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Iron Butt
Posts: 804
Perry Hall, MD | A friend showed up at the house yesterday with his new 1800 Goldwing. We compared features for a few minutes then went for a ride. Part way through we swapped bikes. This was my first experience on a GW and his on a VV.
I instantly missed my floorboards and a real shifter. When we stopped he commented that the Vision was the most comfortable bike he has ridden. Before we left he had said one reason he didn't look at the VV was because of the style, now with the bikes sitting side-by-side he says "yours really looks like a motorcycle". He didn't care for my cherry bomb exhaust (have to admit that it's a little loud for me). I didn't like all of the wind noise that came off of his windshield (probably amplified because otherwise the bike just has a little whine to it). Guess that if I got off and adjusted it up or down it may have been better. I'm not sure if he played with adjusting mine but he did comment that he wished his was powered. He liked where the controls were located on the VV which is where Honda decided to put a little glove box this year (which opens backwards). I didn't dare attempt to fiddle with the buttons on the Wing as they were down by my knee. It was nice that he had a full size helmet in each saddle bag. It was nimble, balanced very well, and had a number of nice features, but when he rode away I was extremely happy that it is a Vision that sits in my garage. |
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Tourer
Posts: 500
| Agree.....I will take my Vision Tour any day after riding a Goldwing....Just not my cup of tea, but it still remains the #1 Touring bike in North America and the cycle mags all seem to vote it the best????? |
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Visionary
Posts: 1365
Central Maryland | I test road a Goldwing... one Saturday last year. Felt like i was "disconnected" with the road, with the front lower fairing. It did feel smooth and operated well.
I then test road a Vision that Sunday. Which is now in my stable.
....but I'm preaching to the choir here 
Edited by willtill 2012-02-19 5:55 PM
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Tourer
Posts: 307
Columbia, SC | One thing that really had me leaning towards a goldwing was the smoothness of the engine and throttle. It's VERY torquey and you can keep it in 3rd gear and ride any mountain without having to shift much (if at all). And it's an ultra smooth ride.
I wiggled back and forth between goldwing and vision, both are very similar, but I got all the "necessary" items (my list of must-haves) in the vision for thousands less, with just as proven reliability, and a much lower seat height and tipover protection which at 5'4" makes me happy.
I still consider ways to make it smoother, more torquey/powerful. I may came back here in a year or two and ask for more long-term reports on the 116 kit.
Alexi |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 965
New York State | Prior to 2008 the Goldwing was the premier luxury tour on the market. The only bad thing people had to say about it was it was a Honda not a HD.
With the Vision there is nothing bad to say.
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Tourer
Posts: 394
Tucson, AZ | I don't how you could make the VV smoother, if you want more horse power and torque, you really don't have to go all the way to have the 116 ci upgrade done. Just have it Kevin X'd and that should take care of the situation. I had mine done and have no problem spanking 1800 Wings. |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | i find no similarity at all between a vision and a gold wing, except they are both motorcycles. because of rider position, an hour to an hour and a half is my max comfort on a gold wing and then i have to stop to move around off of the bike. there is no comortable riding position for me, legs down and in, bothers my knees, feet up and out is aggrevating and affects my knees. Saddle height is to high and wide, causing difficult stances in uneven road ways at stops and potential dropping in sandy areas. The Gold Wing is bulky and top heavy also and difficult to do slow manuevers, especially when two up.
There is ZERO perks that means anything to me between the two bikes, and the only thing I wish for on a Vision is a larger fuel tank. Having to stop every 2 1/2 hours to get fuel is okay, I'm ready for a small refreshment at that time anyways. The Vision is always a pleaser in all situations and a lover when riding two-up. |
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Visionary
Posts: 3006
San Antonio, TX | I wonder how many Vision Riders take the Freedom engine over 3000 rpm? In the city I rarely go over 3500 rpm. But when I am going uphill in the twisties....the engine stays above 3000 rpm because thats is where the magic happens. My engine is stock with S1L2 pipes and map and makes about 84 hp to the rear tire.
