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Iron Butt
Posts: 804
Perry Hall, MD | While waiting for the Mrs. to finish some shopping I looked through a magazine with a comparison review of 4 baggers. The CT was put up against a Goldwing, Ultra, and Voyager. I didn't have time to read everything and wasn't compelled to buy it but there were some interesting comments I did notice.
First the comment that the reviewers didn't want to give the Victory their top choice. ???
Second it overwhelmingly got the top pick.
Lastly it had power, handling, and other pluses without a spaceship design.
I certainly consider the spaceship design and all of the comfort benefits that come from it to be why it tops the CT. Guess that means that I can take their review of all of the other winning features as being a win for the Vision also despite their ignorance of what beauty really is. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 161
Oregon. | I was looking through magazines yesterday and missed the magazine with the review. Interesting how they weren't impressed at first. The Vision is absolutely the best bike I have ever owned and ridden. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 1117
Northeast Ohio | I hate to ask this, but what is a CT? I assume a Cross Country Tour (XCT)..
Edited by ScoreBo 2011-11-05 11:01 PM
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Cruiser
Posts: 181
Henlow, Bedfordshire, England | ScoreBo - 2011-11-05 5:00 AM
I hate to ask this, but what is a CT? I assume a Cross Country Tour (XCT)..
Thats the way I read it just now but realise it means the vision was in a Comparison Test with the others |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | I go with Gunny's mantra - ride one and you'll own one. I quit reading the rags on Vision comparisons because they will always put a dig in there on the looks. And if they can't there, they'll point out that it doesn't ride like the rest as if it is a bad thing. The thing about the Vision is that you let it ride its ride, whereas with a typical motorcycle, you have to ride it. Some folks don't understand that and they fight it like other motorcycles and I'll agree, it's not a good ride. Fortunately more folks understand this and fall right into the Vision on the first shot and they are hooked, even if they have a problem with the styling. Keep in mind the rags will rate according by whom that are getting paid and Victory is not paying out the bucks to them.
Now, with that said, Victory has the campaign going to let you compare side by side with Harely Davidson. Victory of Southern Maryland has the trailer next week, ride a Harley, then ride a Victory and then you decide. A very bold approach that will certainly win some folks over. Perhaps they would do better in the spring. Most Harley riders I know are done riding for the year, it's below 60 degrees.... |
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Tourer
Posts: 307
Columbia, SC | I know it seems messed up that they "didn't want it to win", but I can't fault them. The FIRST impression you get of any motorcycle is what it looks like and you IMMEDIATELY start a bias for or against it based on that. And then everything else comes either with a grain of salt or with rose-colored glasses depending on whether you like it or not.
I didn't like the way it looked. I never intended to even test-ride one. However I'm a man of numbers and I trust reviewers and it got good reviews and the low seat-height made me feel good about it (5'4, 30" inseam). Rode it and STILL was on the fence, but the price was about 4 grand less than a goldwing and it was easier to handle at stops than a goldwing so I bought it. Great bike, really like it. No buyers remorse here.
While it sucks that people immediately judge it based on looks, I accept that as part of what's going to happen. Just like others judge based on brand. We all know THOSE guys. "If it's not a harley, I'm not interested." "I've been riding BMW since ____ and won't ever get anything else." "I want Honda reliability and don't trust anything else". "I want a Busa or a Gixxer", etc. etc.
I'm GLAD that they put in that line. That shows that DESPITE them not wanting a Victory to win, they COULDN'T fault it enough to not let it win! Hopefully that'll REALLY sway those other folks! I read it as, "The victory's a new brand, we were sure it was going to lose, but that thing is too damned good."
Alexi |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 1109
| I was at teddy bear run Sunday and a guy with a HD ultra asked me how I liked my vision. I told him I looked at all the touring bikes and bought the Vision. He said he really wants to trade his HD for one but his wife won't let him. I told him to look at the XC. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 266
Hartland, , WI | kris1956 - 2011-11-07 5:27 AM
I was at teddy bear run Sunday and a guy with a HD ultra asked me how I liked my vision. I told him I looked at all the touring bikes and bought the Vision. He said he really wants to trade his HD for one but his wife won't let him. I told him to look at the XC.
Or trade in his wife! |
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Visionary
Posts: 2118
Pitt Meadows, BC Canada | Let's do a little math - hmmm. 20 years with subscriptions to a couple of bike magazines: at todays $$$ - 12X7.00X20years= ~$1,700.
Another 25 years of buying an issue or two a month: ~$2,500 or so. Over 45 years or so - maybe $4,000 - $5,000. This is money I have spent on reading the crap put out by writers/advertisers/experts to try to tell me what I should buy.
What did I learn from all that? Well, I sold my last box of 1980's magazines recently, so I learned there's other fools like me out there.
And I learned that 'prejudice' rules. I learned that certain 'experts' had prejudices, and that bias was going to rule all their writing - no matter what changed.
