|
|
Visionary
Posts: 1436
| Bought my Vision 2 years and 25k miles ago. I've done ride reports, griped some, laughed some and thoroughly enjoyed my Vision experience.
As many here know I got that "Late Friday" model that had just about every glitch one could possibly have and yet the glitches always came down to minor annoyances and nothing that would leave one stranded or broke down. She always fired up, cruised along and got a thousand comments, mostly good. My one major hangup has remained the reaction to tar snakes which un-nerved this long time rider deeply.
So yesterday the Vision and I parted ways. I've returned to a HD Tour (dare I say it), but plan to keep victory in my future plans. I was leaning very hard towards a CrossCountry but with the current lack of full tour gear and hitch I put that bike on the back burner for now.
I have to give my dealer props because they worked very well with me to resolve those pesky issues, something other dealers I've worked with wouldn't have done. In oher words they worked very hard to keep me and the bike on the road, sometimes even at the expense of eating charges Victory/Polaristar bulked at.
I also need to thank the folks here at VR, even the "Victory Cheerleader" varyder, great group always ready to knock me into place, with a reply, an answer and/or sound advice. I have appreciated all the conversation regardless of whether we agreed or disagreed.
Please don't think this as a knock against the Vision, it isn't. I enjoyed every ride and mile ridden. I suspect there might have been something not quite right in the front of mine since I could feel flex that Kevin says I shouldn't have. That would be one more minor issue I wasn't able to live with given the roads and more importantly passenger I ride with. As I've always said if you don't feel comfy riding you probably need to park the bike and the tar snake issue was really causing me issues.
If you all don't mind I'll pop my fingers in on the board from time to time to make sure everyone is still safe, assist if I can, or complain about my new bike. I wish you all many safe and happy miles travel this summer, keep the rubber side down........ Teach |
|
| |
|
Fountain Inn, SC United States | Teach - I've appreciated all your input (even the rants) and hope you find happiness in whatever you ride. Remember, this site is for VICTORY ENTHUSIASTS and you'll always be welcome. For your sake I hope the HD forums are at least half as friendly as Vision-Riders.
Jeff |
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 135
Yellowknife, NT Canada | Thanks Teach, I appreciate all you shared here with us.. If you see a black Premium 08 with Polar Bear License plates, pull me over and say hi.. Will be riding from Medesto to Austin Texas in November..
Ride Safe.. |
|
| |
|
Iron Butt
Posts: 639
Tri Cities, WA | Well teach have fun with your new ride brother. Been fun reading and responding to some of your post. We all wish you well and hope you are happier with your new ride. hope to see you on here once in awhile. :-) |
|
| |
|
Iron Butt
Posts: 1117
Northeast Ohio | Tim, I completely appreciate where you are at. I have had the crap scared out of me on hot and / or wet tar snake on the Vision. Swore I almost layed it down on 77N in WV. It was then that I had to pull over and change my pants. This is when the woman decided to talk to some Outlaws! Because they are bikers too... Oye Vay! Don't be a stranger. Shoot me a PM with your email and maybe we can meet up at Roar On the Shore. |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 1350
| Good luck.
I will be interested in your thoughts on the handling of your new ride. When I rented the FatBob in HI I felt it handle way below the Victory. Of course it's not a Tour so maybe?
