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Visionary
Posts: 3773
Pittsburgh, PA | I know we have to some Vision Historians on here. Can anyone point out the differences between the 2008 Vision and the 2011 (not 2012). I mean anything you can think of from like headlight not coming on when you turn the key Until the bike is started, etc? |
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Visionary
Posts: 3204
Memphis | Improved transmission, 5000 mile oil change interval, radio upgrade, harder clearcoat. |
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Visionary
Posts: 3773
Pittsburgh, PA | thank you! i was wondering did any of the other maintance requirements change? like 15000 mile steering and Fork oil replacement? Also what was the Radio upgrade? does the FM radio actually work now? |
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Visionary
Posts: 3204
Memphis | All the other maintenance is the same. The tranny with the neutral-finder detent is why they went to 5K on the oil change interval. Radio was bumped up (I think) 5 watts/channel with better speakers. Not sure about the FM reception. 2011 also has regular cigarette outlets instead of the BMW style Powerlets.
Edited by SongFan 2011-08-01 12:22 PM
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Visionary
Posts: 1359
New Bohemia, Va | Yeah, I just don't know, but I understand the radio is newer and better. I think there was a fork change also in the 2010's but I just don't know if that is true or what it is. I'm not one to follow minute changes in much of anything, but it is good to know. I think they did also improve on the iPod setup. |
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Visionary
Posts: 3204
Memphis | There is a newer iPod cable but that can go with either bike so I didn't count that as a difference. |
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Visionary
Posts: 3773
Pittsburgh, PA | When did they add. A.B.S. ? |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 965
New York State | Reverse added 2009 ABS was an option in 2010,
2012 Vision, Lower, more Horse ,more plastic , less chrome and no Black
Deer Crusher runs just fine
Edited by Trekwolf164 2011-08-01 1:49 PM
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Visionary
Posts: 3204
Memphis | ABS option in 2010 came standard starting in 2011. Newer bikes also have round handlebars instead of the oval ones and a throatier exhaust since the new tranny is quieter.
Edited by SongFan 2011-08-01 1:51 PM
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Cruiser
Posts: 208
Edmonton Alberta, Canada | No more gas shocks on the saddlebags. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1359
New Bohemia, Va | no more aluminum swoosh and the like, it's now plastic, I think in the 2010 edition. |
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Tourer
Posts: 562
SC, Bluffton | Cap'n Nemo - 2011-08-01 2:47 PM
no more aluminum swoosh and the like, it's now plastic, I think in the 2010 edition.
I know what a Nike Swoosh is, but what is swooshing on the Vision?
This is a good thread because I have been wondering myself about the 2008 vs. 2012.
As far as the premium models, my 2008 does Not have chrome forks, nor wheels. I think the
new models do.
Is Reverse not standard on the premiums?
I have a 2002 Goldwing & 2008 Vision. I have been toying with trading in the two for one new.
Thanks for all the replies!
Herb |
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Visionary
Posts: 3773
Pittsburgh, PA | i ask cause the option for trading my 08 for a 11 has come up. for only $20 more a month. and they claim there is a extended warranty and rebates involved... i noticed the NO shock on the bags, (no biggie) i also noticed the bars were round which i thought might be good for mounting things to your bars, gps,cup holder or anything else. i thought the 2011 i looked at had nicer looking wheels (my opinion). aside from the extra wattage is there anything else different in the radio?
OH i also noticed the 2011 has a built in spot for a drivers backrest....
Edited by Arkainzeye 2011-08-01 5:12 PM
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Visionary
Posts: 3773
Pittsburgh, PA | hey guys i noticed reading a few 2011 model statements from victory that they claim the 2011 along with the new trany has a increased exhaust note? is this true, i mean something you can ACTUALLY hear? or just louder because the trany is more quiet? |
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Cruiser
Posts: 152
Litchfield Park, AZ | First off, the radio reception is better not only because of any radio changes, but also because the front panel above the headlight is now plastic instead of aluminum which helps with the reception since the antenna is located under that panel.....BUT (there is always a but) look very very closely at teh fit and finish of that panel as I have seen a lot of problems with that panel laying down properly and if it's katywhompus it looks like sh!t.
Also, there is an article with one of the Victory engineers (too lazy to look it up now) that stated that because of the reduced noise coming from the tranny that they were able to increase the exhaust note.....although I would think that volume level is probably very minimal.
