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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
I actually LOVE the look of the Victory Vision. Was damn sad they closed down Victory! And unfortunately was unable to purchase one. But I might be in the market for one soon. And the Victory Vision is the ONLY bike for me!!! Good review!
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 ... 🤣
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 😆.
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 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.
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
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.
As an owner of a V92 I loved the simplicity and bulletproof construction of the Freedom motor, but once seeing a 2009 Ness Vision I fell in love and always wanted one but .. never could find. In '14 before visiting my son at his assignment USAF Base Lacklund, TX, I thought I'd give a call to a Victory dealer in Katie TX "sure I've got one here on the floor with 2k miles on her .. a 2012 Ness (Nuclear Orange with Blu Flames). I her bought it sight unseen. I flew out from NY to TX, took a cab to the dealer loaded her up and made an immediate 250m journey and what a sweet ride. I owned that bike for 8yrs put 28k miles on her, many long trip with buddies with everything from HD's to Goldwings .. and they referred to her as the "Enterprise". I've stopped at more HD, Honda dealerships for repairs on our trips but never needed to see Victory. I can say I stayed dryer and more comfortable than all but the Gldwg, had more people slow down to look & give thumbs-up and just ask about my Vic. I traded her in for a '22 Pursuit, but still miss the attention she had gotten. Great engineering & design.
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
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 had a 2017 Vision and while I owned it…I rode from San Diego -> (in August) to Las Vegas -> to St. George, UT…then to SLC…to Sturgis…then back to SLC, then I rode it across the country back home to Massachusetts. Every day it was over 100 degrees! No problem whatsoever. I loved that bike!
As of 2024, in my garage in have a 2013 Victory Judge, a 2014 Victory Crossroads and my daughter rides a 2006 Victory Vegas. Each bike is unique in their looks and performance. The bikes are gorgeous to look at and are dependable. I don’t know why they were not popular in the motorcycle market. Now that the Victory brand has folded when I ride my bikes I get loads of looks and conversations surrounding the bike always begin.
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 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.
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 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
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
@@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 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 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.
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.
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
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 !
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 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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
These were always a no-go for me, but I liked the Victory line overall. This was over the top, too futuristic. Would have bought another model, but then they closed down. How hard is it to get one worked on? Parts, etc?
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.
Hands down the most comfortable bike for tall guys EVER! It's a touring bike that rides like a sport bike in the twisties and was without a doubt was way ahead of its time in features and design and there is not a better handling bike in high winds and shitty weather. If you have never ridden one you have missed out on something special.
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.
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✌🏾 😅🤣😂
It's half of 39 Bugatti type 57c... "She's strange and i like it" - Cameo Got mine with 11k in '18. Put 62k on her so far. Including certified i80 e2e (SF to Fort Lee, NJ -opposite Manhattan in Hudson), i10 3 days, i87 (a little e2e). Live in Jersey, ride year round (when not snowing/raining) 100 miles round trip to work. She keeps me warm. When i gamble and just, she keeps new me pretty dry too. I get lots of compliments on her. When i first saw them released, i was enamored. By the time i was about to pull trigger, Dodge finally put a Tremec in the Challenger SRT, and that won the funding campaign. Glad i waited, for a honey of a deal on it. It has coke bottle curves like the Challenger. It speaks to me, has a great exhaust, luggage rack, and trailer hitch. 900 pounds of soul charger. I don't care if others don't appreciate her curves, she gives me smiles for miles! 6'3" 265. This is super comfortable. My bike prior to this was an '87 Cavalcade XLE. It was a radically advanced tourer in its day. Air suspension, auto level, push button adjustable air cushioned seats, electronic cruise control, quad speaker am/fm cassette studio system, wind control, turn lights (not signals)...112hp/92ftlbs. Great bike... Vision beat it.
I laughed my @$$ off at a guy on a Vision. Long story short, we were doing a parade and he didn't want us to get to close. Had to cross a few drop cord covers and he almost dropped it because he didn't keep enough speed for the bump.
I was a technician for a Victory dealership, and while I did not get to ride this particular model, I love the Victory line, if my club would allow them I would definitely be riding one!
