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Cruiser
Posts: 141
| Codfather - 2008-08-07 11:42 AM
Hey Gofer easy does it feller. So you love your Vision and hate Victory, and you hate your Harley and you love the Harley Davidson Co. I was thinking you might take your Vision to Harley to fix. Just a thought!
I would probably have better luck getting it fixed by Harley.
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Cruiser
Posts: 102
Northeast Pennsylvania | LOL, You couldn't make this sh#t up. This is better than surfin' porn. I'm just glad I don't have the probs that these poor guys have and I'm able to get mine fixed if and when needed. Some people aren't cut out to handle things that are not perfect in every way. Bad choice at taking a chance on a !st year.. out of this world, cutting edge design and powerhouse. Maybe you should have waited 2 years for all the bugs to work out. But, I think (and just guessing) that you'd still be B#cthing about something. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 141
| victory2002 - 2008-08-07 11:59 AM
LOL, You couldn't make this sh#t up. This is better than surfin' porn. I'm just glad I don't have the probs that these poor guys have and I'm able to get mine fixed if and when needed. Some people aren't cut out to handle things that are not perfect in every way. Bad choice at taking a chance on a !st year.. out of this world, cutting edge design and powerhouse. Maybe you should have waited 2 years for all the bugs to work out. But, I think (and just guessing) that you'd still be B#cthing about something.
Tell you what, you along with many others talk big about how I should stop bitching about the numerous problems I am having with my bike. Put up or shut up, learned that a long time ago. Trade me your perfect bike for my problematic bike. Then I will quit bitching. Then you can tell me how at least 20 problems on your $25,000 bike don't bother you at all.
Deal?
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Cruiser
Posts: 102
Northeast Pennsylvania | I said I'm glad I don't have your problems....But you ain't gonna get your bike fixed on this forum. Why would I trade my perfect bike for your so called piece of crap. If you ain't getting the service you deserve, maybe you can stand out in front of your dealer with a sign. And to be honest its not about the problems your having with the bike but the way you come off. Get your dealer to fix it or get a lawyer. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 102
Northeast Pennsylvania | In all seriousness..Sorry for your troubles. |
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Visionary
Posts: 2118
Pitt Meadows, BC Canada | Guys, I find this discussion interesting - if only to help me anticipate problems I MAY have someday. My Vision has been perfect from Day 1 (except maybe lousy speakers). I love the bike (50 years of riding, 21 bikes owned) - so some of your beefs are VERY surprising. Maybe imagined??? Just ride the thing and stop griping. Or as 'Cruiser' says - "get your dealer to fix it..." |
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Visionary
Posts: 1436
| Bruce, You might well be right in it being a mistake buying the Vision, thats yet to be seen. Now if it is negative to post about having something that bothers you to get a feel for how many other are, well ok guilty as charged. So please tell me this, if you own a NEW bike in every respect, and it is doing something or making some noise, do you continue to ride it, wait two weeks to get it in to the dealer, or would you come here and post about it in hopes of getting some feedback? I'll give you two guesses what I opt'd for.
Now you must have skipped over all the posts where I praised the bike itself. I'm not happy with VICTORY, but not my dealer and not the bike. I think golfer about covered the company complaint. I also realize that Victory cannot stop everything to fix the 08's, but they need to do a better job explaining to dealers and customers what fixes are in the pipeline. To demonstrate how LITTLE effort they have put into customer concern: I don't have the heat issue, but many do and its noted in every article. So does Victory look for a FIX or a bandaide? We have folks here that pulled the fairing cowls (swoosh) the OBVIOUS culprit to see if it provided the relief needed, it did. They are now searching for a cut FIX. Victories answer? $250 wings that DON'T FIX the problem and destroy the bikes lines.
For the record all you folks that don't have ANY problems... You are mistaken. You may not be experiencing any issues as some of us are, but the underlying defect exists on ALL Visions. So you might want to thank the folks who have spoken up instead of promoting silence & live with it. ALL of the Visions have a defective bar control, ALL. Whether it has already failed or will in months to come is a given, Victory says so.
