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New user
Posts: 2
| Hi All,
I promise a detailed profile post once I'm an owner, but for now, I'm still riding my Shadow.
However, I've found a '10 Vision 8-Ball and after a test ride, boy am I hooked. My goal was to replace my shadow ( a great little commuter bike) with something that could both commute to work (less than 20 miles) in mild urban stop and go traffic as well as take me cross-state with some storage capacity.
By now I feel like I've ridden every bike imaginable, from Triumph sport tourers to Harley dynas and vrods. But the Vision 8-Ball just hit the spot. In fact I didn't even realize it was an 800 lb bike till I got home and read the specs...
1. So while it's my fave so far, do you owners feel it is something I'm gonna hate purchasing once I'm in rush hour traffic? The test ride was no problem but tended to fast rural riding.
2. The tranny seems noisy (not in a bad way) in 1-4 but quiets dramatically in 5 and 6. I've seen posts about tranny noise. Is this ok?
3. Holy cow, my insurance (progressive) will triple! I'm not too surprised with the v-8 being big displacement and lots of plastic, but boy that adds insult to injury. Has that been everyone's experience?
4. Has there been any progress on a passenger back rest? Appears to be D/c'd from Victory.
If you're curious, my alternative top bikes would be a triumph sprint (nice tourer) or a Dyna tricked out with bags and shield etc. Actually 2nd would be a kingpin tourer but there are none available used nearby.
The big issue for me is No. 1, the rideability in daily stop and go traffic. This really bike pushes my budget envelope so please pardon my caution... Seem like a lot of bang for the buck though.
All thoughts welcome, and hope to be part of the clan! |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | Bad, very bad! This post should have read: Man, I just rolled off the lot on a Vision 8-Ball and I love this bike! It is the best on the highway and in town! Oh and here is a picture of me and the bike....
But what do I know, I started riding a Vision in November '07 and haven't been off since --- mine is a daily urban shuttle and a highway cruiser. Just popped 108,800 tonight....as far as your concerns, trans - bullet proof, insurance - such is life, back rest - I got mine 
Edited by varyder 2012-01-30 9:12 PM
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Cruiser
Posts: 131
Edmond, OK 2012 Vision, 2012 Cross Country | 1. I checked with Progressive and they are to high in price for me when I added the UM coverage by over $1000.00 bucks. I have a Vision and not the 8-Ball. You may want to look at that option as well and remove the trunk, then you also get lots more options also. I ride my bike almost everyday and no problems. I now ride a 2012 and traded my 2011 in on it. When I traded the '11 in it had almost 24k in 11 months with no problems on the bike. The trans is what it is and changes were made in the '11. I don't really remember if the '09 I had before the '11 made lots of noise or not. They all make a little noise at an idle and that is normal for the bike according to one wrench I questioned about that issue. Vic only used 1 motor and transmission in all of their bikes which helps keep the costs down on all of the rides. As far as a back rest on a 8- Ball you make check on ebay and find something there as well. I myself highly reccomend the Victory's as a great ride and bike to commute to and from anywhere you want to go. Good luck in your decision. If you have any questions don't hesidate to email me if I can help you one way or another. Ride Safe. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 262
Flowery Branch Ga | I have a '10 8Ball Vision. I bought this model because like you, I wanted a quality bike but didn't have alot to spend. The transmission is a little noisey but will quiet SOME as you add miles. One good thing about the Vision as compared to some other manufacturers, you can add options as you see fit and as your budget allows. Don't give to much thought to the size of the bike in traffic. There are plenty of people here that have more time in the saddle than I, but I have yet to wish for anything different no matter the traffic pattern or road.
Wayne |
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Tourer
Posts: 337
san antonio, tx | Hmmm. I ride mine virtually everyday for a little over 60 mile round trip commute. In that commute I get a little stop light to stop light, Several miles of 80+mph slab, then onto what often amounts to about a 45 minute in (mostly)stop and (a little) go traffic. Once I clear that, I get about 6 miles of light traffic and mild twisty roads. The few minutes of the good stuff always makes the 45 minutes of bad worth it!
I always try to get in a good ride on the weekends. The bike is a sheer pleasure to ride on the back roads and even the interstate is great. Just be prepared on those weekend rides when you pull in to some watering hole out in the middle of nowhere. You are going to attract attention, and I've never had anyone speak badly about it, regardless of the bike they rode in on. But, you will have to make time for conversation!
In the south Texas summer it does tend to get a bit warm, but I just turn the lowers and uppers in, and as long as I can maintain forward motion, it's bearable. Anything past 20 mph is no problem with the optional lowers.
