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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 9
Nevada City, CA | There look to be quite a few folks who have upgrade from an '08 or '09 to an '11 or newer Vision. What was your motivation? Was it worth it? Is there really a noticeable difference between the two?
I am torn between buying an older Vision or a new one. I am looking at a really nice '09 Vision Premium Tour with 16K miles for an excellent price. It's in Southern CA (I'm in N. CA) so I'd have to do a fly and ride. There's also a '12 demo with 3K miles locally for a great price ($17.2K + tax and license). It will have the 3 year warranty, and a $500 allowance for accessories. It's also the Bronze Mist color I like.
But is it worth the extra ~$7K?
I have test ridden the Vision twice and really loved how it rode. I have not ridden a pre '11 bike, though.
'09 pros: more chrome, HID running light, L1 exhaust with fluted tips, pin striping, nice color mods on the trim, one owner, vision-rider, well maintained.
'09 cons: no warranty, no ABS, 2500 mile service interval. To be honest, these don't bother me that much, except ABS would be awfully nice to have. It would be more of a hassle due to get.
'12 pros: basically new bike with warranty, ABS, 5000 mile SI and neutral finder tranny, one of my favorite colors, $500 to pick the accessories I want. It's also local so would be easier to buy and I've seen it in person.
'12 cons: 70% more expensive, less chrome, no HID light.
Which would you choose and why?
-steve
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Iron Butt
Posts: 1066
Peru, IN | I have a '12. Other than the ABS, there isn't enough of a difference to warrant a 7 grand price difference. ANY Vision, '08-'13 will be a SUPER bike. If you're into chrome, that would be a plus on the '09. I'm not much into it so it wouldn't be much of a selling point for me. The Stage 1 (I'm assuming there's more on the '09 than just the Gatling tips) "upgrade" is overrated. It's a Victory so I wouldn't be worried about the warranty. Even changing the oil at 2500 miles isn't bad if you're willing to change it yourself. I was thinking about a demo bike but someone brought up a good point. Everybody rides the demo bikes HARD and they've done so from day one. Not much of a break in so it's sort of a crap shoot. The HID is expensive from the factory ($500) but there are a few aftermarket HID you can easily retrofit for well under $100. |
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Visionary
Posts: 2118
Pitt Meadows, BC Canada | I get to ride a new Vision every time I go to my Dealer for service - they lend me one to take for a couple of hour ride while they service my '08.
In 5 years of doing this - I have never seen anything on the newer bikes that would convince me to 'trade-up'.
The only thing about the newer ones that I noticed is a quieter gearbox - but I'm so used to the noise that I don't consider this reason to change. Certainly not for the additional $15,000 it would cost me.
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 9
Nevada City, CA | Monkeyman, thanks for your perspective. I"m not a fan of loud pipes, but the stock ones are too quiet! I think the L1 is a little louder, but not too much. The previous owner added even more chrome than stock, and I have to admit, I like the look. The newer bikes look a bit plain in comparison with the black treatment on everything.
I've thought the same thing about the demo bike as well. At least it would be a crap shoot with a 3 year warranty, versus a crap shoot with no warranty! :-)
-steve
Monkeyman - 2013-02-01 11:00 AM
I have a '12. Other than the ABS, there isn't enough of a difference to warrant a 7 grand price difference. ANY Vision, '08-'13 will be a SUPER bike. If you're into chrome, that would be a plus on the '09. I'm not much into it so it wouldn't be much of a selling point for me. The Stage 1 (I'm assuming there's more on the '09 than just the Gatling tips) "upgrade" is overrated. It's a Victory so I wouldn't be worried about the warranty. Even changing the oil at 2500 miles isn't bad if you're willing to change it yourself. I was thinking about a demo bike but someone brought up a good point. Everybody rides the demo bikes HARD and they've done so from day one. Not much of a break in so it's sort of a crap shoot. The HID is expensive from the factory ($500) but there are a few aftermarket HID you can easily retrofit for well under $100. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 108
Conneaut, OH | I don't have trouble finding neutral on my '09 matter of fact I've found it several times when I didn't want to and I change my oil every 5k |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 763
Anderson, IN (48mi NE of downtown Indianapolis) | I have not upgraded because I do not see anything worth what it would cost me. There have definately been some inprovements, but not enough for me to open my wallet. You will probably get differing opinions on this because each person sees things differently. The new quieter tranny might be worth it to a rider who can't stand the noise from the old one. Radio reception...ABS...reverse. it all depends what it's worth to you.
Edited by victoryvisiontour 2013-02-01 5:48 PM
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Visionary
Posts: 4278
| here is something you shoud read http://www.vision-riders.com/bb/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=10016&po... |
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Visionary
Posts: 1632
Jasper, MO | Well, I haven't "upgraded" either, so I guess I'll chime in.
Both my bikes were demo bikes. No trouble with either.
I've ridden the new bikes and I can't find anything that makes me want to trade my '08 for a newer one, but I can find several things about the newer ones that I don't like as well as my '08, which is a Vision Tour Premium and came with the extra chrome and the HID headlight stock. Several of the changes made for the later bikes I consider detriments, when compared to my bike.
