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Cruiser
Posts: 251
| Hey All I have been lurking for some time and have done quite a bit of poking around to find out as much as I could about the Vision. I have been monitoring everyone's comments back and forth regarding your personal experiences both good and not so good with your bikes. And I have got to say that I have been impressed by what everyone has to say about the amazing ride of the Vision and terrified by some of the horror stories regarding availability/delivery of parts and accessories, not to mention some of the quality of workmanship issues, i.e. paint, saddlebag covers, etc, etc.... I have only ever sat on one at a bike show. The closest dealer to me is 4 hrs (including ferry ride). I am going tomorrow for a test ride. However, I have to be honest when I say that the issues with this bike raised on this site has really sent up some HUGE flags! The biggest attractions for me getting this bike are the ride (which I will be confirming tomorrow) and the fact that this is a dual purpose bike: a tourer that I can sit down in and with the turn of a rachet it becomes a cruiser that I can take around town. Now having said all of that, like I mentioned, major flags have been raised. My Question is for the Vision Owners: If you had it to do all over again, would you have done anything different with regards to buying your Vision? Thanks Gerry |
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Cruiser
Posts: 271
Belding Michigan | I am fairly new here but the answer is in a heartbeat. If you get a good dealer who understands your needs and the bikes he is selling the problems go away before you have them. I wanted a full out dresser with all the bells and whistles. I got it in spades and I found a few things I missed just because I did not know that they existed. I now have them all I think. I have the preimum tour with the power windshield, Heated seat and hand grips. I added CB audio package with XM and a IPOD connector with power cable for the IPOD. I got a Utopia drivers backrest. I got helmets with J&M audio installed and all cables and connectors. The full package is expensive but worth it This out rides, out runs, and out handles my Goldwing. It beats the hell out of My Harley Tour Glide and fits me better than anything I have ever ridden. Do I sound like a comercial for the Vision if so then so be it. I have only one ride left in my garage as it is the bike for all things for me. See ya down the road. Archie |
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Cruiser
Posts: 141
| It was very tough for me to wait for one since I was very unhappy on my Harley. I have had a Vegas, Kingpin, HD custom, 2 HD Ultras, and now the Vision, all since 2004. My problem was that I do alot of miles, and most of them are 2-up. I really had to get a dresser, or it was just not working out with the gf...I bought the Ultras to get me by until the Vision was ready, meaning, the bugs worked out. But I really found the Harley to be boring, and it was killing me. I swore I would not buy a first year model, although, my Kingpin was an 04' and was perfect. I found a great deal on the Vision, and decided to take the risk. If I could go back in time, I would not have bought it. I would have suffered another season on the Harley and waited until all of the 08' Vision buyers did the testing and fixing for Victory. I did not count on so many problems! Don't get me wrong, I love the bike. But to buy a new bike and have over $20,000 invested, and in the first 3 weeks of owning it have the following problems, SHEESH!!!
crooked windscreen
windscreen shakes like crazy
crooked bags
gouged seat
rubbed off paint
cheap paint in general
broken plastic
ignition recall
stereo recall
hole rubbing into a hose
exhaust leak near the end of the muffler
IPOD problems
stereo problems
no fm reception
no weather band reception
chrome problems on the trunk rack
tremendous heat from the engine on the legs
tranny whine
jerky throttle response
surging while cruise control is set (bad)
bags do not open or close right
IPOD compartment does not pop open right
checking/putting air in the rear tire is ridiculous
Luggage for the bike does not fit in the bike
These are only problems on my bike, there are other people having other problems I don't have such as:
stalling out
backfiring
cb problems
volume control changing stations
exhaust leaks other than at the tip like mine
There are more problems as well, I can't think of them offhand. But for the flagship touring bike of a company as large as Polaris, these issues are way too many, and the remedy for most of them is far from acceptable. I am sure at least 2/3 of thses problems will not be on the 09's...What bugs me, is that it is a certainty Polaris will not help resolve all the problems we are having. Just the same as the 99' trannies, some will get help, other will not. A matter of who you know and who you blow type od deal....I don't really have that much of a bad taste over all the problems, I have a bad tatste over the lack of the willingness of Polaris to correct them. 20 + years with polaris and nothing has changed. I just keep putting up with it because they make the best overall product, most of the time.
