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Cruiser
Posts: 52
Spokane, WA | After having done all the research we can stand, the wife and I are headed off to the Victory dealer tomorrow to test-ride a '09 Vision Tour Premium. (Blue Ice)
If the bike rides at least as well as our '08 Yamaha Tour Deluxe, (and I have no reason to think it won't) we'll spend an hour or two grinding out which accessories to buy then take the plunge.
I haven't been this excited about a new toy for a long time. Too bad it's as late in the year as it is - the winter wx here in Eastern WA doesn't lend itself to riding motorcycles. Assuming this happens, watching the bike sit in the stall for the next 4 months or so will probably come close to driving me insane... The dealer has convinced me that the price reductions and 5-year warranty on the '09 trump waiting and buying the '10 .
One unfortunate bit is that we just bought new Nolan helmets with Bluetooth. We can remove the Nolan electronics and put in the wired Victory speakers & mic, but oh my aching wallet! :-( She Who Must Be Obeyed (AKA Brenda) hath decreed that the intercom, radio and GPS shall function together, though, so function together they shall.
If the wx is clear and the dealer doesn't talk me into leaving the bike there to install the gadgetry, I just may get to ride it home. It's 75 miles and just having had sinus surgery I'm a bit of a weather wimp, but we'll see.
--jim
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Cruiser
Posts: 205
| Awesome! I agree that the 09 with 5yr warranty is the best deal out there. Congrats in advance!
You are gonna be very happy. I am busy so I do not get to ride mine alot right now, but you are right--- it sure looks good sitting out there in the garage. I have a nice chair right next to it and love to sit there and stare at it.
Post some pics when you get time! |
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Tourer
Posts: 447
Cleveland, GA | audioguy - 2009-11-06 11:27 PM We can remove the Nolan electronics and put in the wired Victory speakers & mic, but oh my aching wallet! :-( She Who Must Be Obeyed (AKA Brenda) hath decreed that the intercom, radio and GPS shall function together, though, so function together they shall. I have J&M speakers and mic for mine. It works quite well and the intercom, radio, and GPS all function together. You will probably want the HS-BCD279-UN headset ($139.99) and the HC-PVT lower cord ($24.99). You can call them at 800 358-0881 and they will help you pick out what you need for your particular circumstances. J&M stands behind their products. I had some problems with the cords on our two headsets after several years and a lot of use (I was using mine on a previous bike, with a different lower cord). Talked to John Lazzeroni, the president of the company, sent them back and got them back a week or two later with new wiring and new cords at no charge. Very responsive folks - I highly recommend them. Enjoy the Vision - My wife and I certainly have. Link to J&M headsets: http://www.jmcorp.com/SeeProducts.asp?PF=12 .
Edited by Lone Ranger 2009-11-07 1:31 AM
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | welcome audio guy. what part of the world are you from? you'll do well with an '09 and when you get done with the upgrades, share with us what you did. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 123
Marysville Washngton | Audioguy hope your deal went well. Blue Ice is nice  I was just thinking about Miners Diner in Yakima the other day but now there is snow in the passes so no bike ride that direction for a while. I have had mine long enough that I am not staring at it this winter I am tearing it apart to install this that and the other thing for next riding season. Welcome and hope you get to ride it home. |
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Tourer
Posts: 520
Simi Valley, CA | Ahhhh another Blue Vision..... the fastest and prettiest...
Ride safe!
Tim
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Tourer
Posts: 550
Tacoma, WA | Audioguy, I ride with my Dad in Yakima during the winters. I do trailer my Vision over the passes, due to the snow, but the roads over there stay generally clear in winter, due to all the sun. VERY pretty to ride in the winter, and see the homes with the Christmas lights... Congrats on your Vision. I got the headsets with mine, but found the cords to be a pain in the butt. I ended up getting bluetooth headsets for much cheaper, and can talk to the pillion, and my Dad on his bike as we ride. I love the ability to move on, or off the bike, and not worry about ANOTHER cord. (I use heated gear in winter...)-----Metalguy |
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Cruiser
Posts: 52
Spokane, WA | varyder - 2009-11-07 3:28 AM
welcome audio guy. what part of the world are you from? you'll do well with an '09 and when you get done with the upgrades, share with us what you did.
Thanks, varyder. We're in Yakima, WA. We bought the bike from Thunder Alley Victory in Kennewick. Family business, nice people.
Here's the accessory list thus far. I rode the bike home last night, but will probably end up trailiering it back to the dealer for install when all the doo-dads come in.
