|
|||||||
| Archives - Production Motorcycles |
Bike Review: 2008 Victory Vision - From RoadBike Nov/Dec 2007
 A True Hi-Po Highway Couch By Sam Whitehead, Photos By Wayne Davis Ah, the Vision. There are many ways to look at it. Here’s one, as Victory’s own Robert Pandya so eloquently put it during a recent press parade through Minnesota and Iowa: “Dude, you’re the first motojournalist to ever crash a Vision.” Nice. And yet, the man speaks the truth. Unfortunately. But perhaps I’m getting ahead of myself. The product of about six years of intense focus groups and R&D, Victory’s first real entry into the luxury touring market, the Vision, is a machine that’s almost ahead of its time. Just gazing at it is enough to make one’s head spin. No matter what you think of its futuristic design, you’d be hard pressed to compare it to any other motorcycle (touring or otherwise) on the market today. And that’s exactly the point. Victory’s grand pooh-bah Mark Blackwell and the rest of the remarkably innovative gang would not have it any other way. They claim to have created a motorcycle that defies all others in its class, namely BMW’s K 1200 LT, Harley’s Ultra Glide, and Honda’s Gold Wing. And, lo and behold, they’re right. How refreshing is that? Now, before anyone starts thinking that I’m singing the Vision’s praises because I crashed one, and consequently owe Victory a decent review, let me be clear: I would never do such a thing. My integrity is too great. Or so I’d like to think. Thankfully, however, I don’t need to play games because the Vision is one fine and, for the most part, thoroughly considered machine. No kidding. And if you dig its unusual style, you may just be in heaven. Not prone to bikes weighed down with tons of stuff, I requested a Vision Street, the sleeker of the two Vision models, the other being the Tour. Though the pair are essentially the same motorcycle, the Tour features a rather large and oddly shaped Tour Pak, as well as a bigger windshield. Those wishing to bring the kitchen sink should certainly consider the Tour model, as the Street lacks true storage space. Actually, without the Tour Pak both bikes aren’t exactly cargo kings. Those swooping, molded hardbags you see adorning each side of the Vision? Don’t be fooled. They certainly look big, but that’s where the romance ends. Where the romance begins is the moment you sling a leg over the Vision’s extremely lush saddle. Resting a mere 26-1/2" off the ground, the Vision’s seat is an inseam-challenged, flat-foot-fanatic’s dream. I stand at a regal 5', 8", and I could almost do squats while straddling the Street — the Vision Street, that is. Couple that with the super-relaxed, pull-back handlebars reminiscent of some piece of gadgetry yanked from The Jetsons (not unlike much of the Vision) and you’ve got a wildly comfortable mount. And, no, it ain’t small. However, what might not be immediately obvious is that you’ve also got a surprisingly nimble beast beneath your bod. Who doesn’t like that? Powered by Victory’s proprietary 50-degree, 106" V-Twin EFI motor, the Vision never fails to deliver the juice anytime you feel thirsty. Here are the specs: You’re dealing with a 108mm stroke, (jacked six from the lauded 100/6 that Victory used in most of its 2007 models), shortened rods, larger pistons, and a supposed (and believable) 92 ponies with 109 ft-lbs. of torque in the three-grand range. In other words, the Vision has guts, something that we were told plenty about during the first night’s tech conference at Victory’s R&D headquarters in Wyoming, Minnesota. I believe the words were, “Above 100 or whatever you feel like, you’ll find the Vision pulls.” The trouble is, it’s tough to get there when sailing in a pack of 30-plus bikes. That notwithstanding, there was one moment when I achieved greatness. As such, I can honestly attest to the Vision’s balance, stability, and mercurial thrust at speeds well into the double digits. That’s pretty wild considering you’re riding a behemoth weighing in at almost 900 pounds. When not stretching yourself to break the sound barrier, or simply doing your best to stay in lock-step precision with the rest of the pack, you can’t help but notice the handsome analog speedo and tach. Old school for sure, but they could not be more welcome or easier to read. Those feeling the need for high-tech can simply cast their eyes farther down the console where you’ll find a plethora of glove-friendly accessory switches commanding everything: cruise control, driver and passenger saddle heat, handlebar heat (scorching, FYI), stereo settings, and whatever else your heart desires. If the Vision were equipped with a jet-powered ejection seat you would find it on the console. No stone unturned. While on the subject of electronics, attention must be paid to the Vision’s booming stereo. If you want to cruise to XM satellite, FM or AM radio, a CD, or your iPod (the Vision has a built-in jack), you couldn’t pick a better sled — stock, that is. It’s almost embarrassing how crisp, clear, and loud the Vision’s sound system is. But you’ll get over it.
Among the details that Victory has ingeniously woven into its Vision, one can easily overlook a set of sculpted wings that sit on either side of the bike in the same vicinity as the passenger footpegs. Those babies are meant to protect the Taj Mahal that is the Vision’s bodywork in the event of a tip-over. Or, in my case, a full-on crash. Though I didn’t aim to test the wings, I can only say they work. Very well. So does the Vision. If only the same could be said for myself. Here’s hoping my next Vision quest isn’t brought up short by... Ah, I’ll let it go. RB Passenger POV Name: Genevieve Schmitt Even though I’m a rider, I’ve spent time on the backseats of motorcycles. One time I reviewed the passenger seat of a Honda Gold Wing, long considered the Cadillac of motorcycles. Since women are usually the ones riding in the backseat of the bikes, I took the opportunity to test the Vision. The Tour, with its backrest, is the more comfortable of the two because you can lean back. The passenger accommodations are spacious. The rider and I had plenty of room between us; I could read a book in that space if I had to. My arms rested easily on the side console. The seat is contoured to prevent hot spots. However, if I were planning to spend several days in the rear seat of the Tour, I would place a small pillow against my lower back; I like lumbar support and the backrest is not curved for that. While the rider gets spoiled with extra-long floorboards, the passenger floorboards are standard fare, just smaller than my size 9 boots. Several times I was tempted to stretch my legs forward and rest them on the rider’s knees. The Street’s passenger seat is exactly the same as the Tour’s, but without the backrest. Plenty of room here, again. You’re not pushed up against the rider and there are large grab rails to hold onto that help keep you feeling secure. I can’t imagine spending any more than a few hours back there without a backrest, though. If I were a passenger helping to decide between the two bikes, I’d recommend the Tour with its backrest and creature comforts. Tech Sheet 2008 Victory Vision
|
God forbid a little rain might fall while you’re tearing it up in the lap of luxury. If the clouds do burst though, you can take refuge behind the Vision’s retractable windshield (optional) and adjustable wind deflectors. I didn’t don rain pants once and remained dry through some fairly heavy pelting. I also wore an open-face helmet to my complete satisfaction. No buckshot to the face. And did I tell you about the tunes?