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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 17
St Cloud, MN | Hey Gang,
I've been lurking around on this board all winter in anticipation of picking up a vision this spring. Well it happened - I bought an '08 Victory Vision Tour Premium with 6,100 miles last Saturday. Already have over 300 miles on it and if you know the kind of weather we are having here in Minnesota, you'd know that's saying something.
Anyway, couple things I wanted to run by you guys just to check if they are normal or not. First on acceleration or at speed the engine makes a noise that if I didn't know better, I would think it was an exhaust leak. Now it's probably not (I hope), but it's a higher pitch pop or crack. If it's normal, you likely know what I mean.
2nd, the bike vibrates a tad more than I expected. Without knowing how much vibration I'm talking about, probably hard to say if it's normal. I just read in advance how smooth these were.
3rd, looks like the gas mileage is really affected by riding more aggressively. Two tanks and I'm in the mid to high 30's - normal?
Guess I kind of want to make sure all three of these things aren't indicating something I should look into. BTW, I'm coming from a K1200LT.
Thanks, Brian
Edited by webwzrd 2013-04-23 10:46 PM
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Cruiser
Posts: 79
| Brian,
Congrats on the new ride. I'm not an expert but my Vision has the top air filter. Basically there was an access port to the intake that stock was a plate covering a hole. A common mod it to replace it with a filter for more air. On my bike I notice a lot of intake noise that I think is because of the added filter. I don't notice a lot of vibration but they might have changed something from the 2008 to my 2011. I know there were transmission changes. But not sure if that could be adding your vibration. The mileage seems low. Mine has the fuel controller and cams and we get in the high 30s running two up (no stick figures here). Are you using the fuel mileage the display shows? Cause that seems hit/miss. Best bet is to find another one in your area and compare.
Good luck and enjoy! |
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Cruiser
Posts: 77
Bainville, & Mesa, AZ, MT | I have the 08 too and just added the top filter and if I didn't know better would think it had a intake leak too. If yours has it already installed that would explain the noise. Pop the cover off and see if it is installed, if not I would have someone experienced check it out to see where the noise is coming from.
I have some vibration on mine also, not sure how it would compare to your K1200, but it is more than a Goldwing. Hulign is right, find another Vision in your area to compare to or find someplace to demo ride one.
I have a app on my phone that keeps track of gas mileage, it varies from a low of 29.37 to a high of 46.28 with an average of 39.23. I ride two up quite a bit but seem to do worse while riding alone. I also notice in cold weather it seems to affect mileage negatively.
Hope you enjoy the new scoot. |
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Visionary
Posts: 2118
Pitt Meadows, BC Canada | Search on this site for 'pop' and you will get all the info anyone could ever want on the subject.
Including MY comments - I get it - when my driving style allows (being lazy in traffic - which I seldom ALLOW).
Gas Mileage - ??? Can NEVER figure out why anyone would care. I don't in my cars - and NEVER have on my bikes.
If 'ya don't like it - get something else - or take a bus.
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Visionary
Posts: 1229
Rancho Cucamonga, CA | Maybe some people worry about MPGs because it can be indicative of other problems. I would certainly worry if I should be getting 50MPG and I was only getting 35.
BTW, 35-40 is normal, especially with winter fuels. Being new to you, I'm sure that throttle is getting some extra exercise, affecting MPG even more. 300 miles is no where near enough miles to tell what your average will be.
An upper air filter makes more of a sucking sound, not a pop or crack. If it's when shifting or decel, then it could be an exhauat leak, or it is just running too lean. Common problem that is usually solved with a fuel controller.
The Vision should vibrate more than a BMW but less than a Harley.
Welcome to the club! Although the Vision is not perfect, it's closer than most.
Edited by Nozzledog 2013-04-24 1:52 AM
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 17
St Cloud, MN | Nozzledog - 2013-04-24 1:33 AM
Maybe some people worry about MPGs because it can be indicative of other problems. I would certainly worry if I should be getting 50MPG and I was only getting 35.
BTW, 35-40 is normal, especially with winter fuels. Being new to you, I'm sure that throttle is getting some extra exercise, affecting MPG even more. 300 miles is no where near enough miles to tell what your average will be.
An upper air filter makes more of a sucking sound, not a pop or crack. If it's when shifting or decel, then it could be an exhauat leak, or it is just running too lean. Common problem that is usually solved with a fuel controller.
The Vision should vibrate more than a BMW but less than a Harley.
Welcome to the club! Although the Vision is not perfect, it's closer than most.
Your answer seems the most right on. I couldn't care less about the cost of the gas, just what it could mean if it's lower than it should be. Funny how some people are so quick to suggest get something else. I am use to revving an engine much higher, so this is probably just me.
The noise I hear is definitely not intake, plus the bike is bone stock. It's more of a rat a tat tat. My previous search for "pop" seemed to find people talking about tail pipe pops, this is being produced from the engine.
