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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 29
| Hello! Just wondering if anybody else felt that high winds or tractor-trailers knocked their bikes around quite a bit? My Vision seems to be buffeted about quite a bit. Is this a trait of the bike because of the large fairing area or could there be a problem? Tire pressure OK. Thanks! |
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Cruiser
Posts: 173
Prescott Valley, AZ | I also have been pushed around a bit while riding in high wind conditions. It get a little better with the trunk removed but if you are fighting heavy crosswinds or passing big rigs you will certainly get pushed around some. Just need to be aware of it if you are headed into that type of weather.
Ride Safe, Ride Often!! |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 935
Rockford, IL | Here is a paste of a post I did quite a while ago...... Most of the time wind buffeting can be taken care of with loosening your grip on the bike. This means BOTH your handgrip and the inevitable leg grip too !!! Doing this really goes smack dab up against your instinct. If your bike starts waving like a flag in the wind you feel that you almost HAVE to tense up and get better control of it...otherwise you are gonna lose it and do some ditch diving or worse yet some unhealthy asphalt eating. The more tense you are the more your muscles will fight and the more you will attempt to correct the buffeting which will lead to even more wavering which leads to being more tense and so on. Its like a unstopable force that can get much worse with every passing foot of pavement. Sometimes you have alternatives such as twisting the throttle a bit or maybe you can slow down or whatever. But there are times where these alternative methods aren't available. You think you have to sit there...all tensed up...fighting the buffeting...hoping for an opening.
But if you loosen up a bit the buffeting does die down quite a bit and will almost go completely away. Start off by loosening the handgrip a bit, let the fingers free-up, rest your palms on the grips. The follow up the arms and bend your elbows a bit more than you usually do. Keep going up the arms and let your shoulders droop down and maybe slighlty forward, don't "push" them forward, just let them kinda "fall" forward. Now go to the neck, allow your head to do what it wants. Relax your back muscles, maybe don't sit so straight up as usual. Go to your hips and thighs, QUIT squeezing the tank with your knees!!
Doing all of this works....trust me. Few years back I had a Kawi Concours that I deeply feared being tucked behind a semi or stuck in a crosswind on. The buffeting/wavering beat me to the point I was about ready to give up. Sure, I used to twist the throttle and get by the semi, but this process doesn't work in a stiff crosswind or heavy traffic. Well, prior to giving up I did some research and came across a post worded almost exactly the same as my last paragraph. The following day I went out on the local freeway and found a patch of pavement where it was just me and one semi. I slowly crept up the backside of this semi to where I just started to get some buffeting. Then I focused on relaxing, I started with my handgrip, and I almost immediately noticed a slight drop in the buffeting. Then I continued with the rest of my body, and with each passing foot I continued to notice a drop in the buffeting. Then I decided to tuck up behind the semi a bit more, the buffeting picked up a bit and nautrally I tensed back up. I started over with the relaxation and I was quickly back down to very minimal buffeting. I kept doing this for a while, I adjusted my speed and distance and my relaxation, I tucked towards the left and right sides of the semi, pulled up alongside it, drifted over close...close enough to easily reach out and touch it, and so on. I think it was a stroke of luck that I had so much time to practice with this semi, seemed like I played around for at least 45 minutes or more. After doing this a few more times, especially one time with some fairly strong crosswinds combined with some semi traffic, I got to the point of almost completely losing any fear of buffeting. Oh...I still get into situations where I may have a little tense up, but I immediately go into "relax-mode" and cut the buffeting. Try it...it works !!! I know...a bit of a long-winded post...with somewhat crazy info...but if it helps make one rider enjoy thier ride more than they already do then it was worth it. And a link to the thread this is from... http://www.vision-riders.com/bb/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=1933&start=1&highlight=shoulders&highlightmode=1 |
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Tourer
Posts: 447
Northeastern Penna. | It's interesting that this is brought up. Before I bought my 08 Vision, I test rode the GW & Harley
Ultra with the fairing. Here in Penna. almost everyday, it's windy.The buffeting from the crosswinds and big rigs passing you, is common on a bike, more so on others, especially the
smaller bikes. I feel that the wind buffeting on the Vision is better than the Harley,probably
on par with the GW. |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 29
| Im not a novice rider. I have ridden since I was 13 (57 now) and have had all kinds of different bikes. The bike I traded in on the Vision was an 09 Harley Ultra and it was a lot steadier than the Vision in wind. I traded in the Ultra because of overheating problems in stop and go traffic and it was a pain in the butt to clean and keep clean(black). Also I wanted a more comfortable bike and the Vision is definitely better in than department but the Vision seems to be buffeted about more than any bike I have owned. Im wondering if there could be a problem like the steering stem nut not being torqued correctly. Thanks! |
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Visionary
Posts: 2118
Pitt Meadows, BC Canada | I got to agree with Lotzafun. Just relax. My Vision riding two-up 'feels' a gust of unexpected wind - but it never does anything silly. I have never had the feeling that I have to tighten my grip - or any other parts. Bike is very stable - best ever for me. |
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Visionary
Posts: 3006
San Antonio, TX | That earlier post and others really helped me ride better. A lighter grip and relaxed body is the key part I took from those posts. If you are tight and fighting the Vision the wind will beat you up.
