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New user
Posts: 2
| My wife and I are thinking of buying a vision. I have noticed some leftover models (2008, 2009 etc..) that are very reasonable on the wallet. I want to know if buying a 2012 is better in the long run. Please respond with your opinion and have a great ride and enjoy.  |
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Tourer
Posts: 495
Carrollton, TX | The biggest things you will get starting in the 2010 models is ABS brakes and improved audio electronics. In 2011 the ABS was improved some and your get the new improved transmission which is a pretty big deal. I would not buy another bike without ABS brakes, they can save your life. The new transmission is quitter, shifts better and gets to neutral when stopped every time. There a have been some fit and finish improvements as well. If you can find a good deal on a 2011 I would go for it. The Vision is the sweetest bike you will ever own. I have a 2008 and have 82,600 miles on it and every mile just gets better. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 231
Desert Hot Springs (Palm Springs area), CA | I have a 2009 Ness Vision and LOVE IT. I have to say that the transmission doesn't bother me at all. In fact, when I've done demo rides on the newer bikes I missed seeing what gear I was in when pulling in the clutch as the new ones blank out and it isn't until you put out the clutch that you see your gear. I'd go for the best deal. Also, if you poke around the various Vision forums you'll find that Victory did some changes to the fit and finish with the newer models having more plastic parts. My saddle bags have a hydraulic dampener and open a bit wider than the newer models. REGARDLESS - the Vision is an amazing machine. I've put over 13k miles in just 14 months of ownership.
Edited by JS5Owner 2012-06-25 4:51 PM
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Visionary
Posts: 4278
| Capt G
where do you live? Its a toss up of what year is better. You'll find that 91 1/2% of us love our bike and have very few problems. Most of all problems are small like you have to pump gas in very slow to get it full. For some its the heat that comes off the bike on the right. Some say you can't put enough in the saddle bags but then they want the kitchen sink on there trip. Others will tell you they never get tired of ridding it and if the headlight bulb burs out there a bitch to change. Yes say the traine on the new bikes is very quiet but I can't hear. Yes the tires only last around 14 thousand miles and there a couple hundred dollars to re place. You can buy a Wix oil filter from the auto parts store for 7 bucks and its cheaper then what the dealer wants and the greater majority of us use it. There is no mess changing your owen oil.
We would only trade our what ever year bike for another Vision and were proud of what we have. I for got the really bad side of having a Vision is all the question people will ask you at the gas station or store.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGkFPUeNUqc |
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Cruiser
Posts: 241
Monrovia, Ca | You want to stay away from the model years 2008-2012. If like me you ride with a Harley crowd, your buddies will hate you and your bike too. Your see, beside all the other issues outlined above, You never get the chance to get the shit eating grin off you face from the people who ogle over a Vision. Therefore, you lose precious minutes of riding time. Being a Vision owner really sucks.
johnnyvision - 2012-06-25 3:11 PM
Capt G
where do you live? Its a toss up of what year is better. You'll find that 91 1/2% of us love our bike and have very few problems. Most of all problems are small like you have to pump gas in very slow to get it full. For some its the heat that comes off the bike on the right. Some say you can't put enough in the saddle bags but then they want the kitchen sink on there trip. Others will tell you they never get tired of ridding it and if the headlight bulb burs out there a bitch to change. Yes say the traine on the new bikes is very quiet but I can't hear. Yes the tires only last around 14 thousand miles and there a couple hundred dollars to re place. You can buy a Wix oil filter from the auto parts store for 7 bucks and its cheaper then what the dealer wants and the greater majority of us use it. There is no mess changing your owen oil.
We would only trade our what ever year bike for another Vision and were proud of what we have. I for got the really bad side of having a Vision is all the question people will ask you at the gas station or store.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGkFPUeNUqc
Edited by LA Victory Rider 2012-06-25 5:28 PM
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Cruiser
Posts: 50
Illinois | I'm glad I read this. Now I know that we all have the Right side heat....1 more thing: it's heavy until you get your feet off the ground, then very nimble. 1 more thing: wouldn't trade it for anydamnthing.
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Cruiser
Posts: 241
Monrovia, Ca | You want to stay away from the model years 2008-2012. If like me you ride with a Harley crowd, your buddies will hate you and your bike too. Your see, beside all the other issues outlined above, You never get the chance to get the shit eating grin off you face from the people who ogle over a Vision. Therefore, you lose precious minutes of riding time. Being a Vision owner really sucks.
johnnyvision - 2012-06-25 3:11 PM
Capt G
where do you live? Its a toss up of what year is better. You'll find that 91 1/2% of us love our bike and have very few problems. Most of all problems are small like you have to pump gas in very slow to get it full. For some its the heat that comes off the bike on the right. Some say you can't put enough in the saddle bags but then they want the kitchen sink on there trip. Others will tell you they never get tired of ridding it and if the headlight bulb burs out there a bitch to change. Yes say the traine on the new bikes is very quiet but I can't hear. Yes the tires only last around 14 thousand miles and there a couple hundred dollars to re place. You can buy a Wix oil filter from the auto parts store for 7 bucks and its cheaper then what the dealer wants and the greater majority of us use it. There is no mess changing your owen oil.