In third gear it will pull my arms off up to almost 70 mph and here comes fourth gear baby! When you engine is warmed up, give it a try.
Oh yea, umm, Ride Safe.
Edited by radioteacher 2012-02-20 10:49 AM
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | radioteacher - 2012-02-20 11:48 AM I wonder how many Vision Riders take the Freedom engine over 3000 rpm? In the city I rarely go over 3500 rpm. But when I am going uphill in the twisties....the engine stays above 3000 rpm because thats is where the magic happens. My engine is stock with S1L2 pipes and map and makes about 84 hp to the rear tire. In third gear it will pull my arms off up to almost 70 mph and here comes fourth gear baby! When you engine is warmed up, give it a try. Oh yea, umm, Ride Safe. Almost always when I roll onto the interstate I'll run it up around 3,700 - 4,500 until I hit 6th. From the stop light I'll run it up the first few gears to around 4,500 until I hit the speed limit, then I'm usually jump 4th and going to 5th depending on the speed. This is most of the time I ride, after the bike warms up. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 965
New York State | http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/PhotoGallerys/xlarge/12_GoldWing_Det0...
http://knowledgeareas.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/2011-Victory-V...
They are both touring motorcycles with fixed fairings.
They share a similar look
The Honda is weighs more with a weight listed at 933 lbs
They both come from the factory with many items that on a HD are options.
I believe the Vision was built to be a direct competitor to the GW in the touring bike market
The 2008 Vision only had 4 less hp than the same year GW. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 623
| Not after visiting kevinx. We have about 20 more HP, still for less money, I don't know of any performance mods for the wing that will get it close. |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | Trekwolf164 - 2012-02-20 3:37 PM http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/PhotoGallerys/xlarge/12_GoldWing_Det0... http://knowledgeareas.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/2011-Victory-V... They are both touring motorcycles with fixed fairings. They share a similar look The Honda is weighs more with a weight listed at 933 lbs They both come from the factory with many items that on a HD are options. I believe the Vision was built to be a direct competitor to the GW in the touring bike market The 2008 Vision only had 4 less hp than the same year GW. I've always seen entirely two seprate bikes, similarities are as you state: - Fixed Faring
- Touring
- Options
- Weight
- Tire size
- Battery
Differences: - Seat height
- Seat Width
- Seat comfort
- Engine, wide six verses narrow V-twin
- foot controls
- floorboards and feet positions
- cooling
- drive-train
- shock system
I'm sure there are others - but the big ones that count really are focused on the rider. Something may seem to be the same, but the difference are actually big, and the Vision comes way out on top. Of course my opinion strictly.... 
Edited by varyder 2012-02-20 2:53 PM
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New user
Posts: 3
Jacksonville Fl. | Hey guys, first post and a new owner of a Cross Country Tour. I traded my GW in for my XCT. In my opinion the Vic. has the GW beat. I rode the GW for a couple years and put 20,000+ miles on it. The problem with the GW was no matter how hard I tried I just couldn't get comfortable with leg position. On the Vic I can just stretch out. Don't get me wrong though, the GW is fast, powerful and handle great but couldn't get comfortable. Bottom line is I love my Victory. |
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New user
Posts: 4
South Florida | I'm about three weeks away from a XCT, I also have a wing and for the past 4 1/2 years 81,000 miles and about five different seats it's time for a change. Like most wing owners we think it's the best thing out there but so many of us are uncompfortable, we are looking forward to something new. |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 18
| I can't find anything that compares to my vv. I have good friend who has always rode GW but his major complaint is he can't get comfortable leg position. He wants a XCT but his wife won't let it happen she does not like the vibration of the XCT or the rear seat. I'm so happy my wife is more interested in what works for me. |
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Tourer
Posts: 430
| I drove my VV to the local Lowes to pick up some hardware yesterday. While I was in the parking lot, and before I was off the bike, a Lowes employee walked by and
said 'nice bike' I said thanks.