Thanks everyone for helping me ride better and safer. |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 29
| Dont need any driving instructions. Drive a tractor-trailer for a living and have driven all kinds of vehicles in my life and and all I can say is that this bike handles badly in wind conditions. I live, eat, and sleep to ride bikes! First thing you come up with is that its my driving abilities. THIS BIKE HANDLES BADLY IN WIND CONDITIONS! Looking for other answers. THANKS! Dont need driving lessons. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 204
guelph ontario | Easy does it Bill |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 639
Tri Cities, WA | I have to agree, my nomad did handle a little better in high winds and when passing rigs than my vision. When i first got my vision i too thought there was some thing wrong with it but over time i have gotten used to it handling like it does when passing rigs. It gets a little worse when passing two or even 3 rigs but nothing i cant handle. So yes to the first post the bike does soak up the wind due to it's size. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 266
Stockton, Ca. | I have to agree with Lotzafun, a relaxed grip and posture while riding in the wind really helps. For those professional riders that are too experienced to take advice, It is unfortunate that experienced riders are unable to take that advice. In the wind my Vision is more stable than my BMW or Kingpin was and as for the HDs Well,l I got buffeted on one of those even when it wasn't windy.
I'll stick with the Vision, more comfort and easy to ride even in windy conditions.
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Cruiser
Posts: 208
Edmonton Alberta, Canada | 2nd week we owned the Vision, and first big trip. Co-pilot wanted to turn arond and go home. We were getting beat up by the side wind gusts on a 2 lane highway. Once we hit the 4lane and sped up, the side wind was almost no existant. The differance was that on the 2 lane we would travel at 55-60 mph, however on the 4 lane I brought it up to 70-75 mph and the side wind disappeared. I even slowed down to see if the wind died, it did not. So I found that one had to hit a speed that would put the wind past us, and proved to me that the Vision was truly wind tunnel tested. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 92
West Bend, WI | Bill, Do not think anyone is saying your are not experienced. Heck, I started riding at 11 (now 62). I noticed the buffeting on the Vision as you are talking about. I just came from a VN2000 with hard bags and an HD fairing on it. The first thing I noticed is the fixed fairing transmits the bike movement differently than with the fork mounted fairing. I did what Lotzafun did, lightened my grip and did not over steer the bike. It was not easy to try and relax but when I did, the bike handled much better in the wind. The buffeting on this bike is different as most of it comes from behind you, do to the negative air flow behind the fairing and shield. Just my $0.02 for what it is worth. |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 29
| Im thinking that its simple physics. Expose a sheet of plywood to a crosswind and then do the same test with a two by four----different results. I dont want to live in a dream world just because I paid almost 24K for this bike. Its just like the motor noise issue, with the stogk pipes you can hardly hear the exhaust because of motor noise. Hopefully the motor will get quieter through use. I am going to have to spend more money to overcome the engine noise or pretend I'm not hearing it. Also, my cruise control is very erratic and I have already tried the "lash learn procedure" and its not much better. I just don't want to live in a dream world (because of the money I paid?) and pretend these problems don't exsist. It seems they should have refined this bike a little more before production (and before I spent 24K). Thanks |
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Cruiser
Posts: 266
Hartland, , WI | dollarbillwi - 2009-04-27 5:46 PM
Bill, Do not think anyone is saying your are not experienced....
I'm with you Uncle Bill...the advice really is not on how to ride.
I got off of a BMW LT with electric wind screen and on this. After the appropriate amount of time breaking it in I did what every biker does and find a nice straight away and see what she can do....compared to the BMW LT the Vision sucks at high speed...the BMW has to be able to handle the autobahn and at 100+ if feels like a slot car. The Vision gets squirrelly over 100 as the wind pressure pushes down on the fairing compressing the forks and who knows what else it is affecting.
Now just stand in front of the fairing and look at the surface area on the Vision! When you punch a hole that big in the air the turbulence has got to go somewhere...some say our trunk catches a bunch and that doesn't help and I believe that too...or when a big rig passes you the other way and the "bow wake" slaps that big fairly flat faced fairing WHAM!
I don't know if it gets any better with time...I just get use to it more because I anticipate it better I guess.
Remember reading all the threads here that talk about not even getting wet and needing to put on the rain suit right away...it's because of that big damn fairing/frame/gas tank combination just punching a hole through the air.
I guess in a word...it is what it is because of Aerodynamics.
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Tourer
Posts: 506
Woodland Hills, CA | There is nothing wrong with the Vision in the wind. As you say, its simple physics.....anything with as much surface area as the Vision is bound to be impacted more by wind. Engine noise and erratic cruise control, however, are definitely problems with the bike and should be taken care of by your dealer. Personally I have not had a problem with either of these issues. |
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Tourer
Posts: 394
Tucson, AZ | I guess I missed something. What is the "lash learn procedure?" |
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Tourer
Posts: 377
O'Neill, Nebraska | Man am I glad I didn't buy one of these bikes....oh wait a second I DID. Looks like others did too! I remember my first long trip (1,000 miles plus) I was coming from Arizona back into Texas and experienced some very severe cross winds. I'm talking 40++ MPH gusts!
Long story short...that was a very exciting 200 miles. As I've ridden the bike more it's either 'broken in' or I've adjusted my riding style so I don't experience the issues that are being described here. Hell...an 18 wheeler moves my F-350 around on the highway, so why don't you think it shouldn't move our bikes?
Let's go riding!
