I bought me 2008 Vision in 2014 with only 6k miles on it. I've got almost 60K miles on it now with several 1 days rides ranging from 1,000-1,600 miles for the Iron Butt and Bun Burner certifications. I'm 6'4" with a 36" inseam and 235 lbs. NOTHING else out there past or present gives the rider the room of the Vision. For me it was all about comfort and having room for me arms and legs. Just for the record you can indeed fit 2 full face helmets in the tour pack as well. I did make a few upgrades to suit me, but they were simple and 100% for my personal preferences. I added a light tint windscreen with a flip at the top to push air up over my head due to my height. I upgraded the stereo head unit last winter to a newer Bluetooth stereo that i can stream my phone straight into. I also took the stock seat, which was good, and upgraded it to a duel heated Russell Day-Long custom seat. It is amazing and 100% worth the money even though the factory seat was better than most other stock seats. It has given me zero issues at all. It has just been tires, brakes, gas, and super easy single drain plug oil changes for less than $50 compared to what HD buddies have to go though. Some people like the looks and others do not. It is a love it or hate it situation for sure. I will say that every time I am out with the guys and people are looking at our bikes I get way more people wanting to know about mine than theirs, and most of the time people love it. The only people I've really come across that don't like it are the entrenched HD rides who've made HD part of their personality and identity. They can never bring themselves to admit that these Vision bikes were ahead of their time, and stock they were better than HD when it came to performance and reliability....so they resort to calling it ugly and trying to degrade the Victory brand because it wasn't a HD.
That Victory Vision, in my opinion, is a nice looking bike. Harleys all look the same. I have owned 15 Harleys in my 45 years of riding so I do know Harleys (work on them myself). There are 50 + seals on a Harley motor. There are 8 seals on a Victory motor. Guess which one will leak first. The stator on a Harley requires the drive sprocket, primary chain, clutch to all be taken off if it goes bad. The Victory requires the primary cover to be taken off only. Also, Harleys have to have the primary chain adjusted, whereas, the Victory is gear driven on the primary side. Break a belt on a Harley big twin and the outer and inner primary, swing arm, clutch, rear wheel must all be taken off. A Victory is like a Sportster with the drive belt on the opposite side as the primary so it only requires the rear wheel to be taken off. The Vision is going to be a collector's bike because it will never be made again. Buy a Harley big twin or a Sportster for that matter and almost all are the same for years... Your opinion of the looks of the bike is of no matter to the buyer so it should not have been a deal in the video. Also, the clutch lever is a simple adjustment, no point in even bringing it up to anyone but the shop mechanic.
I understand how some (many) people didn't like the looks of this bike. But there's a certain appeal to riding something that doesn't look like every other bike on the road. Personally, I like that the Vision is very unique-looking and can't be confused with ANYTHING else. As for the clutch lever, surely it's adjustable for angle and reach.
Hat's off to the previous owner of that bike, I would never have guessed it had 80K miles on the clock. As someone from the UK that has never owned a HD, an Indian or a Victory I think it looks great. At that money I think that bike is a steal. Don't disrespect it because it's not to your taste.
Never understood why Victory discontinued their line of motorcycles over bringing the Indian brand back. Those Victories, in my opinion, had the best styling, metal work, paint finishes and engines of most of the motorcycles made. You can go to any bike rally and easily tell which bikes are Victory‘s vs the other brands….just by the gas tanks. Sorry to see that line go……
They were competing with Harley in every way . There was no way a Harley rider was going over to Victory . Just no need for the Victory line . Indian has its own style and engine . I love Harley but the Pursuit has my interest
@@billkussmaul2940 Polaris might have been successful with Victory if they had not gone down the Ness road. The first Indian copies they made back in 2014 were absolutely beautiful. I wanted a red Chief Vintage, but couldn't afford it at the time. Now Indian is nothing but more flat black trash. The bright shiny paint, bright aluminum, chrome, and Indian front fender are all gone. they went full on woke with it.
Victory's problem, IMO, was price. They were basically all the same Bike and way over-priced, but I thought Harley was too(still do forthat matter). They had no entry level Bike at all.
