camelmd - 2009-07-11 4:31 PM I am looking to buy a new touring bike and the Vision is definitely worth checking into. I am on my 3rd Goldwing and looking for something a little different. I''m an iron butt rider, so I rack up some miles. My wife is on the bike with me most of the time, so I'm looking for a good 2 up bike. I sat on a VV this morning and really liked how it fit. I'm 6'2" (225). I like the many foot positions along the floor boards. Here my main concerns:

1. Rider/passenger intercom... what is everyone using?

2. CB... Does anyone have a CB connected and how does it interface?

3. Backrest... Long rides require more than the stock seat. Is there a backrest that attaches to the seat for the rider, but still allows plenty of room for the passenger?

4. Does the bike get hot? Especially stopped in traffic? Thanks for any comments!

I know I don't have as many miles as you might have, and I have done a few saddlesore ride, one with credentials. I'll try to answer some of your questions, but I'm sure there will be others much more qualified than I.

. Rider/passenger intercom... what is everyone using? I use the intercom when we are using the helmets that is set up for them. Right now, the wife and I both are using the shorty's and do not have the coms on those helmets.

2. CB... Does anyone have a CB connected and how does it interface? CB works great when I have used it, see #1.

3. Backrest... Long rides require more than the stock seat. Is there a backrest that attaches to the seat for the rider, but still allows plenty of room for the passenger? I find that the stock seat without backrest works great for me, no issues. Others say they can't live without it.

4. Does the bike get hot? Especially stopped in traffic? I'm afraid to answer this question without sounding sarcastic. This is an ongoing fuss. Yes it get's hot, it is a internal combustion engine that is oil cooled. So hot is relative, and those that ride in Texas year round or Florida will mostly tell you it is tolerable. All I have to compare to in recent memory is a GL1200, and I felt that bike got hot and when I was in traffic the fan would stay on constantly in anything above 80. I was scared for it over heating and I didn't like it too much either. Recently, I had the engine dipstick temp at 300 in stop and go traffic and I was surviving the conditions, however, my wife with her feet directly over the mufflers was getting rather hot, and she is a hot person to begin with. She doesn't like to ride when it is hot and unless it is constant moving. We were stuck in a half hour stop and go traffic for about 5 miles and wasn't going to bail but was at her limit when we moved on. This is extreme circumstances for us, so I don't expect it to happen too often. Regular traffic should not be a problem.

The benefit of the V-twin is your feet are not directly behind the heads, and there is a great remedy for some, and that is lower louvers that go on the fairing side. They redirect any heat while in motion, and many love them. I for one do not feel the need for them.

So, I hope I've helped some. I've owned my Vision for 20 months and have 47,000 miles on it. Rode 1,036 miles in 15 hours in the Virginia Saddlesore this pass may, and have done at least 1,200 in 19 hours and 900 in 17 hours with temps below 50. Did 730 in 11 hours, and every trip I've done this way, I was ready to do more at my stop for the day, but my better judgment said otherwise.

Thanks for any comments!