Edited by spursmvp 2009-04-27 7:41 PM
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Visionary
Posts: 2118
Pitt Meadows, BC Canada | Damn! I guess I won the lottery - cuz my Vision doesn't have ANY of the stuff of which you speak. My engine sounds like an 'engine' and not a 6 cylinder Wing, and my cruise works perfectly. And we get vicious winds - gusting from the side coming off the mountain sides and I don't have any issues with that - dead calm to 60 mph gusts with no warning. I have lived with that for 50 years - and the Vision is the best at surviving those winds. Passing rigs is a snap - again coming toward you or passing them.
I recall a new Vision owner who complained mightily of poor handling - kept taking it back to the dealer. Turned out he just was holding on too tight and over compensating. No matter what our experience level is - you can still learn. Or go back to driving a HD with a barn-door for a windshield..... |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 29
| Ive heard to many people complain about motor noise for you to make me think its just me. That gear drive in the primary sounds like a like some kind of farm machine (vert noisy). You guys that cant see any problems must secretly be some kind of factory reps like the 'Gadget Guru', or you have got to justify that 24K you spent! By the way, Ive had a lot more than 21 bikes but I didnt want to seem pretentious (dont have to list every bike Ive owned). To much BS in this world anyway so lets speak a little truth. |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | Bill, I just want to chime is as well on letting the bike do the work. When I first got the Vision I just came off a GL1200 that I had been riding constantly for 2 years. When I rode the Vision I had that experience, and it was rough to the point that I was thinking what did I get myself into. The bike was fantastic in all other conditions except the wind turbulence. I didn't know what else to do and on another windy day it dawned on me that I was riding the Vision like the GL1200, and when I loosened up and let the bike do its thing the problem went away for me. It my be simple physic and I don't live in a dream world on this. On my way back from Atlanta a few weeks ago, the traffic was light and I was seeing how far I could ride with no rider input on the bars. When I approached a rig I wanted to see how long I could last before I grabbed the bars and to my surprised I passed the truck, "turbulence" and all without ever touching the bars or leaving my track. The point is I don't even think about the turbulence in or around trucks anymore. Even in a heavy cross wind over fields and bridges, I'll put a lean on it but it won't leave the track. That's all I can say about that, and I think in time this concern will diminish. As for the engine noise and the pipes, at around 30,000 miles it all mellowed out. Mine will turn 40,000 tomorrow on my home from work at 17 1/2 months and I think it sounds sweet. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 1158
Richmond, Virginia | First off all you whining old "ive been riding for years" blah blah blah need to shut the heck up. You all are a bunch of glass half empty people. Proven cases in point. You bitch because of engine noise, yet you pay extra money to make the exhaust and pipes loud enough to annoy the rest of humanity. You bitch about how much you "paid" for the bike, as if someone forced you to stroke the check, yet in reality every single whiney babiy test drove every other model you even considered and you still BOUGHT THE VISION.
So quit acting like you are owed something for the money you knew you were about to spend. Next, ITS A FRIGGEN MOTORCYCLE
its not a Mercedes, Lexus, or even a Hyundai, its only gonna be so aerodynamic as a MOTORCYCLE can be. For crying out loud, the original poster asked a simple question and the responses are so disporportional to his simple question, GET AN ENEMA and relax boys.
Now, that aside, I dont understand where this wind issue comes from. I just got back from a 700 mile trip this weekend with our group and on stretches of beach highway we had 15 or so Victory bikes (half of which were VISIONS), traveling 80 miles per hour. HELL YEAH that was awesome, but here is the point.
It doesnt get any windy-er then riding parallel to the ocean yet not one single person mentioned a problem. I was down with 35
Victory Visions at one hotel, not ONE person standing out in the chatter of owners complained about engine noise. So by process of elimination and reality check, this means 1. some of you are LOOKING for issues to be found 2. some of you are expecting more
than a MOTORCYCLE can offer. 3. Some of you just like to bitch. But NO one is criticizing your driving or abilities. Bottom line boys, its a great machine, each of you should be proud to own one because FEW PEOPLE CAN. Enjoy the machine for what it is and what it does. If you want a quiet ride, and not mess up your hair, get a Mercedes.
Edited by VaParadox 2009-04-27 8:34 PM
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Iron Butt
Posts: 1158
Richmond, Virginia | .... (actually we were topping 98 miles per hour) but I didnt wanna hear a bunch of crap for it. We all wanted to test out our bikes at a high speed on a straight away with no other traffic. |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 29
| Hey Tourer! You sound like a some Harley rider's (don'
t point out problems just be a dedicated follower). Whatever my man, live in a dream if it helps you feel better Mr. Yuppy! (heard you call someone that, so I figured you must be one) See ya Bro! |
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Cruiser
Posts: 297
VA | Jeez, I thought this post was about wind. There is a lot of that in this thread though! Engine noise, not anything that I haven't heard from day one. So, I don't think it is anything unusual. I will say that similar to my last bike, the quieter pipes allow me to hear everything that is going on, including the engine. I had loud pipes on my last bike, then went back to stock and I could hear the cams hammering away. But, my buddie's Ultra Classic sounds like a sewing machine on crack, so I'm pretty happy with mine.
On the wind...I get pushed around a lot on the highway. I was riding across a tall bridge the other day that had lots of crosswind, and I was behind a tractor trailer. I was leaning AND swaying. I haven't been riding as long as most people, but I can say that you get pushed around. I think it's normal. My last bike didn't have a windshield at all, so going to the Vision and getting hit with gust from tractor trailers made me pucker up at first. But, I got used to it, which made me relax some, and now it does seem to handle better in the wind. Probably because I know it's going to happen and so I don't tense as much.
