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New user
Posts: 3
| I ride a Golgwing 1800 now. Really like the bike other than the seating position. Rode a demo vision yesterday and really like it. Any ex goldwingers with an opinion after they traded? | |
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Tourer
Posts: 550
Tacoma, WA | I am not an ex-goldwinger, but have ridden my Dad's (he is 75) quite often. To me, there are some things that really stand out as differences betwen the two. Power: The goldwing has more, and smoother. Hell, it has better, smoother power than any other bike out there, as far as I am concerned. Aftermarket goodies: Again, the 'wing has it all over anything on the market, but there will be farkles for the Vision, to be sure. Handeling: For some reason, I can turn inside the wing regularly on my Vision, and two lane roads, two-up are a no-brainer for a turn-around with no backing required. Comfort: the Vision has it...in spades. I feel the narrower, lower seat is all good on the Vision, and is way more comfy, at least for my butt. They are both great bikes, but what sold me on the Vision was the comfort, the handling, the looks, and the convienience items stock on the Vision. ...And the powdercoated wheels. (I hate to polish rims!) -----Metalguy | |
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Cruiser
Posts: 235
Evergreen, CO | No personal Gold Wing experience here, but from what I've heard from others, the flexible foot position vs. fixed for the Wing, increased agility (a large difference in handling) are the Vision's greatest improvements over the Wing. Of course the Wing's motor/vibration factor is smoother than the Vision, but that has not seemed to deter others from switching from the Wing to the Vision. I'm a 23 year Harley guy, and the difference is HUGE, from greatly decreased vibration, greatly increased comfort, handling similar to my wife's VROD (Vision feels like a 500 lb bike in the twisties, with almost no effort carving nice tight curves), better gas mileage, better power at all rpms, yadda yadda yadda.
Hopefully some former Wing owners will chime in with their personal comparisons, but this is what I remember from reading other's posts on this forum. You might try a search for "Gold Wing" and see if you can find some older posts regarding this comparison. Become a Vision Rider....you WON'T be disappointed!!! | |
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Visionary
Posts: 1324
So Cal | Best thing to do is find a Victory demo ride. Oh, bring your checkbook. | |
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Visionary
Posts: 3006
San Antonio, TX | snuffy,
Search the forum for Goldwing and you will find many posts on the subject. What did you think of the Demo ride?
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | I can't account for a GL1800, but I can a GL1200 and GL1500. Goldwings make you sit upright high in the saddle. This is fine if that is the style you like, but it is hard on the reach for me. Also, no real comfortable riding position, even with highway boards. It require pronounced movements for the control pegs to highboards to change positions. The Goldwing is a smooth bike indeed, but I find the Vision smooth as well at any speed. The Vision of course sits low and narrow and is suited for any situation. I find the Wing is best on the Highway and not so much in the tight confines of a city. Interestingly enough, I hear these same complaints from diehard wingers. One said today that a wing is best to point it toward the interstate and go. I've never looked back after giving up the Wing, the Vision still the perfect fit for me. | |
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Tourer
Posts: 495
Carrollton, TX | I have never owned a Gold Wing but came close to buying one but heard about the Vision and decided to wait and test ride the Vision and once I did it was an easy decision. I have put a few hundred miles on a GL1800 and here are some of my observations. - In my opinion the Gold Wing needs a 6 speed transmission. At higher highway speeds it is just too wound up and I found myself looking for another gear all the time. While the bike is smooth the higher rpm creates a harmonic that wears on you. According to many I have talked to at Honda a 6 speed is the most requested change in their focus groups of existing users. The 6 speed in the Vision is one of its best features. I wouldn’t own a bike without a 6 speed again.
- Most people and I included are much more comfortable in a feet forward sitting position and this is evident by the majority of Gold Wing users installing highway peg options but these options provide limited comfort due to design constraints and having to spread your legs so far to get around the width of the engine.
- To get the comfort package on the Gold Wing you have to get their navigation option that is a complete joke for a motorcycle and it is clear the product manager on this never rides a bike. Many users end up installing an aftermarket GPS even though they have the Honda factory option installed. The factory navigation system does not let you make selections or changes while moving and there are a host of other features standard on an aftermarket Garmin GPS that don’t work on this integrated unit like keeping tracks of where you have gone and turning them into routes, creating waypoints and many other features.
- When riding the Gold Wing you just don’t feel a part of the bike like you do on the Vision.