@@whdbnrm3023 I have a 2005 cory ness jackpot. ness put Hadly- Dangerous. parts on it they didn't go out and make new parts for Victory, just using up old H-D parts. & {competing in every way} LMAO Victory did not make apparel. most H-D guys had to have matching purse and panty's not a great motorcycle.
The seat isn't "heated and cooled", it's got 2-stage heat for the passenger and the driver. That's why the switch is double throw, and there's two switches. Also, the gear indicator works based on RPM and speed. Based on those two data points the ECU can calculate the gear you're in. That's also why the gear indicator goes wonky when you pull in the clutch.
Respect to the owner of that Vision for actually riding it like intended and putting on 81K miles. Too many low mileage garage queens out there wasting away. Bikes were meant to be ridden. The Vision is absolutely gorgeous IMO and I'm still mad at Polaris for killing Victory off in favor of Indian. Both could've coexisted as there's very little crossover (other than the Octane/Scout).
My Fat Boy is a special edition 114 with a paint scheme that they only made 150 of the entire world. I bought it almost 4 years old with 3972miles on it. I put 4530 miles on it in the first year I owned it, and now I'm up to 12,000 miles. I hate when people dont realize that Limited Edition doesn't mean "Never ridden." My bike went from neglected old man's garage queen to young woman's do everything dream bike.
I owned the Black 2012 Victory vision for 5 years. I bought it to take my fiancée at the time to get married from Manitoba Canada to New Orleans and back.. Price was great with every option on it and heard very good things about the engine. Saying that, not a drop of oil and went through some rough weather and the bike was awesome. Surprisingly got a lot of good compliments on the road and many have never seen a bike like that. Most reliable bike I owned.
Brother in law bought one new & loved it! Followed him beating it down the " tail of the dragon " , never seen his brake light!! Excellent rider Excellent machine.
Try 896lbs wet weight. Why do manufactures (and some journalists) quote dry weight? If you’re hanging it on the wall, maybe you need to know that, otherwise it’s useless as a motorcycle until it’s filled up with fluids and ready to go.
I was laughing out loud watching this video. Dude, the bike isn't ugly, it's futuristic looking and built for comfort. The is a long distance riding man's bike. I prefer the Cross Country but this bad boy is in great shape and looks good, especially for a bike with over 80k miles. Polaris should have kept but downsized the Victory line up. I still have my 2011 XC (Cross Country) I bought new after riding slow Harley's that constantly needed work for 33 years. I will always love Harley's but I doubt I will ever own another one.
At first I hated the look but the more I looked at it the more I appreciated the design and sculpting of the bike. It flows from front to back with no broken lines. The 106 is a powerhouse engine that I think is better than the pushrod thunderstoke or the m8 Harley.
Victory Vision is one of the most strange and yet interesting motorcycles that have ever come out of the USA. IT's what Harley would build if they were told they need to make a GoldWing competitor. I really do miss Victory. That Victory High Ball was a potential dream bike of mine. A Fat Tire chopper style bike with beautiful orange color? Ugh, I wanted it.
I owned a 2012 High Ball and sold it seven years later (2019) because it did not have ABS. While slowly stopping on a wet off-ramp, I felt the rear begin to fishtail. Overall, I loved riding it but I felt uncomfortable riding in the rain. With my 2019 (blue) Goldwing, it handled great in the rain, has a 7-speed automatic transmission (DCT) and is so smooth. Now I have a new 2023 Goldwing in red.
@@jerkforsure8387 It's not something you can "disagree" with because it's another persons mental associations that they draw due to life experiences and emotional connections. Someone is 100% ok thinking it looks like a harley and someone is 100% ok thinking it doesn't. Disagreeing with someone's perception that you cant see through is a bit odd. It's not a debate, it's an expression of how people see the world. It's like telling someone they're wrong for liking a chopper motorcycle Built by Indian Larry because it reminds them of the cool choppers their dad built. You cant really disagree with that.
Low sales is what killed off the Victory, for some reason everyone thought it was a foreign bike when in FACT it was a DIRECT competition AMERICAN made motorcycle.
One of the mosts interesting motorcycles ever made. I owned a Victory Cross Country Tour and it was a very well made motorcycle. Damn shame that Polaris killed the brand.