If I could go back, I would wait. If they were being discontinued, I would get the 08' either way. It is a fantastic bike all in all. Such a shame Polaris saves a penny, but forgoes making a dollar by doing it.
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Visionary
Posts: 3204
Memphis | Buying a Vision is not for the faint of heart. I'd do it again in a heartbeat but I have the best of all worlds. I have a great dealer within 10 miles of my house and a bike that runs perfectly. I don't have dimple or fitment issues. I've got several coats of marine grade carnuba wax on it and the scuffs just buff right out. It has far exceeded my expectations. 6 months/10,000miles. My dealer closing it's doors would be the ultimate downer for me. I really feel for those guys. Since you are going to be 4 hours from the dealer, be sure to order a shop manual. $22K is a ton of money for a motorcycle. What did I get for my money? A perfect bike? No, there's no such thing. Did I get a comfortable, powerful, limited edition, head turning design that gets comments everyday I ride it and has my wife constantly thinking about where we can go on it? Absolutely. No regrets.
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Cruiser
Posts: 153
Frisco, TX | I'm pretty upset about the bike, actually. I've just ordered a new Harley Ultra Classic Electra Glide and have put my Vision up for sale. Ok. Actually, that's not 100% true. I'm not buying a Harley and I'm not selling my Vision. I love my Vision. Every bike has things you like and don't like. Yes, this is a new bike and has some minor problems and some accessories are delayed. These things pale in comparison to what you're getting. There simply isn't a better touring bike on the market. For the paint, just get the paint protection kit. Problem solved. The bags are a little small but they're workable. Just pack light and get a rack with a pack. Problem solved. Most of the other issues have already been worked out. The time to buy is now because they're not making any more for 2008. |
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Visionary
Posts: 2027
Brighton, TN | What SongFan said and then some. Whine on or Flame on, no matter. I expect recalls and minor issues. If it runs and still rolls, I'm good. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 153
Frisco, TX | golfer - 2008-05-29 2:48 PM It was very tough for me to wait for one since I was very unhappy on my Harley. I have had a Vegas, Kingpin, HD custom, 2 HD Ultras, and now the Vision, all since 2004. My problem was that I do alot of miles, and most of them are 2-up. I really had to get a dresser, or it was just not working out with the gf...I bought the Ultras to get me by until the Vision was ready, meaning, the bugs worked out. But I really found the Harley to be boring, and it was killing me. I swore I would not buy a first year model, although, my Kingpin was an 04' and was perfect. I found a great deal on the Vision, and decided to take the risk. If I could go back in time, I would not have bought it. I would have suffered another season on the Harley and waited until all of the 08' Vision buyers did the testing and fixing for Victory. I did not count on so many problems! Don't get me wrong, I love the bike. But to buy a new bike and have over $20,000 invested, and in the first 3 weeks of owning it have the following problems, SHEESH!!! crooked windscreen windscreen shakes like crazy crooked bags gouged seat rubbed off paint cheap paint in general broken plastic ignition recall stereo recall hole rubbing into a hose exhaust leak near the end of the muffler IPOD problems stereo problems no fm reception no weather band reception chrome problems on the trunk rack tremendous heat from the engine on the legs tranny whine jerky throttle response surging while cruise control is set (bad) bags do not open or close right IPOD compartment does not pop open right checking/putting air in the rear tire is ridiculous Luggage for the bike does not fit in the bike These are only problems on my bike, there are other people having other problems I don't have such as: stalling out backfiring cb problems volume control changing stations exhaust leaks other than at the tip like mine There are more problems as well, I can't think of them offhand. But for the flagship touring bike of a company as large as Polaris, these issues are way too many, and the remedy for most of them is far from acceptable. I am sure at least 2/3 of thses problems will not be on the 09's...What bugs me, is that it is a certainty Polaris will not help resolve all the problems we are having. Just the same as the 99' trannies, some will get help, other will not. A matter of who you know and who you blow type od deal....I don't really have that much of a bad taste over all the problems, I have a bad tatste over the lack of the willingness of Polaris to correct them. 20 + years with polaris and nothing has changed. I just keep putting up with it because they make the best overall product, most of the time. If I could go back, I would wait. If they were being discontinued, I would get the 08' either way. It is a fantastic bike all in all. Such a shame Polaris saves a penny, but forgoes making a dollar by doing it. Hmm... I got my bike in March and had none of these problems except the clearcoat issue. I think most of the problems you had have already been worked out. |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 37