- The Gold Wing lacks the power adjust windscreen and this is a big plus for the Victory Vision.
- The IPod support on the Vision is also way cool and a big benefit. The Vision’s solution provides poser to the iPod and allows you to change playlist and select songs and have all the information displayed on the center console.
- Overall the electronics are better and much more up to date on the Vision.
- The Vision suspension provides a smoother and more comfortable ride.
- While the Vision does not have ABS brakes yet it is rumored they will offer them as an option next year. When I was looking at buying a Gold Wing the three dealers I talked with said only about 30 to 40 percent of Gold Wing buyers choose the ABS option. They said more experienced riders prefer non ABS brakes while inexperienced riders like the idea of ABS. The unique linked braking system of the Vision is plenty good for me and I probably would get the ABS option even if it was available.
- The Gold Wing does have a little more power than the Vision but the Vision has all the power you will need. It is a lot easier and cheaper to get more power out of the V twin if you really want it.
- I live in Texas where it gets hot and I have ridden both the stock Gold Wing and Vision in the hot Texas heat and the Gold Wing runs hotter than the Vision. No matter what touring bike you have you will want to add after market wind deflectors to better manage the heat coming off the engine. Victory has some coming out for the Vision this month.
- Both the Vision and the Gold Wing handle the twisties very well but the Vision has the edge due to its lower center of gravity, superior suspension and better ground clearance.
- The 2.6 inches lower seating height of the Vision is also a big plus. It makes for more comfort, easier mounting and dismounting and maneuvering while walking the bike.
- The Gold Wing has more storage area but not enough to make a huge difference. I would rather have the smooth integrated look and aerodynamics of the Vision than more of a bag bolt on look of the Gold Wing. One of the things I really like about the Vision is that everything is so well integrated and nothing looks like it was an afterthought or just bolted on.
- The Victory Vision is an American bike made by an American company and he Gold Wing is not even assembled in the US anymore!
- The Vision also has 5.8 inches of ground clearance versus the 5 inches of the Gold Wing.
- The Gold Wing does not have a XM Radio option from the factory that fully integrates with everything.
- The Vision has a lot better aerodynamics and weather protection than the Gold Wing.
- The Gold Wing has a well known front end wobble problem.
There are a lot of things to consider in a touring bike where you rack up a lot of miles. The most important to me are comfort, handling, and the riding enjoyment enhanced by great electronics that are well integrated together. I rode both bikes and I chose the Vision and I think most people will. I could not be happier with my purchase of the Vision. | |
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New user
Posts: 3
| Thanks Cruiser. That was what I felt on a short demo ride on the vision | |
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New user
Posts: 3
| The demo ride had me smiling. I could not ride very long , but I'm going back. My dealer in Birmingham has a demo with most options on it. It has stage 2 so it is pretty loud. I like the stock sound. | |
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Tourer
Posts: 496
Scottsdale AZ | Snuffy --To repeat CJ---- Take your checkbook! They will get scarce the rest of the year-- | |
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Visionary
Posts: 1324
So Cal | I've never been on a GW, but from the ones I saw, I noticed footpegs instead of floor boards.
Once you ride a bike with floorboards its hard to go back. | |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 30
Tampa, FL | I bought an 1800 in 02, and still have the bike 63K miles later. It has been trouble free and stone dead reliable. But, I have developed a problem with my left leg, much like shin splints from my old jogging days and am looking for something with a more comfortable position.
So I rode a Vision today and fell in love. I was amazed at how comfortable it was, and since I'm only 5'9", the seat height was fantastic. The Vision handles like a dream, so much better that the GW, and I've have the full Traxxion Dynamics suspension on my GW (a $2400 upgrade).
I'm returning to the Tampa dealer (who was great to deal with) tomorrow and taking a second ride, this time on the Interstate to see how it does at speed (hell, that's just an excuse to go for another ride, I admit it).
I don't doubt that I will buy a Vision very soon.
Mike | |
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Cruiser
Posts: 60
Denver | Hello, I have a 1800 and it is my third. I have over 200 K on the wing and I can tell you that the two bikes are by no means comparable. I have ridden the wing over 1200 miles in a day and from the test drive I could tell that the Vision which is great would not offer me that type of mileage. I rode the vision yesterday for about a hundred miles (I am 6'2" with a 32 inseam) and found my knees up to the top of the gas tank. It was a comfortable ride but left me with a slight ache in my hip. Overall the Vision was very nice, but did not compare to the wing.
