[Jahx]

I test rode 09 Victory Vision. It was on a lark, just for fun, I had my DL 1000 in for tires, and they had a backlog, and Steve threw me the keys and told me to have lunch.

I've been riding for 20+ years, I've had sport bikes, and as I aged and my knees got stiffer and my belly bigger, nakeds/standards, and finally my v-strom (with my burgman 650 as a backup/traffic sucks bike).

I've never liked cruisers, forward controls always turned me off (did a couple of thousand miles on a shadow and another couple on an intruder).

But this... it was like some sort of dark sorcery. I was comfortable. Like sitting in my office chair comfortable. Everything just fit. I'm 6'3" and 280lbs, nothing ever just fits. But this did. And aside from neutral being elusive, it was smooth. I've never ridden a bike that would creep along at idle without feathering the clutch.

And now I can't stop thinking about it.

 

[jedi-mcfly]

...this condition can only be alleviated by owning a Vison and joining the cult of "V" -however- this is not the end for some who will only be satiated by owning multiple Visions in an attempt at unbridled SUPERVISION!!!
beware
PS - welcone to the forum sir!

 

[VicVisionBulldog]

I test rode 09 Victory Vision. It was on a lark, just for fun, I had my DL 1000 in for tires, and they had a backlog, and Steve threw me the keys and told me to have lunch.

I've been riding for 20+ years, I've had sport bikes, and as I aged and my knees got stiffer and my belly bigger, nakeds/standards, and finally my v-strom (with my burgman 650 as a backup/traffic sucks bike).

I've never liked cruisers, forward controls always turned me off (did a couple of thousand miles on a shadow and another couple on an intruder).

But this... it was like some sort of dark sorcery. I was comfortable. Like sitting in my office chair comfortable. Everything just fit. I'm 6'3" and 280lbs, nothing ever just fits. But this did. And aside from neutral being elusive, it was smooth. I've never ridden a bike that would creep along at idle without feathering the clutch.

And now I can't stop thinking about it.

Yep, that's what they do.

It will now haunt you until you buy one.....or two.

 

[VicVisionBulldog]

...this condition can only be alleviated by owning a Vison and joining the cult of "V" -however- this is not the end for some who will only be satiated by owning multiple Visions in an attempt at unbridled SUPERVISION!!!
beware
PS - welcone to the forum sir!

Hey, hey, hey!

They are different bikes! One is a 13 Vision Tour and the other a 08 Vision Street Premium. Let's keep the fact the 08 started as a Tour to ourselves.

 

[Jahx]

I've been reading and researching all afternoon.

With the belt drive and hydraulic lifters, I can justify it as my Florida to Michigan bike. I make that run spring, summer, and fall, for around 10-12k miles a year. Basically, save me a valve check a year and a chain/sprockets every two. The extra weather protection and heated grips/seats would let me space it out a little more as well.

I'm doing a great job of talking myself into a third bike.

From what I've read, it appears I want a '11 or newer, due to the change from straight to helical gears, and the jump to 5k oil changes vs 2.5k for the older models.

Are there any other factors I should be aware of or looking for?

There is 2013 with 8k miles on it near me for about 8k. So very tempting.

 

[VicVisionBulldog]

Are there any other factors I should be aware of or looking for?

I don't know if I would call it a factor but if you can find one that has had the front fender kit added that would be nice. It's simply a reinforcement of the front fender to keep it from cracking and falling off. If it has the fix it will have the bolt circled in my pic.

Other than that I don't think you have much to worry about as long as the bike has been cared for.

There is 2013 with 8k miles on it near me for about 8k. So very tempting.

I would say that's a great price. Any goodies on it? If you are not sure throw up a pic and we should be able to tell you if it does.

 

[Jahx]

Thanks VVBulldog, I didn't read about the fender issue. Sounds like a fairly simple fix if it hasn't been done yet.

The one I spotted was on cycletrader, quite a few photos of it.

https://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2013-Victory-VISION-TOUR-5006268842

I see quite a few of them with the ... wings? On the lower fairings. Do they move, or if open, block so much air as to make them a necessity?

 

[recumbentbob]

It's like the old Victory saying: "

ride one and you'll own one

 

[jmstang302]

Welcome aboard soon to be Vision Pilot.

I see quite a few of them with the ... wings? On the lower fairings. Do they move, or if open, block so much air as to make them a necessity?

The lower air deflectors are very good at keeping rain and cold air off of you when not wanted. when it`s hot out they help to cool your legs. They have become extremely hard to find. You should look for one with them.

The 13 looks to be completely stock.

 

[jmstang302]

And aside from neutral being elusive

To get neutral while stopped , gentle pressure on shifter while you raise the RPMs to about 1500. Works like a champ.

I would be more concerned with wear and options than what year. I do prefer some of the standard equipment on the early models that was later deleted, saddlebag door shocks and chrome tidbits just to name a couple.

 

[kaitiff]

You're late to the party my friend, but there are still plenty of dance partners.

Vic is the ONLY bike that I've ever ridden that just fits bigger guys.. yet still works fine for shorter folks. Black magic.

I don't own one (practically the only vic I haven't owned) but I personally have never sat on or rode a bike with better all weather protection than a Vision. That point was never more obvious than when I used to meet up for rides with vic clubs... I would be wearing all my leathers, double layers of insulated pants and shirts and snowmobile gloves etc on my Kingpin (it was in the 20's and like 100 miles to the meetup) and guys would come rolling in on the Visions' wearing a lightweight jacket and summer gloves. I'm exaggerating a bit, but that's what it looked like to me. Same thing in the wet; I'd be suited up in my rain gear and looking like a drowned rat and the guys on the Visions would have a bit of a dampness to their outer arms and top of their helmet.. in a frog strangling downpour.

