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Cruiser
Posts: 256
| I recently was in an accident on my BMW LT. It was low speed but they total easily and so I am in the market for a new bike. Granted that my insurance doesn't sky rocket. I like the looks of the Victory Vision and the ease of maintenance compared to the LT's. Here are my ?'s. Compared to an LT does the Vision vibrate? The LT was butter smooth. I really like going on long rides and don't want my hands going numb. I use the stereo a lot, can you hear the Victory's at speed and can I hook my Zune up to it? I don't believe I want another LT as the ergonomics are not right for me. Any other things I should now before making the plunge? Thanks |
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New user
Posts: 3
| Sorry to hear about your LT. I was riding with my father on the Blue Ridge Parkway a few years back and his LT landed upside down next to a tree. Cracked up the body work a bit, but once we got it righted, he still rode it around for the rest of the week (albeit a bit smoky from the oil that had spread around while upside down.
I came to the Victory Vision from an R1200RT mostly for the ergonomics, so I can understand where you're coming from on that and believe me, my knees thank me with every ride. As for your questions:
Yes, the Vision will vibrate compared to the LT. It's a V-twin and they just vibrate more than that sweet, smooth 4-banger in the LT. Even the RT vibrates more than the LT, but not as much as the Vision. However, it doesn't vibrate nearly as much as the VTX I had before that, so I don't find the vibration annoying, but it's there. I just got back from a 2000 mile trip up to Niagara and back and had zero problems with hand numbness. For me, it's more an issue of gloves than vibration and I wear gloves from QWI. http://www.qwinerveprotector.com/
As for the Zune, they do have an audio cable to connect devices to the stereo system...it'll plug into the headphone jack. The stereo will handle the volume, but not the other controls of the vision. I got an Ipod Nano for Christmas, so I use the ipod cable which will control the ipod as far as choosing playlists and next/previous.
I have no problem with my '09 vision tour as far as hearing the stereo at speed with a full face helmet. I've heard that the stock speakers on the '08 models are not as good though, but if you're looking at new bikes that should not be an issue. I should throw in that while I have very good hearing, my wife does not and she can hear the music at speed as well when we're doing Interstate runs and also wears a full face. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 297
VA | I did not own a BMW LT before the Vision, however, I did ride my buddies several times before I bought the Vision. The Vision doesn't have vibration like a Harley or some other bikes. However, the LT is overall more smooth than the Vision. My impression is that the Vision does not vibrate, but it gives more feedback then the LT. The LT is almost insulated in my opinion. I have never had my hands go numb on the Vision, but I have had that riding some other bikes, usually Harleys.
With that said, the way the Vision excells, IMHO, is that it is very smooth, but FEELS like a motorcycle. Also, what I really like is that you have more foot position options with the Vision. The floorboards are great, but don't get in the way. I personally have not scraped them yet, and I don't exactly baby it in the corners. Some have scraped, but you gotta be leaning prety good to accomplish that.
As for the Zune, the Vision does have a connector in the glove compartment that can either be the standard 3.5mm stereo jack, or you can get the iPod specific connector. With the 3.5mm jack, you won't be able to skip, fast forward and such since it doesn't control the player. With the iPod cable, you can actually control, from the radio and handlebars all of these features.
The stereo is certainly plenty loud at speed to hear. I am a musician and am kinda picky, so I didn't like the stock speakers as much. They had a narrow range to my ears. Certain frequency ranges were more pronounced than others. When I was at Myrtle Beach I bought a pair of speakers and switched them out. The sound quality to me is improved, but didn't make it louder, but I didn't need that anyways. Take that with a grain of salt though, because as I said, I am a musician and do recordings, so I think I might have a more picky ear. But, like a car, the stock systems are never as good as something you install yourself. THey just don't put the money into a stereo like I do. (That sounded snobbish, I know, sorry it's my pet peeve) I will say that I use a full face helmet with the intercom speakers, and I listen to a lot of my music through that. The acoustics of the helmet, again take it with a grain of salt, sorta funnel the sound making some things sound different. The speakers in the helmet eliminate that. Also, if you have a passenger, the intercom/CB is an add-on that you'll have to have for communications between you and the passenger.