Next, if you like to ride without the tour pack, I have heard rumblings that you cannot get a color matched panel (they only have black in stock-which would look like sh!t). Also, no more high end backrest or luggage rack if you happened to want those, or if you have them on your current bike KEEP THEM!!! If you never take the tour pack off then forget about this entire last paragraph.
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Visionary
Posts: 3773
Pittsburgh, PA | phoenix9 - 2011-08-01 7:26 PM
First off, the radio reception is better not only because of any radio changes, but also because the front panel above the headlight is now plastic instead of aluminum which helps with the reception since the antenna is located under that panel.....BUT (there is always a but) look very very closely at teh fit and finish of that panel as I have seen a lot of problems with that panel laying down properly and if it's katywhompus it looks like sh!t.
Also, there is an article with one of the Victory engineers (too lazy to look it up now) that stated that because of the reduced noise coming from the tranny that they were able to increase the exhaust note.....although I would think that volume level is probably very minimal.
Next, if you like to ride without the tour pack, I have heard rumblings that you cannot get a color matched panel (they only have black in stock-which would look like sh!t). Also, no more high end backrest or luggage rack if you happened to want those, or if you have them on your current bike KEEP THEM!!! If you never take the tour pack off then forget about this entire last paragraph.
wow thanks for the details. i didnt know they front panel was plastic now! i wonder if peeling the antenna off my Alum panel would "help"? |
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Tourer
Posts: 500
| I have a 2011 Silver/Black Vision Tour and yes the new front panel under windshield is plastic and does not fit worth a shit....I have had dealer tech and service mgr. look at it and they both say to live with it as most are the same...No big deal,but one would think that a $23,500 motorcycle would have better quality control and parts that fit properly... It does have decent radio reception although..Have S1L1 exhaust kit so cannot address louder sound from stock pipes...Also, some stated that the 2012 is lower by 2" than older models...NOT SO, bad info on web-site from Polaris..Check spec sheets that compare others models and you will see the Vision is same as last year.....Only change I am aware of is the Stage 2 motor and lower prices......... |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 802
| That's interesting. I also have a 2011 Silver/Black Tour and the front panel on mine under the windshield is metal as the earlier models were and my swooshes are metal as well. I noticed that the 2011 8 Ball has plastic swooshes and front panel. Could your Tour have ended up with 8 Ball parts?
Marc
Edited by marcparnes 2011-08-01 10:02 PM
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Tourer
Posts: 494
Akron Ohio area | First off, the radio reception is better not only because of any radio changes, but also because the front panel above the headlight is now plastic instead of aluminum which helps with the reception since the antenna is located under that panel.....BUT (there is always a but) look very very closely at teh fit and finish of that panel as I have seen a lot of problems with that panel laying down properly and if it's katywhompus it looks like sh!t.
My front panel is most definitely NOT plastic.
I have a few chip marks and wear marks on mine and the shiny metal is very obvious.
Your comment on the fit and finish on that panel being crappy is spot on!
You and I have had this conversation before and at that time I thought it was plastic too.
I can't comment on the radio reception because I only use my ITouch.
Also, there is an article with one of the Victory engineers (too lazy to look it up now) that stated that because of the reduced noise coming from the tranny that they were able to increase the exhaust note.....although I would think that volume level is probably very minimal.
It was a video on their Web-Site late last year.
Next, if you like to ride without the tour pack, I have heard rumblings that you cannot get a color matched panel (they only have black in stock-which would look like sh!t). If you never take the tour pack off then forget about this entire last paragraph.
My dealer and I couldn't figure out what color the panel should be for my Silver/Black Vision.
First we thought "Silver" and it came in "Grey".
Sent that back and was sent a "Cream" colored panel.
Sent that back and then was sent a "Black" one, which is correct for my Vision color scheme.
So I would say they have at least 3 colors.