1. as was mentioned, power the wing blows the doors off the Vision. My buddy was riding the Vision and I was on my wing, at 70 mph both bikes in 5th gear we "punched" them to use an old car phrase and the wing just walked away... Take off was not even fair. The Vision could not keep up. Top end, I am not sure as my buddy didn't really want to go over 100.
2. handling.. This overall goes to the vision. At higher speeds, I was more comfortable on the wing, but at lower speeds, and just turning around on a 2 lane street the Vision was the bomb.... The vision felt good up to about 65 or so (to me) after that it did not seem to take sharp corners as well as the wing. Sweepers were a dream on the Vision.. It seemed to just lay into them and stay there.
3. Comfort, While the Vision may become comfortable to me it was not initially. I have so many miles on the 1800, not to mention previous Goldwings that they "seem" more comfortable to me. I believe that the seats heat up more on the Vision and that the handgrips are about the same. The statement about the wing not having an electric windshield is true and false... There is an after market electrical windshield. The controls on the wing (aging it may be due to familiarity) seem better designed and easier to operate. If you have ever ridden a wing for any distance you will really notice that the Vision has way more vibration at any speed. Storage, no comparison, it goes to the wing.
4. Electronics... this is just an easy was to say what one likes and does not like. I have the full meal deal Goldwing, ABS (not true about experienced riders not wanting abs, just a defiance to Honda's requiring one to purchase a NAV to get ABS) is by far the best braking system you could get on any bike. I believe the KLT1200 has the over all best braking system. The vision was lacking in the linked brake department as the front does not activate the back, only the back activates both (please correct me if I am wrong). The nav on the wing is really nice 5 inch screen integrated controls, the problem is that Honda decided because of liability issues to cripple the system. It is a Garmin and could easily do anything they would let it do. Audio ... well that is always subjective. I feel that the Nav system offered by Victory is antiquated and over priced and has been replaced by newer Gps's.
The majority of what will be posted here is subjective. Of course if you have a Vision the loyalty will be there and the feeling towards a wing, harley bmw will be less than that towards the vision. My honest opinion is that the two bikes cannot be compared. The wing is truly more of a sport touring bike and rides and handles that way (in 3 1800's have never had the wobble mentioned) and the vision is a cruiser touring (like the harley) machine. The vision is a very nice bike and really has me thinking of trading to get one. Not because it is better, but because it is different.
Willy
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Tourer
Posts: 332
Dale, Indiana | That'll teach you people for going over to the GW boards and posting how sweet a Vision rides!
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Fountain Inn, SC United States | Billy, We are certainly open to differing opinions and welcome yours. Thanks also for posting with eloquence and no attitude. It's good to get multiple perspectives. No one learns anything when all we have are glowing reviews. I have to agree, much of what is discussed here is subjective and has to be experienced. I also agree that the GW and Vision come from different philosophies but have a common goal - touring.
Those of us that like the sound & feedback of a V-Twin will most likely lean toward the Vision. The style if the Vision is polarizing (you either love it or hate it), so there will always be those that love V-twins but hate the Vision. Alternatively, there will also be those that the Vision is a perfect bike (like V-twins and its styling). The fact that is also happens have superior slow/low speed handling and good high speed handling really pushed many toward the brand. Granted, Honda has been making the GW for many years now and does have a wealth of experience in that regard. I think Victory has done great things in its first full attempt in touring and expect when it has a couple more years of experience building touring bikes, it will attract more ex-wingers.
Best,
Jeff | |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | Billy, thanks for that input on the Goldwing, you cerntainly put a perspective on it and highligts why there are so many different brands and types out there. You make a good point on the Wing in regards to stature, the Wing is not made for a smaller person, but your size makes a very suitable bike for you, whereas the Vision would seem a little akward. I find the Vision is a perfect fit for me in that it seems to have been made with me sitting as the one it would be built around. I thought I would only be a Winger all my life and was actually was in the market for an GL1800 when the Vision poped up. Reading all the engineering and how it would fit me, I had to go with the Vision. Given all that it has and does, it is capped off with being American made which makes the fit all the better. | |
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Cruiser
Posts: 294
rhode island | MY 2 cents
On roll on power, cruiser mag. tested the vision tour and put it up against G.L 1800 fifth gear roll on they were dead even.