Short answer, she shakes around in the wind.
Edited by divesharc 2009-04-27 9:53 PM
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 29
| Hey Vaparadox, my Brother! Have you ever heard of good noise versus bad noise? A great sounding exhaust sound versus tin cans being dragged down the street? I dont think you would be calling me an old fart if you were standing in front of me. I seriously doubt it Mr. Internet Warrior. I capitalized out of respect for you. He he he!!! Basically I like the bike, just wanted to see if there were any solutions Bro! Man are you arrogant! Must be related to Rush!
Edited by UntamedBill 2009-04-27 10:22 PM
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Iron Butt
Posts: 935
Rockford, IL | Check the link I provided earlier. In that thread the original posters issue actually did end up being an problem with improperly torqued bearings in the front end. Perosnally I think it was a fluke type problem though, one of those rare things we have seen once or maybe twice around here. But then again......who knows.
Here is the link again http://www.vision-riders.com/bb/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=1933&sta...
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Cruiser
Posts: 204
guelph ontario | If you cant stand the wind you shouldnt be on a bike in the first place. My biggest complaint is that you get wet on it when riding in the rain. Why couldnt they fix that before I spent all my money on it. |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | Probie - 2009-04-28 8:02 AM If you cant stand the wind you shouldnt be on a bike in the first place. My biggest complaint is that you get wet on it when riding in the rain. Why couldnt they fix that before I spent all my money on it. got to agree with you probie, my friend up yonder. If you have to ask, then there's no way to explain it to you. Rain, wind, traffic, idiots and so on. After riding the Vision I don't understand why anyone who wants to do serious touring wouldn't get one. Then someone else says I'm living in a dream world. If that be the case, just don't wake me up as my big hinderpart, legs, knees, back are enjoying riding more now than ever. And that is coming off a "proven" world class tourer to an underdogs attempt to compete with the big boys. All I can say is I'm sorry to anyone who feels they wasted their money on a Vision and hope somehow it will work out for them. Lovin' every (s)Mile!... |
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Cruiser
Posts: 65
| Intriguing thread! Here in the UK we are seeing stupid wind more and more - wind that gusts above 50mph and blows bikes perilously close to other vehicles and the other side of the road. The Vision has a lot of 'side' and will take its fair share of hammering. BUtt his is all part of riding a bike isn't it? I had a Blackbird and that used to really suffer in high wind - handling went off and if you were fully loaded with a pillion too, you really got blown to buggery. I was pushed across Snake Pass on one windy day. When I got the Rocket III, the wind disappeared!! Low weight (and what a weight!) meant side winds were pretty much irrelevant! The Vision, to me, sits between the two. So, choose your poison! A bike needs to be ridden, and I do so almost every day in pretty much every condition save for snow (came off on snow, not again thanks!). With wind, you have to judge it, alter your riding to suit, loosen up (try to forget it - it's the anxiety that causes problems) and let the bike do its thing? |
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Tourer
Posts: 301
Buffalo Grove,Ill | UntamedBill - 2009-04-28 7:16 AM
Ive heard to many people complain about motor noise for you to make me think its just me. That gear drive in the primary sounds like a like some kind of farm machine (vert noisy). You guys that cant see any problems must secretly be some kind of factory reps like the 'Gadget Guru', or you have got to justify that 24K you spent! By the way, Ive had a lot more than 21 bikes but I didnt want to seem pretentious (dont have to list every bike Ive owned). To much BS in this world anyway so lets speak a little truth.
Speaking the truth is always a good thing, but know your facts as well, You honestly think that the "Gadget Guru" guy is a factory rep? LOL ive read a lot of stuff on his site and it seems to me he started his site to help other Vic riders and have some fun. Ive read things other people have written as well as stuff he's written totally against victory, and some of their idea's or the way they do things and it sure didnt sound like a factory rep to me, quite the opposite. JMHO of course |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | clubford00 - 2009-04-28 9:53 AM ...."Gadget Guru" ....sure didnt sound like a factory rep to me, quite the opposite. JMHO of course +1 out for a buck, fame and fortune... |
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Tourer
Posts: 363
Goldsboro, NC | Lotzafun makes some good points, but I am the type to disbelieve unless I am presented with the mechanicsm for why it works. I'll throw in my analysis as an engineer here.
Loosening up your grip on the bike does three things:
1) It manages stress. If you loosen your grip on the bike (legs and arms) in a buffeting situation, you lessen the mental stress that will make you first get tunnel-visioned and then second overreact when something does happen that requires response. You also lessen the physical drain that can mess up responses and just plain make a ride unpleasant.
2) It decouples you from the buffeting. This is much like a soft tail vs. a hard tail bike with some extra physics thrown in. Your weight is carried up high on the bike. If the bike wants to move and you are tightly clamped onto it, then the bike is trying to throw you around , too. Being higher than the bike's center of gravity actually magnifies this condition. Allowing the bike to move a bit underneath you allows your weight to dampen instead of amplify the buffeting.
3) It removes an overcontrol situation. As you ride in your chosen 1/3 of a lane, you will naturally drift a bit. If you try to ride exactly on a painted line (ignore the paint for this demonstration... I'm talking about keeping a very narrow path) then you find it much harder to control.... control that is totally unecessary. Same with a bike in a crosswind or buffeting situation. Okay, maybe you'll be drifting a 1/2 lane instead of 1/3 lane and the frequency is much higher, but you are still maintaining your path in allowable road space. Why fight it? It just wears you out.