This type of brand loyalty "don't speak up" attitude is what I'd expect to read on the HD forum. It also isn't productive or helpful. Just my thoughts...... |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | pollolittle - 2008-08-07 10:22 AM "Now don't go slingin' insults at me there Chicken Hockey. But I guess I should understand that you couldn't even spell geography, must less know your history." Longdistancevaryder, I couldn't stand to add this to the above "blog"! I always thought you speeled "goggrafe" like that! That's the way you taught me. And since you are older than me, I am not personally responsible, so you are to blame. What do you mean couldn't speel it I just did. FYI - A reacent studdi haz chown thet peple hoo r awsum n bid r orrible at spelen. That's just what I heard though. Sorry there Polittle, it just struck a cord when you called me a bad name, 'specially after sending a digital pep. Now about all that other stuff.... And keeping with the theme of the thread, I'll add my cents, which I'm about out of.... did I hear an applaude?... Anyway, I'm going to do a 25k review that I hope JAM or Miles will post here to replace my 10K review. I've got about a couple months to go. But my assessment of magizine reviews, complaining about problems and bashing is, I happily go down the road on the best touring bike ever built. We can teeter back and forth, and some can glean good and bad, but the bottomline is my Vision was built for me personnally, problems and all. I'm dreading to take my bike to the dealer to get the problems fix, mostly fit and finish, because I'll be without my daily fix for an undetrimined time. I just talked to a Winger who was riding an Intruder that is talking about getting another V-twin, the VTX. We talked for a good while on the good points of the Vision. He recognized the obvious ones that are an aggrevation to him on the Wing. Such as seat height and breadth, floorboards and having to throw your legs up and around the engine for the highway. He liked the Vision for narrowness of the seat, the floorboard and the height, also how it looked to be very comfortable for the pillon and easy on and off. However, he didn't like the space agey look of the bike so it is not for him. I offered for him to sit on my Vision and he said no thanks he sat on one in the show room. So I can only suggest to those with problems, that you file formal complaints against Victory to get them resolved. I'm am very glad I didn't listen to folks who had bad experiences concerning Victory who said things like, "they don't have resell value" "they're a snowmobile maker, what do they know about motorcycels.", "there isn't any good dealers", "my friend had one and blah, blah, blah...". I'm also glad I didn't listen to the Wingers and Harley riders who thought they look funny and nothing is better than their bike, and oh by the way, I would hear them say things like "I wish my bike had such and such..." or "I wish they would get "X" problem fixed." or "I wish I could ride longer, but it burns my butt." or .... well you get the picture. Since having the Vision, I can not find one thing that I say I wish it had, with one exception, a true leather seat, but hey, that's my problem. Hopefully, Victory will fix all my "problems", but if not, I'm still with the comfort that this is the best ride out there, bar none, for me.
Edited by varyder 2008-08-07 1:07 PM
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | Teach - 2008-08-07 12:54 PM ... For the record all you folks that don't have ANY problems... You are mistaken. You may not be experiencing any issues as some of us are, but the underlying defect exists on ALL Visions. So you might want to thank the folks who have spoken up instead of promoting silence & live with it. ALL of the Visions have a defective bar control, ALL. Whether it has already failed or will in months to come is a given, Victory says so. This type of brand loyalty "don't speak up" attitude is what I'd expect to read on the HD forum. It also isn't productive or helpful. Just my thoughts...... Bar control, tell me Teach. I stay out of the bars just fine, but I've not heard of a defective bar control. |
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Tourer
Posts: 423
northwest florida | have you looked at what your state has about "lemon laws"? you could force an issue with the paperwork in hand. I have seen it done once before at the local harley dealer a few years ago. after some moaning and groaning, they took the guy's 2003 ultra back and he went to another dealer and bought a 2005 ultra. something to think about. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1436
| varyder, sorry bud it was a reference to the handlebar mounted radio control module. Evidently its a resistance style module that wasn't engineered properly resulting in cross bleeding of controls and eventual failure. The new module was in final testing last I heard, but no dealer bulletin yet for its availability. Minor issue..... |
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Visionary
Posts: 2118
Pitt Meadows, BC Canada | I agree - "Bar Control" is what many Harley riders haven't got. They seem to have to stop at all of them. This is not a problem I have heard about with Vision riders....