I got off the bike and guy walks up to me and says - 'that bike looks very comfortable' I said ' some guys call it a couch with
wheels' and we chuckled. He asked about long ride comfort - I side i really enjoy the VV because of all the different positions I can put my feet. I m 6' 2'' and never feel cramped. He then said I have a GW - I said nice bike. He said yes 'but - wish I had saved more $ and bought a Vision, I just can't get comfortable on a long ride' |
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Cruiser
Posts: 69
AZ | Owned a 2006 GW for 5 years/approx 50k miles. For me the major problem was with my seat & leg position. Three different seats plus two different pads in various combinations and it was never as comfortable as the VV stock seat. I also have knee problems from the pounding they took in the military and that contributed to my discomfort sitting on the GW.
The Gold Wing in all other aspects (except the intercomm...worst of any touring bike I've owned) is a smooth, powerful, sporty-handlling bike that just ran and ran mile after mile. It also has the best passenger seat/position of any of the other touring bikes I've owned (HD RGU, VV, BMW RT, BMW LT) according to my wife.
regards, |
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Cruiser
Posts: 57
Kansas City, MO | I test rode a new 2012 GW.
Leg/Foot position and ride comfort were what I came back to constantly (I AM looking at TOURING bikes, right??!).
Victory won hands-down against the GW for myself.
The biggest problem I had was deciding on XCT vs. Vision... |
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Visionary
Posts: 3773
Pittsburgh, PA | Trekwolf164 - 2012-02-20 2:37 PM
http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/PhotoGallerys/xlarge/12_GoldWing_Det0...
http://knowledgeareas.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/2011-Victory-V...
They are both touring motorcycles with fixed fairings.
They share a similar look
The Honda is weighs more with a weight listed at 933 lbs
They both come from the factory with many items that on a HD are options.
I believe the Vision was built to be a direct competitor to the GW in the touring bike market
The 2008 Vision only had 4 less hp than the same year GW.
think there is alot more than just 4hp difference between the GW and vision...... this is from motorcycle.com
The last time we tested a Wing ? 2009 Luxury Touring Shootout ? the Honda spun the dyno for a best result of 96 hp at 5600 rpm and 103 ft-lbs at 4200 rpm
Edited by Arkainzeye 2012-02-21 10:35 AM
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New user
Posts: 3
Jacksonville Fl. | The GF thinks the back of the XCT is more comfortable than the GW. |
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Tourer
Posts: 416
Prairie City, IA United States | I put 26k miles in just over a year on my GW before trading for a VV. The VV is better for comfort and wind management for the rider and passenger according to me and my wife. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 1109
| Owned a GW once upon a time and looked at another one before I bought my Vision. At 6'3" I couldn't get comfortable on the GW. Didn't care for the whine either. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1632
Jasper, MO | Arkainzeye - 2012-02-21 10:32 AM
Trekwolf164 - 2012-02-20 2:37 PM
http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/PhotoGallerys/xlarge/12_GoldWing_Det0...
http://knowledgeareas.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/2011-Victory-V...
They are both touring motorcycles with fixed fairings.
They share a similar look
The Honda is weighs more with a weight listed at 933 lbs
They both come from the factory with many items that on a HD are options.
I believe the Vision was built to be a direct competitor to the GW in the touring bike market
The 2008 Vision only had 4 less hp than the same year GW.
think there is alot more than just 4hp difference between the GW and vision...... this is from motorcycle.com
The last time we tested a Wing ? 2009 Luxury Touring Shootout ? the Honda spun the dyno for a best result of 96 hp at 5600 rpm and 103 ft-lbs at 4200 rpm
Yep, the Honda has about 14 more HP at the wheel than a stock Vision, mostly because the Honda can spin the motor 1000 RPM higher and is geared a little lower. The torque is pretty close between the two, but the GW can rev higher.