Chrome Highway Pegs
Chrome Heel-toe Shifter
Tourtech GPS
GPS mount
iPod cable
Intercom and CB
CB wiring harness
CB antenna
Headset kit (2)
Dual Power outlet (convert from PowerLet to lighter plugs)
Trunk Rack
Trunk Organizer
Trunk mirror
Saddlebag Liners
Trunk Carpet
Reverse Kit
Rear Air Shock pump
Lower air deflectors
Full-body cover
Fairing rubber toe kick protector
Battery Tender
--jim
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Cruiser
Posts: 52
Spokane, WA | metalguy - 2009-11-07 2:09 PM
Audioguy, I ride with my Dad in Yakima during the winters. I do trailer my Vision over the passes, due to the snow, but the roads over there stay generally clear in winter, due to all the sun. VERY pretty to ride in the winter, and see the homes with the Christmas lights... Congrats on your Vision. I got the headsets with mine, but found the cords to be a pain in the butt. I ended up getting bluetooth headsets for much cheaper, and can talk to the pillion, and my Dad on his bike as we ride. I love the ability to move on, or off the bike, and not worry about ANOTHER cord. (I use heated gear in winter...)-----Metalguy
If you want some company next time and the weather's not TOO nasty, drop me a mail at:
audioguy AT charter.net . I haven't done much cold-weather riding since I was a kid, but we did buy heated pants and are having the shop wire them up when they do the installs.
--jim
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Cruiser
Posts: 52
Spokane, WA | Re J&M speakers/mics:
Lone Ranger,
I already bought 2 sets of the the factory speakers/mics, but will certainly try those if the factory units don't hold up. Thanks!
--jim
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Cruiser
Posts: 52
Spokane, WA | Now the first reaction:
The first test ride was a short 8 miles in the outskirts of Kennewick, riding 2-up and following the shop owner. It was a great short course - lots of twisties, both low speed and high. My wife fell in absolute love with the styling, seat, stability and position, all in that order. Sold, done and done.
Rode solo the 80 miles or so from the dealer in Kennewick to Yakima. Temp was around 45F with strong, sharp wind gusts at start. The gusts got a bit gentler as I went up the valley. The wife followed me home in the car. She was disappointed that she didn't get to be on the first ride, but took it well.
The bike is VERY stable! Side-to-side is considerably quicker than our '08 Tour Deluxe. I have to assume the lower center of gravity and being 100 pounds or so lighter account for that. In fact, the effect was enough that I found myself over-compensating a bit at first on curves and reacting to wind gusts, which were considerable early on in the ride.
The engine was 'torquey', more so than the Yamaha's V-4. (as you'd expect) In accordance with break-in rules I tried to stay out of traffic clumps and kept the throttle moving between 5th and 6th gear, 55 to 75mph. There was a bit of a rough edge to the exhaust note with power on as the tach went through 3500. Again in deference to the break-in I didn't push it, but that's something I'm going to keep an ear on as we go. The engine is at least -as- noisy mechanically as the Tour Deluxe's V-4 and defintely noisier than the FJR1300's inline 4, but with only 100 miles on the bike it's too early for any judgement calls. The only V-twin I have to compare it to in recent memory is my trusty old '89 Honda PC800... obviously not a good comparison to make.
The fuel gauge was around 1/2 when I left Kennewick, but dropped like a stone from there. It read below 1/4 byt the time I reached Prosser, so I pulled over and put in 4.5 gallons of 92 octane. Unless there's something wrong there I have to assume the gauge is generous at the top and less so as it drops. No matter, I'm still in the habit of using the odometer as my fuel gauge. (all my bikes have gauges, all equally poor in different ways)
Not knowing the nature of the Vision's brake system well I didn't do the traditional short/hard break-in stops and pretty much just used them. No big surprises, other than the feedback pressure and travel on the rear brake pedal were both less than I'm used to. (My solo bike is a FJR1300, which has quite a bit of travel on the rear brake and gets "stiffer" at the end of throw)
Instruments are very nice. The backlit blue is a little strong for me once it's completely dark, but I'm sure I'll get used to it.
So - there's the analytical part, which I'm sure will be modified somewhat with mileage. The emotional reaction? Freakin' amazing motorcycle! :-)
Pics later after I get it cleaned up and detailed.
--jim
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Tourer
Posts: 550
Tacoma, WA | audioguy: I will be in Yakima over the Thanksgiving day weekend, from Thursday, to Sunday. Maybe we can get in a ride. I know my Dad is itching to get some miles in. Also, don't be too worried about the poor mileage while it breaks in, it will get better. Mine started in the 20's MPG wise when I first got it, and now is consistently in the 40's, and 50's if not too heavy on the throttle. ------Metalguy |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 1158
Richmond, Virginia | Congrats Audioguy and Mrs. Audiogal. Wise choice . Once you get the lowers put on the bike, and flared fully open you will find that you will most likely ride this bike longer in the colder season then you are used to from previous bikes. I also suggest that you
make the purchase of the Cee Baileys Winter tall windshield. Takes 5 minutes to change out, but you and Mrs. Audio will both instantly benefit from the added cold/wind protection for the winter season. Several of us own multiple shields for seasonal change. It sure would be a shame to let all that sexy blueness sit in the garage unnecessarily. Congrats again guys, choice well made. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 52
Spokane, WA | metalguy - 2009-11-08 1:07 PM
audioguy: I will be in Yakima over the Thanksgiving day weekend, from Thursday, to Sunday. Maybe we can get in a ride. I know my Dad is itching to get some miles in. Also, don't be too worried about the poor mileage while it breaks in, it will get better. Mine started in the 20's MPG wise when I first got it, and now is consistently in the 40's, and 50's if not too heavy on the throttle. ------Metalguy
We'll have relatives coming and going that week, but you never know. If you drop me an email at audioguy AT charter.net I'll reply with my cell number. Thanks!
