|
|
Puddle Jumper
Posts: 13
| I presently own a 2011 HD Roadglide and 2002 Honda Goldwing and seen today a 2012 Victory Vision that caught my eye. I wanted to know if any other owners of a HD & Goldwing made the switch to the Vision what were their thoughts. The ride is great however the look is sometimes a little futuristic and the trunk throws off the bike overall looks. Althought I am very interested in trading in the those bikes and making a possible move to one bike that does it all. Your comments will be appreciated.
TKS! |
|
| |
|
Puddle Jumper
Posts: 9
Corpus Christi | Batt
There are lots of HD riders that have switched. they will chime in later im sure. There are also gold wing riders that have switched. I have heard nothing but good things about thembut have yet to manage to get my hands on the one i want. But I am working very hard to that end.
|
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 53
Raleigh, NC | I just rode home an 08 Vision today. I'm not a Harley guy (just sold my 06 Vulcan 900), but the guy I bought from was sad he couldn't keep it because he enjoyed the 2 mile ride he took on it before I picked it up. He was blown away by the ride and would take it over his Harley any day. I spent 3 1/2 hours on mine today (longest ride I've ever done) and enjoyed every minute of it. Except for my sunburned forearms. |
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 131
Edmond, OK 2012 Vision, 2012 Cross Country | I have had a total of 3 Vision's, the latest is a 2012. I had a 2009 which was put to sleep by some idiot who did not know how to tie a bbq in the back of the pickup he was driving (long story). I replaced it with a 2011 Pearl White Vision, I had it 11 months and put 24K on it and my dealer got the Vision in I have now, my 2012. This bike put me back where I wanted to be before my accident. This should tell you my feeling toward the bike. I also have a 2012 Cross Country and love it as well. My Vision had 5k as of this past week, the Cross Country rolled 2300 miles today. Do I think everyone should ride one, no if you don't like people asking you about your bike everywhere you go. Do I want everyone to ride one, yes that way they know what the best bike is like to ride. Its your bike they all have good points and bad points and all break down at time. Ride what makes you happy not everyone else. I do and always will. I have to please myself and not anyone else when it comes to my choice in a bike. Good luck in you shopping and ride safe on whatever you choose to ride. |
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 262
Flowery Branch Ga | I came from HD. There is a huge difference. The pluses for me: easier and cheaper to maintain, better gas mileage, better ride, better handling, more power, more room, more comfort, can find it in the crowd. The negatives: people always want to talk about the bike, less aftermarket support, fewer dealers (although you won't need one often). I don't regret my purchase one bit. If I lost it for some reason, I would buy another one as soon as the insurance check cleared.
Wayne |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 3773
Pittsburgh, PA | i didnt own a goldwing, but my friend does and one of the things he noticed between his goldwing and my vision is SEAT HEIGHT... there is a very big difference.... plus another thing over the gold wing is 6th gear... and No valve adjustments plus the air filter on the vision takes about 5 minutes to replace verses the few Hours it takes to replace a goldwing air filter. look at this link
seat height. http://www.powersportsnetwork.com/enthusiasts/new_vehicle_compare.a... |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 1632
Jasper, MO | Batt13 - 2012-03-17 10:25 PM
I presently own a 2011 HD Roadglide and 2002 Honda Goldwing and seen today a 2012 Victory Vision that caught my eye. I am very interested in trading in the those bikes and making a possible move to one bike that does it all. Your comments will be appreciated.
TKS!
That would be the Vision. Mine's a 2008. I used to have Goldwing and still ride with friends who have them. I consider the GL1800 and the Vision Tour Premium to be equal bikes, overall, with each having some things each does better than the other.
The Goldwing has bigger saddlebags than the Vision and they are easier to use. That said, we find that we can pack just as much stuff as on the GW, but it takes a little more thought and effort on the Vision. The openings on the Vision's saddlebags are smaller than the actual inside capacity, so they work better if you use 2 or 3 smaller stuff bags instead of the bag liners, or use them for jackets, raingear, etc.
The trunks hold the same amount. The Vision's trunk liner is ideal for packing clothes for 10-14 days for two people.
The Vision rides and handles better than the GL1800, and that's saying something.
The Vision is a lot more comfortable for us than the GW, especially when the daily miles range into 500+. Those long floorboards make a lot of difference.
