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Visionary
Posts: 1436
| I just got my first up close and personal look at the Ness Vision at my dealer. While it is a damn nice looking bike, I would not have bought a Vision based on it. Lots of cool stuff like the cylinders, designer seat and blacked out cowling, BUT it looks like someone used a spray can of black paint on the forks, tip-overs and handlebars. I won't even mention they don't come with the heated seat and grips (two of the best features on the Vision).
The rear tip-overs and forks have the pitted appearance that really highlights how bad they look with the black coating. The bars are less noticable but even feel rough/uneven to the touch.
On the plus side the motor is awesome looking and I do like the graphics. I'd have liked to see this bike in a nice deep candy color with the same graphics and chromed out on the parts like forks, tip-overs, bars. And put the heated grips and pads in the seat to keep it functionally sound.
I won't trade my Premium Tour for it, thats for sure, but I suggested to the owner of the dealership it might be a good selling point to throw in the rider and passenger backrests. He's going to look into it.
Oh and please don't be insulted if you own one. This is just my impression of the bike with my riding preferences as the basis. Its still a cool looking bike. |
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Tourer
Posts: 447
Northeastern Penna. | Hey Teach, Did you get a chance and sit on the seat ( Corbins ). Way too firm, not as comfortable as the Vision's stock seat. The bike will have it's appeal to some folks though. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1436
| wjoel, yes I sat on it and I really liked the seat (stiff and all). I'm kind of a firm seat guy so I think it would break in very comfy. Corbin eh? Probably.... If I had to guess I'd say the stocker was either made by or based on the Saddleman. I've owned just about all of the aftermarket brands on one bike or another and can tell you Corbine seats take a good 1000-1500 miles before they feel good on the butt. My stock Vision seat took about 2k for me to get REALLY comfy on it (I don't have a lot of butt, lol). |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 1158
Richmond, Virginia | I went with the full intent on buying it from my dealer when the one they ordered came in. But felt that with what was not on it vs what came on it, it wasnt worth the additional several thousand. Stupid no heated seat, no power windshield, no reverse, blah blah blah.
The seat was interesting looking but not worth the extra and I agree when i sat on it, it was less comfortable. All in all, the paint job wasnt worth the extra $$ and i actually thought it kinda cheapened the bike, not to mention its the kind of paint scheme that I think
the owner will get tired of....... but that is only MY opinion. so I bought a black street premium and chromed the heck out of it. I think its a classier looking bike, and i get more attention then i probably am safe getting.... did anyone else look at the ness bike and think it sort of reminded them of a jumping whale?? woulda gotten license plate that said ORCA... |
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Cruiser
Posts: 212
Tavares, Fl | The first Vision I saw was at the speedway at Daytona last year and it was the Ness version. It immediately turned me off and I decided I'd never have one of them. Later in the week we were in Daytona and the dealer had a black Premium, all chromed out sitting there and I couldn't believe it was the same bike, that's when I decided I had to have a Vision. I came back to Ohio for the summer and found the Cherry Premium which I thought even looked better, but if they all looked like the Ness I'd still be riding a Yamaha.... |
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Cruiser
Posts: 64
Ma. | The only thing I really liked on the Ness was the Diamond cut engine... So I had the engine on my "09" Black Cherry Premium Diamond Cut and I am really pleased with the result. I actually think it looks better on a bike without all the loud graphics. I was a little concerned that the Diamond Cut engine might make the bike look a little cheap... but it seems to be a nice touch.
Gary |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 965
New York State | I like the chrome brake lever on the Ness. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 1158
Richmond, Virginia | GRZ tell us about having the heads diamond cut? What was the process, who did it, how long did it take, and were you happy with the results vs what you paid to have it done? I agree with you on your comment, the diamond cut was honestly, the only thing on the Ness bike that I cared for. would be interested to hear your details. Thanks in advance |
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Cruiser
Posts: 64
Ma. | I was going to get the cams done by Lloyds, but there was a change by Victory on the "09" engines (I am now waiting to see if Lloyd comes up with something for the "09's" in the spring). I still am not sure of the labor cost from the dealer to remove the heads and re-install. Originally it was going to be done as part of the labor to have the cams done. The dealer, Matt at Motorcycles of Manchester, Foxboro, Ma. took care of removing, sending the heads out and re-installing. My bike is still waiting for some parts to be returned by the painter and I should have the bike and the bill by the middle of next week. I will not know the actual cost until then.