We would only trade our what ever year bike for another Vision and were proud of what we have. I for got the really bad side of having a Vision is all the question people will ask you at the gas station or store.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGkFPUeNUqc |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 1109
| I have a 2008 and love it. The only thing I wish it has was ABS. The trans ins't a problem for me, I use Rotella full synthetic and never have a problem with neutral. I'll keep this one until they redesign the Vision. And as someone else said, it's so much fun to ride with the Harley guys. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 51
Arizona | I also have an 08 and I love it. The earlier models come with much of the extras that you now seem to have to pay for it appears.
I'd snag an 09 before an 08. They came with chrome forks, wheels, and a better upgrade on the audio. Maybe a little better paint as well. The 08's are a little soft in my opinion. Plus, if you are wanting to install a reverse kit on your bike. Not sure how old you are. That may be of concern for you! On an 08 you can't do that.It doesn't matter to me.
As far as ABS. I can take it or leave it honestly. Some swear by it. I've had beemers with ABS, that were fine. But I also find that my Vision has good stopping powers without ABS. The transmission on my bike is fine. The newer bikes you can go longer between oil changes. But depends on how much you save on the other models, may just outweigh the added oil changes?
Good luck.
Edited by craigar 2012-06-25 7:12 PM
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| Well, this is what we did. In early Feb of 2010 we drove about 60 or so miles to a dealer,as he had the color I was interested in seeing on that style of bike. We had also looked at the Goldwing ,the HD Ultra Classic. the Yamaha Strat. and the Kaw. Voyager. Well we we arrived at the dealer it started to snow and the temp was around 34 , so I took a Vision out for a test ride ,demo trade not the color I wanted, was out for about 30 minutes went back took the wife for a 10 minute spin. And went inside a sat on the Vision I liked,and I put a down payment on it and three later I pick it put and have never looked back,it was a 2009 Vision Tour Black Cherry color with dealer installed cb ,intercom about 3 weeks after that I drove 200 miles and had another dealer put reverse on and would not had any bike without it now. So take the one you and her like for a test ride, hopefuly it wont be snowing and 34 temp outside, and after that ride see what you both think of it. So far I've got 31,000 miles and we both enjoy it a great deal. For us thier isn't any other to choose from,good luck and enjoy the bike you two get!! |
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Visionary
Posts: 1632
Jasper, MO | We have an '08 and we love it. Best bike I've ever had. We had some problems with the original radio, which was warrantied and replaced with a 2009 unit, which works fine. The linked brakes on the Vision work very well and I do not feel the need for ABS. Being old, fat, and short legged, I do feel the need for reverse, which isn't available on the '08s. If you're fairly long of leg and young and strong, the reverse option may not matter to you. The '08 and '09 Premium versions came with a lot of stuff standard that was extra cost on the later models. I do not like the change in the saddlebag doors on the later models--they don't open as far as our '08. Make your best deal. They're all good bikes.
Ronnie |
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Cruiser
Posts: 281
| I have a 2008 Tour and 2009 Street. They're both fantastic. In the last two years we have over 45,000 Vision miles.
Whatever you decide on, best wishes and ride safe. |
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Tourer
Posts: 395
Moravia, IA | I have a 2008.....bought it in 2010 as a dealer demo.....got a good deal. In two years I have put over 50K miles on it....and Ive loved every minute of it.
I also have a BMW with anti-lock brakes. Do I like anti-lock brakes....yes. Do they sway my purchasing decision - no. On the Vision I have never felt the need for the anti-lock brakes...in fact alot of them time I disable them on the BMW.
As for the reverse.....Im young enough that I suppose that makes the difference....I havent found the need. In fact when Im moving the bike around I will just walk next to it holding on the the handlebars and the passenger grab handles.....I find it very well balanced and easy to roll.
I would buy any year if the deal was right and it was the bike I wanted.....regardless of improved electronics, transmission.....saddlebag lids etc.
They are ALL good bikes......and they all have pluses and minuses.....the key is that none of them are MAJOR so just buy and ride. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 259
Land O Lakes, FL | I've seen some 2011's going for $17,999, I took it in the shorts when I traded my 2010 GoldWing on it, but I loved it that much after the demo ride. Luckily the dealer I got it from was cool and didn't beat me up to bad lol... Highly recommend the 2011, I'm an audiophile so the upgraded audio was a must, also ABS, it will save your bacon and the neutral finder is great, I never miss unlike my Harley brethren that have to fight to find it. Other than that I'd say hurry up and get one! |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 1066
Peru, IN | My local dealer has a holdover '11 in Pearl White. If I can sell my Nomad before they sell it, it's mine! |
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