The only other thing you should know is that the Vision is fun to ride. I enjoy riding it more than I have any other bike, not that I have owned that many, but I have ridden a lot of different ones. The downside is that every time you stop, someone always wants to come over and look at it, and ask questions. That was a lot of fun when I first got it, but it still happens, and sometimes I just want to get back on the road. It's like being a Victory ammbassador sometimes, without the kick-backs. But, its a great ride and I can't think of any negatives that I think would keep me from buying it again. If there was one, it is that because Victory is not as big as Harley, or eevn BMW, that finding dealers can sometimes be hard. I didn't buy the Victory GPS (which is a Garmin) but mounted my own on the bike. I loaded up all the dealers in the US just in case, but never had to use them so far. Never broke down on me.
Hope that helps.
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | came from a goldwing gl1200 to the Vision. I love every aspect of this bike. if you are looking for silky smooth ride, you'll forget about that with the comfort the bike provides. with 50,000, well, okay 49,979 on the clock I've enjoyed every (s)mile on this bike, having done over a 1k on more than one occassion, iron butt style, i find this bike made for the road...
Edited by varyder 2009-08-15 9:14 AM
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Cruiser
Posts: 256
| Thanks for your help, made a decision a little easier. I loved my LT but I'm too tall without lowering the pegs and that is what contributed to my accident. Now for the fight with the insurance for fair market value.
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Cruiser
Posts: 256
| One more thing. Before I buy again, I would like some idea of the jump my insurance is going to take. This is my only accident, total claim of around $15k at most. I have progressive. Any idea of how much a hit I'm going to take because of the accident? Thanks |
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Visionary
Posts: 1436
| Hard to say how much if any jump. If you've ridden a while without a claim I'd be really pissed to see an increase. Most folks I know don't see an increase after an accident. I'll be interested to hear what you experience. With this said you can get a quote before actually purchasing.
To add about what the others have mentioned. The VTwin of the vision produces a very low buzz of which little is transfered through the bars, so isn't a Harley by any stretch. You will be able to use your Zune or any MP3 but if you want full fnction control from the handlebars you'll need an Ipod. You won't have any problems hearing the stereo at any speed, but you'll probably want to upgrade speakers at some point as the stock aren't really great. Don't get me wrong they are ok, but I've definitely heard better. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 196
| Be sure to shop out your insurance!
I had no caims with Progressive and they tried to increase my rate almost $200.00 when I renewed. Shopped it out and got a better rate than I had been paying.
As for the Vision, it is the best motorcycle on the road for trips! You do have minor vibration, but sitting beside an Ultra, it is forgotton about! I rode almost 600 miles last Sunday and could have gone for another 200 with no problem! |
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Cruiser
Posts: 244
Lindale, TX | I came from a BMW K1200LT to the Vision and love it.
Low $$ maintenance cost. Much better comfort because of the huge floorboards and great OEM seat, Victory stereo is much better. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 296
Central Florida | RE Insurance. I had a relatively minor claim($2500) with Esurance 2 months before renewal. Rate remained the same
and was significantly below Progressive($369 vs $680) for $250 deductible on collision and comprehensive and high #s for comp
I live in Orlando Florida area with NO tickets or accidents in the last 10 yrs...
They also allowed me to take pictures and submit repair order(estimate) by email! They bought me a new helmet as well and money was in my hands
in 5 days(NOT business days) |
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Cruiser
Posts: 256
| Just agreed to purchase one. Will be a few weeks till I get it but Im excited. 09 Black tour premium. |
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Visionary
Posts: 3006
San Antonio, TX | Post some pictures when you pick it up! Have fun and Ride Safe. |
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Tourer
Posts: 446
East TN | Prime Power - 2009-08-16 5:03 PM Just agreed to purchase one. Will be a few weeks till I get it but Im excited. 09 Black tour premium. |
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Tourer
Posts: 446
East TN | Prime Power - 2009-08-16 5:03 PM Just agreed to purchase one. Will be a few weeks till I get it but Im excited. 09 Black tour premium.\ Congraulations!!! You will love it!!
Edited by joe schmoe 2009-08-16 9:33 PM
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Prospective Owner with some ?'s