I've rode to work in below freezing temps. turned on the heated grips and seats and it was no problem. I got frostbite in my fingers years ago while in the army and they are very senstive to cold. With the grips, I ride with just very lightly insulated gloves. No problems.
It's a big bike, and it may take a while to get used to skillfully handling it at very slow speeds. I can keep it under 5 mph without any real problems, and there is no problem doing a U-turn in a street.
Mechanically, I think these are some of the most well built bikes you can get. I never had a mechanical problem with my 04 Kinping. They are kind of noisy when you are riding them. Part of that noise seems amplified to the rider as it comes up at you through the steering tunnel. When you listen to one go by, they don't seem that clunky sounding.
My insurance did go up a bit compared to my Kingpin, but I just figured it was because I crashed the Kingpin.
I sometimes miss some of my previous, smaller bikes. Especially the Kingpin. But, I can't have two, and if I can only have one, I'll have the Vision. I will certainly get another should something ever happen to this one. (Unless it's because I crashed it. Then I probably couldn't afford the insurance!)
In the end, only you know what you want out of a bike. If it speaks to you when you are walking towards it, riding it, and walking away from it after the ride, well, just follow your gut!
Edited by cchristo 2012-01-30 10:41 PM
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Tourer
Posts: 307
Columbia, SC | I can't comment on EVERYTHING, but here's my take....
1) Stop and go sucks on any bike. I'm fine on this one, and I like having a lower seatheight to help out. Other than that, stop and go should be fine. HOWEVER, I have alternated my route to go a little bit around the main routes of traffic. Takes about 3 minutes longer for me, but WELL worth it just to cruise. I also now pick roads and turns that will avoid stop signs and lights. I predict you'll end up doing the same as cruisin' is just so relaxing. I leave earlier, arrive later, and smile more.
2) My tranny SOMETIMES sounds loud, but I don't think it's bad. I ride with earplugs and so noises don't bother me anymore (especially wind noise which is GREATLY cut out with earplugs and in helmet speakers). Although I will say that it has lessened after time and seems better when warmed up.
3) I don't know what your insurance was before, but my insurance is around 36 bucks a month. NOTHING to complain about here. Check around, insurance on bikes changes a LOT per company as some companies seem to take the engine size as primary factor, some take the style of bike as factor (less for a cruiser than a sportbike), etc.
4) I never heard anything. I think you can search this site, or talk to some of the custom makers, and they might have a solution. If you're looking for light luggage, take a good look at the side storage, and consider getting a trunk. The trunk saves me and I will NEVER take mine off. EVER!!!
It's treated me well so far, super comfortable for me and the wife, and minimum tweaking needed or even wanted to get it to "perfect". I think next will be a driver backrest for me.
Alexi
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Tourer
Posts: 494
Akron Ohio area | I pay $329.00 for a full years coverage on my 2011 Vision Tour.
1 million dollar coverage with $250 deductible.
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Visionary
Posts: 1229
Rancho Cucamonga, CA | 1. Stop and go is no problem, even in 100 degree weather.?The Vision?handles parade riding superbly.
2. I hardly notice the tranny sound - get louder pipes 
3. My insurance dropped a little when I switched from a HD Ultra to the Vision.
4. CycleOpsUSA almost has a passenger backrest in production. Mine will be for sale when they do.
The lower stance of the 8ballVV really helps in traffic. I have a 2010 NessVV and now, don't know what I would do If I couldn't have a Vision! It's the first bike I've owned that I truly feel is an extension of myself when I ride.
Edited by Nozzledog 2012-01-31 2:16 AM
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Visionary
Posts: 1365
Central Maryland | As far as insurance practices go; it was explained to me by the Gieco gecko that the Vision's insurance rate is higher (at least in this area) since they regard touring bikes as being more prone to being in an accident; due to the amount of miles they can amass.
In saying that, my Triumph Rocket 3's engine displacement of 2300cc's cost much less than my Vision.
So... it's not always displacement as a contributing factor to higher insurance rates. It's the intended purpose of the bike as well.
Nevertheless, extremely happy with my Vision. She's a big girl; a "Cruise ship" so to speak, but handles well for me at slow speed' Must always be conscious of her size though. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 185
Rhode Island | I agree, traffic is no fun on any bike but the low CG on the Vision makes this no big issue on the VV8ball.
Progressive was going to double my insurance over what I was paying on a 2008 Kingpin Tour; went to Geico for same as KPT.
Transmissions are noisy pre-2011, just the type of gears.
As Nozzeldog said, CycleOps is close with a passenger backrest.
So pick the bike that fits you best and ride the hell out of it.