I can understand enough is enough on being unhappy with something. |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 3773
Pittsburgh, PA | you will surely be missed !! i know what you talking about.. i had to do the same thing with kawasaki.. and thats after i just sake $3500 in custom Wheels!! i was so upset with all the issues i went to victory. I wish you had the good luck i have had with mine.. =( for me kawasaki is a brand i will never buy from again. the lack of dealer service and knowledge.. at least with HD you will have a dealer in just about every town! and they are trained well. btw what size engine did you get? 96 or the screaming Weasle? ive always wanted to take one for a test ride.. |
|
| |
|
Tourer
Posts: 495
Carrollton, TX | We will miss you and I am sure after some time in the saddle of your new ride you will miss the Vision. I have two friends that sell Harley’s and ride Ultra’s. They have booth ridden the Vision and were very impressed. One of them just left the Harley dealer and is now selling Victory’s and the other one said most of the time a prospect rides a Vision I lose the sale of an Ultra. If he didn’t sell Harley’s for living he would be riding a Vision. He lets me ride any of the Harley’s anytime I want and a couple of months ago I spent some time in the saddle of the new Ultra. I was all crunched up. It has a lot less power. Buffeting all over the place and because of the poor wind management you can’t hear the stereo over 65 or so. The new frame is an improvement but not in the class of the Vision’s and the comfort is not even close. The two things the Ultra is better at is very slow speed maneuvering due to its less degree rake and not having to spend time with all the people saying how they love the Vision, asking lots of questions and taking pictures. No matter what you ride just keep riding and enjoying the great adventure of motorcycling. It is the greatest thrill in my life. I want to see continued innovation and improvements in touring bikes and if someone builds a better bike than the Vision I will buy it. Life is too short and I ride too many miles not to be riding the best ride money can buy and for now it is clearly the Vision. |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 3204
Memphis | Good run Teach. We learned a lot from your frustration. When I bought the '08, I set my expectations pretty low since it was a first year American-made model. I honestly thought all the stuff you had to deal with would apply to me also. Luckily, I think most of us got bikes that are better than we thought they would be. Sorry it couldn't have worked out better for you. Best of luck down the road. |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | my question is, if not overstepping my bounds, what did you get for the sale or trade on your Vision? Just curious what one would go for with all the problems you had.
Edited by varyder 2010-06-03 10:37 AM
|
|
| |
|
Iron Butt
Posts: 935
Rockford, IL | Teach-
What can be said....other than THANKS !!!!! You have been a great wealth of information !!!! While you will be missed around here you are of course always welcome to swing in and see whats going on.
But...I gotta say I'm kinda confused as to how an Ultra will possibly handle tar snakes any different than a Vision does. Especially enough difference to actually consider a trade. But I know you have many many miles on all types of bikes so therefore when you say they are different I guess I gotta believe you....call it a confruzled belief though.
Again....THANKS !! |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 1484
LaPorte,Tx. | I have to say...my experiment continues and will for a long time. As everyone has expressed thanks for your contributions I too want to thank you for some very good postings on this website. |
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 184
Allen Park, MI | VisionTex - 2010-06-03 1:56 PM
I have to say...my experiment continues and will for a long time. As everyone has expressed thanks for your contributions I too want to thank you for some very good postings on this website.
+++1 |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 2118
Pitt Meadows, BC Canada | Damn! We are losing our 'Good Luck Charm'....
TEACH has always been there to catch all the bike diseases that none of the rest of us want. Our 'fair share' has always gone to him.
Now it's up to others to step up. CHRIS ???? Volunteers ???? I sure as hell don't want them. My gas lid unlocking mechanism just broke - do ya think maybe .....
NOOOOOOOOOooooooooo
|
|
| |
|
Iron Butt
Posts: 732
Western WA | Teach,
All I can say is '+1' to what others have already posted.
Take care, ride safe, and don't be a stranger. |
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 62
ESCALON CA. | I GUESS CALIFORNIA HAS BETTER TAR SNAKES |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | yoyo - 2010-06-03 2:27 PM
I GUESS CALIFORNIA HAS BETTER TAR SNAKES
I'll find out when I ride out there. |
|
| |
|
Tourer
Posts: 520
Simi Valley, CA | Teach...
Thanks for your advice and honesty on this site.
Ride safe bro
Tim |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 1436
| Varyder, I got book for the Vision. Since it was stock and with all those miles it was reasonable. No bud no fair question is ever off limits, you be safe out there.