SE Florida | Overall I am happy with the Bike and having bought it and yes I do have some of the issues other people have and there may be more as time goes on and yes they are sometimes annoying but I possibly have a different frame of reference. The bike I had before was a Yamaha Venture, a very comfortable bike that had a number of nagging problems that there was no possible fix for, poor weight distribution, horrible slow speed handling, and a terrible drive train wine. They were all part of the way the bike was designed. Every problem that has been mentioned on this Site with the Vision can be fixed and probably eventually will be fixed, it really sucks when there is no possible way to fix what is wrong with a bike that you otherwise like. So all in all yes I would probably do it all over again. And yes you are taking a kind of leap of faith buying a first model year product but I have done a lot risker things than that in my life and am probably not finished yet. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 732
Western WA | I would buy it again in a heartbeat. Minor issues? Sure, but nothing the company and the dealer have not fixed to my complete satisfaction. Are there things that I wish were different? Once again, yes. But nothing major. Move a switch here, put the ignition at the top of the panel, etc. But I've never ridden a bike that I WOULDN'T change things on.
Mechanically, and for pure riding experience, I can honestly say the Vision is the best bike I've ever ridden or owned.
And Golfer, man. . . .if I had your list I would file suit under the Lemon Law. Your Vision sounds NOTHING like the bike I'm riding. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 136
CALGARY ALBERTA | What you hear here on this site is just minor and I repeat, minor issues with a first year bike. If you were to compare what other manufacturers and buyers are gong through you would EASILY buy this one. Others are not honest enough to admit problems when they arise. My list is 2 minor items long and both have been dealt with by my dealer.
BB |
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Tourer
Posts: 496
Scottsdale AZ | Absolutely! I have had my Vision since September and the ride just keeps getting better. The pluses far outweigh the minor issues. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 257
Under the Rule of Jedi - Masshole | I would never buy another Victory after all the issues I had with my 99 Cruiser!
Hmmmm.... Wonder what 09 will bring? |
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Visionary
Posts: 1484
LaPorte,Tx. | Golfer, you didn't like the Ultra, now your really down on this bike, I don't get it? I've read back some of your other posts and you have good comments about the bike. It looks like you're a Victory rider with having a Vegas and Kingpin, but with only 3000 miles on this bike, to go off on it like you did, what's that all about?
I had an (first year) 04 Kingpin Tour, traded it is with 33,000 miles. "Black and Bronze", good looking bike, you can see it in my gallery. The paint scuffed on it, the bags leaked, the seat was hard, I could go on with more, but I loved that bike and it's positive stuff way out weighed the negative stuff. People would come up to me and want to talk to me about the Kingpin, just like the Vision. When I first saw the Vision, I was not sure I would want one......had to ride it first. I admire those that put money down based on faith, they are the faithful. Once I rode it I knew, this is the bike for me. A lot of people still don't like it and that is their opinion. You made the decision, you saw what you were getting, I hope you can get your Vision's issues resolved.
As for all of you who are lurking at this site and have read this thread and thinking about getting a Vision. There are alot of folks here who have ridden the heck out of this motorcycle, at least one person has 20000 miles and a lot are close. I can only say the postive again on this first year model "way out weighs the negative". But, if your wanting one, you better hurry up, they are going fast, although, you might talk Golfer out of his.  "Giddy-up"  |
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Tourer
Posts: 388
Salisbury, NC | Gerica, I have had the bike since Oct. 2, 07. I only have 14000 miles on it. My dealer that I enjoy dealing with is 2 states away. And yes I'm glad that I have the Vision that I'm riding now and would do it all over again the same way. ET |
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Tourer
Posts: 496
Scottsdale AZ | VisionTex - 2008-05-29 4:35 PM
Golfer, you didn't like the Ultra, now your really down on this bike, I don't get it? I've read back some of your other posts and you have good comments about the bike. It looks like you're a Victory rider with having a Vegas and Kingpin, but with only 3000 miles on this bike, to go off on it like you did, what's that all about?