Jim |
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Cruiser
Posts: 104
ROCHESTER,NY | THE BEST BIKE ON THE ROAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I HAVE OWNED SEVERAL IN MY 46 YRS. ON THIS EARTH, FROM KAW'S TO H.D.'S. YOU WILL NOT REGRET THIS PURCHASE!!!!!!!!!!!! AGAIN, THE BEST BIKE ON THE ROAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
RIDE HARD!!!!!!!!!!! LIVE FAST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! DIE FREE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! |
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Visionary
Posts: 1350
| What is your weight and height? These 2 factor into how you handle your bike. You are not going to throw a Vision around like you would a small bike in traffic.
I have a '09 Anny Vision with 40K on her. I have 28" legs. There are times I wished I had a "smaller', "lower" bike but I love Anny. She handles well in traffic and highway speeds. All the comforts a tourer brings over rides the minuses.
Look around for insurance. How much of the new price is because it's a brand new bike? New Shadow under $10K, new Vision $20K?
Are you buying the Vision to save on commuting or do you plan to do enough touring to justify the added expenses? After 2 years you realize you don't take many long trips and the added costs did not justify the riding you do, maybe look at a smaller bike with removal saddlebags? |
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Visionary
Posts: 3773
Pittsburgh, PA | all i can say about 2 things are 1) the trany is normal they completely changed the trany in 2011 to be quieter.. and 2) shop for another insurance company.. when i got my 2008 vision i had the insurance sticker shock as well, then i shopped around and found out it was mostly just that insurance company pricing.. when i moved into where i live now my old insurance company wanted to lower my car but raise my vision 25% so i went to state farm and they actaully lowered everything (with the same coverage levels)/ i havent been with progressive for years because of this very same issue |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 965
New York State | Buy the Vision take a MSF course your ins will get a discount on all of your vehicles |
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Tourer
Posts: 500
| I have found that Progressive insurance rates, at least here in Mich where I am, are way to high in comparison...I have State Farm along with the house, cars, etc. and pay about $500 a year....Go buy the thing and ride it..I have a 2011 Vision Tour with the 8-ball seat and also have a short inseam, and have no issues in traffic...Remember it is a bike and heavy bike,but handles like a dream....Go for it..... |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 880
Orlando, FL | I've had my Vision 8 Ball for almost a year and have 11,000 miles on it. Here are my answers to your questions.
1. Commuter Traffic. It handles as nicely as any other bike, regardless of weight. Keep in mind this bike is primarily AIR COOLED! And the oil cooler does not direct it's heat away from the rider. So on hot days the heat emanating from the engine while stuck in stop and go traffic is a bitch. The only bike worse is a Harley. But most other bikes a water cooled and more tolerable in this regard. (Still, I love my 8 Ball)
2. The tranny is noisy, so is the engine. It's an American made bike like a Harley, so it's freaking noisy! If this is an issue for you, get a Jap bike.
3. Try Markel American, they were cheaper for me. But remember you are going to a much more expensive bike, hence if you wreck it, the ins company will have to fork over a lot more dough. Stop whining!
4. Progress is happeneing on a passenger backrest. There is one already, just search here, and CycleOps is designing another. Some guys just get someone to do one custom. THis is not a reason to NOT get this amazing bike.
Lastly, the 8 Ball's only issue in stop and go traffic is the heat emanating from the engine. And none of the alternatives you mentioned solve that issue. Harley, and Vic are hot bikes, and Triumph's are a bike to avoid due to reliability issues. Get a Kawi if the Vic is not a bike for you. They have a few good touring bikes from the Concours to the V twins. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1365
Central Maryland | MaddMAx2u - 2012-01-31 1:12 PM
and Triumph's are a bike to avoid due to reliability issues.
That's a generalization; of the early time of Triumph. There's nothing wrong with late model Triumph motorcycles concerning reliability. |
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Visionary
Posts: 3006
San Antonio, TX | If you are over 50 try AARP insurance. AARP uses Formost and I have found them to be great and cheaper then all of my other quotes. On my one claim they were wonderful to work with.
Ride Safe |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 763
Anderson, IN (48mi NE of downtown Indianapolis) | Question 1. So while it's my fave so far, do you owners feel it is something I'm gonna hate purchasing once I'm in rush hour traffic? The test ride was no problem but tended to fast rural riding.
Answer: At first I thought it would be too big for city use. However, I like riding it so much that I find myself wanting to be on it as much as possible. Even when I know I am going somewhere with heavy traffic I will still opt for the Vision instead of the cage. Once I got use to the size of it (which didn't take long) I do not hesitate taking it into any traffic condition.