@@ericinlow6563 So...walk away from my friends and club after 17 years so I could have a bike from a company that went out of business? We are able to own secondary bikes from any company we want, we just can't wear our colors while riding them.
Nice Vision. They were more comfortable for taller riders . I have 107k on my 2013 Cross country which share the same wheel base and platform as the Vision. Love the way it corners . My Harley bros hate me in the twisties! Now Polaris only shelved the Vic . The Challenger/ Pursuit line up is on the same platform with upraded swingarm and shock and Brembo brakes.. I even think the 108 motor will bolt into a Vic. They shortened the tank a bit with 3 seat length options including a cooled seat so it would appeal to shorter riders too. I was going to put that cooled seat on the Vic but it doesnt match up to the longer tank. Id have to swap that too. $$, Not real big on the Roadglide appearance of the Pursuit either . Hoping Polaris will come out with a batwing version with XC style saddle bags. Mbe call it the Indian Victor?? Nice review. Ride well and Ride on !🍻
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 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.
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 got my 2011 cross country from American biker back in '11. I went with Victory over Harley based on the fact that the Victory had way more standard features over Harley ( steel braided brake lines, cruise control, a 106 engine whereas Harley had the 96 but could pay 5k more for it to be rejugged to 103, and I could fit Harley Davidson saddle bags in the Victory.) Not to mention the American biker sales team were way friendlier than the sales people at Harley.
That PC800 was also a looker. I was in the process of trading one of my bikes and couldn’t get the dealer to a price point I thought was fair, so I never owned one. It was a different design from the standard fare.
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 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……
Polaris was losing money on Victorys. too bad, they were great bikes.
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.
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.
That's great to hear. It doesn't have to "trip someone else's trigger" to be cool to you!
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 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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
You're right. It's functional art in many ways with super smooth flowing lines unmatched in the motorcycle world.
When you take the trunk off it is so much smoother, Lines and ride@@SW-Video
@@michaelmoore9629 yep, I'm saving to get a tour pack eliminator plate to go on nine for the everyday commute.
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.
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.
Eye of the Beholder.....apparently Sonny Barger rocked on one of these.
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.
An incredibly unique motorcycle that has no equal. Once you ride one, you don't want to ride any other. That's what sold me on buying two of them!
I have a victory vision and a Vegas Low,love both of them.
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.
I disagree about Harley building this. It took Victory, a forward thinking company to do this. RIP Victory.
@@jerkforsure8387 It's a hypothetical. Not a statement of reality.
@@FranBunnyFFXII and I merely disagreed.
@@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.
I actually LOVE the look of the Victory Vision. Was damn sad they closed down Victory! And unfortunately was unable to purchase one. But I might be in the market for one soon. And the Victory Vision is the ONLY bike for me!!! Good review!
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 ... 🤣
@@painsrides Ride on.
Beautiful bike. Most people can't handle being unique. They need the support of the group.
Aesthetics were years ahead of its time. Like the Harley FXR in the 90's that no one liked but now is vogue.
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 😆.
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 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.
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
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.
As an owner of a V92 I loved the simplicity and bulletproof construction of the Freedom motor, but once seeing a 2009 Ness Vision I fell in love and always wanted one but .. never could find. In '14 before visiting my son at his assignment USAF Base Lacklund, TX, I thought I'd give a call to a Victory dealer in Katie TX "sure I've got one here on the floor with 2k miles on her .. a 2012 Ness (Nuclear Orange with Blu Flames). I her bought it sight unseen. I flew out from NY to TX, took a cab to the dealer loaded her up and made an immediate 250m journey and what a sweet ride. I owned that bike for 8yrs put 28k miles on her, many long trip with buddies with everything from HD's to Goldwings .. and they referred to her as the "Enterprise". I've stopped at more HD, Honda dealerships for repairs on our trips but never needed to see Victory. I can say I stayed dryer and more comfortable than all but the Gldwg, had more people slow down to look & give thumbs-up and just ask about my Vic. I traded her in for a '22 Pursuit, but still miss the attention she had gotten. Great engineering & design.