I had an (first year) 04 Kingpin Tour, traded it is with 33,000 miles. "Black and Bronze", good looking bike, you can see it in my gallery. The paint scuffed on it, the bags leaked, the seat was hard, I could go on with more, but I loved that bike and it's positive stuff way out weighed the negative stuff. People would come up to me and want to talk to me about the Kingpin, just like the Vision. When I first saw the Vision, I was not sure I would want one......had to ride it first. I admire those that put money down based on faith, they are the faithful. Once I rode it I knew, this is the bike for me. A lot of people still don't like it and that is their opinion. You made the decision, you saw what you were getting, I hope you can get your Vision's issues resolved.
As for all of you who are lurking at this site and have read this thread and thinking about getting a Vision. There are alot of folks here who have ridden the heck out of this motorcycle, at least one person has 20000 miles and a lot are close. I can only say the postive again on this first year model "way out weighs the negative". But, if your wanting one, you better hurry up, they are going fast, although, you might talk Golfer out of his. "Giddy-up"
My thoughts exactly! |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | Hey lurkers, another consideration too! Not every Vision owner is here on the board, so there is a great percentage out there that has not chimed in. Talk with the dealer in your area, or take a trip to another dealer and see what issues their customers are having, if any. Sadly, someone can take a few negative comments and make it the whole picture. The main thing about this bike that is undisputed, and that is the way she sits and rides. The last time I checked with myself, that is all I care about. I'm satisfied 100% that this is the best ridding bike in its class, no doubts. It is rattling the cages of the other makers, and I like the looks on my Harley friends face when they ask how it rides, and I tell them "Smooth as glass." while they're still shakin'. Footnote: 13,800+ Miles on and I'm working with the dealer to do the 15,000 mile service in about a week or so, so I can minimize down time. Solid baby, solid! PS: I was the first voter on this one, guess which one I picked? |
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Cruiser
Posts: 113
East Ohio | The first time I saw the vision at a mall show it caught my eye, after I sat on it and felt the difference between my goldwing, I knew I had to take it for a test ride, I liked the handling and the ride, my wife was in favor of the goldwing, we went and test rode a new wing and it did not have the same ride as even my 1500, I felt cramped, but fortunately for me it was the wing dealer that lost the sale, he did not show the interest in us that the victory dealer did, and still does, I have 1400 miles in 5 weeks, a little low for us, but it has rained most of my days off til now. I have had only few problems and they have been taken care of to our satifaction, most of my riding has been 2 up, that is why we got the bike, just to cruise, thats "our' time, and we do enjoy all the conversations about the bike when we stop. I would definately buy again, and my wife is now a vision enthusiast. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 296
Central Florida | varyder - 2008-05-29 8:21 PM
Hey lurkers, another consideration too! Not every Vision owner is here on the board, so there is a great percentage out there that has not chimed in. Talk with the dealer in your area, or take a trip to another dealer and see what issues their customers are having, if any. Sadly, someone can take a few negative comments and make it the whole picture. The main thing about this bike that is undisputed, and that is the way she sits and rides. The last time I checked with myself, that is all I care about. I'm satisfied 100% that this is the best ridding bike in its class, no doubts. It is rattling the cages of the other makers, and I like the looks on my Harley friends face when they ask how it rides, and I tell them "Smooth as glass." while they're still shakin'. Footnote: 13,800+ Miles on and I'm working with the dealer to do the 15,000 mile service in about a week or so, so I can minimize down time. Solid baby, solid! PS: I was the first voter on this one, guess which one I picked?
You passed me again! I am "only" at 13025. I should rack up another 1500 or so to SE meet in Helen and back. Then the 15K and fork service. Forks will be powdercoated black as well as wheels
pulley, grab bars, rear tipovers and grey tips under tail lights. The Gatling tips will be powder coated black and honeycomb portion will be chromed....also lyndall front rotors and pads black discs black carrier and red buttons..