If the one you are looking at does not have the lower wind deflectors, I highly recommend you get them. They push a lot of wind on your legs even at slow speeds. Plus, they can be pivoted out to block wind on cool days.
The power windshield also does a fabulous job controlling wind. Put it up on the highway and down in the city. I will never own a tour bike without one now. Victory has spoiled me.
Question 2. The tranny seems noisy (not in a bad way) in 1-4 but quiets dramatically in 5 and 6. I've seen posts about tranny noise. Is this ok?
Answer: My 08 tranny is noisy. It shifts loudly too. Everyone says there is nothing wrong with it, that is just the way it is. The newer ones are suppose to be quieter, but I don't know for sure.
3. Holy cow, my insurance (progressive) will triple! I'm not too surprised with the v-8 being big displacement and lots of plastic, but boy that adds insult to injury. Has that been everyone's experience?
I pay $328/YEAR for 3 motorcycles with Allstate. That includes liability, uninsured motorists, comprehensive, and collision, with $25k bodily injury, $50k property, and $250 deductable. Statistics show that most motorcycle accidents cause little damage to other people or property. So, my agent suggested low coverage for the best rate. On the other hand, he suggested much higher coverage on my 3/4 ton cargo van.
Be sure you are comparing the exact same coverages and deductable when getting quotes. You could easily pass up a good deal if one insurance co. quoted greater coverage or lower deductable at only a slightly higher price than others.
Question 4. Has there been any progress on a passenger back rest? Appears to be D/c'd from Victory.
Answer: I have the trunk that I put on when the gf starts riding with me again in the spring. She is a fair weather rider so I go trunkless all winter.
If you have even slightly considered buying a Vision after riding every bike imaginable, just do it. You will not regret it. |
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Visionary
Posts: 4278
| Progressive insurance is designed for harleys. With all there add ones. Look for another.
State farm Dairy land with the internet every ones pretty close to another but you can find a deal. Ask the guy that insures your house ask him to do some leg work for you. After all if they want your dollar every year they will look.
I don't do much rush hour I look for back roads but like all dressers rush hour is not fun. I even changed my hours by working a half hour longer.
You don't say where you live or what kinda rush hour you have. But its all what you make of it freeways move better then highways and back roads are nicer them then all.
Even a cars hate rush hours |
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Tourer
Posts: 307
Columbia, SC | Also, another reason I avoid rush hour and bumper to bumper traffic is I feel as though there's more of a chance of someone falling asleep, or letting their car creep forward while checking a text or something like that and even giving me a "bump". Unprepared, that means a drop, possibly an injured ankle or something.
A few months ago, I saw a line of cars waiting (stopped) to merge right onto a highway (right turn right only lane). There was a car that was waiting, and behind him was a van. Both drivers looking left to see the cars coming. The car wanted a safe entrance. The van saw a spot to merge, assumed that the car infront of him would gas it to merge, and he hit the gas. Slammed into the back of the car that was 3 feet in front of him still stopped cause he wasn't paying attention. All I thought was, "Damn. Glad it wasn't ME waiting to merge into traffic."
ESPECIALLY since that day, if there's a slightly longer route, but one that requires less traffic or stop signs, lights, etc. I look for less traffic, and less time requiring my feet to be off the floorboards. I don't go CRAZY, but I'll stay on main roads (more flow of traffic, multiple lanes if possible) if I'm in an urban area. Or I'll run on a street parallel to the street an address is on if I feel that street is just too dangerous (example: riding on side street instead of "main street" cause main street has a ton of shops and parking lots with people in a hurry to get in and out, whle the side street is all houses)
No matter what the bike, stop and go traffic sucks, but taking a week or two to explore alternate routes to/from work will help you find a good compromise between avoiding a lot of that traffic, and still making decent time. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 112
Denver, Iowa | I think these guys have done a great job of summarizing what to expect out of the Vision 8-ball that you're looking at. They've all pretty much hit the nail on the head. Even though the Vision may be a 'heavy bike' by some standards, I believe a trunked XC is heavier than an 8-ball (but correct me if I'm wrong on that one). My wife isn't afraid to ride my Vision (even though she has two Victorys of her own... spoiled brat,lol!), and the tip-over protection certainly adds to her confidence. And she's only 5'5" and 135 lbs.
You should see the looks she gets from those big, gruff, sleeveless Harley dudes at bike night, when she hops on the Vision and takes off like it's second nature.