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | Teach - 2008-08-07 1:21 PM varyder, sorry bud it was a reference to the handlebar mounted radio control module. Evidently its a resistance style module that wasn't engineered properly resulting in cross bleeding of controls and eventual failure. The new module was in final testing last I heard, but no dealer bulletin yet for its availability. Minor issue..... Gotcha, that is true statement and hopefully these things will get resolved. Not being able to garage my bike I find the controls gives me some problems from time to time. I think Victory is learning some hard lessons right now in building bikes and now a world class cruiser. However, they got the part that really matters right the first time, comfort and ride. Though we all hope for no problems at all, they indeed do arise. Hopefully they will be all corrected, and if not, only we as individuals will decide to what level we'll be satisfied. I don't ride to listen to the radio or my iPod, and I expect some level of issues such as heat and other elements considering the absurdity of riding a motorcycle to begin with. But when I paid for those items I do expect them to function as intended. And I expect that Victory will eventually will make good on everything, but I know I have to wait in line since there are others in front of me, my time will come. Until then, ride on! |
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Cruiser
Posts: 103
| Teach, Golfer I want you guys to know that I think it sucks that your not happy about how your Vision works. Don't think for one mimute that mine is perfect either, I have a couple problems as well. I was very upset to receive my Premium Tour without the crome forks. I can tell you that when I stopped concentrating on the WB radio,noise and the heat and started focusing on all the good things this bike excells at, I really began to have a great time. I have been lucky in life,if I have a problem I pay to get it fixed. I understand not everyone is in that position, if you need help this is one Vision Rider that will step up.Bruce |
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Cruiser
Posts: 141
| Codfather - 2008-08-07 1:35 PM
Teach, Golfer I want you guys to know that I think it sucks that your not happy about how your Vision works. Don't think for one mimute that mine is perfect either, I have a couple problems as well. I was very upset to receive my Premium Tour without the crome forks. I can tell you that when I stopped concentrating on the WB radio,noise and the heat and started focusing on all the good things this bike excells at, I really began to have a great time. I have been lucky in life,if I have a problem I pay to get it fixed. I understand not everyone is in that position, if you need help this is one Vision Rider that will step up.Bruce
Thanks Bruce. Like I said, I LOVE my Vision. But I won't keep secrets about all the problems. Mine just seemed to have found almost all of the probelms availabel, lol...I still ride the hell out of it, and just passed 6,000 miles in under 3 months. Most of my problems with the bike will not be taken care of by Victory, already been there and tried that. The trunk rack chrome is pathetic, one trip wrecked it. It not only looks bad, it is embarrasing. Victory will not replace, syas it is wear and tear. Side bag covers, paint is worn all the way through the clear in less than 1,000 miles with gf on back. Wear and tear...Windscreen is crooked (and shakes), not enough to justify replacement. Radio and controls are fubar, no fix known....Cruise control surges as if it were running out of gas, not more than 3mph, so Victory will not help, no known cure. Cord to hold trunk lid open broke, replaced with new cord and had it welded (cord). Side bag covers horribly aligned, I did the fix myself with washers. And no, the bulletin did not work, nor did the advice on here and thvmc. I had to mess with washers for a long time. Will be great if the covers need to come off, a zillion washers all over the floor, where do they go back? Trunk lid shakes and makes a terrible calttering noise. The seal as it wears down allows the whole assembly to shake on itself on bumps. Seat is off center, no known fix. Heat is ridiculous, I will be getting the shields to help that (should be free from Victory). IPOD cord was defective, got it replaced. IPOD did not work, had it reflashed. Trip computer resets itself when it wants, no know cure. Occasional backfire on every shift as well as decel, no known fix. Takes about 5 years to fill the gas tank all the way, no known fix. Glove compartment does not pop up easily, no known fix. Stereo sounds horrid, spent $1,000 to get a whole system installed, it now rocks big time. Shock loses air, no known fix. Rear tire is ridiculous to get air into. Exhaust stains due to the exhaust leaking before the exhaust tips, Victory calls it normal. My side aluminum covers are so misaligned one is cutting a hole into the rubber line that runs through the area. Fix so far is another piece of rubber and duct tape.