I've seen videos of bikes that have fallen completely to the ground and slide for a bit, then the gyroscopic action of the still-spinning wheels stands the bike up and it continues down the road, sans rider. The geometries in a bike make it WANT to go straight and stable. If it needs to respond to an outside force like a crosswind, a simple lean input will kick the wheels away from the wind and you will maintain your path. In a buffeting situation, the external forces repeatedly cancel each other out and any fighting you do will have to be reversed in the next second or two. A bit of time in the saddle practicing the relaxation of control will gain you trust in the bike's innate ability to handle all but the most insane weather conditions.
I will concede that it is unnerving at first. Take a breath, relax your grip and enjoy the new sensation. Now that I've had my Vision for 6 months or so, the only thing I really hate about traffic buffeting is bus exhaust.
The TrailBarge |
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Visionary
Posts: 2118
Pitt Meadows, BC Canada | Amen to all of The TrailBarge's remarks. Most importantly - in gusty conditions - you CANNOT add 'inputs' without causing wobble. Just allow the machine to move a bit as he says....
Eventually this becomes second nature and you will enjoy the ride more - without worry. For me, my Vision is the best bike ever in wind. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 732
Western WA | My goodness, I leave for a couple of days and all you kids do is fight.
See? This is why we can't have nice things.
I will add my $0.02 concerning the wind issue.
I got rid of my last bike, a C50T strictly because of buffeting. It was because of that that I talked myself into the Vision. (Okay, who am I kidding. I would have talked myself into the Vision anyway.) Riding 2up all the time, the freeways and 2 lane roads with truck traffic were unpleasant to say the least.
I hardly notice the wind on the Vision. Compared to my other bikes the Vision handles like a dream, even in heavy cross-winds. I keep my tires at the proper pressure, a light hand on the bars, and let the bike do the work. Piece of cake. The co-pilot noticed the difference right away. She didn't feel like she was going to be blown off sideways every time we passed an 18 wheeler.
How does the bike handle over 100? I wasn't on a bunch of twisties, but for the short time I had her up that fast I didn't notice any significant problems.
That's my experience. It may not be yours. |
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Visionary
Posts: 3006
San Antonio, TX | Doc,
I just love the way to write the King's English. Please post more. I really liked the sentence. "I had a Blackbird and that used to really suffer in high wind - handling went off and if you were fully loaded with a pillion too, you really got blown to buggery." I had to read that a few times and for some reason it made me smile.
trailbarge, donetracey and Breaker,
All good stuff! Thanks.
I used to fight it....now I let the Vision do the work and I relax. When I find my Vision being "Blown to Buggery", I normally find out that the problem is the rider (me) not the ride. I have been riding cruisers since 1982 and I still have a lot to learn.
I love today's quote from Google. "Whoever ceases to be a student has never been a student." - George Iles |
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Cruiser
Posts: 65
| My pleasure Radio Teacher - although at present it is the "Queen's" (not King's) English - the dotty old dear is still with us!
Well, I just had to face April showers UK style, with a 15mph wind gusting at 25. The only adjustment (apart from hanging loose!) was to toggle up the ipod volume! I hate rain!!! Maybe I should come to Arizona? |
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Tourer
Posts: 367
Cottage Grove, Mn |
After reading all the post on this thread i have come to the conculsion that there is only one thing about my Vision the i truly am unhappy about and the is the fact that it is sitting idle in the man cave instead of being on the street
What is lean lash????????????? |
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Visionary
Posts: 3006
San Antonio, TX | Doc,
Thank you for the correction. We here in the colonies sometimes make these simple mistakes.
Thank you for buying an American made ride. We need all the help we can get.
God save the Queen and Ride Safe!
Edited by radioteacher 2009-04-28 5:06 PM
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Cruiser
Posts: 257
Under the Rule of Jedi - Masshole | Ok here come some dribble....
Don't ask me how I know, but the Vision is very stable with an extremely light touch to the bars while passing a truck.
Cruse control set at 80, passing a truck while sitting up on the "rumble seat", no waver, no sway, no nothing. Should have seen the look on his face when he glanced over and saw no one driving! Not that I condone this type of childish activity, but it sure is fun!
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Cruiser
Posts: 103
| Untamed, This year I did some foolish things and one of them was to purchase a GW, Ultra and a Vision. All bike were 2008 and new. What I learned was that it is best to wait for 3 months before making sound judgments about these bikes. When I first rode the HD I really did not like it at all but grew to almost like that shakey little bike after a while. The GW was awesome right from the start but I learned that to spend long hours in the saddle was not very comfortable. The Vision is in my opinion the best of the three with the GW close behind. As for your concerns, the Vision as stated before rides best with lite input in windy conditions. The one thing I like about the GW better than the Vision is Interstate driving, do to the more stable high speed ride with trucks, other than that the Vision is my favorite. So go lite and tame that beast! BL |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 26
Milwaukee, WI United States | Hi Bill,
Are you enjoying having everyone tell you how to ride? Frustrating isn't it? After all, you didn't post a question asking how to ride the Vision so it doesn't buffet - you asked if there could be any technical reasons for the buffeting you were experiencing. The answer is "YES". Near the top of this page (2) Lotzafun referenced an earlier thread from a poster that had a similar problem. I was that poster. If you followed the link to that thread you found about 2 pages of posts that pretty much look identical to this thread. That being the case you may not have read through the whole litany of advice about lightening up your grip and learning the right way to ride your Vision. But, if you go to about the middle of page two and find my last post with the subject "FINAL RESULTS" you will see the technical reasons that caused the problem.