She likes riding it because she feels a little safer in traffic than her bikes. She likes the feeling of not being so exposed to the cagers versus a bike with little or no bodywork (plastic, fairing, whatever you want to call it). |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 33
| I really love my 2011 8-Ball. The things I appreciate on this bike are the fixed fairing, motorized windshield (added motor), 1" lowered seat and rear shock (standard), and heated grips (added). The comfort level of this bike is unlike anything else I've ever rode. Riding in the rain and cold is not a problem on this bike, it eats it up!! |
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Visionary
Posts: 1290
Ruskin, Fl | I had Progressive when I went from a V-Star 1100 to a Vision TP. More than doubled my rates with $1000 deductible. I swithed to Auto-Owners. Dropped the deductible from 1000 to either 200 or 500, I can't remember but the premium went down from almost 600 a year to less than 400.
When I was rearended last Jan they gave me over $16000 for my '08. |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 32
East Haven, CT | cchristo - 2012-01-30 11:37 PM
In the end, only you know what you want out of a bike. If it speaks to you when you are walking towards it, riding it, and walking away from it after the ride, well, just follow your gut!
My Vision is always asking me to ride her no matter which way I am walking  |
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Cruiser
Posts: 83
Bolivar Missouri | I ride a 10 Vision Tour . The tranny noise takes some geting used to . 28 inch inseam and commute 35 one way mostly slab but have no problem in heavy traffic ... Have insurance through American Family which is less than half of what progressive wants . |
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New user
Posts: 2
| Wow guys, thanks for all the responses. I'm sold. I dropped an offer on the dealer and they're "considering' it. I'll let you know how the negotiations work out, hopefully by posting a picture of my new ride.
BTW I agree that the lines of the vision just "call" to some people. I think it's what Ness had in mind. Not something for the masses maybe, but for the "called". And I'm one.
Thanks again. |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 30
| DePixeler - 2012-02-02 6:35 PM
Wow guys, thanks for all the responses. I'm sold. I dropped an offer on the dealer and they're "considering' it. I'll let you know how the negotiations work out, hopefully by posting a picture of my new ride.
BTW I agree that the lines of the vision just "call" to some people. I think it's what Ness had in mind. Not something for the masses maybe, but for the "called". And I'm one.
Thanks again.
Who is your dealer, that makes a difference. |
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Tourer
Posts: 307
Columbia, SC | DePixeler - 2012-02-02 7:35 PM
Not something for the masses maybe, but for the "called". And I'm one.
Thanks again.There's a nice marketing catch phrase in there.....I like it. "Not for the masses. For the called."....something like that.
Alexi |
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Tourer
Posts: 337
san antonio, tx | DePixeler - 2012-02-02 6:35 PM
BTW I agree that the lines of the vision just "call" to some people. I think it's what Ness had in mind. Not something for the masses maybe, but for the "called". And I'm one.
Correct me if I'm wrong here ya'll, but doesn't Mike Song deserve the real credit? |
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Cruiser
Posts: 249
Phenix City AL. | Ness just puts the bling on them, Mr. Song gets the credit. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1229
Rancho Cucamonga, CA | In an interview, Arlen said he had nothing to do with the Vision design. He just makes em look good. |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 18
| I'am with the rest of the people on here. For me it was love at first sight when they came out in 08. I sat on one at the dealer ship, and was sold on it the minute i stood the bike up off the kick stand. It was all i could think about for the next two years. In 2010 I walked into a dealership ready to pull the trigger I found a left over 2009 vision at a decent price and bought it. I ride it every chance i get short trips, long trips, it doesn't matter. I had a 1986 Honda V 65 that i thought i would keep for around town but it never got rode after the vision, and that bike was my pride and joy, it was in perfect shape, looked brand new. I sold it didn't want the carbs getting gummed up. |
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Visionary
Posts: 3006
San Antonio, TX | I was on the fence until the wife sat on back and said "This is cool!" After that I could only see a Vision in my future.
Ride Safe |
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Cruiser
Posts: 66
Delray Beach, FL United States | Just to chime in I think the Vision is a great bike in stead of an 8 ball. if you want take the trunk off for solo riding put it on when wife/girlfriend goes so you got room for "shopping" . trany noise mine can't complain, heat I live in fla, black roads and 100 degree days do kinda suck just keep moving. As for the insurance I had a VTX 1800 R3 before, with the help of the ABS brakes and being a safe driver my ins went down. That's a 500 deductable 300/100 ins policy or 100/300 whatever but I have to admit I was glad to have it when I got into an accident on my wifes bike Honda areo 750. 14 days in intensive care, let's just say Glad to be alive. as for a back rest tell the passenger to hold on to either you or the handles! Happy safe riding!
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PREpurchase questions