There are more things I can't think of right now I am sure... |
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Visionary
Posts: 1436
| Bruce, I don't take anything on the internet to heart. It might appear bitching sometimes to some folks, but often times comments that can be construed as bitching are made to inquire. You referenced one of my first posts here earlier, and quite frankly YOU found validation where you were looking for it. I did not have only 50 miles on my bike, I had nearly 1500 (in 2 weeks). I was simply asking if the motor got quieter as the miles increased so I would know if or what additional steps I could take at the 2500 mile service. As it turns out I tried two different synthetic oil before settling on one, and the miles building did see the motor quieting down. It is a case of reading what we want to find. I have numerous times stated just how much I love the Vision, yep issues and all... but we also need to be able to express our dissatisfaction and/or frustration which often times results in a fix (case and point the cowl/swoosh fix).
Victory WILL get the bugs out eventually, that is the message FUTURE owners should take away from the site. Hiding the bugs by not mentioning the faults will only produce disillusioned owners who will be really dissatisfied. I'd hate to see that because I believe Victory did produce a machine with a long future ahead.
ps... someone mentioned "Lemon Laws"? In some states like PA, the lemon law does not apply to bikes as they are designated recreational. There are other avenues though one could take if need be.
Golfer, I believe you can reboot the cruise to fix that surge. Windshield is warranty, clearcoat issue is warranty, trunk noise can be fixed by adjusting the cover bolts AND installing a square piece of rubber between the tour pack base and the frame. I used aluminum blocks ground to angle for alignment issues on the doors rather than washers. Shock losing air is warranty and should be replaced, safety item so push it. The under seat aluminum cowl rubbing on breather... turn the hose at the engine hose clamp. I take it you have the gaps on this panel as well? Have dealer order new ones its warranty. Sounds like you "may" have an air leak on the cylinder head seam. See the writeup on here about a cracked seam on someones bike overseas. Surging, backfiring sounds very much like a leak. Sorry you are having so many issues, very bad luck. Having said this your dealer is blowing smoke up your backside if he tells you all this stuff is denied. Many of the issues you related I had fixed under warranty to include a whole seat replacement (mine was missing a 2x6 piece of foam pad in the center of the seat, lol). The dealer needs to simply order replacements for the defective parts, they don't need permission from victory to do so. Victory is bound by the terms of the warranty "repair and/or replacement of any defect of material and/or workmanship," but some dealers are less than forthcoming. Email me if you need some help...... T |
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Cruiser
Posts: 103
| Golfer Your dealer sold you a trunk rack from Victory that lasted one trip and they would not have it replaced? Your dealer lets you ride with a windscreen that viberates around while you ride. The radio should work, cruise should work, bags should be fixed by dealer, seal on trunk,seat should be centered, all of these problems should be fixed by the dealer. Who is this clown, heaven forbid while on the road I have this clown fix my bike. I suggest you find a different dealer to help you with your problems. This is not easy but not impossible. Barry Motorsports in Tampa is a good dealer, I can't speak for them but they or someone like them may help you. As for the heat, or putting gas in your tank, putting air in your tire, your just going to have to live with that. Please let the members of this form know who this dealer is and also future Victory owners as well. Bruce |
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Cruiser
Posts: 141
| Codfather - 2008-08-07 3:36 PM
Golfer Your dealer sold you a trunk rack from Victory that lasted one trip and they would not have it replaced? Your dealer lets you ride with a windscreen that viberates around while you ride. The radio should work, cruise should work, bags should be fixed by dealer, seal on trunk,seat should be centered, all of these problems should be fixed by the dealer. Who is this clown, heaven forbid while on the road I have this clown fix my bike. I suggest you find a different dealer to help you with your problems. This is not easy but not impossible. Barry Motorsports in Tampa is a good dealer, I can't speak for them but they or someone like them may help you. As for the heat, or putting gas in your tank, putting air in your tire, your just going to have to live with that. Please let the members of this form know who this dealer is and also future Victory owners as well. Bruce
Well....The dealer part of this is a hard one to answer. Actually, I will not say who the dealer is, but will say it is not his fault. I paid very little for my bike, and have over a 16 hour round trip to get to the dealership. The problem lies in Victory not being willing to help out the dealer. Had I paid full price for my bike, I would expect the dealer to eat the money to fix the things Polaris will not. But the dealer made very little if any money on me...So I do not expect him to dig into his own pocket to help. Not to mention, 16 hours + round trip to get there. As far as what I have seen, the dealer went well above and beyond already. I know from having Polaris snowmobiles for 20+ years that Polaris is only good to some dealers, and terrible to most. They simply will not help them out. If you have a great dealer, that actually gets help from Victory or Polaris, it makes everything so much better.