I could go on, but I think you get the picture. If I were given the choice of any bike on the road and I was told I had to do a 4 corner ride of the us there's only one bike I'd be looking to find.

 

[slickvic]

I've been reading and researching all afternoon.

With the belt drive and hydraulic lifters, I can justify it as my Florida to Michigan bike. I make that run spring, summer, and fall, for around 10-12k miles a year. Basically, save me a valve check a year and a chain/sprockets every two. The extra weather protection and heated grips/seats would let me space it out a little more as well.

I'm doing a great job of talking myself into a third bike.

From what I've read, it appears I want a '11 or newer, due to the change from straight to helical gears, and the jump to 5k oil changes vs 2.5k for the older models.

Are there any other factors I should be aware of or looking for?

There is 2013 with 8k miles on it near me for about 8k. So very tempting.

Welcome to the final destination of your riding life. So many have graduated to pilot a Victory touring bike but to run a starship is something only a few ever experience. Be it not an antiquated Rough riding I'll handling ....... uh hum .. oh never mind. We won't mention the other American brand.
But ! be it a true evolution in design and comfort. Power and handling. Truly a machine before it's time and yet to be duplicated. You will never tire of it and will only thank your self every thousand miles that roll by while on your 3 journeys a year that you made one of the best decisions In motorcycling.

This is an all day ride. The motor responds well to minor mods and can increase torque and HP by as much as 25 Hp with just simple upgrades. They can be made to run cool and run strong while maintaining a return of 40 to 45 mpg.

If you find one that has 0 problems then likely it has been running Spectro Golden 4 20/40 semi synthetic oil. Only the best should go into a ship as magnificent as the Vision !

Since you are somewhat new to Victory. Take a look at the Cross country bikes as well. They are also all day comfy with a little more storage than the Vision.
Good luck with your purchase. You rode one now go out and buy one. You know you need it.

 

[Prestaged]

There is 2013 with 8k miles on it near me for about 8k. So very tempting.

Is that bike in Florida, or Michigan? Just asking because I am in Florida and there is one near me that fits that description that I have looked at. On the slight chance it is the same bike, I have a thought or two on it. But if I am sticking my nose where it does not belong, I will go back to my corner.

 

[Wharf_rat]

@Jahx, I traded my '08 VV last summer on a Roadmaster. I realize now that I should have kept it for what little they gave and the fun I missed. But, I did not feel I could justify owning 2 bikes.
My complaints about the VV are:
Sometimes you get rattles. Keep an eye on the plastic parts.
The bags are cool, but much smaller than you expect.
I never had a front fender issue, but watch it. Some have been known to break.
Remove the trunk and you have a whole new bike. -- If you can find a filler plate.
You don't drive a Vision, you pilot it. It will give a BMW a run for it's money in the curves.

 

[kaitiff]

Heh.. the only thing it's missing are the S-foils...

 

[Prestaged]

Is that bike in Florida, or Michigan? Just asking because I am in Florida and there is one near me that fits that description that I have looked at. On the slight chance it is the same bike, I have a thought or two on it. But if I am sticking my nose where it does not belong, I will go back to my corner.

Now I see that you posted a link to the bike in which you were interested. That was the one I looked at. If you are interested in my thoughts send me a message.

 

[Ghostrider25]

@Jahx Welcome. Your story sounds a lot like mine. I never really liked cruiser type bikes either until I started looking to buy a new bike in 2014 and stumbled upon a new Victory/Indian Dealer in my area. I went in there interested in an Indian. Then I rode the Victory bikes and rode out with a new '14 Vision. I am about your size and the first thing I realized the minute my butt hit the seat of the Vision was that there will never be a more comfortable bike for me than this one. 5 years and 40,000 miles later I still feel that way. I'm going to keep this bike for as long as I can.

 

[mister-g]

had a similar experience 8 yrs ago and i'm glad i followed my gut instincts on that one. haven't found anything close yet in total ride fulfilment that these visions deliver, and even appreciate her that much more after every test ride attempt to find an equal. i think you'd be kickin yourself in the balls for the rest of your days if you don't own one at some point,,, no regrets here ! i'd look for a newer model as they come with the seats that allow for a driver backrest, and of course the transmission thing. happy hunting

 

[Poseidon]

I've been reading and researching all afternoon.

With the belt drive and hydraulic lifters, I can justify it as my Florida to Michigan bike. I make that run spring, summer, and fall, for around 10-12k miles a year. Basically, save me a valve check a year and a chain/sprockets every two. The extra weather protection and heated grips/seats would let me space it out a little more as well.

I'm doing a great job of talking myself into a third bike.

From what I've read, it appears I want a '11 or newer, due to the change from straight to helical gears, and the jump to 5k oil changes vs 2.5k for the older models.

Are there any other factors I should be aware of or looking for?

There is 2013 with 8k miles on it near me for about 8k. So very tempting.

Nothing wrong with owning 3 bikes! It's good to have options.

 

[VicVisionBulldog]

They lowers are a great thing to have in the hot or cold. If you find one with them so not get hung up on the plastic fins as they may have a crack or be brittle. As long as the mounts are good we have a source where you can get repop fins that are metal and much better than the original plastic.

I put a wrap on mine.