Lotzafun, the rake is steeper on the HD so it handles a lot more sluggish as compared to the Vision. Nope it sure isn't Vision comfy or even Vision smooth, but 90% of riding is in the head. Since I was getting that uncomfy feel on tar snakes I was riding with my mind focused on those and not the other things that will bite you.
I appreciate all the well wishes and I wish you all the same. As I said I was NOT displeased with the Vision, great bike and a new one will definitely be looked at down the road. Ride safe all...... |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | okay, thanks teach. well wishes and ride safe. |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 3006
San Antonio, TX | Teach,
I really learned alot from you. I truly enjoyed your reading suggestions of Twist of the Wrist I and II and your postings here on VR.
Take care and stop back by from time to time.
Ride Safe |
|
| |
|
Tourer
Posts: 499
Chattanooga, TN | Wishing you the very best, and none of the rest, with your new ride. Hoping you get miles of smiles out of it. |
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 247
| Teach-good luck. I came off an ultra and other than the handling issue i think it is equally comfortable on long rides-for me. i think maybe i may be the next candidate to inherit your position. my next trip to the dealer will require 4 warrantee items to be fixed. left control, right control, brakes and indicator lights. i'm probably going to be less tolerant than you and have been eyeballing the ultras again but this one is half paid for....
if you get out toward philly give me a shout and well compare notes. thanks for all your input. i always found it fair and straight up. and your defense of others being kicked while they were down was appreciated. |
|
| |
|
Central Wisconsin | Teach - 2010-06-03 3:13 PM
... the rake is steeper on the HD so it handles a lot more sluggish as compared to the Vision. Nope it sure isn't Vision comfy or even Vision smooth, but 90% of riding is in the head. Since I was getting that uncomfy feel on tar snakes I was riding with my mind focused on those and not the other things that will bite you. I appreciate all the well wishes and I wish you all the same. As I said I was NOT displeased with the Vision, great bike and a new one will definitely be looked at down the road. Ride safe all...... Steering - Rake and Trail What makes one motorcycle turn better than another one? What is heavy steering? What is rake and trail any ways? Rake is the angle between the headset tube and a vertical line. Increasing the rake will move the front tire farther from the bike. Rake is measured in degrees, and is a frame specification. To visualize trail, draw an imaginary line along the path of the headset tube to the ground. Measure from this point to the center of the tire patch. This is trail, and is measured in inches. The amount of rake is significant in determining a motorcycle's handling characteristics. In general, more rake provides greater straight line stability, less rake makes the bike more responsive. Larger values of trail also create more straight line stability. This is why the forks on a sportbike are more vertical than those of a cruiser. Interesting point you have raised. The rake on the Vision is 29 degrees with 5.4 inches of trail. The rake on the HD Ultra 26 degrees with 6.7 inches of trail. I often thought if the Visions two 3 gallon gas tanks over the forks caused any extra movement(gas sloshing around)? Over tar snakes for example and if a fork stabilizer and/or front tire size would make a difference.
|
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 1436
| Thomas, I can tell you I didn't notice any issue with tar snakes the first summer, so I suspect there was something else going on. I did replace the front tire with an Avon Cobra which tamed the front considerable.
Lol, yes I seem to be good at raising interesting points. You have a great bike and if not for all the ongoing issues I'd still be on mine. One just gets to a point that your riding wondering whats going to happen instead of enjoying the ride. Thats where I got, but it isn't anything against the Vision, just the "one" I had. I've had a lot of things go that nobody else here experienced so I'm chocking it up to just this one off bike.
Guys just one more little tid bit I should mention about the lowing link install. The rear suspension will feel much different as to how it responds to hits on the road. A little stiffer and sharper impact. I suspect this is due to the unequal sides since you are lowering one side of the suspension disproportionate to the shock side. Again I suspect if you installed the shock designed for the 8-Ball Vision and the lower link it would handle like stock. Just thought this worth mention. |
|
| |
Experiments over at 25k