I bought an ‘11 vision because it’s the most comfortable bike I’ve ever ridden. Only bike I haven’t had to do anything to the seat to rock 1000 mile days. That huge fairing helps the mileage while keeping the weather off when it gets nasty. Also, the switches for the seats are low-off-high, no cooling.
The esthetics will mean didly squat 500 miles into an 800+ mile day. Comfort will be paramount and the Victory Vision will deliver that in spades. I owned an ‘08 Vision Street and did a trip to Key West, FL, some 5000+ miles in 10 days and did so in comfort.
I have a 2012 Vision Tour that I picked up last year. The looks are polarizing, but I happen to appreciate the unique styling and love the light up Victory badges by the engine. Handling is great, and I don't know what vibration he was talking about in the video. Yes, your right leg gets warm, but not a deal breaker. I do wish the saddle bags were bigger, but it fits my riding gear as long as I'm using my half helmet. Comfort level is top notch, and the floorboards are massive. You have so much room to move your feet and legs around. It makes me wonder how Goldwing riders can live with pegs. Why pay $30k for a new bike when you can find a low mileage Vision for less than a 3rd of that, and have just as many features? I have a phone mount with wireless charging, and a bluetooth adapter. I just use my phone to stream music and have the gps when needed. As for parts and service, I know of places where I can get both. It's a few of the accessories that can be difficult to locate that is the biggest issue right now, but I have 98% of the accessories I want. Like I tell my Harley riding buddies, I got more bike for less money. It's not that I don't like the Harleys and Indians, I'd just rather spend that cash for adventures sober I already have a capable machine.
I have a 2015 VV myself . I love it . And I have had 2019 Roadglide, 2013 Goldwing, and many others . I have a question for you , I removed my tour pack , and I really need a black filler cover . If you know where I can find one ? I would greatly appreciate it .
The esthetics are fantastic for us Buck Rogers (the original, not the TV series) fans! I always wanted one of these. I guess I still do! The only thing I recall people complaining about (other than the looks!) was that the saddlebags are a LOT smaller on the inside than the outside. I was drooling after my test ride...couldn't afford it... {=-{< I recall seeing a video with the designers of the Vision: You either got it or you didn't. Apparently you don't! More for the rest of us...
I have a 2015 Vision bought out of the box 9 years ago. Last year took it up to Prudhoe Bay, Alaska (yes, did the Dalton Highway) down to Key West for the Iron Butt run. Totaled almost 12,000 miles on the trip. NO issues on the bike (except rear tire change). Engine ran smooth as silk. Many compliments on the trip, as well as many "You're crazy as Hell riding the Dalton on that bike." Best bike I ever had, probably the last bike I'll own.
That was (for me) the most beatiful bike ever, my late dream of consumption, but "now it's gone, gone, gone, whoa-oh". Its architeture was a painting, a real work of art. Should be in Louvre. A friend of mine says it was Jaspion's bike 😆.
I own 2009 Victory Vision, everywhere I travel people come to me at gas station and say that one cool bike never seen a vision before, yes it looks like a space ship on 2's..oh I never had a problem to this day pick up women with a Vision they love that rear seat and arm rest..it a awesome motorcycle on highway and pull a cargo trailer like nothing back there
As a Victory(Cross Country) owner for the last 9 years and 75k miles I can attest to how solid these bikes are. I plan to ride mine into infinity & beyond ..🤣😂 For real, its such a good bike I use it to take me and my wife on tours and weekenders... I can not see spending $35+k and starting over on a new bike. Over the last year I invested about $3k into my XC getting the ECU tuned, suspension upgraded and a few details taken care of...Now the bike is ready for another 75k miles. I could never get over the styling of the Vic Vision .... 😉
I ride a 2000 with a 2007 motor and a 2005 ness jackpot that a Lawer. put $5500 in it below 5,000 miles. will never ride anything but Victory. Oh, the hoped-up jackpot has 98,000 miles and only belts breaks and one starter, packs front end in fist second and sometimes third.
@@assyholey4224 ... I'll need a big bore kit and some of Lloydz magic sauce to get the XCs front end off the ground but it sure as hell tries with it's camed 106 ... 🤣
I personally loved this design when it first came out. I no longer keep multiple bikes, but if I was looking to replace my current ride, I’d consider a nice example to own.
