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New user
Posts: 2
| Good evening,
I'm looking at purchasing a vision for my next bike. What can you tell me about them?
Are there any issues that are common with them?
What are the service intervals?
What is the cost of service?
Are there any rattles or squeaks on them?
What are the great things about the Vision? |
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Cruiser
Posts: 170
Houston, TX | Just wade through the threads on this site. Most of your questions have already been addressed. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 205
| Well, you will love it! It is a great bike and a lot of fun. I am new to the Vision, but I will tell you what I know so far...
There are no major issues that I know of that would be of concern on a stock bike.
The service intervals are 2500 miles. (initial 500 mile check also)
The cost of service (for 2500 mile oil?) depends on dealer... I assume 100 bucks. But you can do it yourself for under $20. (so I hear)
There are no rattles and squeaks on mine! smooooooooth....
The great things about the Vision are the looks, the power, the stereo, the looks, the smooth ride, the comfort, the massive floor boards, the looks, the command presence on the road, the power windshield, the nimbleness of handling, the heated accouterments, the looks,.. and the looks....And all of the other awesome stuff that comes with having such an incredibly solid, massive, powerful, smooth, classy-with-a-hint-of-sinister, beast of American made, air-cooled, luxury-long-touring, short-bar-hoping, machine. Fun, dependable, exciting, different, and all yours....
Those are few of the cool things. The smooth ride and power, coupled with the nimble handling sold me immediately. I came from a Harley Road King and as much as I like Harley, once I rode a Vision, I could not go back to the shake-rattle-and-and-roll of the nostalgic Road King. The Vision is what I was looking for, and has far exceeded my expectations.... I hope it is what you are looking for too!
Hope that helps.
Did I mention the cool looks?
Edited by Mfoster 2009-09-03 12:06 AM
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 10
| I am an even newer member - still 1 week away from picking up my vision (purchased last week). I used this site and thevog.net to see what others were talking about (good, bad, ugly). You have to make up your own mind. In my case, I had to get over my "non-HD" prejudice. I already have a Road King (show bike, with 2nd place award at Arlen Ness show), and have been riding 31 yrs.
I test rode the vision and the street glide in the same day. They (Arlen Ness, Dublin CA) let me ride 2 models (one stock, the other "nessed up" . I was sold after riding the HD. No comparison for ride, power. Don't get me wrong. I love the HD image. I had a CVO on order ($31K). Net result? I canceled my CVO and worked with Ness to get a bike that I can ride for the long haul, and has character for around town.
Give up my Road King? Nah. Take it on my long trips? NEVER AGAIN! Take the vision on a long enough test ride to see the power, handling and comfort.
My 2 cents.
Edited by hog_2dot0 2009-09-03 12:26 AM
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | 52,000 miles in 22 months... and still riding... I can't say anymore... |
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Cruiser
Posts: 127
| I've had mine 3 months now and put on 3000 miles. While I'm still undecided about the looks (to me, it's a cross between a scooter and a crotch rocket, writ large) the handling alone is enough to sell the bike. I'm a novice rider, and not overly experienced in motorcycles, but this bike inspires confidence in spite of it's size. In stock form there's adequate power, and I haven't seen anything come close to the level of comfort built in. There's more than enough raves on this and other forums to get the idea- I don't know of any other bike that generates fans and fanatics like us. |
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Tourer
Posts: 446
East TN | 3,000 miles in 4 weeks....NOTHING MAJOR with the bike alls good!! GO TEST RIDE ONE....You'll never look back!! Except while changin lanes on the Vision!! |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | dimonback, perception is in the eye of the beholder. i can sorta fit the scooter look to the vision as all my jealous harley friends call it a vespa. the funny thing is the big harley dealer in the area sells vespa's and even show cases them over the bikes. but I'm having a hard time getting the crotch rocket look out of it. the vision has a very laid back feel and look.
I agree the major two pluses of the bike is #1 = Comfort, #2 Handling. I was sold just reading that it would fit my butt to a T, better than any bike on the market. sitting on one comfirmed that fact. Riding it is a bad habit that I just can't put down. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 127
| Varyder, I agree that my perception is only my perception. It's almost embarassing when the people who see it for the first time are gushing about how gorgeous it is, and all I can do is sit there and nod my head...;-) |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 965
New York State | This looks like a great deal
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=22047...
