|
|
Puddle Jumper
Posts: 5
Annapolis, MD 21401 | Hello,
I went to one of the dealers here in Maryland and looked at and sat on a Vision. It was too late in the day to ride it so that will wait for another day. The first thing I noticed is that it is really comfortable. Just like I had heard. The floorboards are incredible and I could really stretch out. The handlebars seem to pull back just perfect for me. The dash is way up front but the gauges are big enough to read fine. Gives the bike a good feeling of having a lot of room. In the pictures I've seen the controls for the radio and cruise control look kind of "added on". In person, they look better and the buttons feel very good. They seem to be high quality switches. When looking the bike over for fit and finish, I noticed one big problem. When looking at it from the rear, the right saddlebag fit nice and even. The gap was good all the way up the back of the bike. On the left side though, the gap was much bigger and was uneven. It looked like crap. I'm really not that nit-picky about this kind of thing but it was a huge problem. The salesman told me that he thought there might be "some kind of recall to fix that". It's the kind of thing that makes you really question quality control. Something like that should have never left the plant. Overall, it looks like a really nice bike.
I do have a couple of questions and concerns. The dealer I went to was very friendly and helpful, but he didn't really know much about the bike. For example, I asked him when he would be getting any 2010's in. He told me he wouldn't know until the carrier driver called to tell him he's on the way. Otherwise he told me, he has no idea when. Also, he didn't know what the differences were going to be on the 2010's. I told him one big thing that I had heard about was ABS. He told me that he didn't think that was true. I don't know how typical this type of dealership is. It's basically a repair shop that built a small showroom and is now selling Victory's. I'm planing on doing a lot of long distance riding and having a good dealer network is important. This example didn't give me a lot of confidence although they were very nice.
Another question. It looks like there is only one model for 2010? So to get the power windshield, heated grips and seats, ABS all cost extra. I'm I correct? I can't really see how much because the website tells you to see the dealer even for MSRP. I've never heard of that before. Does anyone know where I can see pricing?
Thanks for all the help,
Dave. |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | Sounds like you were not talking to the southern maryland dealer which to my understanding is a great dealer. Go see them over in waldorf or bowie, I forget, but they shouldn't be hard to find. Most face the same thing as my dealer which is strictly a Victory dealership. They just don't know until the truck pulls up and unloads on what they are going to get unless you pre-order. I was asking about the Vision 8-ball and I was told I probably won't see one here at my dealer until the spring. This is where you and the dealer have to work together on what you want and see about getting the bike that you want. The Victory website shows you the option of what you can and cannot get and yes ABS is a 2010 option. When asking about what my dealer was getting, again they didn't know, but they did know they would get about 20 bikes and most of them would be the cross-dressers. There is a left door alignment problem that expect to be fixed with the 2010 models and it is only a small concern to fix, though it should be there to start with. This is my first Victory and despite the little "problems" I find this to be an excellent machine. I ride all the time and even take my bike on business as I will this coming to tuesday to Detroit. I've racked up 52,000 miles exactly as it sits in my driveway right now and look for to another day of ride when I pull in a park. The comfort is unsurpassed and it is actually fun to ride to the point as I just mentioned of looking for another day of riding. Take a test ride and bring the checkbook. |
|
| |
|
Puddle Jumper
Posts: 5
Annapolis, MD 21401 | That's exactly the dealer I was at! They are south of Waldorf in La Plata. Like I said, they were very nice and the repair/machine shop looked top notch. He told me to come back anytime and take a test ride. I guess he may not have been up on the new 2010's. Any other reply's would be appreciated. I'm trying to decide between the Vision and a new 2010 Ultra Classic Limited. From what I can tell, it looks like the Vision is going to be more expensive than the Harley. That surprises me. |
|
| |
|
Puddle Jumper
Posts: 33
| There are still lots of 2008 and 2009 Visions on dealer floors due to the current economy. Get some quotes on the net before you buy as it's good to know just where the market is right now. When I started shopping I saw new 2008's selling for less than used ones. Many dealers are hungry to move old stock before bringing in the 2010 models. My dealer said the 2010's would be priced higher. In any event... take a test ride! |
|
| |
|
Iron Butt
Posts: 619
Southeast Iowa | Pawnbroker
Sorry for your dealership experience, there is a good chance he doesn't know because he never asked the right questions. My dealer doesn't always know delivery dates either........there are a lot of variables one being firm orders that the factory will try to satisfy 1st. I know this because I just bought a Crossroads for my wife and am waiting to find out when it will be built. As for your other questions.
This year Victory decided to simplify things by going from 100 different "build"configurations to 25. What that means for the Vision is that they killed the Street model and made all of the Tour models the Premium version. The Vision Tour comes standard with heated seats and grips, electric windshield, HID Headlight, Cruise, Billet Wheels, and several chrome pcs. ABS and Reverse are sold as options. Making all of the Visions "Premium" explains the difference in MSRP. I not positive but I think the MSRP for 2010 is $21,999, add more if you pick a color other than black. The 2010 colors are Pearl White, Black, and Ocean Blue/Sandstone Metallic. If your looking for a Street version you have 3 choices. 1-Remove the trunk. 2. Buy the Ness version. 3. Buy the 8-Ball version. To the best of my knowledge there are no changes in the 2010 models with the exception of the 8-Ball. The 8-Ball's seat sets 2 inches lower than a regular Vision's does.