When I talk with a biker the Victory Vision has questionable aesthetics. When I talk with designers, the Vision is a striking, futuristic bike with lines that tie together like a beautiful knot. That's not to say one is any better than the other. But both groups are looking at it from different viewpoints. And all are good.
True but to be fair bikers are the one who has the say whether they buy it and it becomes a staple in the community or ignore it and it becomes an obscurity.
@@FranBunnyFFXII you obviously haven’t been on a recent Indian product , tech , power , handling something Harley knows nothing about unless you unleash your bank account on it.
@@joepere784 You obviously havent looke dat recent indian prices, nor ridden an M8 Softail because not only is the M8 Softail better handling, it's also cheaper. Not to mention the accessories are cheaper, the upgrades are cheaper, the tuning is cheaper, the aftermarket is cheaper. all Indian knows is how to make you ignorantly throw money at a bike just because it has an indian badge on it so you can pat yourself on the back for not buying a harley but still buying american.
I have four victories between me and my wife and even though parts are not super easy to get, it's also not really necessary to have to buy the most of the time. These bikes run forever with minimal maintenance
Rented one and road it to Laughlin River Run , got lots of comments from my HD friends, it was a windy day blowing right to left, HD guys fighting the wind me cruised right through it. On the way back, set the cruise control at 75 you could hear the HD's up and down on the speed they would pull away a bit then I would pull back on them move over in the passing lane, feet up, kicked back radio going,cruise on 75 they would wake up and get back going again . I really enjoyed the bike from the seat they all look the same. I would ride one again, I really liked the Cross Country, was wanting one, but Victory decided to back the Indian ,good review nice bike
I’ve got a 2011 tour in white, such a great bike. I also embraced the bikes weirdness and put “planet express” decals on my top box. FYI- it’s 2 heat settings on the seat, not cooling.
I have a 2011 vision and I ride all over the west . After 40,000 plus miles I have had zero problems . I had a goldwing before this vision and I would not hesitate to purchase another one . These visions are bullet proof !
My dad said, "from odd duckling too a swan"! First time we saw this Victory tourer. Growing up in 60s, I thought designers were all partying on "Luds", with Oakmont financial an wolves of wall street?
As a weird dude myself I find this bike to be nearly perfect. EDIT : When you said 10:07 I don't have $30K for a (GoldWing) and this has all the features of a premium GoldWing for $5k is a no brainer when it put it that way.
I have ridden a mates Vision and yes I was surprised how well it rode. As to the looks well.... since I see one quite a bit it has grown on me to the point where I don't think it is out right ugly anymore just more unique looking.
I purchased a 2011 Vision brand new. All the standard equipment for 25 thousand. It was the best motorcycle I ever owned. Over 65 thousand on it and just gave it to my son to ride for a while. Eventually, it will be his. He's all smile's.
My thoughts were quite the opposite: I REALLY wanted to love this bike...then, I rode a gl1500 Goldwing, a motorcycle that hasn't even been PRODUCED in over 20 YEARS (the 1800 came in '01 and no, I don't want one); that ended THAT idea, instantly. I sure am enjoying the Goldwing.
Just cuz it annoys me... the two chrome poles on the luggage rack are NOT Antennas... they are FLAG POLES! heh heh heh... Surprised that was not obvious to this guy! I loved the look of the Vision from the first time I saw someone riding one. I rode my '08 for over 3 years and LOVED IT! I called it my "Road Couch" cuz NOTHING was that comfortable. The ONLY reason I'm not getting another one is the Parts issues with Victory bikes. It is enough of a concern I might try Indian. But the Vision was built to be Ultra Safe, excellent at handling the wind flow, and loved to ride for many many miles. It ALSO pulled a filled trailer up the Continental Divide with ease and left Harleys with trailers chugging up with difficulty. The Vision has Serious power. I miss my old Vision, one day I just might have another.
I talked to many Vison riders doing cross-country riding. Every single one stated they loved the bike. One couple said they could ride 400miles and feel totally refreshed when they stopped for the night. As a life long (45yrs+) rider of harleys i was stunned. If i could have afforded one i would have bought one.