Edited by Trekwolf164 2009-09-03 8:09 AM
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Cruiser
Posts: 160
Lennox, SD | Shady,
I am also expecting to be riding a Vision next year. I am currently trying to sell my current ride 2006 Kawi Nomad.
I made the fatal mistake of taking a Vision for a 1 hour test ride and now I can't get the Vision out of my mind.
I spent several weeks reading about the Vision here and at thevog.net and my decision is made.
I am defineately a Vision convert. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 154
Cabot Arkansas | 4 months and 10,000 miles later and all I can think is why did I wait so long .
Yup I like me some vision uh huh |
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Tourer
Posts: 301
Buffalo Grove,Ill | Well, as much of a fan as i am about the vision, it does have some issues. Im sorry but i dont pull my punches.
Depending on the year you have and what options you have , there are a few things to consider.
If you have the upgraded pipes you WILL have issues with the closed loop fuel system causing some popping and backfiring.
Make sure that all of the latest mappings are done at the dealers to eliminate as much as possible. Some people have reported stalling while coming up to a stop. ( again the latest maps should fix this problem) Concerns of shops dealing with Victories closing their doors is a little un nerving when considering spending so much on a bike.
I love my vision and you can see by my list what i have on it.
I bought mine knowing the issues with the dealers but not the popping that everyone is concerned with. I still think it is the best bike in its class out there and wouldnt want any other. No bike is perfect, but as i said this is the bike i will keep for a long time. 9000 miles on mine and its still running strong and smooth. with the occasional pop that i can live with until Victory comes up with the right map. |
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Visionary
Posts: 3006
San Antonio, TX | Yesterday, my friend and I were riding to lunch he on his two tone blue and gray 2009 Ultra Classic HD and me on the black 2008 Victory Vision. We were side by side waiting at the light in the left lane with me on the left. A van pulled up on the right and asked my friend, "What kind of bike is that one?" My friend answered "It a Victory Vision!" then he faced me and gave me a dirty look. I just shrugged my shoulders.
As I have stated before.
There should be a sticker that states the following over the key switch when you go to drive off with your new Victory Vision.
Warning: If you do not like meeting total strangers, answering questions about Victory (or parent company, Polaris, stock symbol PII), answering questions on the Vision and it features, demonstrating the motorized windshield, describing or physically demonstrating the tip over points, pointing out the cruise control switches, heated seats and grips, opening the mp3/iPod player area, the gas cap door, and all luggage compartments, providing the price you paid for the Vision, the location of the nearest honest Victory dealer, the free demonstration rides and the bikes top speed, do not buy the Vision.
Please know the engine displacement in cc and ci, gas mileage city and highway do not forget to mention that it is an American Motorcycle. Designed in Minnesota and built in Iowa.
Be prepared: People will check out your Victory Vision at stop lights. (Yesterday a blond in a Land Rover smiled and gave me thumbs up.) Some will even roll down the window to ask a question (see list above) or make comments like, Cool, Wow! *Dat is da Real Playerz!
If purchased: You must also be kind to those who walk around your Vision when you are eating or shopping. When you are asked silly things about the Vision such as "When did you steal George Jetson's bike" or "I saw this in the Batman movie", be thoughtful in your reply since, they might really want a Vision but have to many HD tattoos to turn back now, really do not want a Vision but that is OK and everyone should ride a motorcycle that they identify with, third be embarrassed that they paid more for their HD Ultra Electra Glide but do not want to admit it or finally; they go home, do some research and they might just buy a Vision for themselves.