If you are anywhere near the Foxboro, Ma. area, this is a great dealer. This is my 4th bike from them (2nd Vision) and there is nothing reasonable that they will not do for you.
Once the heads where sent out it took two weeks for them to be diamond cut. In my opinion, they look as good as the ones on the Ness bike. I am one who likes subtle changes to my bikes.. and as I mentioned before I am pleased with the results.
VaParadox, I hope this helps.
Gary |
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Cruiser
Posts: 82
| When Arlen builds a custom bike, he builds 'em long and low. He could not lower his Signature Series Victory Vision, though, because it might compromise the bike's performance. So he achieved a slightly lowered look by ordering up a seat with significantly less foam than the stock seat's 4". |
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Cruiser
Posts: 296
Central Florida | This is the place that does Diamond head cutting
http://www.diamond-heads.com/
price is $449 plus shipping both ways....
Labor can vary...
very sharp looking and not over the top. It will be done on mine when I get Lloydz 11.1 pistons to go with new Vision Cam.
Edited by devilboy 2008-12-17 10:48 PM
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Iron Butt
Posts: 1158
Richmond, Virginia | I got a quote of 1200.00 to diamond cut my heads then labor to remove/install 200.00 ish. At some point one has to say enough is enough and pay the mortgage instead of buying jewelry for ones motorcycle. If i wont the lottery yeah, id do it but right now my bike is so chromed, im not sure how much of the heads you would actually see. Its also like upgrading to chrome or polished aluminum wheels. if you stand back and actually look at the bike, there is not much of the wheels that you will really see, so I wrote that idea off as well. The only thing on my list left to do is order the passenger rails in black. oh and my Akuma helmet. <-- very cool. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 721
| I talked to Randy of Randy's Cycles in Huntley, IL yesterday (had to pick up my back ordered rear tip over chrome covers) and he has a Ness Vision sitting in his showroom. I asked him to check out the replacement cost of the Ness Vision's panels with the graphics and he informed me that if you want the look of the Ness Vision's graphics on a regular Vision you can order the panels for $2800, then add the labor to change the 4 panels (saddlebag lids and fairing sides). For that kind of money I think I will just have Dan Kite do some graphics on mine during Bike Week in Daytona next February. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 1158
Richmond, Virginia | 2800. for some paint YOW !! apparently the only person getting a deal is Arlen Ness. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 965
New York State | I thought the graphics on the Ness were decals |
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Cruiser
Posts: 203
Rapid City, SD | Trekwolf164 - 2008-12-18 9:07 AM
I thought the graphics on the Ness were decals
Nope its paint |
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Visionary
Posts: 1484
LaPorte,Tx. | Travelin' Man - 2008-12-17 10:13 PM
I talked to Randy of Randy's Cycles in Huntley, IL yesterday (had to pick up my back ordered rear tip over chrome covers) and he has a Ness Vision sitting in his showroom. I asked him to check out the replacement cost of the Ness Vision's panels with the graphics and he informed me that if you want the look of the Ness Vision's graphics on a regular Vision you can order the panels for $2800, then add the labor to change the 4 panels (saddlebag lids and fairing sides). For that kind of money I think I will just have Dan Kite do some graphics on mine during Bike Week in Daytona next February.
$2800 sounds fairly reasonable to me. I had a qoute given on my Vision to do some repaint and graphic and it was $3500. So with getting the panels and the graphic, sounds pretty resonable. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 74
MN. | I've never been a fan of the NESS line of Victorys, to me they're just seem overpriced. And if I want to customize a bike, I'd like to do it myself. Not trying to bash them, many LOVE them, but they're just not for me. That being said, I do think the Ness Vision is the best one they've put out.