As a vertically challenged male, with a very short inseam, the low seat height and narrow width makes this big tourer a perfect bike for shorter people. It didn't hurt that I fell in love with it. I talso own a Harely, and it is nowhere as comfotable as the Vislon. And on another note...it is hard to take anything you say seriously,when you don't know the difference between flag poles and antenna.
no, victory SHOULD still be around. Polaris should just have limited victory cruiser offerings...they had to many...and let indian take the lead there, then use the Victory line to branch into what was the up and coming segments that came since they quit making them like adventure bikes, naked bikes, etc. that way when you went into the dealer you would have options. We sorta get the Vision's replacement in the Challenger...so that is something. I got some miles on a Vision, and its sorta ugly for sure, but man is it an amazing bike...so balanced, so comfortable, so well built. i had to drive one 50 miles in the rain...good heavy rain in 45 degrees, i set the windscreen to throw the wind right over my head, turned on the heated grips and seat, and i was comfy as a bug in a rug...and it never felt sketchy going down the road, just stable and true. good bike....just poorly styled.
I do care about aesthetics. And I wanna tell you this bike is *beautiful!* The stylists combined the curves of American 1950s cars (some Vision’s lines remind me of Corvette C1) with a big air-cooled V-twin, and added modern head and rear lights. That’s gorgeous! Complaint #2 -the sound. Oh, relax: Vision sounds sick with straight pipes!
Damn, that bike looks good! I had to give it to Victory for not designing a Harley clone with the Vision. It was too expensive for me at the time. I believe that it also had an aluminum frame.
I laughed my @$$ off at a guy on a Vision. Long story short, we were doing a parade and he didn't want us to get to close. Had to cross a few drop cord covers and he almost dropped it because he didn't keep enough speed for the bump.
I had a cross country for a few years. It wasnt the best bike i ever had, but for the price is was awesome. Never had any issues out of it, and it was HUGE. Extremely comfortable and gigantic bags.
I was a sales manager for a dealership that sold Victory and Indian motorcycles. The Vision wasn’t for everyone and many Victory riders walked past them but those who bought and rode them usually put big miles on them.
I have that exact bike..but I didn't embrace the Jetson look. Removed the trunk, changed the wheels and done a few other things to try to tone down the Jetson. It was my introduction to big touring bikes. I agree it's very controversial. Not for everyone, but it gets a lot of attention from the older crowd. I guess it looks like an old buick or Pontiac to them. But as you mentioned when it comes to function it does the job. That's why I kept it even after I got my Harley.
It`s still my fav bike from Victory, Just couldn`t afford one at the time. I have a friend that matted the front of a Vision and the rear or the Cross Country. Wish Victory did that.
I recently saw a beautiful example near the national motorcycle museum in Iowa. The style seems to improve over time. BTW the National Motorcycle Museum will be closing forever. If youve never seen it, now is the time. Take the trip and check it out.
I love the vision, theres nothing else like it on the road, i get alot of folks walking up and asking about mine. I will say there are few bikes that benefit more from a exhaust system, the stock sound is terrible but thats a big twin behind that muffler and it has a plesent rumble when you let her breath.
I own a '14 Vision, Nuclear Sunset Orange. The trunk will hold 2 full-sized helmets. The radio has AM, FM and six weather channels and you can plud an ipod into that cable in the left-front box. Quite a few riders have over 100k miles and only change oil and tires. One rider on a FB Group rides consistently >120 mph on his little cruises.
I reckon the ugliest part of the bike is the handlebars. But the body panels look big enough to make a good vinyl wrap project, so yeah, a very interesting machine. Just to break anything, spare parts might be a problem. Thanks for sharing Mr Hegshot.
It sounds to me as though you had already made up your mind about this bike before you ever rode it ("get past the aesthetics" and "this thing is ugly") - if you're going to do an objective and believable evaluation, you cannot let subjective opinions such as those taint your analysis of the bikes merits and downsides. You also bring your credibility into question with comments like the clutch is "weird" and questioning design features that don't dovetail with typical American bike practice (different design of tip over protection, etc). Whether you like or wish to admit it, the way Harley, and to a lesser degree, Indian - do things is not what sets the bar for best practice and function in motorcycling. What I and I suspect most others want to hear is an objective examination of the machine on its OWN merits/features, not how well it compares to a brand that you clearly prefer.
The problem with the vision is that the side bags had no capacity and for Polaris who had built the largest capacity saddlebags of any cruiser it was really sad to see what they did with thdivision saddlebags.
