New Victory Vision

[desert_rider]

I was at the Laughlin River Run (NV) this weekend (big cruiser meet 80,000 to 100,000 bikes) riding the Bandit in a sea of chrome.  I had a great time and Victory had 2 prototypes of the the new Vision.  I was really impressed, the pictures in the mags don't do it justice.  I thought that it would look like a Honda Rune but the front is sort of BMW-ish and the lines down the sides look really good.  The cases suffer a little in their storage capacity from their shape, but other than that the bike was nice.  The rep said it would have apx. 140 RWH and options ranging from heated seat/grips to GPS, CB, mp3, multiple accessory outlets, bluetooth, etc.  Expect pricing from $18,000 to $24,000 depending on options. I can definitely see this bike giving the Goldwings and other big tourers a run for their money.

Myself, front view:


Nice, clean cockpit:




Checking out some storage compartments:

[Sport]

"the pictures in the mags don't do it justice."

I sure hope so because that thing is FUGLY in photos.

[Bunbun]

"the pictures in the mags don't do it justice."

I sure hope so because that thing is FUGLY in photos.

+1  Definitely my taste in styling.

Bun

[desert_rider]

"the pictures in the mags don't do it justice."

I sure hope so because that thing is FUGLY in photos.

That's what I thought too, but after seeing it and throwing a leg over -- I've changed my opinion.

[jwhite518]

There is a Victory Vision currently competing in the Iron Butt Rally. It is a very cool looking bike. Nothing I'd ever want to own, but it takes all kinds. Here are some photos I took at the starting line of the event on Monday.

[rockwells]

I believe there's one of those in my future.  That's cool!  In a couple years or so, after they work out the bugs, if any.

[WBill]

Cruisers aren't exactly my "things," but I like the looks.  From what I read in Motorcyclist, there's more to the package than looks, and Gold Wing better keep an eye on it's six.

I suspect that most H-D types who relish the looks and tech of days gone by won't appreciate the Vision for what it is: an update of the genre, but I look forward to seeing a gaggle of cruisers out there, all upstaged by a single Victory Vision.

[Tar Snake]

I like it a lot even in pictures, but that rep was smoking crack if by "140rwh" he meant 140 rear wheel Hp.

[bizarro]

I saw a Rune yesterday on my way up to a friend's house to play him the rough mixes of the band's new EP and in comparison to the Vision it looked totally and completely innocuous. I don't know what to think of the Vision, but kudos to Victory for trying.

[bomber]

recently saw one in the flash -- still not my cuppa, but have to admit it looks more like it was designed as an entire vehicle, rather than a bunch of boxes stacked together (like a 'Wing, for instance)

[Snowbird]

Vision styling is a bit much for me as well, but it has a hell of a frame. After letting the sales figures fall where they may, perhaps Victory will release a slightly more conventionally styled motorcycle on the same underpinnings.

Question: A friend of mine has a Victory bike and says the Victory web boards are the lamest of lame; says that many want you to pay to join a club or they won't allow you to post. Says any negativity is highly discouraged. True or false?

[atadaskew]

The rep said it would have apx. 140 RWH

  No really, did he really say 140rwhp?
I demoed one, it was a really nice bike but maybe puts out about 85rwhp.  Which, with it's torque, felt just fine for this type of bike.

[gumby]

I'll take my mini van instead, its smaller.

[atadaskew]

I'll take my mini van instead, its smaller.

Wow, you'd pick a minivan over riding a motorcycle?
 

[jschmidt]

A friend of mine got one as part of his radio show sponsorship deal but I haven't seen it yet.

[gumby]

Only that bike!

[JamesG]

Got to see one of these up close today.

It really is as goofy looking in person as it is in photos.

That is all...

[Stixx]

I thought the Vision was butt ugly when I first saw the adds. Then I saw a black on at the HD dealer the other day and decided it was so over the top "Deco" that I had to love it. The fact is no one has broken ground on cruisers . Harley perfected the look and everyone else has been a wannabee Harley.  Then this thing comes along and all I could think about was if it was a car it would be a classic 57 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertable. Wonder if some day it will bring six figures at an auction the way a cherry chevvy can these days. LOL

I would love to own one , but never as a primary bike , rather as a work of art (subjective I know) that you can ride.

[WBill]

How about this:

If everybody rides the same bike, i.e., a Harley variant, and suddenly something appears on the V-Twin Cruiser scene that looks different, of course people will stare and think it looks strange.  Some might even say, "Goofy."

Not me, though.  Out on the road recently, most of the motorcycles I encountered were Harleys,  In one gaggle of cruisers, though, there was a Vision.  Man, it stood out, in a good way, to my eyes.  