My buddy has a 2001 Goldwing that is similarly equipped to my Vision. We've weighed them both a few times. With both bikes luggage storage empty, and just weighing the bikes alone, there is about 10 pounds difference with the Honda being heavier. The GW weights 900 pounds and my Vision tips the scales at 890 pounds. With both bikes fully loaded and the saddlebags and trunks stuffed and a bag on the trunk racks, with rider and passenger on both bikes, there is still about 10 pounds difference between the two. Their GW showed 1290 pounds and our Vision registered 1280 pounds. I don't know why the 2012 GW is listed at 933. Maybe that is for the model with the airbag, ABS, and kitchen sink. The only thing my buddy's GW has that I don't have is reverse. Neither of us have ABS. We both have full audio equipment and CB/Intercom.
When my bike was brand new, he kept challenging me to roll-on contests and drag races. In 5th gear, the bikes were about dead even up to about 100 MPH, then he would start to pull away. The stock cams start to fade at 4500 RPM (100 MPH on the Vision in 5th gear). His top speed was barely (maybe 5 MPH) faster than mine because of the speed limiter on the Vision. In a drag race, the bikes were close up to the point where the rev-limiter kicked in on the Vision. Every time that happened, the GW would pull a little more lead. The 5500 RPM rev-limiter is a severe handicap for the Vision, along with the poor stock cam design (relative to Lloydz). Since putting a few of Lloydz goodies on my Vision, I can run away from him in any gear. It's not dramatic like a sport bike would be, but I can walk away from him pretty handily. He doesn't challenge me any more. I used to get about 2 MPG better fuel economy than his GW on long trips. After adding Lloydz cams, VFCIII, and intake plate, I still beat the GW by about 1 MPG on long trips. I'm running the stock exhaust. There are no visible or audible evidence of my Vision's performance capabilities. The GW guys always have a shocked look on their faces when they realize they can't catch my Vision. I love looking back over my shoulder and seeing it.
Another riding buddy recently (last year) bought a new Ultra Classic. He thought he would be able to keep up if he put the 110 inch SE kit in it. He was wrong. He still can't keep up with either the GW or the Vision. Hid bike sure is purty though, and sounds really good. He likes it. I've offered to swap rides with him, but he always declines. He'll be a Harley rider 'til the day he dies. That's okay. He's a good friend and I always enjoy riding with him. Same thing with the GW rider. We have swapped bikes a few times. He even admits the Vision is more comfortable and he knows it's faster, but he will always be a Honda rider.
Ronnie
Edited by rdbudd 2012-02-22 10:42 AM
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Cruiser
Posts: 241
Monrovia, Ca | I had dinner Tuesday with a buddy that has a 2011 CVO ultra Classic Electra Glide Screaming Eagle and a newer exhaust system than what he had on before. ( not stock) that he said made 10 more HP. I asked him what it now dynoed and he said 96HP and low 100 torque. He admitted that it didn't make the power that a Vic does and could never keep up until top end speeds. He did say that top end on his bike was 140MPH. I believe him. he has no reason to exaggerate and has a Garmin 660 GPS to confirm. Said something about a chip or rev limiter option that he has installed. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1632
Jasper, MO | Those are pretty impressive numbers for a Harley. I can believe the 96 HP and 100 TQ. The 140 MPH I would have to see for myself. I'm not saying it couldn't happen under the right conditions (long downhill with a good tailwind perhaps), but to pull that off on a level road would be very impressive for that bike at that power level. Maybe it can. Never take anything for granted.
I have several friends with Harleys. They all have problems with speed wobbles over 100 MPH, except for the VRod and the Road King. One of them just got out of the hospital because his bike went into a wobble on New Year's Day and he crashed it. It, too, was a new $35,000 Electra Glide Ultra Classic. It went into a severe wobble just over 100 MPH. The bike slid 1100 feet. He got a couple of broken ribs and LOTS of road rash.