The Vision is a little hotter than the GW in hot weather, especially the heat coming from the right side exhaust, and the cold weather protection is slightly better on the GW. However, the addition of the lower wind deflectors on the Vision negates any differences.
The Goldwing has about 10 or 15 more horsepower than the Vision, all at the upper end of the revs. The torque is pretty much equal. In 5th gear, the bikes are about dead even up to about 100 MPH, then the GW will start to inch away. In other words, 5th gear passing power of the two bikes is about equal in the real world. The Vision is electronically speed limited to 120 MPH. It gets there with ease. Lots of us have put Lloydz Motorworkz cams, intake plate, and fuel controller on our Visions. Those additions give the Vision about 10 or 15 more horsepower than the Goldwing, and more torque than the Goldwing to boot. The Vision can then outrun the GL1800, especially if you also add Lloydz reprogrammed ECU, which moves the 5500 RPM rev-limit to 6400 RPM, and gets rid of the 120 MPH speed limiter. As you know, the GL1800 is really strong from about 2000 to 5500 RPM. The stock Vision is strong from about 2000 to 4500 RPM. A Vision with Lloydz cams, intake and controller is strong from about 2000 to 5500 RPM, and is still pulling hard when it hits that 5500 RPM factory limiter. A Vision with cams, intake, controller, and ECU is strong from about 2000 to 6000 RPM. The fuel economy stays about like stock, unless you're flogging it all the time. I'm running the stock exhaust. With it, the Vision outruns the GWs.
Fuel range is close between the GW and Vision. The GW holds 6.7 gallons vs the Vision at 6 gallons. My Vision always got about 2 MPG better than the GWs when riding together on trips, overall. With the Lloydz cams, intake controller, and ECU on my Vision, I still beat the GWs by 1 or 1 1/2 MPG overall. If we get into high speed cruising (80+) with a tailwind, I'll beat the GWs by 5 MPG. That's where the 6th gear overdrive really shines.
The stereo radio works better on the Goldwing; picks up more stations. The hidden antenna on the Vision isn't ideal for reception. Some owners have added external antennas or amplifiers.
Both have inputs for MP3, Ipods, XM, etc. Broadcast FM reception doesn't matter much then.
I'm not much interested in such things as Bluetooth and cell phone integration, but for those who are, the Honda is better supported. J&M is reportedly working on solutions for the Vision.
The intercom works better on the Vision. It's VOX operated and adjustable for sensitivity. The GW's is live all the time, picking up wind noise all the time.
The passenger's audio controls are better on the Vision. The passenger has completely autonomous control over volume of the stereo, intercom, and CB, where the Goldwing's passenger's audio volumes are a slave to the driver's. In other words, on the Vision, the driver can turn his volume all the way down and the passenger can still listen at whatever volume desired.
The Honda's noise filtering on the CB is better than the Vision's. They both have about the same range. J&M headsets preferred on both.
It's becoming apparent that the reliability of the Vision is as good as the Goldwing.
Like I said, pretty much equal bikes overall. Take one out for a 200 mile test ride and decide for yourself.
If you want it to sound more like the Harley instead of the Goldwing, change the exhaust pipes.
Ronnie
Edited by rdbudd 2012-03-18 10:47 AM
|
|
| |
|
Tourer
Posts: 494
Akron Ohio area | The trunk is removable which gives you 2 bikes in one. ($100 buys the part to fill the hole when top box is removed)
2011 and up have 5,000 mile oil change intervals and only one place to change the oil.
ABS is standard equipment now.
The huge floorboards allow for long days in the saddle.
The 2011 Vision Tour has an HID center headlight, but I think the 2012 doesn't.