The LT is smooth as glass, but I'm not bothered by a little vibration character. Like the gas milage, I just want to make sure these aren't symptoms of anything. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 71
Willmar, MN | Welcome to the forum...and it's great to see another Vision in the neighborhood. I'm in Willmar and also have an 08 with 50,000 on it. |
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Tourer
Posts: 466
Grand Cane, LA | Something you could get someone to look at is a possible intake leak. There were a few of the early Visions that developed a leak around the rubber grommet pieces that formed the intake tubes. Try spraying some carb cleaner around them while the bike is running and see if it affects the idle speed. If it does then you have the leak. This could be the high pitched crack or pop you're hearing at throttle changes and some the cause of your lower gas mileage. I usually average around 42 to 45 mpg driving 60mph here in the south. I have averaged 48 mpg if I drive the speed limit, but like Sammy Hagar says "I can't drive 55". Lol!!! There is some vibration on a Vision, not much, but definitely not as smooth as a BMW. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 142
elgin mn | welcome, I also have an 08 love it hope you enjoy yours! |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 17
St Cloud, MN | atvtinker - 2013-04-24 7:11 AM
There were a few of the early Visions that developed a leak around the rubber grommet pieces that formed the intake tubes. Try spraying some carb cleaner around them while the bike is running and see if it affects the idle speed. If it does then you have the leak.
I've looked around, I'm afraid I don't know quite where you mean. |
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Tourer
Posts: 599
New Mexico | Don't mind grumpy ol' Don suggesting a different ride. Notice the post time - Anything after 9pm is, shall we say, Vodka tainted.
(But we Love You, Man!)
For me:
Vibration starts getting noticeable up over 3k rpms. IMHO the Vision cruising 'sweet spot' is 2800 - 3k, then shifting at 3500.
MPG sounds right. I drop to 36 in the winter, then 40-42 in the summer. On long road trips I have gotten close to 50, but an average road trip number would be 46.
I care because it is an indication of how well the bike is running... And because I'm a cheap SOB!
Only mod is S1L2 pipes. And I don't see much difference between one or two up.
Edited by Boots 2013-04-24 9:38 AM
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Iron Butt
Posts: 691
Manchester, CT | Boots....LOL....that's why I stopped drinking life is so much better and never have to worry about being on 2 wheels!
Although my bike is a 13' the only vibration I experience comes from the inherent characteristics of a V Twin
Enjoy your new ride webwzrd and welcome! |
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Central Wisconsin | webwzrd - 2013-04-23 10:39 PM Hey Gang, I've been lurking around on this board all winter in anticipation of picking up a vision this spring. Well it happened - I bought an '08 Victory Vision Tour Premium with 6,100 miles last Saturday. Already have over 300 miles on it and if you know the kind of weather we are having here in Minnesota, you'd know that's saying something. Anyway, couple things I wanted to run by you guys just to check if they are normal or not. First on acceleration or at speed the engine makes a noise that if I didn't know better, I would think it was an exhaust leak. Now it's probably not (I hope), but it's a higher pitch pop or crack. If it's normal, you likely know what I mean........ BTW, I'm coming from a K1200LT. Thanks, Brian Brian congrats on your Vision purchase and welcome to the forum from Central Wisconsin. I'm thinking the noise your hearing might be the torque compensator . http://www.thevog.net/forum/thread/12690/torque-compensator-update-fixed-and-oh-so-quiet-now/ Also I have a Wisconsin ride coming up in June you might be interested in.
Edited by Thomas 2013-04-24 9:37 AM
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Iron Butt
Posts: 752
Broken Arrow, OK | Congrats on your Vision purchase. Enjoy |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 17
St Cloud, MN | Thomas - 2013-04-24 9:35 AM
Brian congrats on your Vision purchase and welcome to the forum from Central Wisconsin. I'm thinking the noise your hearing might be the torque compensator . http://www.thevog.net/forum/thread/12690/torque-compensator-update-fixed-and-oh-so-quiet-now/ Also I have a Wisconsin ride coming up in June you might be interested in.
Just read that post you gave, doesn't sound like the culprit in this case. I can't even create the noise at a stand still by revving it. It occurs under load or at a steady higher speed - say 65 or so. Back in my dirt bike days, the expansion chamber exhaust would make a rat-a-tat-tat sound. This is much closer to that but coming from the engine. I'm going to feel silly bringing this up if it just the natural sound of the motor under load, but doesn't seem right and no one is saying theirs does it too. Even if I am describing it poorly, it seems that if they all did, you would still know what I'm talking about.
Thanks for the heads up on the WI ride. I've gone to the La Crosse area the last 3 years in a roll - great roads, I'll keep your ride in mind.