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
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.
Small correction, Yes you can store 2 full size helmets in the rear storage and more
I had a 2017 Vision and while I owned it…I rode from San Diego -> (in August) to Las Vegas -> to St. George, UT…then to SLC…to Sturgis…then back to SLC, then I rode it across the country back home to Massachusetts. Every day it was over 100 degrees! No problem whatsoever. I loved that bike!
As of 2024, in my garage in have a 2013 Victory Judge, a 2014 Victory Crossroads and my daughter rides a 2006 Victory Vegas. Each bike is unique in their looks and performance. The bikes are gorgeous to look at and are dependable. I don’t know why they were not popular in the motorcycle market. Now that the Victory brand has folded when I ride my bikes I get loads of looks and conversations surrounding the bike always begin.
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 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.
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 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
Ever think abut rev-matching those downshift? Talk about finger nails on a blackboard...
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.
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 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.
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.
That was an Arlen Ness design. I rode the cross country and had no complaints. I’ve heard though that the Vision was there best touring bike.
First time I saw one of those Victories was outside the HD museum. Looked like a space shuttle.
I would love to own that Bike. I like the looks of the Victory.
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.
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.
Love the bike. Hate that parts are nearly impossible to get anymore.
14 years ago and still ahead of Harley Davidson today in power, weight, and features.
Way ahead of indian too.
@@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.
Yet both are still ugly. And Victory didn’t even make it. Soooo….
@@OneDown5Up Indian's TS isnt. It's behind, by a fair bit.
At 83000 miles I'd bet that clutch is original, and the repair list is extremely short
And belt runs same amount more😂
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 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.
Pulled the trunk off my Voyager & gained about 5 mpg.
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.
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.
To me, it’s a very “Art-deco” style and I like it. I’m wondering about parts availability.
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
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 !
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.
My concern going forward would be finding someone to service it, and parts availability.
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.
@@unclebilly1353 145mph with 5 gears how many freeking gears you think you need ?
you cant service a freaking victory? easyes ever
What happened to the days when a motorcyclist knew how to service their own motorcycle?
@@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.
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.
Yes those bags were huge. I had a 2011 I rode for 4 years. Traded in my 2007 hammer for it. Miss those oversized bags now. Currently 2015 flhxs.
@@Flhxs2015 SO now your walking or pushing. SMH.
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?
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 had the 2016 victory hammer S and I loved it. just traded it in though for the 2023 indian challenger
My humble opinion these bikes are magnificent works of art if nothing else.... love the color scheme on this one
You said it perfectly. Looks great without the tour pack. Easy to pop on when you need it.
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.
I love the look and the quietness.
The Vision is still the most comfortable bike I've ever ridden. I
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I think is a refreshing new design for a motorcycle.
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.
I have a victory vision and I made my wife get across country simply for the storage but she loves her cross country
Aren't the "helmet antennas" flagpoles? There's no cable going to them.
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!
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.
Bought a 2013 Victory Judge with 5k miles 6 months ago, love that thing after 8 years on a Vulcan 900 custom.
These were always a no-go for me, but I liked the Victory line overall. This was over the top, too futuristic. Would have bought another model, but then they closed down.
How hard is it to get one worked on? Parts, etc?
I am pretty sure those two chrome “Jetson Antennas” are actually flag mounts. Yes?
I think so.
I was coming on to say the same thing. Glad someone else noticed.
Yeah probably but Jetson Antennas goes with the theme
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.
Hands down the most comfortable bike for tall guys EVER! It's a touring bike that rides like a sport bike in the twisties and was without a doubt was way ahead of its time in features and design and there is not a better handling bike in high winds and shitty weather. If you have never ridden one you have missed out on something special.
Sonny Barger road one…..
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.
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✌🏾 😅🤣😂
It's half of 39 Bugatti type 57c... "She's strange and i like it" - Cameo
Got mine with 11k in '18. Put 62k on her so far. Including certified i80 e2e (SF to Fort Lee, NJ -opposite Manhattan in Hudson), i10 3 days, i87 (a little e2e).
