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Tourer
Posts: 523
seattle, wa | Not a big rant, but I just wanted to say that it seems alot of people want to compare the Vision to the HDs. I just dont see why. Maybe the other models by Victory are HD clones, but I believe the Vision is more than capable of holding it's own ground. I like the Vision because finally, there is a new style of bike! You can do all the comparisions you like, but the Vision stands alone.And I like it that it doesn't have mainstream appeal, I don't see one everywhere I go. I just hope Victory stays with it, and can make it through these tough times.
OK, I feel better now. hehe
Ride safe |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | Go for rwilly. I find that there are two groups, no three when it comes to the vision. - It seems that those who have never riden a motorcycle find the Vision to be a work of art. They love the looks and lines and even descern that the bike is very comfortable just looking at it. They like the cleaness of the looks and find it necessary to compliment the rider on the machine.
- There are those who do ride and find themselves into the image thing. The Wingers, they are die-hard just as the HDer's when it come to the Vision. There are not many that I have talked to that when I mention the features of the Vision, their ride is the same or better. It becomes a stand off of getting them to say that the Vision is a solid competitor but will leave the argument that the bike is just too different looking. It reminds me of that scene in Planet of the Apes when Taylor was heading out on his own and and wanted to kiss Dr. Vera but her concern was he was just too darn ugly. I've had it happen twice now where a HD rider will raise the one finger salute at me while going down the road in the oppisite direction. I actually find it a compliment that the Vision stirs such emotion that they have to display their disdain for the rider and machine
- Then there are those, well us, who is sick of the same old stuff that was looking for something better. Not a reconfiguration of the old stuff, but new off the drawing board that really met the need of the most important element, the rider. Not about image, not about ancillary items, but about the cockpit and the rider. The ones who are willing to be pioneers much like the early days and if you will the motorcyclist itself. I relish in a conversation with a biker, not a HDer or BMWer, or a Winger, but a biker, who loves and enjoys the same freedom the rest of do. I met quite a few bikers along the way to and fro Texas and will share more in my review.
But that is the way I see it, love it, hate it, or admire it, but you are right rwilly there is no comparison to any other machine out there. I believe Victory has made motorcycling history the day the Vision rolled out the door and it is the mark now that the others will try to achieve that has already been achieved by the little guy. Peace out 
Edited by varyder 2008-11-22 12:52 PM
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Visionary
Posts: 2118
Pitt Meadows, BC Canada | Motorcycle.
MOTOR
CYCLE
To me, I have always looked for the form of MOTOR and CYCLE in one statement. Bikes like the BMW and many of the Sport Bikes - have forgotten about the MOTOR part - can't even see it - even though it may be a work of art, or produce 200 HP.
And for too many years - designers ignored the CYCLE part - just producing the same thing over and over - handlebars, forks, tank, seat, fender and wheels. The Vision was the first bike in my life that LEAPT out at me - as a MOTOR CYCLE, featuring the MOTOR beautifully, in a totally 21st Century design.
No 'credible' biker enthusiast could ever compare the Vision with ANY other bike out there. And I don't care for the opinions of 'ignorant bikers'. No other bike I have ever owned - or ever seen - has created the POSITIVE stir that the Vision has. Everywhere I go - I get admiring looks and comments. I LIKE IT! |
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Visionary
Posts: 1632
Jasper, MO | In my experience, more people tend to compare the Vision to the Goldwing. At least the luxo-touring bike crowd does. I suppose other folks just make the HD comparision because they both use a V-twin engine, and they are both American brands. I suspect that those attributes got some HD owners to try out a Vision, and some have made the switch. I've never owned an HD myself, but I have friends who do. I've ridden with them many times and swapped bikes with them on occasion. The Harley is iconic, has lots of character, and all that mystic, but it just doesn't fall into the same class as the Honda, BMW, and Victory IMHO. It, too, is unique, and Yamaha and Kawasaki are trying to emulate the HD with limited success. Lots of folks like them, but it's not for me. You are right in that the Vision stands alone in its total combination of features and styling. The bike stands as an individual design in a limited class. Yamaha and Kawasaki have gone to great pains to make their touring bikes look like a Harley. BMW and Honda are very similar now that BMW has embraced Honda's idea of a luxury touring bike (long distance comfort and lots of farkles), and Honda has embraced BMW's idea of a luxury touring bike (great chassis and excellent handling and brakes, with a single-sided swing arm for easy rear tire changes). Victory has combined most of those features with the soul and character of a modern V-Twin engine and a cruiser like low seat height and seating position. The best of Harley combined with the best of Honda and BMW, if you will. I didn't get everything I wanted from my wish list, but the Vision is close enough for now, and closer than anything else on the market. The bike is a great first effort by a young motorcycle manufacurer, and is far more refined than their first efforts (I've been a Victory owner since 2000). They learn fast. If Victory continues to improve the model, as Honda and BMW do with theirs, then they have a winner that will be around for a long time. Chris and Don are right on the money. Some folks are set in their ways and loyal to their brands, even when they KNOW deep down inside that there is something better out there. Other riders, and manufacturers, are more open minded and individualistic, and willing to go their own way. That's the Vision.