In my case it was a combination of the fork bearings being torqued to tight and low tire pressure caused by using an inaccurate tire gauge (the one that came with the bike!). I was experiencing what felt like buffeting even when it seemed like there was very little wind and gusty days sent me wandering in my lane. The more I loosened up on the grips the more it wanted to go it's own way. With 38 years of riding experience and knowing that I already had a very loose and relaxed riding style I too was beginning to feel like I had made a bad purchase and would just have to "get acclimated" to the Vision. Fortunately I had a dealer that actually listened to what I said and really looked for the solution (even though I first had to listen the same "riding style" lecture from him). I had left the bike with him and told him to ride it personally for a few days before giving it back to me with another lecture.
My advice is to make sure you have an accurate gauge and check your tire pressure. If it's still doesn't feel right take it to your dealer and suggest he check the steering torque. If it is on spec maybe it could be a bad tire or something else but with your years of experience if you still feel like you are riding a bike that shouldn't even cost half of what you paid then my guess is that there IS a technical reason for it. Of course a bike with that much surface will catch the wind a bit but it shouldn't vary that much from some of the other bikes you've ridden and may be much better than some of them.
What you have to realize is that all the Vision riders that DON'T have a technical problem, and don't have your bike to compare with, assume that you are complaining about the idiosyncrasies the Vision has when you try to overcompensate on the steering. I also think that the swept back handle bar position magnifies steering input and that is why the more relaxed grip seems to help those who are not accustomed to it. At least they are trying to be helpful and that is one of the great things about Vision owners. The other great thing is the Vision itself. Once you get the problem solved I think you will be glad you made the purchase. It's not a perfect bike but on the whole it's more fun to ride than any other bike I've owned or ridden so far. Good luck! |
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Tourer
Posts: 495
Carrollton, TX | WOW I don’t understand a lot of the comments on wind buffeting on the Vision. I live in Texas and we have strong winds here. It is very common to have a 30 to 35 mph wind in the spring and other times of the year as well. I have been riding bikes since I was 9 and I am 53 now. In the area of touring bikes I have put a good amount of miles on the Harley Ultra, the Gold Wing and the BMW 1200 LT. I have 30,200 miles on my Vision in 13 months. I think the Vision handles better in the wind than any bike I have ridden. I handles a little different especially compared to bikes with a fork mounted fairing. You will feel the wind hit the bike some but it is solid on the road. I ride with friends that have Gold Wings, Ultra’s and Road Glides and in 35 mph cross winds I will set the cruise control at 80 mph and not touch the handlebars for miles and the bike is solid. I can just lean and do sweepers and change lanes. The others riding with me are amazed as when they try it on their bikes they have to put their hands on the bars to correct the bike in less than a minute. I have been in such strong winds that the Vision is leaning as it goes down the road but it is straight as an arrow and rock solid on the road. Oh yes another proof point of the wind protection the Vision provides is that I can wear my Vision golf hat even in 45 mph winds and my hat has never blown off. |
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Tourer
Posts: 415
| Trust the bike, it will never let you down. |
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Visionary
Posts: 2118
Pitt Meadows, BC Canada | Bill has given us all a thread to be proud of. Wonderful expressions of what we all know, and have learned over countless miles of riding on many different machines. He has seen us at our best - not afraid to 'poke' our sensitivities and not afraid to stand up to each other in our opinions. This is why most of us work at keeping this website alive.
Wind problems may be mechanical, or may be mental, or may be metaphysical - but by sharing our opinions we ALL learn - and this website makes this possible.......
I'm off to Maui where I will rent a HD to tour - and enjoy the experience. But I am already looking foreward to our summer of riding the best bike on the planet. And I am sure that Bill will have his problems under control thanks to all the contributions here..... |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | Very well put mr. longworth. I see that a technical issue can be involved as I recall that thread you mention. But it is just as easy to give the "loosen the grip" lecture, as I had the experience until I did. By all means Bill, shake 'er down and have the once over done to elimnate technical problems. With all resolved, consider the Vision is different and get to know it. I'm curious to see the windtunnel tests on the bike and I wonder if they did crosswind testing. As I looked at the front of the bike one day I thought on how a jet engine is designed and the force of the air through allows the forward thrust of the plane to be straight. So, is the air flow thru and around the cowling allows the bike to track better in crosswinds? The BMW is the only other bike that I see that has a similar styling in this regards. My GL1200 as with the other Goldwings has an airdam in front with the radiator and I know I would be down right afraid on windy days to ride but would still do it. I would be all over the road, back and forth trying to hold it in line. If I had that same type of experience on the Vision, I would have to check components and tires as it would indicate that something was definetly amiss if started acting that way. I hope you do get all your issues resolved and experience the Vision ride. |
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Tourer
Posts: 332
Dale, Indiana | I LOVE WINDY DAYS!
When I first got the bike I was scared to death to ride when it was windy. THEN I learned not to fight the bike and let her do the work. Gusting .... no need to do anything she leans into and comes back right up without me doing a darn thing.
Last Sunday I wanted to show my buds how well the bike rides in the wind. Winds of between 15 to 25 with a few gusts, and I rode her at 4 and 5 miles stretches with the cruise set and my hands folded on my chest. Went around a few gentle curves like that too.