*I had to look up the "Real Playerz comment" because I had no clue what it meant
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Visionary
Posts: 3204
Memphis | radioteacher - 2009-09-03 3:50 PM Yesterday, my friend and I were riding to lunch he on his two tone blue and gray 2009 Ultra Classic HD and me on the black 2008 Victory Vision. We were side by side waiting at the light in the left lane with me on the left. A van pulled up on the right and asked my friend, "What kind of bike is that one?" My friend answered "It a Victory Vision!" then he faced me and gave me a dirty look. I just shrugged my shoulders. Seriously Paul, that is one of the funniest things I have read in awhile. I literally just busted out laughing and my entire family just turned and looked at me like I was on something. It is the ultimate indignity for another rider. It's bad enough that the Vision steals all the attention but to ask another rider what kind of bike that is (implying his is invisible) is a total slap in the face. People with other bikes think they get attention but until they spend a day around a Vision they just can't fathom how different it is. You shrug. I have a certain smile reserved for those moments. Priceless. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 104
| Trekwolf164 - 2009-09-03 8:07 AM
This looks like a great deal
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=22047...
http://www.arlennesslasvegas.com offered me a 2008 black Vision for $19,000.00, 0 miles when I was there 2 weeks ago.
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Visionary
Posts: 3006
San Antonio, TX | Songfan,
I felt bad for him and his Ultra when I shrugged. I really like his 09 Ultra. It looks good and it handles much better with the new stiffer frame that HD designed. He really noticed the difference. He still owns a 04 Fatboy but only rides it about once every two weeks or so.
I hope to go riding on Monday. I am going to see if other want to come along.
I have only put 2000 miles on my Vision since June 25. Work is killing my riding and will be for the next few months. All I do is ride back and forth to work every day.
Take care and Ride Safe.
Edited by radioteacher 2009-09-03 9:21 PM
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Iron Butt
Posts: 965
New York State | lonestarrider - 2009-09-03 5:56 PM
Trekwolf164 - 2009-09-03 8:07 AM
This looks like a great deal
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=22047...
http://www.arlennesslasvegas.com offered me a 2008 black Vision for $19,000.00, 0 miles when I was there 2 weeks ago.
The E-Bay bike is loaded with chrome
Edited by Trekwolf164 2009-09-03 11:26 PM
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Cruiser
Posts: 104
| Trekwolf164 - 2009-09-03 11:25 PM
lonestarrider - 2009-09-03 5:56 PM
Trekwolf164 - 2009-09-03 8:07 AM
This looks like a great deal
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=22047...
http://www.arlennesslasvegas.com offered me a 2008 black Vision for $19,000.00, 0 miles when I was there 2 weeks ago.
The E-Bay bike is loaded with chrome
Oh, I guess it would be a good deal. I never been much of a chrome person. ;-) |
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Tourer
Posts: 447
Cleveland, GA | radioteacher - 2009-09-03 5:50 PM Be prepared: People will check out your Victory Vision at stop lights. ( Today I was in a left turn lane, with about five or six cars ahead of me. A pickup truck passed me on the right, stopped about two car lengths ahead of me, backed up (there was no traffic ahead or behind him) beside me, and said, "Wow! That is a beautiful bike! What is it?" I told him and he and his passenger just kept saying, "Man, that is beautiful! I've never seen anything like it!" until my light changed and I rode off, as he gave me a thumbs up. I have had people pass gas stations where I was fueling, turn around and come back into the parking lot just to check it out. But for some reason when I go to bike night at a little place near here, nobody walks over to check it out (there's usually about 100-150 bikes - of which only about 10 are not HD, including 5 or 6 sport bikes). Hmm. It must have its cloaking device enabled when I go there.  |
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Visionary
Posts: 2118
Pitt Meadows, BC Canada | Lone Stranger - don't fear 'bike night'. Try this trick (it works) - Get off the Vision and stroll inside (making sure all the by-standers see you go) - then sneak back out to where you parked. What you will see is all the 'nobodies' gathered around the Vision. They just don't want to be seen (by you) admiring the bike. This works - I have personally done this twice now - and have one of those times on video!
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Visionary
Posts: 3006
San Antonio, TX | Lone Ranger,
Do what donetracey said plus.......do not put the kickstand down. Just lay it down on the tipovers and walk away.
Have someone show up with a video camera before you get there.