I get right around 14,000 miles on the rear tire and change the front out at the same time even though it could go another 4-5 K. |
|
| |
|
Puddle Jumper
Posts: 48
Cicero, Indiana | I just traded my venture for a vision and we are riding part way tonight then switch Monday and ride back. I test rode a lot of bikes before I got the venture and I have been very pleased with it. Now that said I like the modern look of the vision and it does ride great! I think no matter what you leave you will give up something. With the venture I'm giving up seat room and a tape deck! I'm not sure why the vision is getting crappy mileage out of its tires because I know on the venture you get close to 20000 on a rear tire. Get what make you happy! |
|
| |
|
Tourer
Posts: 416
Prairie City, IA United States | I am a new Vision owner coming off a 2010 GW. I put 26K on the GW before trading it for the Vision. I am 5'-9" tall and could never get comfortable on the GW seat. I have ridden for over 2 1/2 hours on the Vision without getting off. The seat is awesome. The riding positions are completely different between the 2 bikes. Probably the thing that will sway you the most is your passenger. Wind management is much better for them. I also like the electric windshield vs. the stop and adjust GW. You have to have at least a set of Baker hand wings on the GW to reduce buffeting.
Granted, I only have 2,600 miles on the Vision but I am much happier with it. Now, if I could only get a set of Centramatic wheel balancers for the Vision. They are the only thing I miss. |
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 232
| If you buy a vision look at paint and body real close for fit and match and paint flaking.Get everything in writing from dealer.The company polaris can't be trusted. The product need more refinement. |
|
| |
|
Puddle Jumper
Posts: 13
| TRELL - 2012-03-18 9:50 PM
If you buy a vision look at paint and body real close for fit and match and paint flaking.Get everything in writing from dealer.The company polaris can't be trusted. The product need more refinement.
The flaking looks realy looks good. I have not heard that was a problem with the paint. Has there been a problem with many of the Visions?? |
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 262
Flowery Branch Ga | Not on my 2010 8Ball Vision. |
|
| |
|
Tourer
Posts: 430
| Not on 08 tp |
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 105
| I sold my 2010 Road Glide Custom and bought a 2011 Vision. I can't go back. Better motor and the suspension is ridiculously superior. The rear suspension on all the FLH's is just lousy especially if you get the custom versions with the 1" lower rear. Also don't let anyone tell you that the Vision bags are small. They just look that way. They actually have slightly more volume that the standard FLH bags. The HD bags are long but narrow and shallow. I couldn't even fit my half helmet in my bags. It fits in the Vision just fine. Also the seat comfort and back support is vastly superior on the Vision. You sit IN a Vision rather than ON the FLH.
Other than dealer network and aftermarket, the Vision is a clear winner in all respects IMO. I rode HD's for 19 years before getting my first Victory. Owned every family of bike they make. Other than the V-rod, I don't see me owning another one.
BTW... the electric windshield will RUIN you!
Ride safe,
Jim
Edited by V-rodder 2012-03-20 11:27 PM
|
|
| |
|
Puddle Jumper
Posts: 13
| V-rodder - 2012-03-21 12:24 AM
I sold my 2010 Road Glide Custom and bought a 2011 Vision. I can't go back. Better motor and the suspension is ridiculously superior. The rear suspension on all the FLH's is just lousy especially if you get the custom versions with the 1" lower rear. Also don't let anyone tell you that the Vision bags are small. They just look that way. They actually have slightly more volume that the standard FLH bags. The HD bags are long but narrow and shallow. I couldn't even fit my half helmet in my bags. It fits in the Vision just fine. Also the seat comfort and back support is vastly superior on the Vision. You sit IN a Vision rather than ON the FLH.
Other than dealer network and aftermarket, the Vision is a clear winner in all respects IMO. I rode HD's for 19 years before getting my first Victory. Owned every family of bike they make. Other than the V-rod, I don't see me owning another one.
BTW... the electric windshield will RUIN you!