This months rider mag.'s full test on a vision tour with clement salvidori, showed what this bike is capable of doing in fifth gear
125 M.P.H before shifting to sixth, He didnt say how fast in sixth but must have been over 130+
I find there is almost no vibration at 60 m.p.h and at 70 and again around 80.
Styling, When was the last time you had people swarming you everytime you stop to say how much they love the bike youre riding.
Even in bumper to bumper traffic, Trucker's are yelling down to you, hey man that is one cool looking ride.
Billy the kid,
you're right about one thing there is no comparison
Edited by sandman 2008-05-03 7:17 PM
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Cruiser
Posts: 82
Northwest of you | I love Honda's and assumed I would get another one, when I got back into riding. I started on a 90 (obviously, long before any of you were born) and worked my way up through a Shadow 1100, over about 25 years. When I decided to get back to riding, I discovered Victory, but, rode every "comparable" Honda before buying my Victory's. I now have a Vision and while I concede your points on Power and Speed, it seems that if that were not the case, (6 cyl. vs, 2) Honda would have a major embarasment on its hands. So, in the end, I tend to view it this way, given that at some point "enough is enough", rather than comparing every aspect to say this bike is superior to that......... the question I ask myself (and you if you are inclined) "why would I buy the GW over the Vison" and my answer is " there is no reason". It is faster, but, the Vision is plenty fast enough. I has more power, but, the Vision is powerful enough..... So, while it has more of some things, they are the things I don't need more of but, for me everything else is more of what I do want. Finally, I am totally baffled by your "comfort" comment. Are you telling me you are more comfortable riding in one position all day long with your legs tucked under you, weight forward and wrists pressed to the "bars", feet on pegs? When I rode the "Wing", I found it to be a true Honda, an engineering perfection, but the riding position, alone, would rule it out for me. The one other thing I would submit is that while the Honda is tops in engineering.........precise, functional, exact, the Victory seems to have SOUL...... All the best. | |
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Cruiser
Posts: 60
Denver | I guess I should have stated that I purchased the Vision. I got the red premium tourer. Added some chrome and a CB. I am supposed to pick it up next Saturday. I was torn and still am between the two, but after so many years of Winging I am just looking for something new. Anyways... I hope my decision was right....
Willy | |
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Visionary
Posts: 3204
Memphis | Viva la difference!
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Tourer
Posts: 496
Scottsdale AZ | Billy - You sly fox - We thought you were here with your GW vest on at your computer with 33 other Wingers watching while you pecked out the various comparisons of the GW and Vision, but, really leaning hard toward the GW. Now we know and you have been exposed.
Welcome to the world of the Vision Riders! | |
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Cruiser
Posts: 150
Las Vegas, Nevada USA baby! | Snuffy,
So what do you think so far, after all the replies?
BillyTheKid - aka Willy
Welcome. Let us know as you get some more miles on the Vision, what your views are at that time!
nowor2l8,
You stated: "I started on a 90 (obviously, long before any of you were born) " The age-check post must have slipped past you! I know of at leat two of us that started on the Honda 55-Trail, before the Honda 90 appeared on the scene! Some of these Vision folks started on Beezers etc. in the 50's and soooo...
But Hey, we're Vision Pilots now! HUZZAH!
EdRadio
Here is Bombarier's Embrio, is this their vision of things to come?
Edited by edradio 2008-05-04 1:45 AM
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Cruiser
Posts: 82
Northwest of you | Actually, I did post to that thread, but, I figured, anyone older than me that saw that thread, would have forgotten by now. (Would have not only forgotten the thread, but, also that there was something callled a Motorcycle called a Honda 90) "You meet the nicest people on a Honda" changed the way the world viewed motorcycles and riders. | |
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Visionary
Posts: 1632
Jasper, MO | Billy,
You have a good basis for comparison, with so many miles on a GL1800, but I would have to disagree with your experience in the fifth gear roll-on power. When my buddy and I tried this test, with me on the Vision and he on the GL1800, the Vision would walk away from the Honda at any speed from 40 MPH up to about 100 MPH. When we switched bikes and repeated the test, the Honda would walk away from the Vision. The difference is in rider weight. He is about 40 pounds heavier than I am. When another friend, who weights about the same as the Goldwing pilot tried the same test, the bikes ran neck and neck, thus proving that fifth gear power on both bikes is essentially the same.
Ronnie
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making up my mind