She's just an easy bike to ride if you let her do what she is designed to do.
BTW I drive a truck too (whatever that has to do with anything!)  
PS: I don't do no hands when passing a truck. (I haven't totally gave over all control to the bike.)  |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 810
| Doc - 2009-04-28 5:42 AM ... When I got the Rocket III, the wind disappeared!! ... Here is some interesting information on the Rocket 3's design.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKEuzxC4eGc |
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Cruiser
Posts: 65
| Ha ha TimS - there are a few of those around! That's what happens when something new and different appears. The RIII is a great bike - no knocking it now (snigger!). But, afte 230 miles today of A roads, motorway and town riding (in bright sun and WIND - oh no!!!) - I love my Vision!!! |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 810
| I would love to give the Rocket 3 a test ride, but haven't had the opportunity yet.
Anyways, I thought the video was great, especially the part about the infusion of the "argument juice" from the female brain to facilitate instant directional changes. I put a few miles on my Vision this last weekend as well. I put over 600 miles on Friday and a few on Thursday and Sunday. We went from snow to desert, through high cross winds, semi turbulence and locust swarms (good eating) and had a great time. Time for an oil change and a bug scrapper.
Tim
Edited by TimS 2009-04-29 12:04 PM
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | About 4 months after I got my Vision they had test ride day at the local Triumph/Polaris Dealer. I went to take a test ride and it was a good day for it. First off, it seemed that all the staff for the ride was rather snobbish as well as the Triumph riders that were waiting to try the new stuff. I walked around looking at the bikes and kinda took a liking to the RIII but it looked like you sat in the saddle like a Wing. Because the bike is tall and the saddle low, I thought it was lower than what it was so I go grab a brochure and read the seat height to be 29". From that point I quit looking and headed off to my Vision and nevered looked back. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 74
Lehigh Valley, Pa | Folks, this was good information. Not that I was having any issues managing windy rides but I put more thought into the way I am riding my new Vision based on the the advise given in this thread and was happy with the outcome. You can teach an old dog new tricks. Thanks... |
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Cruiser
Posts: 137
Houston, Texas | I think we have pretty well 'flogged' this horse to death. |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 29
| Hello! I had a vision (get the pun?) that panties were getting bunched up on the internet highway. Just wanted some of you guys to know that I really like this bike except for a few problems Im having. I dont need driving lessons because I ride as loose as the bike will allow me to. Did you ever think that my specific bike might be having a problem due to incorrect torque on the steering stem bearings or something else? The bike has great power and torque and is very comfortable and I love the looks (not a carbon copy of everything else). Just looking for some solutions to my particular problems. Time for a de-bunching! Thanks |
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Visionary
Posts: 1484
LaPorte,Tx. | UntamedBill - 2009-04-27 2:39 PM
Hello! Just wondering if anybody else felt that high winds or tractor-trailers knocked their bikes around quite a bit? My Vision seems to be buffeted about quite a bit. Is this a trait of the bike because of the large fairing area or could there be a problem? Tire pressure OK. Thanks!
I would have your dealer check out the bike, there maybe an item that needs to be checked, like the steering head bearing. The Vision I feel moves around, but it really doesn't, it just seem like it. There is a lot of contact area so it will feel twitchy on top because the wind is pushing and buffeting, but the wheel track is very stable for me. Bringing down the windshield and pulling in the defectors can reduce that to twitching, in my opinion, but then you get more helmet (head) buffeting. I usually move to the far side of the lane when passing and do it a quickly as possible.
Good luck with your ride. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1436
| Bill I did not read all the replies just a couple so if this has already been said disregard. I came off of 2 back to back HD baggers and experienced the old burned crotch from engine heat with the last which is why I switched to the Vision. After picking mine up I noticed it felt like I was riding on marbles every time I got behind a semi and picked up some buffering. Wind control also felt a bit uneasy.
Someone here recommended I try loosening up more instead of instinctually gripping a little tighter. It helped but it did not entirely rectif the issue. As I've racked up more miles the feeling that the bike is riding on marbles has gone and I ride regularly in high winds. Work at relaxing as much as possible and lean slightly forward. I use my backrest to guide me forward just a little. It really is just becoming acustome to the extremely sensative handling characteristics of the bike. Please take this as intended just a friendly suggestion and NOT a critique of riding ability. Like I said I had similar issues and like yourself hae 40+ years in the saddle. Ride safe..... T |
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Visionary
Posts: 1324
So Cal | UntamedBill - 2009-04-29 1:30 PM
Hello! I had a vision (get the pun?) that panties were getting bunched up on the internet highway. Just wanted some of you guys to know that I really like this bike except for a few problems Im having. I dont need driving lessons because I ride as loose as the bike will allow me to. Did you ever think that my specific bike might be having a problem due to incorrect torque on the steering stem bearings or something else? The bike has great power and torque and is very comfortable and I love the looks (not a carbon copy of everything else). Just looking for some solutions to my particular problems. Time for a de-bunching! Thanks
Might want to have them check rear wheel alignment. Had the same problem when mine was new. Mentioned it at 500 mi. service, dealer adjusted, no problem after. Learned to do it myself after belt started making noise. Takes some trial an error to get it right. Dont go by the marks on the swingarm, you'll be way off if you do. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 65
| Someone on here led me to this site as I cannot source one in the UK (Polaris do not let you order direct in the UK, I have to go through a dealer)...
http://www.mediafire.com/2008visioninfo
There's a PDF download of the service manual. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 65
| Oops! Wrong thread -sorry! |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | May I make a suggestion? Would one of you folk who actually experience the fork bearing, etc. problem that experienced the wobble, marble sensation make a tech post Titled: Wind Instability. I make this suggestion for future inquiries and the tech forum can also be the "what if" or Frequently Asked Questions collection point. I've not had that technical experience of the wobble, but did have the acclaimation issues of knowing how to ride the Vision. I suggest this so that no will try to "adjust their rider input" when their's is a more serious issue at large. It can go something like this: If you experience instability in crosswinds or any riding circumstance check the following. - Tire pressure, servicability and mounting
- Rear Wheel alignment
- Forknut torque
- Shock, shock pressure
- Frame, engine mount bolts
- etc.