BTW; I am lucky enough to have two years left on the warranty. |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 17
St Cloud, MN | Just a thought, but I didn't realize the bike takes premium gas until I was washing the inside of the saddlebag and read the sticker. I've put 87 octane in it twice now. I would not describe the noise as pinging or rattling, but could this be octane related? I'll for sure try 91 next time. |
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Central Wisconsin | Brian, Wish I could tell you for sure what your hearing. I can say as others have stated about the intake sucking noise and it does become more pronounced with a top air intake filter. I read your post about gas, my experience has been hotter weather is a bigger factor for the premium gas. With that said I still fill up with premium but I have filled up with 87 octane (when higher octane was not available) and haven't had a problem in the colder weather. If you make it for the Wisconsin June ride we could always compare any differences ;-)
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 25
| webwzrd - 2013-04-24 9:46 AM
Just a thought, but I didn't realize the bike takes premium gas until I was washing the inside of the saddlebag and read the sticker. I've put 87 octane in it twice now. I would not describe the noise as pinging or rattling, but could this be octane related? I'll for sure try 91 next time.
You may have just hit the nail on the head here. Pinging sounds different in every motor, but if you're running 87 octane fuel in a motor thats producing over 9.something to 1 in compression than you may indeed be pinging. Just add a little octane boost to what you have in the tank now & you may very well see a change in performance. Mileage may go up too with the correct fuel for the bike. |
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Tourer
Posts: 500
| I don't know about the noise you are hearing but my 2011 with S1L1 seems to run much better with the higher octane fuel..We do not have 91 octane around here much so I usually run 1/2 87 octane and 1/2 93 octane which gives me the 91 than the manual calls for...But, usually I just fill it with the higher octane and it runs fine.... |
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Cruiser
Posts: 74
Republic of Texas | Webwzrd,
When I got my '08 Vision, I noticed what sounded like an exhaust leak too. Particularly on low acceleration. It was the extra air intake the previous owner installed.
As to vibration, I can only compare to a Wing. Yes, my Vision vibrates more than a Goldwing. But, it is whole lot more fun. Seriously, if you think it is vibrating too much, check with a dealer or test ride another Vision.
Mileage -- I get 40+. 1 up.
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Cruiser
Posts: 74
Republic of Texas | Nozzledog - 2013-04-24 1:33 AM
The Vision should vibrate more than a BMW but MUCH less than a Harley.
Welcome to the club! Although the Vision is not perfect, it's closer than most.
+1 |
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Cruiser
Posts: 122
Westchester Co., NY | Congrats on the new ride. It's a great bike. |
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Visionary
Posts: 4278
| Thomas - 2013-04-24 1:41 PM Brian, Wish I could tell you for sure what your hearing. I can say as others have stated about the intake sucking noise and it does become more pronounced with a top air intake filter. I read your post about gas, my experience has been hotter weather is a bigger factor for the premium gas. With that said I still fill up with premium but I have filled up with 87 octane (when higher octane was not available) and haven't had a problem in the colder weather. If you make it for the Wisconsin June ride we could always compare any differences ;-)
Here is something for you http://www.wisconsinmotorcycling.com/maps/
Edited by johnnyvision 2013-04-24 6:20 PM
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Visionary
Posts: 4278
| webwzrd - 2013-04-23 10:39 PM Hey Gang, I've been lurking around on this board all winter in anticipation of picking up a vision this spring. Well it happened - I bought an '08 Victory Vision Tour Premium with 6,100 miles last Saturday. Already have over 300 miles on it and if you know the kind of weather we are having here in Minnesota, you'd know that's saying something. Anyway, couple things I wanted to run by you guys just to check if they are normal or not. First on acceleration or at speed the engine makes a noise that if I didn't know better, I would think it was an exhaust leak. Now it's probably not (I hope), but it's a higher pitch pop or crack. If it's normal, you likely know what I mean. 2nd, the bike vibrates a tad more than I expected. Without knowing how much vibration I'm talking about, probably hard to say if it's normal. I just read in advance how smooth these were. 3rd, looks like the gas mileage is really affected by riding more aggressively. Two tanks and I'm in the mid to high 30's - normal? Guess I kind of want to make sure all three of these things aren't indicating something I should look into. BTW, I'm coming from a K1200LT. Thanks, Brian Take your bike to http://www.miesoutland.com/ http://tcvr.us/ |
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Cruiser
Posts: 80
| Hi Brian;
Another 08 Vision owner here with 28,000 trouble free miles. That rattling you hear could certainly could be pre-ignition or pinging, or as the British say, pinking. Does it sound like your hitting your cylinder fins with a ball pean hammer? If so, not good for the pistons. Victory's like the the highest octane gas you can find. With the corn gas we get these days, listed 91 octane really isn't 91 octane anymore.
With vibration, keep in mind you have two pistons that are 101mm wide with a stroke of 108mm. That's a lot of metal flying around. If it weren't for Victory's counter balancer, something this big would rattle your teeth! You will enjoy your Vision!
Denny Pink
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Finally Got One!!!