Hope this helps make your decision easier. |
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 133
New Castle Delaware | Pawnbroker check out DiSimone Motorsports in Cherryhill NJ. Last time I was there they had about 8 Visions in the showroom and were offering 2K off the MSRP. Call and ask for Vince he is the sales manager. I live in Delaware but bought mine there last year. They can set up a test ride on a Saturday or whenever and as varyder says bring your checkbook! |
|
| |
|
Puddle Jumper
Posts: 5
Annapolis, MD 21401 | Thanks for all the great info. The one thing I want on a new bike is ABS. I had to do a panic stop the other day when a lady pulled a U-Turn in front of me. I locked up the rear tire and barely kept from high-siding. It's almost impossible to not lock up the rear tire in a panic stop without ABS. Also, it's worse in the rain. A guy went down right in front of me the other night when it was raining. He was trying to stop for a light and locked up. He was fine but the bike got banged up a little. In any case, I'm getting ABS this time as a priority. |
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 104
| The Dealership http://www.tmpsw.com/ here in Houston has 2 Visions with ABS coming in later this month Sep 2009.
ThePawnbroker - 2009-09-13 10:52 AM
Thanks for all the great info. The one thing I want on a new bike is ABS. I had to do a panic stop the other day when a lady pulled a U-Turn in front of me. I locked up the rear tire and barely kept from high-siding. It's almost impossible to not lock up the rear tire in a panic stop without ABS. Also, it's worse in the rain. A guy went down right in front of me the other night when it was raining. He was trying to stop for a light and locked up. He was fine but the bike got banged up a little. In any case, I'm getting ABS this time as a priority. |
|
| |
|
Iron Butt
Posts: 1158
Richmond, Virginia | In talking with my dealership (here in Virginia) they got confirmation that they will not be receiving any of the 2010's until possibly November, but that the two new models will not arrive till after the first of the year. I have to differ with you on the ABS issue.
Having owned my last two bikes with ABS, you do NOT need it on this bike specifically because of the sequencial braking system. Before you a s s u m e that its a must have, ride the bike. |
|
| |
|
Tourer
Posts: 363
Goldsboro, NC | VaParadox - 2009-09-13 10:47 PM
I have to differ with you on the ABS issue.
Having owned my last two bikes with ABS, you do NOT need it on this bike specifically because of the sequencial braking system. Before you a s s u m e that its a must have, ride the bike.
It Doesn't matter anyway. ALL Visions since 2008 have had ABS.
The body panels are made from Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), so THERE! |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 1350
| "ALL Visions since 2008 have had ABS. " Where did you get your info? |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | RedRider - 2009-09-14 3:23 PM "ALL Visions since 2008 have had ABS. " Where did you get your info? true, abs plastic....  |
|
| |
|
Tourer
Posts: 523
seattle, wa | I would prefer to have ABS brakes on mine also. Just a personal preference I suppose. I know they are nice to have when you have to get on the brakes extremely hard. |
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 297
VA | Pawn, I know the dealer you went to. They are very nice, most likely you talked to the younger guy there that doesn't know as much about the bikes as some of the others in the shop. There is a shop closer to you, unless they went out of business. Visited them once, but they seemed nice as well.
The only problem with the shop you went to is that while they are very nice, they lacked follow up on some things. I switched to a shop that was farther away, but is awesome with their service. That was just my experience.
Chesapeake Cycles is near Annapolis, give them a try as well. Go to Victory's website and under shopping tools there is a dealer locator.
It's a great bike. I was making almost the same decision, and obviously I chose the Vision. It may have some little issues, but being a buyer of the first year edition (2008) I really can't complain. But, the dealer makes a big difference. Good luck. |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 1484
LaPorte,Tx. | divesharc - 2009-09-14 4:18 PM
It's a great bike. I was making almost the same decision, and obviously I chose the Vision. It may have some little issues, but being a buyer of the first year edition (2008) I really can't complain. But, the dealer makes a big difference. Good luck.
The dealer makes all the difference...take the time to find the right one!!! The bike is great. |
|
| |
|
Tourer
Posts: 466
Grand Cane, LA | I was a believer in ABS also until I bought my Vision. The linked braking works every bit as good as ABS. I had to use my once in Carson City while on my trip when a handicapped minivan pulled out in front of me from a side street. I applied only the rear brake pedal and man did it stop quick! My brother swore I would have bought it if I had been on any other bike. A fellow biker behind me just missed me trying to avoid me and his bike had ABS (Harley Ultra Classic '09). Test ride one and try it out and you be surprised. Don't forget your check book!! |
|
| |
|
Tourer
Posts: 388
Salisbury, NC | I will also have to agree about the linked brake system. Three of us left for Altanta about two weeks ago. One was riding a 2010 Street Glide with ABS, one was on a 1999 Honda Valkyrie and I was on the 2008 Vision. I was leading, H-D to the left and the Valkyrie was bringing up the rear. We were heading south on I-85 right before Greenville, SC when the truck that was in front of us stopped. The truck had been running 75 mph. All I had time to do was stand on the rear brake petal. When I looked around, all 3 of us had stopped with nothing bad happening. The HD was beside me with the Valkyrie between us. I had 34,000 on the rear brake pads with 16,000 on the front and I stopped quicker than the 2010 HD. So I'll stick to what I have for brakes. ET
Edited by etspastimes 2009-09-14 8:00 PM
|
|
| |
A few observations after seeing one in person