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Cruiser
Posts: 284
mansfield, MA United States | I had a 2008 Vision and now have a 2011 (with 14k on it now). The biggest and best difference would be the ABS and they are worth the change. The new trans I would say is a negative. I don't like it at all! If you have been riding a 08 and look at the gear indicator from time to time when you're down shifting the 2001 will drive you nuts. When you pull in the clutch the gear indicator shuts off. It isn't a big deal but I like the option of being able to tell if I down shifted into the right gear before letting off the clutch. The 5k oil change is a joke too. After 3k the tranny gets very clunkey and harder to shift just like the 08. I also agree with others that the fit and finish is not as good on the 2011. As for the shock in the side bags. I was disappointed at first but my dealer told me to try it without them and if I wanted them he could get them from Victory and install them cheap. I tried it without the shock and now I would not want them back on the bike. It is easier to put my bags in without the shock. The side opens just a little more. The 2011 also comes with all options. But for me the ABS makes it well worth the change if the price is right. You can stop on a dime!
Edited by Fastfred 2011-08-02 7:09 AM
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Visionary
Posts: 3773
Pittsburgh, PA | When you guys say the fit and finish is not good, do you mean the whole bike or just parts? I want to go to the dealer and look for the flaws. I just needed to know exactly where to look... |
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Visionary
Posts: 1359
New Bohemia, Va | I believe the so-called fit and finish issues are really not as bad as people let on. The panel are plastic and the mounting holes allow for adjustment. I believe anyone is that concerned they could get the panels lined up to there expectations. I think they also missed a little on the door hinges a little because of the welded nuts and protruding screws will touch on the inside, causing a slight misalignment. As far as function, it all works very well and as intended. If I study enough I can find all kind of flaws. The 08s have the raised knubs on the inside panel at the door closing and when exposed it looks out of place. The later models don't have those knubs so no one would know the difference, but the spacing is the same. Also, I've found the same "fit" issues in the 2011 as I have in my '08, but the paint schemes seem to take that away. There are only a very few car manufactures that worry about that much detail on fit and finish. I have an 05 PT Cruiser and had to have the grill replaced due to the dear deer strike. In reality it would have been better to have kept the old one, as the replacement is plastic, the same as the original, but was slightly warped I guess from sitting on the shelf too long. I wasn't going to haggle on perfection that I'm not going to get, I have much more important things to do.
But Chris, if you just take 5 minutes you could find a whole lot of inconsistancies. One, measure with a micrometer the trunk fit around the passenger grabs, mine are off by 1/1000th of an inch from the left to the right grab and it drives me absolutely mad when I look in the rear view mirror. I can't seem to get that thing lined up. I was hoping my warranty would cover the fix, but I don't think it will.
Edited by Cap'n Nemo 2011-08-02 7:59 AM
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Tourer
Posts: 500
| Other than the outer front black panel under the windshield that fits poorly, and is most definitely plastic, the only real issue I have found with my 2011 Silver/Black Tour is the saddle bags were rubbing off the paint under the rear doors at the edges..I put small strips of velcro padding under the edge where lids close and so far okay....They rattle, as does the trunk, when going over bumps but no big deal...As said before ABS is really worth the money as is the other changes to the 2011...Not sure yet about oil change intervals as I always change at 3000 miles or so......
Edited by opas ride 2011-08-02 9:46 AM
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Tourer
Posts: 494
Akron Ohio area | All I can say about the panel that is directly in front of the windscreen and over the mirrors is that, "on mine", it is definitely metal.
I have one deep knick from a stone that makes that unmistakably clear.
(Until the stone knick and the removal of some paint due to rubbing, I believed others when they stated that the panel was plastic)
I wonder if they ended up using both metal and plastic panels on the 2011 Silver/Black Vision Tour.
I had heard that the 8 Ball Vision used a plastic panel there. |
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Tourer
Posts: 494
Akron Ohio area | FastFred,
You badmouth the new tranny because you can't remember what gear you are in?
I've only owned a couple motorcycles that made any attempt at telling me what gear I was in.
A neutral light was the main indicator and you never could really trust it.
I have 13,000 miles on my 2011 Vison right now and have never missed a gear, had it come out of gear, or had any difficulty shifting into or out of any gear.
It is extremely easy to find neutral too.
Since I tour, I appreciate the 5,000 mile oil changes.