I was prejudiced. My Japanese Viragos were WAY better than any American made bike. And they WERE! Until I saw, and rode my Vision. Hell, I bought it based on a single photo - never rode one. $32,000 CDN - and have put another $5,000 into it. And will finish my riding life on it.
But you know - the same 'writers' I had been reading for years - totally ignore VICTORY and it's accomplishments. Well, maybe not 'totally', but let's say 'minimally'. What I see in their articles is my own VIRAGO mentality. They just can't admit they can be wrong.
I have stopped reading their crap - even 'free, on-line' articles.
Except stuff about C/T's and OIL - they are ALWAYS right about that .....
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | Don - I love the vigor!!! As far as the Virago goes, I think it was the coolest Jap bike ever built. A guy at work had one and I would have loved to bought it from him. As a stock bike it looked like a chopper and with the 1100 sitting on what I think is a small frame I know that bike could scat.
...and I don't waste my money on the bike rags... |
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Visionary
Posts: 2118
Pitt Meadows, BC Canada | varyder - 2011-12-04 3:33 AM Don - I love the vigor!!! As far as the Virago goes, I think it was the coolest Jap bike ever built. A guy at work had one and I would have loved to bought it from him. As a stock bike it looked like a chopper and with the 1100 sitting on what I think is a small frame I know that bike could scat. ...and I don't waste my money on the bike rags... Yeah, Chris. The Virago was "Cruiser Of The Year" for at least 10 years, as chosen by the major Mags. And my last one I owned had every performance option - about 100HP - and only weighed 520 lbs. And was FAST! But every maker went to Harley Style after 1995 and I never bought another - until the Vision. This one I bought in 2003 for $5,000; rode for 5 years; and sold for $5,000 - just put gas, oil and tires on it.
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Tourer
Posts: 495
Carrollton, TX | Here is a link to the comparison in Motorcycle Cruiser. http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/features/1112_crup_full_dress_tourer_comparison/index.html It is a great comparison and it is amazing how many times they mention the Vision and its spaceship looks. The Vision still gets all the looks. I ride with Cross Country riders and when we stop the Vision has all the eyes and compliments. Wait till Victory announces their new updated bike that Greg Brew mentions in his interview in Victory Rider magazine at the IMS Show in New York on January 20th. Could it be an updated Vision? I think it is a safe bet that it will be a new Vision. Victory is just killing the competition. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 880
Orlando, FL | Spock, the link you provide is a review with the Cross Country Tour, NOT the Vision!!
Just Sayin'
Edited by MaddMAx2u 2011-12-05 8:13 PM
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Iron Butt
Posts: 785
Mt. Vernon, WASH. | One of the first things that attracted me to the VISION was it's distinctive looks! It doesn't look like the 27,481 other 'me too' bikes in a parking lot. I bought my Yammer VENTURE ROYALE because it was distinctively styled (also 'cause it was quick and reliable and pretty comfortable on long runs) and during riding season I'll be damned if I want to pass myself 150 times in a mile on a 'me too' If I wanted that, I'd buy a red CAMARO or MUSTANG.
I think part of it is the 'dog and mailman' mentality, dogs bite mailmen because with that bag on their shoulder they don';t look 'right' to a dog so they react by attacking, other riders and magazine editors 'attack' the VISION because it's not what their preconceived mental image of what a bike should look like, yet they are exactly the same crowd that slobbers all over themselves looking at a competely impractical custom built show only bike. |
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Tourer
Posts: 495
Carrollton, TX | MaddMAx2u - 2011-12-05 8:13 PM Spock, the link you provide is a review with the Cross Country Tour, NOT the Vision!! Just Sayin' Yes I know, it is on the review that was mentioned in the first post of this thread. They just mentioned the Vision several times from their past reviews of it. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 880
Orlando, FL | SYNSTR, +1 +1 +1
I could not agree more. I have always loved the look of the Vision. And when I took a test ride, that was it. I new it was the bike for me. Oh, and I was close to buying an Ultra Glide! The funniest thing is that I have ridden close to 10,000 miles since my purchase in April 2011. And every day I ride someone tells me what a hot looking bike I have. I even have had HD riders come over drooling, looking, asking questions, and then telling me they are not sure about the looks. Inside I laugh because I think they are really saying "I'm afraid to be different from the pack" And I really do think peer pressure from their teenage years stops them from buying the best touring bike around. And that's fine with me. I like being the rare gem in a box of rocks!