Guy follows way to close. Like most drivers today they assume everything is always going to be as it should be. Then when the unexpected happens and the driver in front of you has to slow very quickly or even stop completely you are screwed. It then becomes a multi vehicle pileup and you become a road crayon.
When this bike came out I thought it was the ugliest thing on two wheels, now I think it's the coolest looking bike of the last 50 years. Retro-futuristic in a Flash Gordon way.
I'm on my 3rd Vision. Had 08 first in 2015, currently have 2011 8-Ball and 2015 Tour. BEST BIKE OUT THERE. For the money, it can not be beat for RIDING not customizing, or bar hopping. I'M 6'7" 300lbs. It's the most comfortable bike I've been on by far.
I own a 2011 Vision. Bought it 2 yrs ago 80.000+ miles on it. Luv this bike living here in Southern California. Currently it's at the Arlen Ness shop in Dublin Calif. Complete Mad Scientist upgrades Cams, Big Bore and CFR exhaust with custom tune. With a couple of other surprises for any JOHN DEER (Harley)😂 that wants to test me. Styling of the Vision is undeniably eye catching. And trust I pull more lady than a hog any day. I should be terrorizing the street of LA mid to late July 2023. VIVA LA VICTORY✌🏾 😅🤣😂
I was thinking the same thing. But in reality. Its owners are Polaris. So the parts should be around. Plus they are very solid bikes. My self. I owned a 2005 king pin. One hell of a bike. I would buy another one. Expect for the transmission. Only 5 gears.
@@shortattentionspangarage1312 I know how to do a lot of things with a Bike, maybe more than you, but sometimes you have to take things back to the Dealer. The Manufacturers design them that way so they can rip you off.
Loved what Victory did, they were willing to take chances and it paid off. Even the Vision, just the definition of ugly, but id LOVE one in my garage, looks like an American Goldwing.
I have an 8 ball vision. Love the looks of it. many people and ladies love it. But lots of hate from harley riders lol. It's the biggest bike I have ever been on. Every other bike feels like a toy after riding these monsters
I own the victory cross roads tour model. It was the best bike I ever have and because of what Polaris did to us victory owners. I went and bought a Harley and never looked back.
I used to think those were hideously ugly, but things can always get worse, and boy did they ever. I now just think it looks weird. It has beautiful paint, aluminum, and chrome. Now it is impossible to find a new motorcycle that is not 99% FLAT BLACK. I don't see how it can get any worse this time. There is NOTHING UGLIER than flat black.
If the appearance is a deal breaker for you, try a Cross Country Tour. Preferably with the Stage 2 tune, intake and the Tri-Oval exhaust. Sexy and pretty fast for a big girl.
Ugly to you is stunningly gorgeous to me. The only thing I don’t like about my Vision is the radio. It is wonky at best, nearly useless at worst. I’ve thought about turning the radio area into a storage compartment. I prefer in-helmet audio anyway. The bike is slow, but I’m ok with that. I’ve had some stupid-fast bikes, but I just don’t have the need for speed any more.
The transmission shifting and smoothness was sorted in 2011. I had a 2011 and it was my fav bike of all. Once moving it feels like a sport bike and with a stage 1 kit, intake pipes and flashbit would EAT my buddies CVO ultra, roll on, standing start, top end, hands down. He actually sold his and has a 2015 Cross Country Tour. It has more traditional looks, fork mounted fairing, same engine, HUGE bags and the same tour pac. Unbelievably great handling bike, and lots od them around with starship mileage that havent had anything touched on the motor. Im currently looking for a lower mileage Cross Country Tour myself. Best touring bike made. Has cruise, heated everything, quick removable tour pac that will fit 2 full face helmets and a couple rainsuits. Great bike.
I give them credit trying to be different. It sounds like they had a lot of good points. That is kind of lost if you can't get anyone to sit on one. A Harley with a lot less features is still not hard to get someone to sit on them. You can ride in the country all day long, but sooner or later someone is going to see you sitting on that bike. And you will have to explain your self. Telling your friends that you can buy a few of them for the price of one Harley is a good argument. But is it enough, you decide. Just my take, I'm playing it safe. I am keeping my Harley.