Ride Safe |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | i go to the local cruisin' night at a hardee's and they have car's and bikes, dj, raffles etc. great time. I show up with my vision and i'll usually get some looks on the walk arounds, but the bikers won't go near it while i'm there. i walk around and i see a few come over and look and then wander back to their bikes. i did lay it on the tip over one time and all a few came over to talk to me, but the "bikers" were lined up around their bikes just looking at mine and talking. 
the true admirers of the bikes beside us is people that don't even ride. they are the ones that gives the deepest and sincere compliments. they'll actually walk out of their way where ever i go and stand to admire the machine. others that ride and it don't matter what they ride, usually give the old "how's it ride?" somewhere in there they'll say "i just can't get past the look." then there are those that won't even acknowledge that i'm even riding. it is those folks i'll walk over to them and give their bike a compliment. suddenly they'll change and begin talking about the vision or victory, but they'll hype their ride in the process.
it's all good. you ride what you ride for whatever reason. i like to ride and i'm so glad the vision came along, it's makes me as an novice look like i've ridden for 100 hundred years and the comfort is better than any vehicle i own or even my living room couch.
ride on!
Edited by varyder 2009-09-04 6:42 AM
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Cruiser
Posts: 127
| In my mind, those who openly dislike the bike, or purposely ignore it, are the posers who'll end up selling their Ultras after 5 years of ownership. The ads usually read: "200_ HD Ultra Classic, 1,500 miles. Too many options to list, immaculate condition. Just don't have time to ride". I always have to smile when I read those. |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | that is from all walks of life. I helped out a guy yesterday who ran out of gas in his 2006 Kaw 750 cruiser bike. Bike was brand new looking and thought it was at least an 09. he told me it was an 06 with just a little over 1,000 miles on it when he bought it.
my brother-in-law who had the goldwing GL1200 that I bought, had it for like 3 years and barely put 1,000 miles on it, yet he "loves to ride". He was the second owner and it was 21 years old when I bought with 25,000 miles on the clock. I put 38,000 miles on it the two years I had it and that was with it in the shop from mid-nov to the end of January.
I just hope all these folk survive their 'biker spell' to at least say "I use to ride..." too many don't make it that far.
Edited by varyder 2009-09-04 8:47 AM
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Tourer
Posts: 520
Simi Valley, CA | I have come to the conclusion that the Victory confuses die-hard HD riders. There is nothing at all in the HOG handbook to cover how to react to this bike. I am sure there are chapters written on Metric bike comments -but nothing on the Victory. I will have HD riders walk right past me and the bike, looking past me, but their passengers always stop to check it out and the huge passenger seat. I love it when I am asked how it rides, and I say that I did a 4000 mile ride in 12 days in June and I could have kept going for another 4000- not one Advil the entire trip (they know what I mean by that too).
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Tourer
Posts: 363
Goldsboro, NC | SongFan, I have to disagree with you in one respect: I think the whole damn post is funny. 
I am familiar with EVERY ONE of those reactions in radioteach's post. That makes it so funny.
Oh, by the way. I had the same reaction as you did, except I'M AT WORK right now. Family, I can handle. My coworkers think I'm nuts, now.... not that they didn't before, but you get my point.
trailbarge
SongFan - 2009-09-03 6:36 PM
radioteacher - 2009-09-03 3:50 PM Yesterday, my friend and I were riding to lunch he on his two tone blue and gray 2009 Ultra Classic HD and me on the black 2008 Victory Vision. We were side by side waiting at the light in the left lane with me on the left. A van pulled up on the right and asked my friend, "What kind of bike is that one?" My friend answered "It a Victory Vision!" then he faced me and gave me a dirty look. I just shrugged my shoulders. Seriously Paul, that is one of the funniest things I have read in awhile. I literally just busted out laughing and my entire family just turned and looked at me like I was on something. It is the ultimate indignity for another rider. It's bad enough that the Vision steals all the attention but to ask another rider what kind of bike that is (implying his is invisible) is a total slap in the face. People with other bikes think they get attention but until they spend a day around a Vision they just can't fathom how different it is. You shrug. I have a certain smile reserved for those moments. Priceless.