This means that on most trips I don't have to worry about that, plus the 50% reduced costs in oil/filter changes fits right into my retirement budget. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 284
mansfield, MA United States | Yup I did! I have 14K on it and also tour a lot. It clunks more than my 08 did and gets harder to shift when I get over 3k on an oil change. I had 50K on my 08 when I traded it in. I am happy you find your 2011 tranny better than your 08 but in MY opinion I was disappointed they changed the readout. I have had bikes without readouts too but when you are comparing the difference between the 2011 and the 2008 you would be les then honest to not mention something you find better on one then on the other. They both work but in my opinion one works better. That is not BADMOUTHING its giving a evaluation and opinion on the changes. And as I said its not a "big deal"
Edited by Fastfred 2011-08-02 2:33 PM
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Visionary
Posts: 3773
Pittsburgh, PA | Fastfred - 2011-08-02 2:27 PM
Yup I did! I have 14K on it and also tour a lot. It clunks more than my 08 did and gets harder to shift when I get over 3k on an oil change. I had 50K on my 08 when I traded it in. I am happy you find your 2011 tranny better than your 08 but in MY opinion I was disappointed they changed the readout. I have had bikes without readouts too but when you are comparing the difference between the 2011 and the 2008 you would be les then honest to not mention something you find better on one then on the other. They both work but in my opinion one works better. That is not BADMOUTHING its giving a evaluation and opinion on the changes. And as I said its not a "big deal"
hey FastFred i appreicate your info! can you give me a little more detail on what happens or How it happens when you shift? i cant picture exactly what your describing. |
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Tourer
Posts: 500
| Bigfoot...I was told by someone at dealer that Visions made prior to Jan 2011 Still used metal front panels under windshield..Mine was manufactured on Jan 29, 2011...Maybe they switched to plastic then as mine is most definitely plastic..........Thanks |
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Visionary
Posts: 3773
Pittsburgh, PA | I checked out two 2011 visions At the dealer today. They both had metal up front . |
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Tourer
Posts: 500
| Did you check the manufacture date?? |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 49
Lillian, Alabama | Hmmmmmm, I usually go 4,000 to 5,000 miles between oil changes on my 2008. I can tell when it needs changing because the engine get's a little noisier and the tranny "cluncks" more. Am I going to hurt the engine by doing less frequent oil changes.
Also...does anyone know what they did to the engine/tranny to cause them to recommend less frequent oil changes?
Thanks,
Paul |
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Visionary
Posts: 1359
New Bohemia, Va | I understand it was just a change in how the gears mesh, helical verses straight cut. |
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Visionary
Posts: 3773
Pittsburgh, PA | I saw a diagram recently , and it shown a few other gears were also thicker. |
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Visionary
Posts: 3773
Pittsburgh, PA | Did they also change something with the gas cap? |
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Cruiser
Posts: 188
Tifton, GA | opas ride - 2011-08-02 10:37 PM
Bigfoot...I was told by someone at dealer that Visions made prior to Jan 2011 Still used metal front panels under windshield..Mine was manufactured on Jan 29, 2011...Maybe they switched to plastic then as mine is most definitely plastic..........Thanks
I bought mine Nov. 2010 and it has the metal panel. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 612
| opas ride - 2011-08-01 9:09 PM
I have a 2011 Silver/Black Vision Tour and yes the new front panel under windshield is plastic and does not fit worth a shit....I have had dealer tech and service mgr. look at it and they both say to live with it as most are the same...No big deal,but one would think that a $23,500 motorcycle would have better quality control and parts that fit properly... It does have decent radio reception although..Have S1L1 exhaust kit so cannot address louder sound from stock pipes...Also, some stated that the 2012 is lower by 2" than older models...NOT SO, bad info on web-site from Polaris..Check spec sheets that compare others models and you will see the Vision is same as last year.....Only change I am aware of is the Stage 2 motor and lower prices.........
Stage 2 motor? Can you provide details?
Thanks |
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Tourer
Posts: 500
| Turk, All 2011 Victory have the Stage 2 motor with 97 hp instead of 92..Only change in motor is the cams, so I am told...The Vic web-site, I believe show that all new models use the 97 hp motor...... |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 612
| opas ride - 2011-08-05 9:33 AM
Turk, All 2011 Victory have the Stage 2 motor with 97 hp instead of 92..Only change in motor is the cams, so I am told...The Vic web-site, I believe show that all new models use the 97 hp motor......
Oh, I thought you meant that was the difference between the 2011 and 2012. I just bought a new 2011 two days ago, and wanted to make sure I wasn't missing anything. Since, I have Lloydz cams on order , it would be a moot issue anyway..