--jim |
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Cruiser
Posts: 52
Spokane, WA | VaParadox - 2009-11-08 3:31 PM
Congrats Audioguy and Mrs. Audiogal. Wise choice . Once you get the lowers put on the bike, and flared fully open you will find that you will most likely ride this bike longer in the colder season then you are used to from previous bikes. I also suggest that you
make the purchase of the Cee Baileys Winter tall windshield. Takes 5 minutes to change out, but you and Mrs. Audio will both instantly benefit from the added cold/wind protection for the winter season. Several of us own multiple shields for seasonal change. It sure would be a shame to let all that sexy blueness sit in the garage unnecessarily. Congrats again guys, choice well made.
Thanks!
I went on a ride with a friend today and put on another 80 miles. Much more relaxed and I got to practice shifting/turning/stopping etc. The torque curve and turning radius are quite different than my other bikes so it was time well spent.
Great idea about the winter windshield. I'm 6'3" with a 32" inseam, so ride pretty tall. The stock screen is maybe only a bit short for warm-weather riding, but a taller one would definitely be good for winter.
--jim
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Visionary
Posts: 1350
| Grats!!
Thanks for the comparison between the 2 bikes. |
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Tourer
Posts: 446
East TN | Congratulations on the NEW ride!!! Now we need PICTURES!!!
Edited by joe schmoe 2009-11-09 7:11 AM
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Cruiser
Posts: 52
Spokane, WA | VaParadox - 2009-11-08 2:31 PM
Congrats Audioguy and Mrs. Audiogal. Wise choice . Once you get the lowers put on the bike, and flared fully open you will find that you will most likely ride this bike longer in the colder season then you are used to from previous bikes. I also suggest that you
make the purchase of the Cee Baileys Winter tall windshield. Takes 5 minutes to change out, but you and Mrs. Audio will both instantly benefit from the added cold/wind protection for the winter season. Several of us own multiple shields for seasonal change. It sure would be a shame to let all that sexy blueness sit in the garage unnecessarily. Congrats again guys, choice well made.
Took your suggestion today and ordered a 22" Cee Bailey windshield.
I hope it's still dry out by the time it gets here.
--jim
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Tourer
Posts: 550
Tacoma, WA | I am thinking of getting a Cee Bailey windshield, as well. I am wanting a taller shield. I have heard great things about the baileys.-----Metalguy |
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New user
Posts: 1
| Audioguy...funny, I have the same combo...a 2005 Tour Deluxe with 21,000 miles and a 2008 Black Vision premium with 6,000. I do go back and forth between the two and the RSTD is very quick when you put Barron Nastyboys and install a Dyna3000 rev limiter. I now go 7250 rpm with a enhanced ignition advance curve..plus a Barron Tach helps me shift at just the right point. I will probably install VMAX cams and take it out to 1400cc next year. A new narrower front tire drastically changes the handling! The Vision is one of those bikes that has people gawking at it and HD riders sneaking a peek when no one is looking. I have never had a bike that held curves better or had a more comfortable ride. I find both bikes get a lot of attention....the RSTD when people hear it coming and see the front wheel lift when I go from 1st to 2nd or the Vision when someone spots it in the parking lot or on the road. Each time I take one of them out for a ride...I always say "I LOVE THIS BIKE!" Ride safe and enjoy the uniqueness of them both. Dave |
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Cruiser
Posts: 52
Spokane, WA | Assuming I do this correctly, here's a picture of some joker (me) sitting on the Blue Ice Vision.
I was in the process of bringing her up from the garage for a ride and the wife caught us in the act.
--jim
(Blue Ice and Jim_resample.jpg)
Attachments
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 Blue Ice and Jim_resample.jpg (44KB - 0 downloads)
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Cruiser
Posts: 205
| Alright! There you go! Looks good! Love the blue color. Have fun! |
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Tourer
Posts: 377
O'Neill, Nebraska | Mfoster - 2009-11-06 10:22 PM
Awesome! I agree that the 09 with 5yr warranty is the best deal out there. Congrats in advance!
You are gonna be very happy. I am busy so I do not get to ride mine alot right now, but you are right--- it sure looks good sitting out there in the garage. I have a nice chair right next to it and love to sit there and stare at it.
Post some pics when you get time!
Same here...everytime I walk by it in the garage (rode this morning though) I mutter something like 'Damn that's an awesome looking bike.' Still loving it after 2 years and $1,000 worth of chrome! |
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Likely a new Vision for us tomorrow
