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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 14
Northern Virginia | Hi all:
I am in the market again for a new motorcycle after a 3 year absence. So I could use your help and advice. I have previously owned Harley's and had an 08 Goldwing. Each bike had I've owned has not had any major problem, just things i would change, but don't we all have that.
I am torn between these three models: Victory Vision; BMW K1600GTL, and the Goldwing. I love the looks of the Vision, the technology of the BMW, and the dependability of the Wing. If you had a choice which one would you eliminate? which one would be your number one choice and why?
Also are Victory dealers helpful and friendly? I know they are independently owned, but there is usually a reputation that we all know about. I live in the northern Virginia area so if there a great dealer to talk to please let me know.
Thank you for your help I appreciate it!  |
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Tourer
Posts: 599
New Mexico | Well, honestly, we all can see things in other models we like/admire, and all faced the same choices. Before purchasing my Vision I rode and considered the models you mentioned, plus HD. I agree the technology of the BMW is impressive. What a smooth ride, all computerized. And the Goldwing has the Vision beat as far as 'fit and finish'. HD is putting out a good product, with a solid network of fun social events and maintenance around the country.
All that being said, as soon as I rode the Vision I knew that was the bike for me. Comfortable, solid, smooth, reliable, versatile - it just 'fits' me physically, and my personality. A V-Twin that is futuristic, but still looks and sounds like a motorcycle. Hardcore biker, yet refined. A sleek bagger that has the styling I want, and the weather protection I need. Personal comforts & amenities that spoil me, but let me appreciate the ride even more.
So it is all personal preference. You won't go wrong with any of those choices. For me, a Victory Vision was just the right choice.
Edited by Boots 2012-09-26 10:00 AM
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 14
Northern Virginia | Boots, thank you for the reply. I agree its all about the test ride and how i fit on the bike. I just think at the prices today we should expect a quality product first then I can worry about how i fit on the bike or just eliminate that model from my search. I honestly was shocked at how much the Goldwing price shot up since i bought my 08 Wing. Wow!!! |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | All that being said, as soon as I rode the Vision I knew that was the bike for me. Comfortable, solid, smooth, reliable, versatile - it just 'fits' me physically, and my personality. A V-Twin that is futuristic, but still looks and sounds like a motorcycle. Hardcore biker, yet refined. A sleek bagger that has the styling I want, and the weather protection I need. Personal comforts & amenities that spoil me, but let me appreciate the ride even more.
Yeah, what boots said....'08 Vision 125,000 in less than five years says a lot. |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 14
Northern Virginia | Thanks varyder. |
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Tourer
Posts: 482
Beer Collins, Colorado (there is no fort) | I have ridden all three and they're great bikes. For me it was simply a choice of what was comfortable.I have issues with the wing's "sit up & beg" seating position and the BMW has an more aggressive position that's great for sport touring but had my back screamin' after a 20 minute test ride. I already had my Vision when 1600's became available but compared the LT before going with the Vision, plus I got a smokin' deal that made it an easy decision for me. Brian |
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Tourer
Posts: 562
SC, Bluffton | Looking at it from the side of having no local dealers, I'd pick the one with the least
maintenance. I can do a coolant flush just like that on the Vision. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 154
Danbury, Connecticut | As the others have said here, once you ride one you'll lose interest in the others. They are uber comfortable and handle like a much smaller/lighter machine. Minimal maintenance= more ride time. Not a lot goes wrong. Oil changes are quick and easy. A lot can be done by the owner with a modest amount of mechanical ability. They have some catching up to do in the "fit & finish department". Their dealer network is weak and not likely to improve anytime soon with the current economic situation. I don't know a lot about the BMW but have heard horror stories about the maintenance requirements and costs. I don't see myself owning anything but Victory in the future. I still have my HD FXDWG and have ridden it briefly, twice in 2.5 years, because since owning the Vision I hate it. I honestly only keep at a backup and a loaner for my brother and a buddy. If they redesign the Vision in the next couple years as some have speculated, chances are the HD will be traded in on another Vision.
I don't think the other two compete in comfort and I like the feel and sound of the V-twin over the other bikes. Good luck with whatever your choice is and ride safe. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 1109
| Having owned a wing and a harley I rode them both again before I rode a Vision. When I rode the Vision I knew it was the one for me. The styling isn't for everyone but it was what I wanted and I don't regret it. I've have no problems with mine. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1229
Rancho Cucamonga, CA | I'll ride with a couple friends on GW's, and we will get to compairing features, then I say " Sure, but can you do this?" and I move my feet forward 4" on the floorboards, "or how about this?" and I move them 8" back. If you are going to ride long distances, comfort should be at the top of your list (right along side reliability). Only the narrow V-twins can give your feet room to move around, and that means a more comfortable ride.