As has been said, they are all great bikes. Get the one with the features you want.
Ronnie |
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Visionary
Posts: 1290
Ruskin, Fl | I just traded my 2008 for a 2013. I loved the bike and it had over $7000 in extras. I wanted ABS for one. Don't get me wrong, I also wanted a new bike. The fit and finish on the newr ones if much better. I have already upgraded to an HID driving light and the stereo to Polk speakers with and Alpine amp. I will be getting the cams done soon. I always wanted cams, but didn't want to put the money into a bike with 50,000+ miles when I knew I would be trading up one day.
As far as the ABS goes, not a month after I got the new bike I watched a friend lock up the rear wheel on slick roads. He was almost stopped and the bike snapped sideways and threw him off. He is not a novice rider. After visiting him in ICU for what appeared to be a minor crash, I am very glad I went with a new bike. He was on a HD ultra. No damage to the bike. |
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Visionary
Posts: 2300
Georgia, west of Atlanta | May be able to give you a running comparison pretty soon. Thinking of buying a 2013 VV and keeping my 2008.............. |
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Tourer
Posts: 523
seattle, wa | The only thing I would change on my 08 is ABS.
Mine was a dealer demo bike, and I bought because it was a demo, the dealer offered me a red Tourer instead of the grey Street, but I figured if the bike could handle the demo rides, it must be tough and broke in well.
$7k is a STACK of cash! I honestly don't think any of the new bikes that are being sold today are worth nearly what you have to pay for them, HD, Honda, Vic..they are all over-priced.
$20k+ for a motorcycle???
If it's mileasge you are after, you can get 35-40MPG out of some cars.
You can go get a used bike for $8-10k that will do everything the $20k bike will do. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 212
Tavares, Fl | I bought one of the first 08's. Problem I had was I bought it in Ohio then came to Florida and no one wanted to do Warranty work on it. I broke down in Daytona and had one heck of a time getting the electrical problem fixed. The local dealer closed down and within six months the next closest dealer closed so I sold the bike and went back to Yamaha. Of course all this time all I heard was "I wish we had the Vision", "This certainly isn't the Vision" and "I'd probably go with you if we still had the Vision". So a few months ago I sold the Yamaha Stratoliner, which I personally loved, and bought a 12 Vision. Things have gotten a lot more pleasant around here and there are many more dealers in the area... Now to answer your question. I really don't see much difference in the 08 and the 12. I never really had a problem finding neutral on the 08 and to me the transmission noise is about the same. I liked the chrome on the 08 but I think the black powdercoating on the 12 is more durable, some of the 08 Chrome had already started pitting... |
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Visionary
Posts: 1290
Ruskin, Fl | Here is what I wrote after I got the new bike:
http://www.vision-riders.com/bb/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=12828&po... |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 9
Nevada City, CA | Lots of great feedback! I look forward to your comparison, XRsteve. Seems like a lot of compelling arguments to buy an older, cheaper model. While I've bought a number of new cars, I've yet to buy a new motorcycle, so part of me likes that idea. Then the practical side of me says get a used model!
Michael, good read.
Edited by MincerRay 2013-02-03 3:00 PM
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Cruiser
Posts: 181
Henlow, Bedfordshire, England | For me the catalyst for change was the ABS and the move from 2500 to 5000 mile service intervals (I like my dealer but not that much.....). the neutral has never been an issue. If you intend to do a lot of miles then maybe the ABS and longer service are the game winners |
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Cruiser
Posts: 244
Lindale, TX | What??? |
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Tourer
Posts: 348
Sturbridge, Mass | Lot's of good info, but one thing I think folks are not taking into account is the "apples/apples cpomparison"
Some folks talk about upgrades cams, speakers, etc- that would need to be done on any bike, not just different model years on the vision.
I have an 09, the biggest changes to new models would be
+ ABS
+ "quieter" tranny
+ 5K oil interval
- Lack of HID light
-less chrome/more plastic
-downgraded hinges on saddle bags
I am sure there a few more, but those are the big ones.
I would love to have ABS, but at what cost ?
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Tourer
Posts: 499
Chattanooga, TN | My dealer told me I could get the parts to upgrade the brake system to ABS for less than a grand. Been thinking heavily about it since there is no way I'd upgrade mine to a newer one considering all the other mods I've done to it! |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 9
Nevada City, CA | baadawg - 2013-02-05 3:55 PM
My dealer told me I could get the parts to upgrade the brake system to ABS for less than a grand. Been thinking heavily about it since there is no way I'd upgrade mine to a newer one considering all the other mods I've done to it!