- If all of the above are well and good, it may be that you are in the adjustment period of getting to know the Vision and the way it rides. Several riders have noted that the Vision does not ride as other bikes in comparison in size.
Just a thought, it is serious to make sure all is well on the bike before riding. Me, myself and I would not want to have a problem that is readily fixed but I think the bike is wobbling all of the road due to the fact the everyone else thinks I'm a natural born klutz and don't know how to ride a motorcycle. Ride safe, ride often... |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 6
Edmond, OK | Gee I'm new to riding a Vision and have been really disappointed with the wind problem. I thought it might have been just me or my bike. It's far more of an issue than on my Kingpin. Maybe I need to relax a little. |
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Tourer
Posts: 301
Buffalo Grove,Ill | Come on people, gees. Which is going to be more stable in a cross wind? My Prius or a mini van?
A Vision or a Vegas?
More surface area grabs more wind. Deal with it. Its not like its blowing you off the road for Gods sake.
I think im going to start a thread and call it. "My bike handles badly on a bumpy road, What ever should i do?"
If your bike handles badly all the time , Fix something! If it is only on a windy day, ITS THE WIND !!!
Of course these are just my opinions. I wouldnt want to Offend anyone : ) |
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Visionary
Posts: 1436
| I was thinking about VAryders suggestion and I did have an issue that was corrected that MIGHT have been a factor. The upper middle (I think middle) shock bushing was bad and was replaced at 7500 miles. I know it caised my rear tire to feather like crazy so it MIGHT have contributed to the loose feel.
Clubford, I don't believe we are talking cross wind type stuff, but rather instability handling issues. Could be wrong but thats what I was referencing. |
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Tourer
Posts: 301
Buffalo Grove,Ill | And thats fine, as you can see in my last post. If there is a problem, obviously get it fixed. However the bike is big and cross wind or headwind it will grab it. : ) |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 763
Anderson, IN (48mi NE of downtown Indianapolis) | I take off my trunk to ride to work during the week. I put it back on during the weekends for the girlfriend. I definately notice the bike responds less to wind without the trunk. The biggest difference is when passing or being passed by heavy vehicles. The trunk definately grabs sidewind. This is not a complaint. I really like the Vision with and without the trunk. It's just something I noticed between the two. |
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Tourer
Posts: 377
O'Neill, Nebraska |
I would have your dealer check out the bike, there maybe an item that needs to be checked, like the steering head bearing. The Vision I feel moves around, but it really doesn't, it just seem like it. There is a lot of contact area so it will feel twitchy on top because the wind is pushing and buffeting, but the wheel track is very stable for me. Bringing down the windshield and pulling in the defectors can reduce that to twitching, in my opinion, but then you get more helmet (head) buffeting. I usually move to the far side of the lane when passing and do it a quickly as possible.
Good luck with your ride.
+1 I figure going around a 30k truck that is pushing quite a bit of air is going to catch the large body area of the Vision. I move to the far side of the lane as well. Also figure it's safer in case the truck peels off a retread. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 260
| victoryvisiontour - 2009-05-07 2:01 PM
I take off my trunk to ride to work during the week. I put it back on during the weekends for the girlfriend. I definately notice the bike responds less to wind without the trunk. The biggest difference is when passing or being passed by heavy vehicles. The trunk definately grabs sidewind. This is not a complaint. I really like the Vision with and without the trunk. It's just something I noticed between the two.
+1, just took the trunk off yesterday and added the Sissy bar and luggage rack. Looks like the switch back to the trunk will not be difficult. |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | Sissy bar? A new accessory? I like mine with the pillion backrest and rack, I'll be putting mine back on this weekend, getting ready for the Redwing 19 run next Saturday. |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | Sissy bar? A new accessory? I like mine with the pillion backrest and rack, I'll be putting mine back on this weekend, getting ready for the Redwing 19 run next Saturday. |
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Tourer
Posts: 432
Gettysburg, 2008 Tour Premium | I do not own a Vision yet but have owned a GL1800 Wing, BMW K1200LT and presently own a Harley ultra. I have ridden A Vision two up in wind and would like to say it is most like the BMW except better and more predictable and of course lower CG. After almost 35K on the BMW handling the Victroy in the wind is a piece of cake and the lead-in the this post about just relaxing is the key. I would like to add a little to this by saying as the Victory recieves a just of wind from the side if you put all your attention on just driving the thing straight you will notice the wheel and bottom of the bike will swing out under you in the direction the wind is going. As the wind dies it will swing back. The only thing you do is keep it straight and not try and fight it, it becomes second nature after awhile but when first encountered will throw you for a loop. Reminds me of steering a boat straight on rolling waves.
Walt |
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Stability in high winds?