I will save you the "Buy American" diatribe, either it's important to you or it's not.
HD rider - "Hey, the sun is out and the temps are good, let's go for a ride?"
Me - "Well, I need to change fluids on my bike.."
HD rider - "Didn't you just do that a couple months ago?"
Me - " Yeah, but that was 5,000 miles ago"
HD rider - "Oh, who are you taking it to?"
Me - "I do it myself"
HD rider - "Oh well, maybe next week we can ride, I'll come over and help."
Me - " Don't be silly, I'll be done before you get here, you just pick a destination your butt can get us to." |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | Nozzledog - 2012-09-26 1:49 PM I'll ride with a couple friends on GW's, and we will get to compairing features, then I say " Sure, but can you do this?" and I move my feet forward 4" on the floorboards, "or how about this?" and I move them 8" back. If you are going to ride long distances, comfort should be at the top of your list (right along side reliability). Only the narrow V-twins can give your feet room to move around, and that means a more comfortable ride. I will save you the "Buy American" diatribe, either it's important to you or it's not. HD rider - "Hey, the sun is out and the temps are good, let's go for a ride?" Me - "Well, I need to change fluids on my bike.." HD rider - "Didn't you just do that a couple months ago?" Me - " Yeah, but that was 5,000 miles ago" HD rider - "Oh, who are you taking it to?" Me - "I do it myself" HD rider - "Oh well, maybe next week we can ride, I'll come over and help." Me - " Don't be silly, I'll be done before you get here, you just pick a destination your butt can get us to." yeah, the few harley riders that I've rode with don't like to ride with me because I don't like to stop as often as they want to. A Victory rider on the other hand... |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 14
Northern Virginia | Thank you everyone for the responses. I think i need to just get my behind to a Victory dealer and test ride one. ) |
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Cruiser
Posts: 238
SF Bay Area | Having ridden all three bikes, they are all good bikes, for different reasons. If you like a bike that feels more like a traditional, but sloghtly top heavy bike, get the BMW. If you like a bike that feels like a 2 wheeled Miata, get the Honda. If you want a bike that is balanced, comfortable and has the soul of a big twin, get the Victory. All 3 are excellent touring bikes, ask yourself... if you were to pick a car, would you choose a BMW sedan, an Acura, or an American muscle car, which would suit you best? I have been riding for over 40 years (on the street), for me the Victory line of bikes are the logical choice... they are innovative high quality high performane machines, built for the longhaul. I currently have a Vision, with no regrets. |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 30
Warrenton, VA | cjb20136 - 2012-09-26 10:33 AM
Also are Victory dealers helpful and friendly? I know they are independently owned, but there is usually a reputation that we all know about. I live in the northern Virginia area so if there a great dealer to talk to please let me
I have used Chesapeake Cycles exclusively and have had no issues (great wrench crew). I have heard good things about the La Plata Dealership but i never have used them. Coleman Powersports at least when I last checked had not sent any of their guys to Mother Vic for training.
Edited by dnlbest 2012-09-26 3:47 PM
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Iron Butt
Posts: 880
Orlando, FL | Everyone has said the same thing over and over, but I just have to say it myself.
Ride 'em all.
Buy the one you enjoy riding the most.~
Everything else is BS.
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Visionary
Posts: 4278
| Guys have said after some time on the road the leg position on a GW sucks. But there are some good deals out there.
I had a 09 harley for thousand miles and a bearing in tranie went out. It happens so sitting around I decided to test a vision. The day the dealer gave me back my 09 I traded it in on a vision. The dealer was 45 minuets away and it was only a three hour ride home. I just pain didn't want to quit riding.
Yes the bike is slow on raking in fuel and more often then not guys will ask all about the bike.
Vic is growing and there going to be a major motorcycle in a short time.
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Cruiser
Posts: 219
Pittsburgh, PA | I tried the BMW but found the Vision had more fit, form and function to suit me and my needs. I also was fond of having the exotic look of the Vision. I tried an older Goldwing and did not care for the way I felt while riding it. It is all about your personality and comfort. Good luck but be warned, once you try the vision your mind will be made up. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 259
Land O Lakes, FL | I've owned 2 GL1800's and always had to spend thousands to get comfortable (Seat alone was $1500) not to mention you have to install the Baker winds to manage the Wind, and usually a better windshield. Then there are backrests, highway pegs, etc, etc. Just to try and get comfy for the long haul. I jumped on a Vision and it was game over. So much room to move and spread out, better sounding stereo (kicker upgrades are worth it), easy maintenance and the soul of a V Twin with the really good performance. My Vision stock still beats my buddies Harley Ultra with the 103 motor, exhaust, intake, tune, gutted cat and cams.
