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A 10k Mile Review of the 2008 Victory Vision Motorcycleby Chris (Varyder) Nelms
Part 2: Styling, Reliability, Sound and Storage
 Styling
Styling is a primary consideration, because; let's face it, what you see get's your curiosity up. I'll refrain from talking about the herd, sheep or lemmings because frankly, I wanted something different from what everybody else was riding. Using "bling" is the way we make things different on our bikes, and in custom biking you can certainly get some unique looks out of a touring bike. The look I've always wanted was something that looked like what a cruiser looked like while riding, but I wanted it to be a tourer; slung back, low in the saddle, feet forward, but at the same time I did not what it looking like a cruiser. Okay, if you can understand that, then you know what a dilemma I had going on in my head. What a person has in their minds is often hard to describe where others could easily understand. Well, the Vision is right on the money with the styling in the cockpit and around all the guts of the bike. Albeit, it is definitely different, it is downright beautiful. It is hard to describe a machine in this fashion, but I have to give credit, where credit is due. If you really study the design of this bike it is fully functional. While there is that minor issue with the dimple in one of my side doors and on the exhaust pipe, it doesn't detract from the functional design or beauty. The aerodynamic design allows the Vision to cut through the air with great ease while minimizing buffeting by cross winds and truck wash. It allows engine to be bathed with air through the fairing and flow around the pilot and pillion. The traditional boxed bags cause a lot of buffeting, but the sleek flowing "hips" of the Vision make it a smooth ride. So when they covered the "guts", Victory had to step out of the box to build a different machine and the results is downright beauty. I too must use the coined phrase a "gem in a setting" to describe how clean the engine looks.
I've seen the pictures of the naked Vision and find its structure design very interesting. The bike appears to have a strong structure that should not develop issues and is well balanced. I plan on taking off the skin to get a closer look. I like the addition of the tip over protection, though I have not put them to use, yet. The body pieces seem to fit fairly well, though it appears I may need to have the right bag alignment adjusted as it is touching the seat. Unlike others I've read about, I don't have issues of fit and finish, but do agree the top coat is a little soft. It takes scratches way too easy. I'm not one to wax or wipe every time it gets dirty and my Vision is covered nightly but it is not garaged. The sleek stylings with very few crevices for dirt to hide lessen the time to clean it. I believe the battery should have been covered with a removable panel or something simiilar since it is exposed directly to what comes off the front tire.
Reliability
Having clocked 10K without being left stranded is an expectation of any new bike. I did my reliability check on Victory through the internet and what other people's experience has been. I've come to realize that Victory is a very reliable product and is serious about building motorcycles. Given that, a buyer is still taking a chance when buying a new model with new features and concept. Will the design hold up? Will the engine be reliable and trouble free? Will the product overall be sturdy? These are the questions I had to ask myself.
Initially I experienced the stalling issue that the dealer seemed to be unable to fix. But with a little perseverance the stalling issue was resolved by cleaning the plugs at the 7,500 mile service. Starting the engine without riding, or continually blipping the throttle seems to foul the plugs quickly. I felt that I stepped out on a limb when I went from a water-cooled 4 cylinder engine to an air-cooled V-twin engine. The water-cooled engines have radiator fans to keep them cooler while sitting still on extremely hot days. V-twins must be moving to keep cool, so sitting in traffic can raise the temperature dramatically. My understanding of the Victory design is that oil-cooled heads allow better heat dissipation when stopped or slow moving. On the day I took the MSF Experience Riders course the temperature of 80 degrees. The engine got hot and my dipstick gauge read 275 degrees at one point. The engine did great and though it did sputter a time or two, it did not concern me. After this summer, I may write something different, but I believe that the Vision's reliability to be the primary seller because what is the point of comfort if you can't go anywhere?
Sound System
This sound system is absolutely awesome. I have the stock sound system, though I have read where plenty have upgraded theirs to other speakers. The system has all of the features that I want on a motorcycle. I have the AM/FM/Weather/Aux, which is set up for my iPod Touch and it works great. Not garaging my Vision may allow getting moisture in the electronics. When we get a lot of rain my electronics will play games on me. Volume will do its own thing, the wrong button will change something else, or it will not read my iPod and so on. However, after the 7,500 service, those issues seem to be minimized now. I think that the sealing of the buttons could be better and I am surprised that they are not. When the pillion is riding, she finds it nice that she can control her own volume, but this standard with any bike. The CB radio works very well providing good talk and reception. The communications between headsets is excellent; however, it is difficult getting the exact point on the VOX activation right. When the level is set to activate at normal conversation level, the wind seems to set it off also. Any higher, and a person has to talk loud or use the press to talk (PTT) button. In the future, I may upgrade to the GPS, Satellite Radio and a cell phone connection. But until then, for a stock sound system, I find this exceeds my expectations.
Storage
I'm like anyone; I want lots of room to put my stuff. I cannot say that the Vision is inadequate just because the bags are not as big as the "tubs" on a GoldWing or a Heritage. Bottom-line, it is a motorcycle, albeit a touring bike, but still a motorcycle. I can wish I had more room on the bike, but it might come with the trade off of comfort and handling. So I've got to know what to take and what not to take when I go somewhere. I'm seriously considering getting the trailer hitch and trailer for the long trips with the pillion, only. I have a friend that has a Wing and a cool little fiberglass trailer that looks like a classic car on a trailer. It really is storage space and he tows it everywhere he goes, even to work every day. That's not me, but when my baby says, let's go for the long ride, I know she'll want to take more than what can fit in the bags. By myself, I have the pillion seat, the bags, trunk and trunk rack to put all my stuff. I might even hang stuff over the front fenders if need be. But I find the storage adequate for Vision. The "glove" box is also the right size for my iPod and wallet, and is conveniently opened at a stop.
Part 3: Handling, Power Plant & Controls
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