That's very interesting and makes some sense. ABS was introduced as an option on the '10 models, which are practically the same as '09 and '08. Has anyone actually done this? |
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Cruiser
Posts: 162
Extreme Southern, AZ United States | e eThe reason I upgraded was because the #2 shift fork in the tranny broke in the 09. I didn't feel cmpletely comfortable after they had ti split the cases so i traded it in. So far I love the new bike. It is all blackk, no silver on the bike, lotsa chrome. I got the cams and airboxes installed after breakin.. Just have generic map until i get a few miles on to be comfortable in jammin it on the dyno. Lotsa power |
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Cruiser
Posts: 162
Extreme Southern, AZ United States | The reason I upgraded was because the #2 shift fork in the tranny broke in the 09. I didn't feel cmpletely comfortable after they had ti split the cases so i traded it in. So far I love the new bike. It is all blackk, no silver on the bike, lotsa chrome. I got the cams and airboxes installed after breakin.. Just have generic map until i get a few miles on to be comfortable in jammin it on the dyno. Lotsa power
Edited by JustBob 2013-02-09 10:09 PM
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 34
| Hi all , well I have just done that exactly , as a matter of fact I have just got home from a ride through the mountains ,was great . I bought my first Vision in May 09 brand new , and it was my first Victory . I have now been riding 41 years . I loved my Blue Ice Vision Premium , but secretly lusted after a Ness Vision . They have just dropped the price on the Ness Vision over here in Australia , so that was my chance to grab one . Icould have waited for a 2013 Ness Vision , butI loved the color of the 2012 .
Now down to the nitty gritty . Keeping in mind , that I have an International model . First the minuses . Loss of heated grips and seat [ that hurt ] .Loss of dampers on the saddle bag doors . Slightly less ground clearance [ Ness Model only ] loss of those beautiful molded chrome handlebars . Loss of the HID headlight ?? Why you have to ask . and the trunk side clearance lights arent lit up . Loss of lit Vicory badges and finally , clear tail light lenses . I really much prefered the big RED V
Now the improvements , Most importantly the gearbox is way way better , changes more smoothly and a great deal of that horrible noise is gone ,the OverDrive is now at better revs for power , and I don't have to peddle the box any where near as much and the neutral finder works fine , and [ phew ] the dash display for the gears is vastly improved . [ so far anyway ] . The real icing on the cake here is the doubled distance on the service intervils .
The overall paint finish is absolutely excellent , and I prefer the painted moulds instead of the brushed aluminium parts . The Ness comes with a lower seat height in flame stitched leather . I actually like the shorter Ness Screen , but we will see in the pouring rain ?? The Ness badging is really neat including the upgraded audio display . The Kicker sound system Kicks A$$, better sound and clarity for sure and the display now shows much more info than before .
Also new for me is the addition of 2 major mech upgrades besides tha great new gearbox , they are ABS and Reverse as standard equipment . The Reverse is quite handy , and I hope I never need the ABS , but its real nice knowing its there .
The rear suspension feels like it has been upgraded as it just soaks up the bumps really well .
The bike has Ness Bling all over it , like the great Ness Billet wheels and the flamed covers and grips etc etc .
I am soon fitting level 1 pipes and those great Witchdoctor chrome billet exhaust tips that look like they belong on an ole Chevy . They are just about to go on sale as I type .
My wife prefers the newly shaped rear seat and the iproved sound back there , [ You must keep your Co Pilot real HAPPY ]
Overall I am very happy with the bike , with improved ride and safety and sound , it looks like a million dollars , and even get many more thumbs up from the Harley Crew . Especially when they see that Ness tag on the bike . Was it worth the money , simply YES . This bike is a real keeper for sure .  |
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Cruiser
Posts: 125
Kerrville Texas ( now a homeowner on six acres) | GOSH,
I would not think of trading in my wife on a new one!!! Oh, You are talking about your vision! Well, its' kind of the same thing for me. Purchased the 08 vision tour premium in late Sept. of 07. only have 47,500 miles on her. I know every little minor flaw and would trade her for any new and strange "flawes". I love everything about her and do not want to trade either of them. ( oh, I mean i want to keep my 08 vision).
Smadge |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 9
Nevada City, CA | I figure I better give an update. After much consideration, I ended up deciding to buy the 2012 Bronze Mist demo bike. Most of the 3000 miles on it was put on by the dealership owner. I got a good price and was able to get $500 worth of accessories for free. Actually, the stuff I picked out came to $600 with tax, and the dealer didn't want me to pay the extra. It was a great buying experience. I've bought a few new cars, but this is my first new bike. It rode very nicely for the 1.5 hours home. It's a beautiful color and just may be my favorite on the Visions. It's a bit cold outside now, so waiting for it to warm up a bit before taking it for a ride today.
It was a very hard choice between new and used, but the ABS and other upgrades swayed my decision. I also figured I should buy at least one new bike in my lifetime, and this is my dream bike.
Thanks everyone for weighing in!
Oh, and congrats on the Ness, Marty! That's a beautiful bike for sure. I prefer the 2012 orange to the 2013 red, too.
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Tourer
Posts: 599
New Mexico | martyq - 2013-02-09 11:21 PM
First the minuses . Loss of heated grips and seat [ that hurt ]
Wow - That would be a 'deal-breaker' for me.
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Visionary
Posts: 2300
Georgia, west of Atlanta | Comparo coming: Just got my 13 today and still have my 08 too............... |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 1066
Peru, IN | It's been 4 hours since you posted. Being from Atlanta, I would assume you've already ridden the '13 tonight. (If I was that far south and got a new bike, I'd have been riding.) |
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Folks who upgraded from older Vision to newer Vision