In the fall when I can stand to not have my bike, I will take it to a dealer that is either 1.45 hours away or 2.15 hours away (both the closest to me). I will see what all they can get done for me. The problem with the closer dealers is that I think they will be ticked that I went out of state to buy my bike, then have them service it...I dread it. But I saved enough where ti really did not make sense to stay closer. At a certain point, too much to stay local is just too much. I really could buy all new stuff that has cosmetic flaws, and pay a local Harley shop to fix anything else that can be fixed and still be way under what I would have had to pay closer to home. But in that case, I would not have bought the bike in the first place...I really should have held off buying a Vision until the 09' models. It was the deal I could not pass up that got me in an 08'. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 64
Altoona, Wisconsin | 3700 miles on my Tour Premium and no problems. Ipod, AM, FM, and Weather Band all work fine, although a better antenna would help reception. Fit and function of the bike is fine. I don't have a problem with heat unless I'm stuck in some stop and go traffic - on the highway I never notice it. I've known my dealer for several years and can't imagine that I would have problems with him solving any problem that might pop up. The only regret I've had so far, is that I don't have enough time to ride and enjoy the Vision. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1324
So Cal | a99miata - 2008-08-07 10:16 AM
have you looked at what your state has about "lemon laws"? you could force an issue with the paperwork in hand. I have seen it done once before at the local harley dealer a few years ago. after some moaning and groaning, they took the guy's 2003 ultra back and he went to another dealer and bought a 2005 ultra. something to think about.
If some arent happy there is always a course of action. Talk to a lawyer and get it bought back. Who knows, if enough of you get your problem bikes bought back, Victory may sit up and start paying attention. If bitching wont get it fixed, action will.  |
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Visionary
Posts: 1324
So Cal | I will agree that Victory's attitude has always amazed me. Considering the progress they have made in just 10 short years. You would think they would be more concerned with customer satisfaction. The economy is going to be in a slump for atleast another year or two. Loosing customers is not in their best intrest. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 59
Woodstock, GA | Jeez- all I did was tell you about the little article in the magazine I got in the mail...
I got a great idea - let's talk about politics and religion!! |
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Cruiser
Posts: 294
rhode island | How about trading in for an 09 or if your state has a lemon law get your money back.
To anyone thats this unhappy a change is in order, lifes to short. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 117
South of Houston Tx | bsquared62 - 2008-08-08 1:16 PM
Jeez- all I did was tell you about the little article in the magazine I got in the mail...
I got a great idea - let's talk about politics and religion!!
 LMAO |
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Tourer
Posts: 377
O'Neill, Nebraska | StarChief - 2008-08-07 10:09 PM
3700 miles on my Tour Premium and no problems. Ipod, AM, FM, and Weather Band all work fine, although a better antenna would help reception. Fit and function of the bike is fine. I don't have a problem with heat unless I'm stuck in some stop and go traffic - on the highway I never notice it. I've known my dealer for several years and can't imagine that I would have problems with him solving any problem that might pop up. The only regret I've had so far, is that I don't have enough time to ride and enjoy the Vision.
Ditto for me!
I just passed 1,000 miles in 10 days and my ONLY real gripe is about the cheesy radio antennae. A few of us Vision Riders were at the dealer in Austin today and I must admit that I now have some new riding buddies.
I took the bike in for the 500 mile service (a little late) and had the Stage 1/L1 pipes with Gatlin tips installed. WOOOOWWWW! Not too loud, but you can definitely hear the bike now. In addition the performance is much improved as KevinX pointed out on the VMC board.
I'm headed out to the Big Bend Country in Texas next week and the dealer kindly did the ignition warranty work when I mentioned this trip. I hadn't had a stalling problem but didn't want it to surface while I was in the middle of the 'moonscape.' I'll take pictures during the ride and will post them later.
Guys.....face it! We have the coolest bike on the planet. Hell with the SOBs (Some Other Brand) that want to look the same.
Cheers!
Edited by spursmvp 2008-08-09 9:55 PM
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Vision Showdown Article