Live in Jersey, ride year round (when not snowing/raining) 100 miles round trip to work. She keeps me warm. When i gamble and just, she keeps new me pretty dry too.
I get lots of compliments on her.
When i first saw them released, i was enamored. By the time i was about to pull trigger, Dodge finally put a Tremec in the Challenger SRT, and that won the funding campaign. Glad i waited, for a honey of a deal on it. It has coke bottle curves like the Challenger. It speaks to me, has a great exhaust, luggage rack, and trailer hitch. 900 pounds of soul charger.
I don't care if others don't appreciate her curves, she gives me smiles for miles!
6'3" 265. This is super comfortable.
My bike prior to this was an '87 Cavalcade XLE. It was a radically advanced tourer in its day. Air suspension, auto level, push button adjustable air cushioned seats, electronic cruise control, quad speaker am/fm cassette studio system, wind control, turn lights (not signals)...112hp/92ftlbs. Great bike... Vision beat it.
My 08 cammed and dyno tuned 114hp 116tq and 93,000 miles still going strong. Just picked up a mint white 2014 vision
I laughed my @$$ off at a guy on a Vision. Long story short, we were doing a parade and he didn't want us to get to close. Had to cross a few drop cord covers and he almost dropped it because he didn't keep enough speed for the bump.
I don't know about ugly...futuristic maybe? But I've seen them on the road and yeah, it's a head turner.
I was a technician for a Victory dealership, and while I did not get to ride this particular model, I love the Victory line, if my club would allow them I would definitely be riding one!
How can a club dictate what bike you ride?
@@darrenelbrow5144 Many clubs have requirements to belong, if you are invited to join one you agree to the clubs bylaws.
Maybe you should find a new club and ride what you like.
@@ericinlow6563 So...walk away from my friends and club after 17 years so I could have a bike from a company that went out of business? We are able to own secondary bikes from any company we want, we just can't wear our colors while riding them.
Never understood the need to wear “colours “ or belong to a gang, sorry MC
SUBBED. Great video from another Carolina boy.
Any chance of some more victory reviews
Nice Vision. They were more comfortable for taller riders . I have 107k on my 2013 Cross country which share the same wheel base and platform as the Vision. Love the way it corners . My Harley bros hate me in the twisties!
Now Polaris only shelved the Vic . The Challenger/ Pursuit line up is on the same platform with upraded swingarm and shock and Brembo brakes.. I even think the 108 motor will bolt into a Vic. They shortened the tank a bit with 3 seat length options including a cooled seat so it would appeal to shorter riders too. I was going to put that cooled seat on the Vic but it doesnt match up to the longer tank. Id have to swap that too. $$, Not real big on the Roadglide appearance of the Pursuit either . Hoping Polaris will come out with a batwing version with XC style saddle bags. Mbe call it the Indian Victor??
Nice review.
Ride well and Ride on !🍻
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 personally L O V E the looks and styling of the Vics...
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.
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.
These will never be admired as say, a Vincent, but still pretty cool. And with oil changes, last forever.
I got my 2011 cross country from American biker back in '11. I went with Victory over Harley based on the fact that the Victory had way more standard features over Harley ( steel braided brake lines, cruise control, a 106 engine whereas Harley had the 96 but could pay 5k more for it to be rejugged to 103, and I could fit Harley Davidson saddle bags in the Victory.) Not to mention the American biker sales team were way friendlier than the sales people at Harley.
I think it looks great! I may be biased as I've had 2 PC800s! 👍
That PC800 was also a looker. I was in the process of trading one of my bikes and couldn’t get the dealer to a price point I thought was fair, so I never owned one. It was a different design from the standard fare.
@@stephen1991 you should have bought it. They hold their value well. Not really fast, but super comfy! Like a small goldwing.
Watched this video for 4 mins before I noticed buddy was open carrying lol
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.
push it. you have to have a dealer hold your hand after the sale I still ride 2 will buy more from Posers.
The more a majority of people hate the way a bike looks, the more i like it. I think I'm gonna look for a deal on one and ride it for a while.
I love the looks it’s different ❤ cheers from Oz