I've seen 130 done on a GL1800, but that was on a mile long downhill run with a strong tailwind (I was there on my Vision). On a calm day on a level road, a GW won't get much over 125. GL1800s generally dyno 96 to 100 HP and 100 to 104 TQ. I haven't dynoed my bike, but others with the same setup I have generally get 110 HP and 110 TQ. I can exceed 130 on a level road. The Vision is completely stable at that speed. The 1800 GW is stable at high speeds too. The 1500 and earlier GWs, not so much.
Ronnie |
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Tourer
Posts: 307
Columbia, SC | You guys are nuts. Knowing your bike can exceed over 100. It's a tourer! Let's slow down and stay a little safer speed. Myself, I work more towards cornering/slow-speed techniques than riding fast in a straight line. Freaks me out seeing these high speeds all the time. Unless you're on a track. If you're on a track, HAVE AT IT!!! |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 1109
| I too would have to see 140 on a Harley. I have a friend with a SE Ultra and he claims the chassis won't do 140. 120 maybe,safely. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1632
Jasper, MO | I suspect the Harley rider probably DID see 140 MPH......... registered on a dyno with the bike strapped down and NO wind resistance or rolling resistance from the front wheel. In the real world, 120-125 is more realistic for that model bike.
The Harley handling problem is very well known in the Harley community. http://www.2keller.com/library/harley-davidson-wobble.cfm
I've seen it exhibited several times myself. The Harley guys will accept roll-on challenges, but they almost always back off before they get much over 100 MPH. They know better than to go there. There is an aftermarket "fix" for the handling issues that involves a frame brace. They say it helps.
The Harleys, generally speaking, aren't much of a challenge for a Vision. The Goldwing guys on the other hand insist on proving that their ride of choice is "better" than a Vision. After all, they have three times as many cylinders, 101cc more displacement, and 50% more valves. Not only that, but the Vision is an American V-Twin and "everybody knows that American V-Twins can't match Japanese technology and performance". Some people just have to be shown the truth. I don't mind showing them. The GW guys are pretty much always nice guys. They just have preconceived notions about American V-Twin performance and they are loyal to the GW. Goldwings are nice and I've owned them before. The Vision is nicer, especially when the performance is better than the vaunted Goldwing. Performance includes handling too. We went to Deals Gap with two other couples on Goldwings. Both of them were dragging in the corners while we were right on their tails and not dragging at all. These guys can ride too. Their "other bikes" include a ZX14 and a Hayabusa. All of us have done a lot of racing. I've had a lot of sport bikes myself, mostly Suzukis. I'm too old and fat to ever be comfortable on a sport bike again. They are literally a pain in the neck and shoulders. I'm old and fat, but the competitive spirit remains. Goldwings provide good competition for the Vision as luxury tourers, canyon carvers, and overall performers. Sometimes the "King" needs to be challenged. Keeps the blood flowing.
For those that worry about us going too fast on our touring bikes, I'll just say that I've been going too fast on bikes since 1965. I'll probably die someday.
Ronnie |
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Tourer
Posts: 500
| I agree with sfalexi....You guys are nuts!! Hell if you wanna go fast buy a crotch rocket or something other than a 900lb. Tourer...It is kind of like trying to get a 1950 Buick to keep with a Porsche or something......If you need to go that much over the local speed limits....As said above, go find a race track or drag strip and go for it!!!!! I am 72yrs. old and have raced cars and bikes for years and still like to go fast at .times...but not on public roads and highways....Please stay safe, life is short.....
Edited by opas ride 2012-02-24 10:30 AM
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | Opas, I think because of the smooth ride from the cast frame verses a tubular frame, I often don't realize I'm going fast, and at times that is fast, approaching the triple digits. I think, both riders knowing their ride, the Vision can go neck and neck with a sports bike, except for the general exceleration. With that said, I agree with you, why do it, life is to short to be picked out of the pavement or tree. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 1109
| I won't say I've never been over 100 on my vision but it's rare. My problem is I look down and I'm touching 85 before I know it. It simply doesn't feel like it. |
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Tourer
Posts: 340
Regina Saskatchewan Canada | Just because you can doesn't mean you should! Stay safe! |
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Friend on a GW