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Tourer
Posts: 432
Gettysburg, 2008 Tour Premium | After reading what other Victory riders have posted I know now that the attributes of this bike are shared by most who chance to own this wonderfull machine. I have been going stir crazy because of the never ending deluge of rain and much colder temps here in So Central PA. Was able to ride last week and explored Va and West Va on a day ride and bike really started to open up. Now with 1,558 on the clock my power and gas milage have started to rise. I also discovered that running the air pressure that is specified really helps the handing at higher speeds, especially so on high speed sweepers. The ride is a little bumpier around town but the bike really plants itself at speed and it is how well it does this that sets this bike apart from anything I have ridden.
We were expecting afternoon showers yesterday so the rain suit went in and I took off. I decided where to go as I was moving and headed northalong the Susquehanna river on Rt 15. The ride is nice but it is one I have done alot. Stopped in Selinsgrove for a quick bite and answered the usual questions about the Vision froma Yamaha rider. North through Williamsport has you climbing a pretty good good hill for around here and the Vision is really starting to pull hills. There is something unique in its power and the only way I can describe it is how 'easy' it makes power. Just when other bikes will start to let you know that they are starting to breathe a little hard this bike opens up and instead of sounding pressed it gets quieter! Thanks to the Victory engineers for alowing the ECM the amount of fuel needed when pressed. I have owned a Gl1800, K1200LT, and an Ultra with lots of attention to the engine and nothing and I mean nothing ran like this bike does at speed.
Leaving Williamsport behind the road starts to open up and this section of highway is unique along with the landscape. If you have ridden this section you know what I mean when I say everything just gets BIGGER. Big sky, big valleys-everything opens up. The one drawback I have experienced is the wind does wierd stuff and can make riding fast here demand more attention. The Vision was affected least of any I have owned by the wind here although it was not real windy. This road is just a series of long sweepers and hills and although lightly traveled if you want to maintain a good pace you will be passing cars and trucks, most of the time leaned over in long sweepers or bends. I was getting used to the bike on the way up-on the way back it was fun fun fun.........
I was going to do Wellsboro and maybe a quick ride up to the Grand Canyon after stopping in Mansfield for gas I decided to head to Corning, NY. I never went there and found a very nice downtown (Market Street), Plenty of free parking, lots of choices for food, a visitors center with restroom access and a nice walk up and down Market St.
Back on the bike repeat in reverse except as my confidence in the Vision grew I just pressed it harder in the speepers. I love this bike! How could anybody get off one of these and decide on another bike without missing what this bike does?
Walt |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | Wow! Thanks Walt. I might indeed make a trip back that way one day. I had my CB750 back in 1985 while at Aberdeen Proving Grounds. I would often take rides up through the Susquehanna state park by the river down in Md and it was great riding. I can only imagine how much better it would be on the Vision and you've whet my whistle to take that trip.
Thanks for sharing and I'm glad you got to get a good ride in. Don't brag to much to the other riders, as you'll start losing friends. |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 36
| Hi Guys,
I've been reading this forum just about every day since Sept. of 2008. As of late have been getting a little paranoid, or antisapating a minor disaster, after reading the many
problems and dealer complaints. I have an 08 cherry premium tour 5700 miles. Fortunatly I haven't had any problems, and have a reputable dealer about six miles away. I do appreciate all the heads-up on some of the querks to look for. I just recently realized how much I have learned
from you as a group. Thanks. The main reason I am responding, I am also in S. Central Pa.
I very familiar with many of the roads Walt had mentioned. It didn't know anyone else on this forum was close to home. I live in rural area outside of Bainbridge. That is between Harrisburg and Lancaster. If intersted in riding let me know. murfcontracting@gmail.com
John
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Edited by Victory1 2009-06-09 7:18 PM
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Visionary
Posts: 3204
Memphis | Great write-up Walt. I rode through a corner of PA on the way to New England last fall and was really bummed that I didn't have more time to explore there. Great roads and the leaves were every bit as gorgeous as New Hampshire and Mass. I look forward to planning a week-long stay in that area someday. John, as far as being nervous about your bike... I have 28,000 miles on my '08 with a great dealer nearby and can't break it. Relax and just go.
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Tourer
Posts: 432
Gettysburg, 2008 Tour Premium | John, good to hear from you. Wroman214@comcast.net live between Gettysburg and Carlisle. Dont let the forum upset you, always something to gripe about. Just ride the hell out of it. |
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Tourer
Posts: 329
scotts valley, California | Good theroputic advice-- just ride the hell out of it-- whatever the problem might be. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1350
| Mine is a little shorter story. I was on RT 95 South last evening doing about 70. Just cruising along wanting to hit 7,000 miles on Anny. I caught something in my left eye and turned my head. A sport bike was along side of me. I wove to him and he gave me a reassuring head nod and slowed moved ahead while looking back at my bike. A little farther and he fired up and was gone. Nice to have rider appreciate your ride. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 170
Houston, TX | Sounds like a great area to ride. I can't wait to try it out.
(Sigh) next year... |
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Tourer
Posts: 432
Gettysburg, 2008 Tour Premium | Went for another ride yesterday, this time with the Wife unit on the back. In the 3 weeks I have owned the bike we have not had much opportunity to rede as much as we want. Went to Jim Thorpe on a suggestion from another Vic rider I met. He said walking the old Victorian town will appeal to the wife. I enjoyed the town also, we toured the original Episcopal church and found that interesting.
I installed a 2720 Garmin on Tuesday and let that navigate for me. Ever since being stuck in pea-soup fog at night our first tour together aboard a GL1800 in 2001 I never liked 81 north above Harrisburg. There is really nothing to see and the road and truck traffic has you on your toes all the time. We have travelled this road alot going to western Mass. to visit Sandy's family and in car or on bike it has always been a chore. I expected the Vision would be hampered by the weight of a passenger but it was hardley affected at all. IN fact I could hardley tell the difference in acceleration. I cannot sat they the Vision totally changed my opinion of 81 but having the ability to at will pass slower traffic without hesitation really helps navigating this road. Sandy has admitted that the Vision has more wind in the rear that the other bikes but I can tell she is happy with the performance and handling.
Walt |
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afternoon ride