Ronnie
Edited by rdbudd 2008-11-22 1:31 PM
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Tourer
Posts: 301
Buffalo Grove,Ill | Im in a position that I will be getting some money (hopefully soon) due to an inheritance.
I decided, Now is the time to get my big Harley , Ive always wanted one and this is my chance.
I rode the road king and the classic.
Then since i wasn't too far from a Victory dealer, Randy's in Huntley Ill., i decided to ride the vision. GAME OVER
Even though i wanted the "status" of he Harley, it was no contest.
Don't get me wrong, the Harley's were nice bikes, but they weren't for me, and heres why.
Since i was 6 years old and raced my first MX i have abused my body (Im 49 now)
When riding the Harley for only about 20 min i found that the vibration put my right hand and arm to "sleep" , you know the little tingly's.
And i found myself shaking my arm to get the blood flowing again. I never experienced this with the Vision.
So i will be getting the Vic instead.
The reason IMHO that people compare the Vic and the Harley is because now there are 2 Big V twin AMERICAN made bikes. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1632
Jasper, MO | You won't regret your choice Dean. If you also find yourself in the position of being able to take long trips, you find out how good your choice was. The guys riding beside you on their Harleys will be wanting to stop for a break 2 or 3 times more often than you will. The guys riding beside you on their Goldwing won't stop just because you won't want to, (even though they really want to), but they will be a little stiff and sore when you do stop after 200 miles, and you won't be. Plan some long weekend rides with your S.O. 700-800 round trip miles from home for an overnighter are a piece of cake on the Vision. Saddle up and enjoy.
Ronnie
Edited by rdbudd 2008-11-22 1:50 PM
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | I've had it all wrong, it is not that HD makes the new bikes to look like the old bikes, they want the old bikes to look like the new bikes. Pretty ingenious if you ask me. They are also making the new bikes look like they have hardtails but really they have a sophisticated suspension. I give HD the credit in that they know what sells, image. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 273
| Sorry, but motors aren't things of beauty. Some look better with diamond cut fins, but that's about it.
Now those that will go 200 mph....that is a thing of beauty.  |
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Tourer
Posts: 447
Northeastern Penna. | To the people not really familiar with motorcycles, in my experience, they flock to the Vision,based
on the appearance. If any of us motorcycle riders could be unbiased for awhile,including the HD,BMW & GW people,
unless you couldn't see,you would say the Vision is the most impressive looking bike,side by side, of all the models. As for the Bells and Whistles,as most Human Beings look at in products, the Vision is maybe 2 shy of the veterans of the motorcycle world- ie:BMW and the GW. I don't think
Harley has the center kickstand or reverse as standard equipment, as does the above mentioned.
Quite impressive for a new model.
When owners of any big ticket item see a new product on the market,what's the first thing that is done. Analyze, compare, look for a weakness. Technical issues aside,the Victory Vision is a true
competitor for being only a youngster.
As for the title of this thread, Vision beats HD.
Next up , you guessed it!
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Visionary
Posts: 1324
So Cal | Whether you are loyal to one make or just like to ride. You have to admit the Vision has cerainly stirred the pot. Kind of like the V-rod from HD. Purists didnt like the radiator. It slowly caught on. I personally think it was on step too far for HD. But, to appeal to the younger generation, you have to take bold steps sometimes. The fact that I can reach tripple digit speeds without spending another $1000 on a new bike is something new to me. Looks again, are personal. Everyone over the last ten years has gone with the V-twin engine, copying HD, to sell bikes. We all know there are better, more efficient motors out there, but the V-twin is the standard that HD has set. You cant ignore HD's success in making an in-efficient design desireable. The Vision is a major step outside the box. Dependability, which is second to none, and factory support, which could use some major improvements, will be the key to Victory's success. |
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Vision vs HD