Not that I am fixing to plunk down my own cash for one, but only because I ride to a different drum.  I'm not in the market for a Ducati, either.

So the Victory Visions have been out and about for awhile, now.  Has anyone heard about mechanical problems?

[Stixx]

good question. Anyone hear how it finished in the Iron butt. 11,000 miles in eleven days should have made a definite statement to reliability.

[1KPerDay]

I've never heard of any issues... but the engine has been proven and refined over the past 10 years. The rest is just new bodywork and frame.

And I'd ride one, with a bag over my helmet.

[Nodaclu]

good question. Anyone hear how it finished in the Iron butt. 11,000 miles in eleven days should have made a definite statement to reliability.

I could swear it finished 21st, but could be wrong. Completed the miles with no mechanical issues, I do remember that.

[Stixx]

I could swear it finished 21st, but could be wrong. Completed the miles with no mechanical issues, I do remember that.

Thanks. That's encouraging. I could seriously buy into the Victory Vision thing, if I could afford more than one bike. I just can not for the life of me see me zooming along briskly in the switchbacks of north georgia.

But cruising down the slab to Florida and the keys I'd say it would be just the ticket.

[dj313]

Wow, you'd pick a minivan over riding a motorcycle?

x2 on that bike...  I saw one in person when I picked up my ST.  The wife was cute but the dude buying it must have been dropped on his head as a child to think she was going to ride with him on that thing...  


No offense intended to you, Stixx.  I'm sure you were well cared for as a child.  

[Attack Pug]

I also looked at one today. Rode down to our dealer for the first time.The guys were professional and excited about the brand . All they had were silver but I have to tell you I liked it, simple layout seemed light sitting on it. Low seat height.

I was wondering what would be dragging in the twisties. If i were to go cruiser I would get one  

[Nodaclu]

Thanks. That's encouraging. I could seriously buy into the Victory Vision thing, if I could afford more than one bike. I just can not for the life of me see me zooming along briskly in the switchbacks of north georgia.

But cruising down the slab to Florida and the keys I'd say it would be just the ticket.

Also, FWIW, a rider on Pashnit purchased an '05 Victory Kingpin brand new and now has 87K on it. Totally trouble free. Certainly seems like you'd be fine from a reliability standpoint.

[Geoff]

[Geoff]

[UFO]

It actually looks better like that.

I'm usually not one to bag on bikes, but I would rather walk than ride one of these abominations.

[MisterSmooth]

I predict it here:  The Vision will be a future classic bike.

Unlike, say, the BMW CL1200C.  That defines ugly.

[Baz]

I would like to hear what the Europeans say here.  

We all respect the Europeans for style. I bet they are sitting around thinking what the hell is America smoking?

Unless this think can vaporize motorhomes, I am with the skipper. I would rather walk.

I can't see Ducati ever stealing any styling features from this thing. None at all. In fact, I can't see Honda even doing this. Well, maybe Honda.
 

[maddjack]

Its something that when looked at ....welll I really can't look at it all that long.But I do have to wonder if it truely does its intended job well,if so it would be another of a group of machines that were,well..... FUGLY, that were great bikes to ride and own from a function stand point.I hope in truth that Victory does well with it as its quite an investment,and having an alternetive made here to HD isn't a bad thing at all IMHO

[chornbe]

I predict it here:  The Vision will be a future classic bike.

Unlike, say, the BMW CL1200C.  That defines ugly.

You mean the R1200-C and it's dresser version, the R1200-CL ?

What's so ugly about that? I think it's pretty nice looking. Most Beamers are "meh..." to me, but it's definitely one of their stand-out machines, IMO.

[maddjack]

I didn't think those BMW"S were bad looking ,just a departure for the thundering herd syndrome

[MisterSmooth]

You mean the R1200-C and it's dresser version, the R1200-CL ?

What's so ugly about that? I think it's pretty nice looking. Most Beamers are "meh..." to me, but it's definitely one of their stand-out machines, IMO.

Yep, I meant the R1200CL.  That fairing has no alibi.  Note that the pic above only shows the profile of the fairing...

The R1200C (sans fairing) is a good-looking bike.  Underpowered but built to a very high standard.  I bet one of those would last a long, long time.

[Snowbird]

That's funny, but a bit unkind.  

[Orson]

That's a picture of a Ural.

[Snowbird]

I think the Vision is a very successful effort from a design standpoint. It generates strong reaction, which is exactly what a product from a manufacturer with a small market share needs. What point would there be to come out with an all-new "me too" product offering? Whether one likes the design or not is a different matter. Personally, for me, it is a bit over the top, but not all that much.

I'm glad there are manufacturers out there who will take a chance on something different; the timid need not apply. Way to go, Victory.