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 18
| I always wanted a HD ultra classic for years. When it came time where i could buy on i had already sat on the victory vision. I loved the way i could lift it off the kickstand with eas. So i went back and sat on the harley, the seat was too wide, the bike was too top heavy, and the windshield felt like it was right in my face. Then me and my wife went to the local victory dealer and rode a cross rodes it was nice. Then we rode a cross country and i said this is what i want, but my wife say's aren't you gonna try the vision. Inside I'm thinking it doesn't look as cool as the cross country but might as well try it. Well we got on it we were headed out of the parking lot and i asked her, do you like it, she said yes and i said me too. we were sold before we even got on the road. I'am so glad my wife had me try the vision it is hands down the best motocycle i have ever ridden. It is so comfortable i feel bad for people that don't ride one and just think i almost bought a name, what exspensive mistake that would have been. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 244
| sfalexi - 2011-11-06 9:32 PM
I didn't like the way it looked. I never intended to even test-ride one. However I'm a man of numbers and I trust reviewers and it got good reviews and the low seat-height made me feel good about it (5'4, 30" inseam). Rode it and STILL was on the fence, but the price was about 4 grand less than a goldwing and it was easier to handle at stops than a goldwing so I bought it. Great bike, really like it. No buyers remorse here.
+1 But I did test one in 08 at Sturgis, said it was too tieght & gears wined. Had an 85 Goldwing then. Went to a Burgman 650. Got hit on it. Had to get a new Bike. Got it March 1, 2011. Got 17000 mile on it and I didn't realize how much I was working, steering them. It is so relaxing, criusing on the 09 Vision, BEST BIKE I've ever ridden! Only bike I ever felt safe on at 80 & 90 MPH. Hope to get 100K+ on it Like I did on the two Wings I had! |
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Visionary
Posts: 4278
| I never read any of the propaganda articles. You have to keep in mind that all the motorcycle company's advertise in there lam ass mag's.
So if you stay to much bad about one model bike then they don't pay for advertising any more. So you walk the fine line and give all bikes a good review.
I have ridden harleys for ever and the last one was a 09 street glide. It was a very nice bike smooth and gave a good ride. But then I have like the vision ever since it came out and after test ridding five different vision there was no dough in my mind I had to have one. To this day I can't see my self riding any other bike. If it burns to the ground or goes end over end and I can still ride I will have another one. |
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Tourer
Posts: 430
| dan - 2011-12-08 6:29 PM
I always wanted a HD ultra classic for years. When it came time where i could buy on i had already sat on the victory vision. I loved the way i could lift it off the kickstand with eas. So i went back and sat on the harley, the seat was too wide, the bike was too top heavy, and the windshield felt like it was right in my face. Then me and my wife went to the local victory dealer and rode a cross rodes it was nice. Then we rode a cross country and i said this is what i want, but my wife say's aren't you gonna try the vision. Inside I'm thinking it doesn't look as cool as the cross country but might as well try it. Well we got on it we were headed out of the parking lot and i asked her, do you like it, she said yes and i said me too. we were sold before we even got on the road. I'am so glad my wife had me try the vision it is hands down the best motocycle i have ever ridden. It is so comfortable i feel bad for people that don't ride one and just think i almost bought a name, what exspensive mistake that would have been.
Similar story for me. I was looking at a KP because it was less $ [I am frugal] My wife said that bike [VV] looks more comfortable - what do you think? What do I think! What do I think! - Heck yes. I went for a test ride - and as stated above - just loved it. I could not believe the handling for a bike that size. I take that back - for a bike. I used to say the best handling bike I ever had was a BSA 650 Lightning - now I say my Vision is the best handling bike - and it's comfortable for my co-pilot as well. |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 46
Western Wyoming | Traded a 2010 Ulta Limited w/ 26k mi. I owned for 16 mo. on a 2011 VV last Aug.3700 mi. on my Vision and very impressed: more top end,handles
better,smoother ride,better lighting,easier and cheaper to maintain. The Limited was a nice bike,the last of 6 Harleys I've owned since '73
I've pulled 2 800 mile days on the Vision and it's a pleasure to ride
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Visionary
Posts: 3006
San Antonio, TX | DTWOR,
Welcome aboard! Let us know if you have any questions.
Ride Safe |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 46
Western Wyoming | radioteacher - 2011-12-16 4:30 PM
DTWOR,
Welcome aboard! Let us know if you have any questions.
Ride Safe
Thanx Radioteacher.Unfortunately winter's set in here so won't be riding for awhile.Lord willing I'll be down in
your neck of the woods the 1st week in June though. |
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Visionary
Posts: 3006
San Antonio, TX | Please let me know when you are in the area. I know a few nice and couple of really great roads in the area.*
* "In the area" for the Vision is less then 450 miles round trip.
Ride Safe |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 46
Western Wyoming | radioteacher - 2011-12-16 8:39 PM
Please let me know when you are in the area. I know a few nice and couple of really great roads in the area.*
* "In the area" for the Vision is less then 450 miles round trip.
Ride Safe
I'll sure try and take you up on that.I'm leaving Mem. Day weekend for Ga ,SC, Fl, Al, Miss, La. The last of
the lower 48 for me.I haven't ridden in s.Tx either so Austin,San Antonio,Big Bend are on my list.From there
I'll make a b-line along I10 out to So. Cal, then home 7200+ mi. in 2 wks. .I've been able to go coast to coast
the last 2 summers,I40-70,I80-90
Edited by DTWOR 2011-12-16 10:21 PM
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