Ride safe,
Jim
Thanks for your input. Since you owned the same HD bike, your decision to purchase and make the change is the same position that I am in. I am really concerned that if I trade in the HD that I will miss it. Besides I ride with all HD riders so the possiblity of missing the HD increases. Obvious it comes down to making the choice and being happy with the choice. |
|
| |
|
Puddle Jumper
Posts: 31
Las Vegas, NV | Bought my 08 Vision in May of 08. Sold my 3rd GW 4 days later. Leg placement was a major factor in changing bikes. The vision has kept me in the saddle over 18 hours at a time for long trips and NEVER had any mechanical problems AT ALL!!!!!! Just traded in the 08 on Feb 15th on a 2012 after putting on 72,824 problem free miles. My Harley buddies cannot believe how dependable the spaceship, plastic princess, lazy boy on wheels or whatever names they have chosen to call the bike for that day actually is. I live in the desert and have faced winds in excess of 60-65 mph and the GW is a boxkite waiting to take off. The vision allows wind to go thru the engine compartment and is alot more forgiving than the GW. Its lighter and easier to handle. Maintenance is a breeze as all you will hopefully be doing is the standard stuff as you would on any other bike. Of course, there are always flaws, but they have been too far and few in between to even matter. All in all, this is my 18th motorcycle and I dont forsee ever changing again, unless I get another dirt bike. Get the Vision and get ready for the best motorcycle owning experience of your life. The guys that have written a response prior to me have covered everything I wanted to add. AND YOU BE SPOILED BY THE VISION WINDSHIELD!!!!!!!!!!!! Good luck on your decision, but above all, RIDE SAFELY. Mike |
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 105
| It really depends on what you like about your bike. If you really enjoy going to various dealerships and customizing your bike, then you will miss the HD. If you enjoy riding your bike more, then the Vision is just a better motorcycle. You will hear it from some of your HD buddies as the Vision's styling is VERY anti-harley. However the Vision will be a huge hit with non-HD people. I can tell you this emphatically... I do NOT miss riding my RGC.
Ride safe,
Jim |
|
| |
|
Tourer
Posts: 400
| Batt13 - 2012-03-21 8:58 AM
V-rodder - 2012-03-21 12:24 AM
I sold my 2010 Road Glide Custom and bought a 2011 Vision. I can't go back. Better motor and the suspension is ridiculously superior. The rear suspension on all the FLH's is just lousy especially if you get the custom versions with the 1" lower rear. Also don't let anyone tell you that the Vision bags are small. They just look that way. They actually have slightly more volume that the standard FLH bags. The HD bags are long but narrow and shallow. I couldn't even fit my half helmet in my bags. It fits in the Vision just fine. Also the seat comfort and back support is vastly superior on the Vision. You sit IN a Vision rather than ON the FLH.
Other than dealer network and aftermarket, the Vision is a clear winner in all respects IMO. I rode HD's for 19 years before getting my first Victory. Owned every family of bike they make. Other than the V-rod, I don't see me owning another one.
BTW... the electric windshield will RUIN you!
Ride safe,
Jim
Thanks for your input. Since you owned the same HD bike, your decision to purchase and make the change is the same position that I am in. I am really concerned that if I trade in the HD that I will miss it. Besides I ride with all HD riders so the possiblity of missing the HD increases. Obvious it comes down to making the choice and being happy with the choice.
Check with the dealership, they may have a Victory Chapter. Mine does. We go on multiple rides during the year. |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 1632
Jasper, MO | nummy - 2012-03-21 9:01 AM
I live in the desert and have faced winds in excess of 60-65 mph and the GW is a boxkite waiting to take off. The vision allows wind to go thru the engine compartment and is alot more forgiving than the GW.
Its lighter and easier to handle. Maintenance is a breeze
That's what we thought at first too, that the Vision was lighter than the GW. The scales tell a different story. The Vision is all of 10 pounds lighter than a Goldwing. The Vision just FEELS lighter and is definitely not as top heavy. I agree about the GW being a boxkite relative to the Vision too. The GW is bothered by crosswinds more than the Vision is.
Maintenance. It takes 5 minutes to change the air filter on the Vision and maybe 15 minutes to change the oil and filter if you let every little drop drip out. No plastic has to come off for either one. If you've ever changed the air filter on a GL1800, I don't have to tell you what a pain in the arse that is. To be fair, rear tire changes are much easier on the Goldwing than the Vision. Not much difference with the fronts.
Ronnie |
|
| |
|
Tourer
Posts: 337
san antonio, tx | Batt13 - 2012-03-21 8:58 AM
V-rodder - 2012-03-21 12:24 AM
Jim
Besides I ride with all HD riders so the possiblity of missing the HD increases.
I doubt there are any riders here that don't ride with HD riders. I do all the time. The more, the merrier. There are always good natured comments, but I've developed plenty of comebacks for all of them. I've never had anyone comment negatively on any aspect of either of my Vics except the occasional "that's an ugly bike", which means absolutely nothing. There are always plenty of ugly Harleys to point at if you're so inclined!