Edited by Turk 2011-08-05 11:15 AM
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Visionary
Posts: 3773
Pittsburgh, PA | opas ride - 2011-08-05 9:33 AM
Turk, All 2011 Victory have the Stage 2 motor with 97 hp instead of 92..Only change in motor is the cams, so I am told...The Vic web-site, I believe show that all new models use the 97 hp motor......
i thought the 2012 VISION was to have the stage2 as all the other victorys had stage 2 cams in 2011 but not the touring bikes....? |
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Tourer
Posts: 500
| According to everything I have read,and been told, both on and off the internet..All 2012 Victory motorcycles have the Stage 2, 97 HP motor. The 2011 Visions did not........Looking at my earlier post I think I had a typo and meant that all 2012's have the Stage 2 motor...My 3 month old 2011 does not.........It has the Stage 1 92 hp...
Edited by opas ride 2011-08-07 1:55 PM
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Visionary
Posts: 3773
Pittsburgh, PA | ok i traded in my 2008 vision tour prem and got a 2011 vision tour. i can already in the first day feel a few differences. 1) the trany is super quiet and very accurate. i feel No lash at all when in a higher gear and you let off the throttle.. also the radio reception is better. not as good as a car, but alot better than 2008. also the radio reads the title of the song and displays it. the saddlebags hug the seat perfectly with no gap, also the seat on the 2011 feels much higher end that my 2008, and has the built in drivers backrest slot already there. i liked the built in spots on both the clutch and brakes res, where you can put a Ram mount type ball in there without having to install a mount on your handlebars. i really like the look of the NEW wheels. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 284
mansfield, MA United States | Congratulations! I like the 2011 better than the 2008 because of the abs. I went to the National VMC rally in Prescott last week and rented a 2008 Vision. I really got a chance to check out the things I thought where different. Another point I forgot about is the seat. On the 2008 my wife was more comfortable on long rides. On the 2011 she seems to slide for would when I stop or on long rides. It could be the ABS and stopping faster. The tranny I still like the 08 better. It could be because I have a 116 big bore and I?m putting out 128HP and 129lb of torque. I would not trade my 2011 for a new 2008 but I wanted to point out the difference between them. Good or bad. |
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Visionary
Posts: 3773
Pittsburgh, PA | after having my 2011 for a few hundred miles i can say I REALLY like my 2011 vision. I absolutely love the New Transmission. it is very solid and engages perfectly every time. Also, the engagement of the gears while riding is Very smooth and quiet! And then of course while riding the transmission is very very quiet. And i am running with stock pipes still.
The radio reception is way better than my 2008. in the past i wasnt able to leave my house and ride to work on the same radio station. I am able to do that now... the display is also alot better and displays the name of the sound that is playing over the Fm stations. The over all sound of the radio sounds better. deeper
I noticed the engagement and resuming of the cruise control is smoother. but this might be because of the transmission?
i noticed the saddle bag doors hug the seat very tightly. I probably couldnt get a playing card between it.
The trunk also closes much more solidly
now im not 100% sure on this, but i swear the Front suspenion Forks look Thicker/wider than my 08?
The seat feels like itis made from better material.
the stock exhaust i dont think is really louder like victory claims. if it is, it might be like 1db louder. lol I did notice this... if you plan on reusing your gatlin tips on your stock exhaust you will Need to CUT off the end cap. The chrome cover removes just like on our 2008s, but the inner part stays on the stock mufflers. it looks like it could be dremeled off and then the gatlin tips could be installed..
other than that i cant think of much more other than i like the look of the wheels alot better as well.
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Cruiser
Posts: 135
Chesterfield, VA | Congradulations on the new bike. I too have the itch for a new 2011 crimson and black Vision tour to replace my 2009 tour premium, and am planning to take a 250 mile trip tomorrow to try and make a deal on one. I have a question concerning exhaust systems that you may be able to shed some light on. How does the stock exhaust sound on the 2011. I'm currently running L2's on my 2009, and they are plenty loud for me (although I wish they had a little deeper tone).
So what are the exhaust options for the 2011?? I see they offer the L1's, but it doesn't appear that the L2's are available for the 2011 tour. Also, do you know if there are any exhaust options for the 2011 the will accept turn down tips?? The reason for this is that I attach a rear rack to a hitch for touring and would love to find a way from getting soot all over the bag that is attached to the rack.
Thanks.
Bill |
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2008 vs 2011 Vision