Edited by devilboy 2008-05-29 8:32 PM
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Cruiser
Posts: 189
Baltimore, Md | amessen: "This out rides, out runs, and out handles my Goldwing" - I am in mid purchase and have previously owned Wings and many other bikes. While I purposefully picked the Vision this time over another Wing, I think your quoted statement is a tad too much. The Vision and Wing are both great for what they do, but the Vision does not (from my limited experience with it) outride and outrun a Gold Wing. It may well out handle one, but it will never outrun one. Not that this is so important, but we should be careful not to get reps like the HD guys as being so brand blind that we make clearly outlandish claims that cannot be supported by the facts. Most of all, it doesn't need to do those things to be a great bike. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1324
So Cal | Except for the pre-order, I would do it all over. Ended up not buying the pre-order anyway.
The most upsetting thing is my excellent dealer going out of business. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 226
on the edge of Los Angeles | I am a recent owner and my story fits the within the positive side of doing it again. No matter what we do there is always hindsight.
I was not looking for this bike and never thought I would have one like it but once I saw it and then sat on / in it and went for an initial test ride 2 up I was amazed and was really Jonesin' to get one. This site was also a welath of information as this post is and like anything let your test ride determin what you really think and feel about it. You will not be disapointed!
Those of us who have one want to support them all issue aside and as I read this post pretty much all other bikes have their issues.
In my many years of purchasing motor vehicles I have yet to get one 2 or 4 wheel that did not have some sort of thing that bothered me. All in all none of witch caused me to regret my purchase.
The only thing that really matters is the support after the sale, If the dealer is there for you then thats worth the money spent.
Today as I went to visit my dealer who is unfortunatly closing, I was remided of how nice it is to own a bike that no matter who stops next to you in traffic says "I like it" Oh Yeah I like it too. no, "I really dig it!"
Gercia, I trust that your test ride will bring a smile to your face!!
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | devilboy - 2008-05-29 8:30 PM You passed me again! I am "only" at 13025. I should rack up another 1500 or so to SE meet in Helen and back. Then the 15K and fork service. Forks will be powdercoated black as well as wheels pulley, grab bars, rear tipovers and grey tips under tail lights. The Gatling tips will be powder coated black and honeycomb portion will be chromed....also lyndall front rotors and pads black discs black carrier and red buttons.. I pulled over 700 miles in just three days and looking at doing some more 300 mile days in the coming weekends. I'm looking into the powder coat thing, but it's not that big for me. I've settled to the fact I'll ride this bike for a very long time, so I'll save the upgrades for variety a year or so down the road. Plus I want to see what others do to get to that "Now that's what I like." So when you get done, send some picts so I can grab some more ideas. I know it will look great. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1324
So Cal | The bottom line is that the final decision is up to you. The bike you demo and the one you buy will have slight differences. Make sure the one you are buying is as capable as the one you demo. Put it through its paces also. Play with all the buttons and give it a good visual. If you see something that doesnt seem right, compare it with others on the floor. If they all have it, ask the dealer about it. If he promises something, get it in writing. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 173
Prescott Valley, AZ | So far the poll shows that MOST of us are quite happy with the Vision. Sure there are some problem areas, as one would expect from a first year model. The folks at Victory really stuck their collective necks out when they decided to produce this machine, they did a ton of research and it shows in the end product. This is a machine with a ton of electronics and being a first year run may well have a few bugs to be ironed out. I have had two "issues" (both electrical) and both were handles promptly by the dealer as soon as they got the parts in to make the fixes required.
There just plain are not any other bikes on the road today that get the reaction that the Vision does. Would I do it again? In a second!!!!!!
Ride Safe, Ride Often!! |
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Tourer
Posts: 495
Carrollton, TX | The Vision has been the best purchase I have ever made. I now have 8,400 miles on my Vision in just less than 90 days and each mile just gets better. This is the sweetest bike I have ever ridden and I have ridden all the touring and sport touring bikes and most of the cruisers. My Vision has been almost trouble free. The paint is no worse than any of my other bikes. I installed the vinyl paint protection kit and I wish I had done this on my other bikes. I had to do the ignition recall which was a really quick and simple fix and the audio system firmware update. I have friends with new Gold Wings and Harley Ultras that have had a lot more issues then I have had. This first year bike has fewer issues than many other bikes that have been out for years. I think the Victory team hit the ball out of the park! |
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Woud You Do it Again?