The comfort and wind management on the Vision are just better as are the looks. The Wing has barely changed in 12 years and after riding the Victory the flat 6 motor sounds like a cranked up sewing machine, it's very busy feeling like it's always being rushed where as the Twin has a nice smooth, melodic rhythm to it. It never feels hurried or busy. The Vision as well sits you more "in" the bike where as the Wing is more "On top of" the bike if that makes sense. And forget working on it, it takes a half day and removal of most of the bikes tupperware just to change the air filter. And for something that's Japanese precision the cruise is horribly sloppy slowing down some 5-7mph before it levels out and the dealer won't fix it (I asked) they wanted to charge me $60 to adjust the sloppy factory play out!
Now the HD is closer with the seating and comfort but after that it's very different. I've spent sometime riding my buddies and its like a big couch going down the road you feel very disconnected. Now some people like that, he's a Town Car kinda guy so that feeling really sits well with him. The Vision is more like a BMW 5 series, comfy, can easily go the long haul and feels very connected doing it. It's a very precise machine compared to an HD, actually in the handling regard it's really close to the GoldWing for precision and ability. Plus the HD brakes still suck. They pulse, the front dives horribly, super annoying.
Compared to a BMW. Having only spent a tiny bit of time on it my quick opinion is that it's an Oversized Sport Touring bike. No where to move or spread out. The engine is smooth and powerful but the silly display screen is way to small and the styling takes getting used to (as does the vision) but where the Vision looks fashion forward, the BMW is more days gone by. It's a smoother version of the old LT bikes which really weren't great lookers either but highly functional. In typical fashion BMW maintenance will drain your soul along with your pocket book and anything else it can get it's hands on. And working on the plastic fantastic is a nightmare, I asked the techs, they didn't look happy. The Wing is just as bad if not worse in that department.
Anyway those are just my opinions. I didn't heed the commercials warning of "ride one and you'll buy one". I tried it and bought it. That's exactly what happened. Rode a Vision for 20 minutes and traded the Wing in the next day! I can't think of another big touring machine I would rather be on. Another fun fact, I decided to take the travel trunk off and run bagger style for awhile, just cause I can... Oh and the attention you get is insane!
Edited by PhantomX 2012-09-26 9:49 PM
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Visionary
Posts: 2118
Pitt Meadows, BC Canada | Forget the Vision.
People will drive you nuts taking pictures, asking questions, desire in their eyes.
Get an ordinary bike instead.
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Visionary
Posts: 1632
Jasper, MO | Go ride each one for a non-stop test ride of 100 miles in the hills and then, without stopping, ride 100 miles back on the freeway. The choice will be easy.
Ronnie |
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Visionary
Posts: 1308
Sand Rock, AL United States | a GW rider talked to me at a gas stop last weekend and he said what we all have said about the locked in riding position. He is selling it. |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 33
South Carolina | Harley - great paint, lot's of add ons but low on value - no moveable windshield, belt behind primary, maintenance intensive
BMW - even more limted on dealers, very expensive to fix, no radio on most, really ugly with radio & trunk
GW - if you like rumble or believe hearing a MC is a safety feature this one isn't for you - requires a tow truck if laid down - no tip overs
Victory - lots of value for the buck, esp if you can find a leftover year, wish there were more accy and the trunk was quick detach but very highly featured as-is - as many said above, put all of these into the same sweeper and you'll be hooked - I'm not a fan of the looks but the wind protection and the ride are the best in class IMHO |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | jimtom - 2012-09-27 12:18 PM a GW rider talked to me at a gas stop last weekend and he said what we all have said about the locked in riding position. He is selling it. I talked to a GW rider not to long ago at a Victory Demo. All he talked about how great his GW was and the car tire he had on it. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1308
Sand Rock, AL United States | this guy liked his GW but the first thing he noticed on mine was all the different foot positions (I have 2 sets of highway pegs mounted) and commented that was what he didn't like about his. He didn't like the side bag capacity on mine (I don't either). Longevity (reliability, cost of ownership), handling, comfort, USA made, engineered element (rain, temps, air)managment is class leading and not having the same thing as everyone else are the reasons I love my Vision. |
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Tourer
Posts: 500
| Some say the Goldwing in going to be completely redone for 2014 with all new frame, fairing, bags, seats, etc.etc. including a motorized windshield...Just rumor so far I suppose and I really don't give a "rats putut" as my 2011 Vision is the best bike out there for me and my riding style.....Long live the Vision!! |
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Which would you choose?