Of course, if you're really feeling your oats, and feel like a little excitement, you can always come back with something like "yeah, I know; but you've got an ugly passenger, and you can't just leave her in the garage tonight!" |
|
| |
|
Tourer
Posts: 466
Grand Cane, LA | I ride with several Harley riders all the time including my brother. Now he's a diehard Harley guy, but even he will tell that it doesn't matter what you ride. If your Harley friends are true motorcyclists they won't care what you ride. Of course you will always find yourself slowing back waiting on them! Lol! |
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 105
| What it all boils down to is Harley ownership vs. Victory ownership. HD ownership has a kinship of a huge group of riders, a massive dealer network, and the ability to customize the hell out of your bike. The Vic ownership has a kinship of a much smaller group of riders, an even smaller dealer network, but a much better motorcycle.
Your call,
Jim |
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 79
Michigan | I have had two Goldwings over my riding career. In each case I was a solo rider. The first, a 1995, was before I was married. The 2nd, a 2001, was after I was married but my wife got one also. Storage was never and issue as a result. Now that I have purchased a 2012 VVT I will tell you it is my favorite bike out of all that I have owned over the last 26 years of motorcycling. The Vision has less storage than my Goldwings but as before my wife rides her own machine. A Can Am Sypder R/T now for specific personal reasons. As such storage still isn't an issue. For heavy duty two up touring or where storage is a (or the) key purchase consideration I would recomment the Cross Country Tour. I almost bought it but didn't like the fact that there were no presets for the radio control and no adjustable windshield. Trival I know but we all have our reasons and I love both those features. I also like the styling. |
|
| |
|
Puddle Jumper
Posts: 13
| After really considering the purchase of a 2012 Vision, I decided to keep my 2011 HD RGC & 2002 Honda Goldwing. I really feel that the Vision is a better handling bike but I really dont feel comfortable with its style at this time. I do really appreciate all the input that was sent and maybee in the future I may reconsider the Vision. Thanks Again!!! |
|
| |
|
Iron Butt
Posts: 1109
| Good luck to you, ride safe. |
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 216
Danville, CA | Congrats and ride safe... You will feel it someday..... |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 1632
Jasper, MO | Good luck to you and ride safe. You've got a couple of fine bikes already. If our paths ever cross, you're welcome to swap bikes with me for a few miles. You may find that the styling "grows on you". In any event, we would be glad to ride with you.
Ronnie |
|
| |
|
Tourer
Posts: 500
| Try the CCT...It is a really nice bike in many ways...Several of my HD friends say they would ride it instead of their HD when they are ready to trade/sell...I personally bought my Vision because I wanted something different than the crowd..Now that I have had it for almost a year, I would not want anything else...Great Bike!!!! |
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 82
Fargo, ND | The next time a Harley rider calls your bike ugly or says he would never be caught dead on a Vision... Remind him that "Sonny Barger" rides a Vision now... not a Harley! (for those of you who don't know who Sonny Barger is, he is the National President of the "HELLS ANGELS"
Edited by stretch1956 2012-03-28 2:57 PM
|
|
| |
|
Tourer
Posts: 329
scotts valley, California | I switched from Harley in 2008 to Vision. Had it not been for the looks, it might have been sooner. I love the traditional Harley look, but one test ride on the Vision and the Harley was for sale. Three and a half years later, no regrets. In my opinion Victory Vision is a far superior bike in all respects, possibly excepting the shine. After two years, I permanently removed the tour pack, sold it for $1000, and have no regrets. I agree the bike looks better without it.
Regarding that ultra modern appearance, after you experience a few hundred episodes of people in gas stations and grocery stores drooling over you bike, it starts to look better to you! |
|
| |
|
Tourer
Posts: 457
Green Bay, WI United States | Ride on Brother..... |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | stretch1956 - 2012-03-28 3:57 PM The next time a Harley rider calls your bike ugly or says he would never be caught dead on a Vision... Remind him that "Sonny Barger" rides a Vision now... not a Harley! (for those of you who don't know who Sonny Barger is, he is the National President of the "HELLS ANGELS" I wouldn't swear to it, but I was riding a Vision before Sonny and he wanted to be like... oh never mind, you all wouldn't believe it anyways... |
|
| |
POSSIBLE 2012 VICTORY VISION PURCHASE NEED SOME INPUT