piece of padding on drivers center saddle. Replaced seat. SEAT FINE - I USE SHEEPSKIN FOR LONG DISTANCE WORK
I have NO complaints on fittings, paint, running gear. The only problem I have resolved is crappy speakers - now replaced (by me). I just think that Vision owners who are happy - should be heard from on this site - not just guys with beefs. But I also appreciate ALL of you who take the time to relate your problems to us owners - this helps us ALL!
Please keep up the good work!
|
|
| |
10K Review