Edited by trailbarge 2009-09-04 11:26 AM
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Visionary
Posts: 3204
Memphis | Anyone who buys a Vision is nuts. And when they ask me how it rides I say; "Like a Lexus with a 427 under the hood."
Edited by SongFan 2009-09-04 12:26 PM
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Cruiser
Posts: 127
| I wonder if this thread has actually helped the guy make up his mind- or does he think we're all whack jobs?? |
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Visionary
Posts: 3204
Memphis | He screen name is shadybiz11. I'm guessing he's a whack job like the rest of us. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 244
Lindale, TX | Just get the Vision and stand out from the crowd. |
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New user
Posts: 2
| Yes I am nuts. I crashed and totalled my bike 4 weeks ag o and can't wait to get back on a bike as soon as possible. |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | shadybiz11, glad to hear you are ok after your dump. sorry to hear of you trashin' your bike, but that is cool that you want to get back in the saddle so soon. pull the trigger on a Vision and you won't regret it. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 184
Allen Park, MI | varyder - 2009-09-08 5:35 AM
shadybiz11, glad to hear you are ok after your dump. sorry to hear of you trashin' your bike, but that is cool that you want to get back in the saddle so soon. pull the trigger on a Vision and you won't regret it.
+1 fo'sho! |
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Cruiser
Posts: 127
| Shady, welcome to the wacko world. I firmly believe that Victory owners sell more bikes than any showroom salesman, and we do it without the "hey, I've even got the tattoos" mentality. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 965
New York State | Dimonback - 2009-09-08 8:19 AM
Shady, welcome to the wacko world. I firmly believe that Victory owners sell more bikes than any showroom salesman, and we do it without the "hey, I've even got the tattoos" mentality.
What is wrong with Tatoos ?
Edited by Trekwolf164 2009-09-08 10:07 AM
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Cruiser
Posts: 127
| I'm talking about the guys who have so much invested in HD they can't be seen looking at other bikes. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 204
West Knoxville TN | I picked up mine the first of April and have never had any doubts that I made the right choice. The popping or burbling in the exhaust does not bother me at all. My VTX popped like corn in an iron kettle so this is tame by comparison. Good luck with your search. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 804
Perry Hall, MD | Not sure what kind of riding you do, but let's just consider comfort. The 18" floorboards provide endless positions for the feet and legs to move on a long haul their great even before you add highway pegs. Meet up with some rain or cooler temps and zip up the windshield to stay dry or warmer, or put it down and let some cool air in on a hot day. Gets a little cold and you can still burn the skin off of your palms and the butt with the heated grips and seat. The seat is nearly cloud like without shelling out the cash for an aftermarket unit. Lights that take the darkest back road at 4:00 am and makes it look like the noontime sun is out (just have to deal with the other motorist that consider it to be too bright). Then there is nearly vibration free handlebars that provide the ability to take your hands off of the grips after your ride and not have to wait 10 minutes to get the feeling back in them. How about a dash design that allows for a quick look that provides any information you could want clearly with just a quick glance, not to mention it's down right good looking as well.
It may not carry the nostalgia of a HD, and you're not going to find a 500 page catalog to browse for extra bling to spend your bucks on.
There is a lot to be said for the other choices that you have available, but these are a few of the things, beyond the performance that others have noted, that make me a very happy Vision Rider. Not perfect, but still rated as GREAT.
Bottom line - get back in the saddle and enjoy whatever you buy.
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Cruiser
Posts: 79
Memphis,Tn. | From this month's Cycle World advertisement for Buell:
"But a Buell is not a social networking tool."
Sounds good to me. No. Wait a minute...
Is it me or did Eric Buell just bite the hand that feeds him??? |
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Visionary
Posts: 3006
San Antonio, TX | TopFuel - 2009-09-09 6:57 PM
From this month's Cycle World advertisement for Buell:
"But a Buell is not a social networking tool."
Sounds good to me. No. Wait a minute...
Is it me or did Eric Buell just bite the hand that feeds him???
I saw that too and was not sure I was reading an ad for Buell. I guess that any ad that makes you look twice is a good ad. |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | isn't buell something you do when you had too much to drink.... |
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looking to purchase a vision