Edited by BATMAN 2008-12-19 5:42 AM
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Visionary
Posts: 1340
Gainesville Fl Home of the Gators | VaParadox - 2008-12-17 10:53 PM
I got a quote of 1200.00 to diamond cut my heads then labor to remove/install 200.00 ish. At some point one has to say enough is enough and pay the mortgage instead of buying jewelry for ones motorcycle. If i wont the lottery yeah, id do it but right now my bike is so chromed, im not sure how much of the heads you would actually see. Its also like upgrading to chrome or polished aluminum wheels. if you stand back and actually look at the bike, there is not much of the wheels that you will really see, so I wrote that idea off as well. The only thing on my list left to do is order the passenger rails in black. oh and my Akuma helmet. <-- very cool.
$200 to remove, and install the cyls. HOLY CRAP THAT"S CHEAP. Labor guide is like 10 hours for the job. Trippleing the cost of the diamond cut though makes up for most of it |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 721
| VisionTex - 2008-12-18 12:44 PM Travelin' Man - 2008-12-17 10:13 PM I talked to Randy of Randy's Cycles in Huntley, IL yesterday (had to pick up my back ordered rear tip over chrome covers) and he has a Ness Vision sitting in his showroom. I asked him to check out the replacement cost of the Ness Vision's panels with the graphics and he informed me that if you want the look of the Ness Vision's graphics on a regular Vision you can order the panels for $2800, then add the labor to change the 4 panels (saddlebag lids and fairing sides). For that kind of money I think I will just have Dan Kite do some graphics on mine during Bike Week in Daytona next February. $2800 sounds fairly reasonable to me. I had a qoute given on my Vision to do some repaint and graphic and it was $3500. So with getting the panels and the graphic, sounds pretty resonable. You are right, that is a reasonable price, but I was comparing it to the replacement panels that Victory WAS offering in the '09 accessory catalog. The price they were charging for the accessory line panels (they are the ones with the funky bare metal look arrowhead style graphics) was $1999 I believe, with no exchange needed. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 1158
Richmond, Virginia | I had ordered the Tribal silver replacement skins when I bought my Visn Street Prem in September only to find out that they were not going to be available...at all............. compared to the 2800 from Ness. Personally I liked the tribal skins better than the jumping whale paint on the Ness Signature... but thats my humble opinion .... |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 8
northeast ohio | anybody know who makes a backrest other than victory for the ness vision passenger??? and who makes the seat corbin or saddleman?? |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 721
| From what I've seen, the Ness Vision seat and the rider/passenger backrest looks to be made by Corbin judging by the method the backrest is installed into the seat, you should be able to contact them and order another backrest for the passenger. |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | In thinking this one through, no I would not buy the Ness Vision because of the lack of the ameneties I wanted. But in thinking this through, the Ness wasn't built for me or most of the folks out there. I think it was a risk early on to see if there is a market for the Ness Vision, I would safely assume there is.
Can you believe there is also a market for bikes without farings or windshields? I think the intent of the Ness Vision is go as basic as possible with some flare. Someone did a check I think one time and found that the Ness Vision given all it has is very nicely priced for a "custom" bike. The guy who would buy a Ness doesn't want heated seats, etc, so I see it is a niche most of us would not fall into, yet we'll talk it down saying it is not worth it, it was to him or her though.
Edited by varyder 2009-07-13 8:17 AM
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Visionary
Posts: 1308
Sand Rock, AL United States | wjoel - 2008-12-16 8:41 PM
Hey Teach, Did you get a chance and sit on the seat ( Corbins ). Way too firm, not as comfortable as the Vision's stock seat. The bike will have it's appeal to some folks though.
Corbin seats are historically hard as a rock. My dad had a corbin touring saddle on his Road Star, it was the worst thing I ever sat on and they dubbed it a "touring seat" . It was the most asthetically beautiful seat though. My mustang was twice the seat , comfort wise. |
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Ness Vision
