2008 Victory Vision Review

Test Drive

2008 Victory Vision Tour Premium

As good as a bike would look, performance comes first and in the case of the Victory Vision there are no problems related to that. Featuring a brand new 106 cubic-inch (1731cc) engine mated to a six-speed tranny, the bike has a gear for any riding situation or style and didn’t managed to disappoint from any point of view.

Twisting the throttle will determine the 91.7 horsepower and 109.2 ft-lbs of torque to prove their point instantaneous, just below 2000 RPM. It is all due to the intelligent gearbox which helps the big bike get going fast in the first gears and finally reaches an overdrive sixth gear which is perfect for highway cruising. And when it comes to passing cars, the best solution would be the downshift and a widely opened throttle.

I must say that the blast I had on it during the two days of riding didn’t left me with a damaged butt as the seat, which is positioned 26.5 inched from the ground, consists in four inches of foam, perfect for the long haul. Also, wind protection was absolutely perfect as the fairing and windscreen that surrounds the bike’s front end do their job spotless.

And even if I wouldn’t have been completely satisfied with the accommodations, the new motor featuring longer stroke and implicit more torque would have compensated for that. The upgrade also required new camshafts, pistons, rods, crank, balance shafts, cases and covers, but what I most appreciate are the 45mm throttle bodies of the new electronic fuel injection system. The engine has a healthy pull, perfect for long-day exploitation.

Engineers have spent a lot of time perfecting the Victory Vision and most of the refinements concerned the vibration which had to be almost inexistent. All parts that reduce noise and vibrations were called NHV in this enthusiastic and successful attempt. The result is simply top notch as vibrations aren’t able to reach the rider’s hands, feet or but and the riding comfort from all points of view will simply reach the highest levels.

Much to do with the smoothness and quietness I experience had to do the belt final drive with which the Vision is fitted. Barely noticeable underneath the right side case and exhaust, the final drive couldn’t have been more adequate for this type of motorcycle and for my riding.

2008 Victory Vision Tour Premium

The six-gallon fuel tank will require gasoline fairly often. A gallon kept me going for approximately 35 miles, but it can definitely do best or worst depending on riding style and what the rider understands by touring. Also, if carrying a passenger, the number of miles per gallon will decrease and you’ll find yourself wondering when the gas station that appears on the map will finally be in front of you.

As a luxury tourer, the Vision is expected to be kind of a tough handler, but during the 600 miles I’ve put on it, I did not noticed such behavior at all. It is indeed a bit demanding and the 804 lbs shouldn’t be neglected, but as you twist the throttle all that weight seems to disappear, leaving you with an impressively comfortable ride that only reminds of your previous worries with its dimensions.

There is the optional adjustable windshield if you are set on finding the angle that suits you best and the goodies don’t finish here. Other options are the GPS, XM and CD changer. Standard are the loud speakers, the iPod jack and FM/AM radio. Optional or not, all of the previously mentioned equipment makes life on board more entertaining and inviting.

On-Board controls are at quick reach and easy to use making the biker feel well at home on it from the very first second. The adjustable mirrors aren’t that adjustable due to the fact that they are incorporated in the fairing and I had kind of a hard time getting a clear image of what happened behind me. At night, the headlight proved very powerful and efficient and the bike’s dimensions and weight allowed me to pass trucks and tourists as if I was on my own road. And I actually was, because after a seven hours trip I am begging for another ride on it.

Price

When it comes to pricing at Victory’s, the model is the decisive factor and in this case we’re witnessing no exceptions. Offered for $18,999, the Victory Vision Street is the cheapest model followed by the simple Tour version with an MSRP of $19,999. More expensive models are the Vision Street Premium and the Vision Tour Comfort ($20,499) and the Vision Tour Premium ($21,499).

Conclusion

The second biggest motorcycle maker in the U.S. has definitely pulled it through with this one and gets a first place in everyone’s minds as it has a futuristic approach instead of the classic everybody got used to and mechanically it is as upgraded as it could get. It becomes a class leader and the perfect machine for crossing the continent, but the fact that it doesn’t come at an exorbitant price range clearly shows us Victory’s strategy.

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