Hi Guys,

The "Chosen One" recently expressed an interest in doing more touring than in the past. I currently have a Rocket Touring (which should probably be called a Rocket Bagger as it doesn't have too many touring features, but......)

Like Firetruck, I'm larger than average at 6'7" and 270 and although the Rocket Touring is a magnificent unit and is about the longest I could find out here in OZ 2 years ago, and I have fitted new bars and seat, there are no forward controls etc so it's not too comfortable 2 up.

The first Victory dealership in Sydney opened a couple of weeks ago and I headed out there yesterday. I found the Cross Country about the same fit for me as the Rocket, but the Vision was, as Firetruck has noted, a great fit for taller guys, especially with the shorter bars.

I can't fit my knees behind the fairing on a Goldwing, the new 1600 BMW doesn't appeal to me and the Electra Glide is just too damn small, so I'm taking the Vision for a day ride in the next week or so.

Should it all fall into place, I'd like to do my pricing sums before I start negotiating (they cost around $38k aussie).....What would you recommend as good value options for both general and tall rider....eg, the shorter bars look like a must, the lower air deflectors are frequently mentioned and I might have a look at the stage 1 exhaust and HID lights...

Apologies for the newbie questions, (and I hope my grammar and punctuation are OK :D :D.........otherwise I'll have to look at a Harley :crzy: )

Yes. A stage 1 kit would be the way to go. Lloydz cams and possibly a Power Commander 5 could be a fun way to enhance the ride. CycleOps sells the Vision air deflectors that made out of metal. Most people seem to really like them and they look good.

The rest is just a matter of personal choice.

go to cycle trader and see what dealers will sell for on the internet. you can get cheaper in person. I will reinterate; the vision is the choice for us big guys. i'am working on a highway peg that mounts where the factory tie downs bolts go. this setup gives the most leg extension of any peg for this bike. waiting for iso peg through the mail. if it works, all will be smiling. when you get on the backroads, this thing is really fun. go for the vision.
the wind deflector is worth its weight in gold, just freaking works well.

For exhaust check out CFR slip on's. They sound loud and have a great low rumble, and CFR is blowing out the slip on's. After looking all over and listening to many I just ordered them. Usually 637.00 now $400.00!!! Too good not to get!! Many have them with stock air kit and have made no other adjustments without any problems.

Make it a point of observation as to how the stock wind screen height works for you. I'm 6'2" and while sitting in a normal riding position the top edge of the stock screen on my vision is right at eye level. Some what of a distraction to say the least. I plan on getting the taller version to replace the factory one when it starts to get scratched up a bit. I don't mind looking through the screen, especially on colder days, and of course you can alway lower it to get wind in your face on the hot days.

Another priceless item during colder weather is plugs for heated gear. I don't know how cold it gets in winter down under but if it's anything like the US midwest, heated gear will add a great deal to your riding season.

Good luck and keep us posted.

Another priceless item during colder weather is plugs for heated gear. I don't know how cold it gets in winter down under but if it's anything like the US midwest, heated gear will add a great deal to your riding season.

If the bike comes with heated seats - and some Visions do - you'll not need heated gear. I have had my heated seat literally melt ice of of it (and it even dries itself off) and ride off into temperatures down in the twenties as warm as a slice of bread in a toaster. Nice thing about a heated saddle is you don't have to stop to adjust gear as the temp changes either up or down.

If you have the funds go for the vision tour. I've added the highway pegs. now you couldn't give me a goldwing. as far as comfort the vision has everyone covered.

Thanks all....I have been trying to post my thanks, but the site mustn't like Aussies.....keep getting "site unavailable, try again later :)

Be no good giving you a Goldwing anyway, Firetruck.....You won't get your knees behind the fairing......(first hand experience:):(

Looks like I'll nominate the stage 1 tune, tall windscreen, shorter bars and air deflectors as part of the deal......I'm looking at the Tour, so heated seats and grips come standard (although we rarely get temps below 40 out here in OZ, so they mightn't get a start)......I've got a spare pair of the exact highway pegs/mounts that you used for your mod Firetruck.....there's a plus.thumb up....The brochure says that ABS is an optional extra.....no one's mentioned that....do you guys get it standard, or does no-one consider it's worth it ?

I can't get a demo ride till 8th April, which is the key purchasing consideration.........

Pete

I don't know how cold it gets in winter down under but if it's anything like the US midwest, heated gear will add a great deal to your riding season.

Good luck and keep us posted.

ps... we don't have a "riding season" out here, hoosiervic.......We are fortunate enough to be able to ride all year round.....cheers.....although it does get a bit warm riding when it's 110 or so.....:crzy:

Pete

You will find the heated grips work so good that you can use half gloves or no gloves without getting your hands cold.

As far as everything I've read, the 2011 Vision Tour only comes one way, with ABS. (I have the 2011 Vision Tour in Silver/Black, $800 extra here in the States. It also comes in all White for no extra charge and Red for $400 extra)

In 2010 ABS was optional.
From your posting, I'm guessing that you are looking at a 2010.

The 2011 has an all new transmission that greatly reduces lash, and allows for 5,000 mile oil changes rather than 2,500 mile oil changes required on the 2010 and earlier models.

I'm 6'4" tall and the windscreen in its full up position does end up right at my sightline.
If you back it off a bit, the angle of the windscreen becomes more upright and the height goes down 1/2 inch which for me is perfect.

