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Tourer
Posts: 506
Woodland Hills, CA | I just finished my first 3 day trip on the Vision, and all I can say is it was flawless! Everything worked (except my mileage computer which still needs to be fixed), and the bike performed better than I could have imagined.
We went up the coast of California, over some of the coastal mountains and across some really beautiful areas of inland California. So I hit everything from tight twistys to sweeping curves to straight highways, sea level to elevations in excess of 7,000 feet, and all were not only a joy to ride, but on this bike, it was so much fun I almost felt guilty ........ almost!
Temperatures ranged from the high 50's to almost 100, and other than the heat, we were both really comfortable. The faring did a good job of blocking the wind and cold, and the heated grips and seats were great. And yes, I now I'm a California lightweight when it comes to the cold, but then I can ride in 100+ degrees without a problem (which is probably why I don't notice the heat problem everyone talks about).
In a previous post I asked about mileage since mine seemed to be much lower than everyone else was getting. First of all, I would like to thank all those that provided input to that post. My mileage here in California was between 39 and 40 mpg on the highway running between about 65 and 70 mph, and climbed to over 44 mpg on some of the back roads at 45 to 55 mph. Not bad!
I rode with my girlfriend, and she really enjoyed it as well. We hit some of the curves fairly aggressively, and while she would have normally been asking me to slow down (on my Harley), she was loving it on the Vision! She even commented on how secure the bike feels for her, and how much more comfortable she is in all conditions. In fact, when we got home she asked where we were going next. Now, there's a keeper!
I had installed the Utopia back rest a couple of weeks before, and it made for a really comfortable ride. I highly recommend it.
Of course, like most everyone else with a Vision, I received many comments, and spent a considerable amount of time talking about the bike. I even had one guy stop his Triumph on the side of the road as we were getting off for lunch, and all he could do was point and say is "I want one".
Many thanks to everyone on this site for ongoing comments, insights and stories. It just adds to the experience. I have not regretted my decision to buy the Vision for a moment, and each day of riding seems to get better. After many years (and miles) on a Harley, I could not have asked for a better riding experience (although my Harley is looking a bit neglected sitting in the garage).
Photos to follow.
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Cruiser
Posts: 231
Hampton Va | How many miles did you cover over three days....I am also about to take my first long trip...VA to FL and back in three days about 2000 miles. |
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Tourer
Posts: 506
Woodland Hills, CA | That's great! I think you'll enjoy the ride. 2k in 3 days is more than I could ever get my girlfriend to do. Our trip wasn't what I would consider to be a long trip, but we did manage to do about 1000 miles in 3 days, and she was really good with that. I have to tell you that on those long stretches of road with no facilities, that 6 gallon tank and good mileage was really nice! I used to worry about those roads on my Harleys, but not on the Vision.
Have a great trip! |
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Tourer
Posts: 506
Woodland Hills, CA | Just as a side note, in 3 days I only saw 2 other Visions, both going in the other direction. I am not sure what everyone else is used to, but Visions seem scarce here in California. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 231
Hampton Va | well so far in two months I have seen exactly ...none but mine... but the other day my daughter saw one up the road and called me all excited! |
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Tourer
Posts: 506
Woodland Hills, CA | I have had mine for about 2 months as well, and have seen a total of 4 others on the road (2 of them on my trip), which compared to you, is a convention! Its fun to be unique, but allow time on your trip for all the stares and questions......from everyone from kids to women to old people to other bikers. In over 40 years of riding I have never seen anything like it! I think the thing that surprises me the most is the attention I get from people who would not normally even give someone on a bike the time of day. Of course, the best part is the way the bike handles, and how comfortable it is on the long hauls.
I would be curious to hear how your trip was when you get back.
Ride safe. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 231
Hampton Va | I am leaving next wedensday early in the morning....I always have to allow extra time when I am on the bike....there is never a stop I make anywhere that someone dosn't ask questions....I have also made several upgrades on the bike for this trip. |
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Tourer
Posts: 506
Woodland Hills, CA | I'd be curious about what upgrades you added for the trip. The only thing I really added was the backrest. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 231
Hampton Va | well first...I built my own air deflectors. Built my own highway pegs as i am short. upgraded the speakers (much better), installed a 2" shorter winshield, and since I am going alone I got one of those BR4100 saddlemen bags for the back seat and as a backrest. |
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Tourer
Posts: 506
Woodland Hills, CA | I got the tall windshield option when I bought the bike (I am 6'-4" , and since I ride mostly 2 up, I got the Tour. I can stretch my legs out on the floorboards and don't really need, nor do I miss, highway pegs (I have always had them on my other bikes though).
I am still unsure about the deflectors though. I am sure they work, but don't really like the way the stock deflectors look. Since all my riding up until the Vision has been without a fairing, the fairing on the bike seems to work really great to me. But if you have any photos of yours, I would be interested to see what you came up with.
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Cruiser
Posts: 231
Hampton Va | The pics are in the gallery. Shawns Vision Also I did not want the pegs but with me at barly 5'6" it seems that if i set my feet at the outer edge of the boards the heat was much better and if i hung them off it was all gone...soi added them...I think they look ok and the deflectors look factory and are smaller and seem to work well |
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Tourer
Posts: 506
Woodland Hills, CA | I like what you did with the deflectors MUCH better than Victory's! Nice paint as well! It looks like you are really set up for the long haul. Enjoy! |
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Cruiser
Posts: 231
Hampton Va | thanks the paint is decals ... I make signs and do wraps....I also fab things for NASCAR.....work on things like the deflectors also |
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First Trip