A year ago I tested the Victory Vision at the bike's international press launch, and I can safely say that its styling is still as polarizing as it was back in the summer of '07. For 2009, Victory has added a few improvements including:
- Optional reverse
- Standard billet wheels on Premium models, which are also available as accessories
- New tweeters for louder & better sound
- Improved gauge lighting
And if the standard Vision just isn't bold enough for ya, Victory is now offering a limited edition Street version styled by Arlen Ness. Similar in appearance to the Vision Ness rode to Sturgis last year, the $24,999 bike wears a Ness-designed paint scheme and a numbered metal plate with "a facsimile of Arlen Ness's autograph," according to Victory. The trick Vision is clad with custom wheels, handgrips, engine covers, a 1" lower seat, and a lower windscreen. An average of less than one Ness version will be allocated to each U.S. dealer. A pricier (but less visually distinctive) proposition is Victory's $28,999 10th Anniversary Edition Vision Tour, of which less than 100 specimens will be built.
Does Ness' custom Vision do it for you, or would you rather stick to a tricked out Harley-Davidson CVO?
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I’ve like the Vision since its introduction and would have one rather than an Ultra, but I think it’s radical enough to stand on its own without the Ness influence.
It is to radical for me even without the Ness touch.
Me, I’d chop off the back fenders and angle the exhaust pipes up at about 33 degrees. Then, it would look like a terrifying sport bike.
It’s radical enough that you’ll either love it or hate it. I’m in the latter…don’t like it at all.
Definitely prefer the Vision over the H-D CVO. The Vision rides as unique as the styling and whether you like the looks or not, the ride is awesome. I would not go for the Ness model, the Vision says “Ness” already. They certainly draw a lot of attention.
The Vision is an awesome riding bike! I personally do not like the riding position of the Goldwing or the BMW k1200 LT because of the engine width. The seating position is perfect on the Vision! I sat on a Ultra CVO and felt cramped as compared to the Vision. If anyone has concerns about being oil and air coolded, don’t! My Vegas handled slow hot weather riding better than my friends Goldwings! I do have two concerns with the Vision. The first is styling. It is really out there but I guess there is nothing like it on the road. One of the many reasons I purchased my Vegas is no one else had one! It just didn’t look like every other bike on the road. The other concern I have is the rear view mirrors. You really cannot see behind you with them! When I test rode one I saw my hands more than anything else while looking in the mirrors. Maybe they could be adjusted better but I didn’t get a chance to do that.
I’m with Pete,I don’t like it at all.
The Vision is kinda like an exotic European car. It’s designed for a few with particular tastes rather than for everybody. Some like their ride to be totally unique and stand out from all us other “me-too’s”. I’d love to have one, but can’t afford it, so I’m happy with my VTX 1300R.
Don’t like it…
and I don’t agree that it looks like (or even gets clos) to the looks of an exotic european sports car…
This bike is plain cheesy looking…
I agree that the styling of the bike is quite polarizing.. I can’t say that I’m very excited about the way that it looks, but I’ve demo’d the bike twice and really like riding it! The seat and riding position is fabulous, and for someone with a sore lower back I can’t say enough good things about it. Gas mileage is over 40 mpg, which is quite decent for a touring bike. I’d consider buying one sometime in the future..
Definately a conversational piece. At least there is a company willing to give the consumer something new, fresh and practical. Harley is so lazy it isn’t even funny. The ‘09 Harley’s changed the rear end and exhaust but yet it is the same old thng. I hope that Victory flourishes because I believe they are a better platform.
I am with Pete,Paul and Frank, this thing is absurd. When I saw the TV commercial on this bike i thought who would buy this thing? What ever happened to form follows funtion?
the ones who hate it are the diehard harley fans. once again victory one upped harley with a far superior bike, the power, handling and stlying of all victory’s show real taste and class…
I love the new Vision and applaud Victory for breaking the mold for luxury baggers… It’s Futuristic Retro… Arlen Ness makes a nice bike awesome.
by far the best bike on the road today. i love the styling,the handling and the innovation put into this machine, and I WILL have one! CONGRATS TO VICTORY. Well done.
I own a Jackpot. What a great bike. Now the Ness Vision has my attention. Great new company with an eye toward the future. Harley guys will never like it. My bike draws crowds and most Harleys guys grunt a couple of comments and move on. That being said, this bike grows on you. I may trade my in on this bike. Dependable, beautiful and functional are just a few of the words that describe this scoot. I agree that some people don’t like the look. My brother say it looks like a Vespa and Harley had sex and this is what the kid looks like.
I think it’s funny, Harley riders try to make everybody think they’re out to beat the system and be free, yet a new bike comes out and they all try to beat up on the new guy on the block. The Vision is made in the USA and is doing one hell of a good job! A motorcycle made for the rider, go figure, who would have thought about that, Harley? In the spring of 2009 I’ll be happy to buy a Vision. Maybe this will force Harley to start building bikes again instead of a name.
I have owned my vision for over a years now. No comparison to any other bike made. Went on a 7000 mile trip from Oklahoma to Cananada, across to the Pacific and down the coast and back. All my friends ride ultras and the vision was the rock star everywhere we went. Huge hit with travelers and harley riders too… You don’t have to like it. Just enjoy riding……….
I have an 07′ 8 ball and a vision is going to be my next bike! I love it! It has nice smooth flowing lines, a big bullit proof v-twin engine, with a smooth 6-speed trans. Victory has only been building bikes for 11 years and already build a better bike than Harley-Davidson! They have been building bikes for 106 years so whats there deal?
I gave up the old unreliable HD for the state of the art Victory. The overall comfort is far above the HD especially if you are over 6’ tall, and for the passenger you gain several inches of space between helmets so no more smacking helmets together. Performance is night and day especially in the corners. You need to get the 110 CI HD to start to keep the Victory in sight in front of you. When HD wakes up I’ll consider a second look but I doubt they will. 18 months 25,000 mile and only two problems, I got a nail in my back tire and Mondays seem to come at an accelerated rate on the Vision.
Love my 2009 Vision Tour…..Rode several HD’s and while they were nice rides, and very very nice the standard features out weighed the others by a long shot. Put about 7K on it in 4 months…..Looking forward to putting the D&D’s on it! I agree with the others though, you either like it or hate it, I personally love mine!
Ive rode HDs for years and really do like them. My only mistake was taking a test ride on a Vision.My Harley never made it home that day.I now am a very happy Victory owner and love watching my Harley riding friends face whenever we pull into someplace and the majority of the attention is on me and my bike.Sorry Harley you loose.