The lower air deflectors are a must.
Turned out they save your pants from getting wet and turned in they work well to remove the engine heat on hot days.

In 2010 ABS was optional.
From your posting, I'm guessing that you are looking at a 2010.

The 2011 has an all new transmission that greatly reduces lash, and allows for 5,000 mile oil changes rather than 2,500 mile oil changes required on the 2010 and earlier models.

I'm 6'4" tall and the windscreen in its full up position does end up right at my sightline.
If you back it off a bit, the angle of the windscreen becomes more upright and the height goes down 1/2 inch which for me is perfect.



Thanks for that Biggie.....I don't know which year model I'll get yet.....depends on pricing....but it looks like ABS is a good investment either way.....ps what size windscreen are you using ?

Pete

Pete,
Everything on my Vision is stock except the "add on" heel shifter. ($100 and it screws right into the stock shifter)

If your decision is a toss-up on whether to get a 2011 or earlier model, I would go with the 2011 because of all the improvements this year.
I tour, anywhere from 3,000-10,000 mile trips, and the 5,000 mile oil change intervals is perfect for me.
The new transmission has so many changes in it that it is NOT possible to fit it on older models.
Some changes in the Engine were also done to accomadate the new tranny.

As for the ABS, I won't buy a motorcycle without it.
I had it on my last scoot and I know for a fact that it kept me from hitting a Momma Black Bear or one of her 3 cubs that crossed in front of me on a blind curve.
My scoot came to a "no drama" stop, while the brakes were pulsing like crazy.
I've been riding for 42 years and I honestly don't feel I could have avoided T-Boning that bear without ABS.

Thanks Biggie......looks like I'll have to find the extra bucks for a 2011 (only 7 days till the test ride :) )

Apologies for the newbie questions, (and I hope my grammar and punctuation are OK :D :D.........otherwise I'll have to look at a Harley :crzy: )

Aaaahhhh chit mang - you went there!!!! LMAO :ltr:

Had my test ride yesterday…..

Soooooooooooo……Please understand that this has been written by someone who is not in the world renowned class of rider that contains the likes of Rossi, Stoner, or even Spongebob Squarepants :D etc…….Heck, I don’t even own a matching set of leathers….This is a slow “cruiser “ rider’s impressions, with emphasis on the “cruiser” part…..I like to smell the roses…..

It’s obviously not a professional review, so I apologise for any ambiguities etc :confused:

Had a long ride on the Cross Country and Victory Vision (2010 model) today, and from my perspective as a large cruiser rider (you can interpret that both ways :D), the Cross Country is a good ride….it handles better than the Rocket Touring (which in turn handles better than the Vulcan2000), and feels more balanced at low speed.

I also like the fairing as it provides much more visible instrumentation than the ones on the tank of the Rocket. Actually, it’s not the “fairing” I like, but the instrument position. You could lose the fairing without much impact. The seating position is about the same as the Rocket in terms of leg room and comfort. It doesn’t have anywhere near the torque of the Rocket, as you’d expect, which makes it feel positively underpowered. It’s noisier than the Rocket too.

Based on my ride today, I have to admit that I probably wouldn’t outlay my hard-earned to move from the Rocket Touring to the Cross Country as they are too similar (even though I LOVED the handling). Sounds funny, I know, but I’m sure you get where I’m coming from.

The Vision is another story, even though I don’t like how they get you to put on a Star Trek uniform before you can take it out :D

It’s a much better fit for me (my prime consideration). I can’t get my knees behind a Goldwing or BM fairing, and HD Ultras just aren’t made for tall guys, even with their plethora of accessories like tallboy seat etc. ….. Looooove the instrument positioning in the fairing (see above)….so much easier to see the speedo etc than the Rocket.
Also, I do like the Vision fairing. It provides great coverage. I know not everyone likes windscreens, but they’re invaluable when you’re a tall/big lad acting like a sail. It’s automated, so you can lift it up to eye level, or drop it around 6/8” on the fly. Fantastic.

The handling, from my perspective, is excellent. It goes round corners like it’s on rails compared to the Rocket, which I thought was a reasonable handler. The trip out to Wisemans Ferry (nice winding road) was an absolute pleasure, while you do have to fight more with the Rocket Touring.

It has a 22l fuel tank and is 550cc smaller in engine size, so range should be significantly further than the Rocket…..

The seating position is slightly more roomy than the Rocket, but still not great (don’t forget that this is for someone 6’8”). You keep sliding forward on the seat as it’s quite narrow up front (to allow better access to the ground for those not so tall), and you end up in a nutcracker position….most uncomfortable….although by the end of the ride it wasn’t so bad (I think 280lbs may have flattened it). The seat itself is very comfortable (or at least it was, for the 3 hours I was on the bike), apart from the consideration above.

There’s more mechanical noise than the Rocket, although this is not really a problem.

I love the linked brakes. They work really well for my relaxed style of riding (ABS is not standard on the 2010 that I had for the ride).
There’s a bit of a lag when you hit the throttle hard (compared to the Rocket), but this can be significantly reduced through the installation of the Stage 1 kit….(the stage 1 was on the Cross Country and the difference appeared significant to me. Pulls better and provides a more immediate throttle response….... )

So…..all up, a great ride for this little black duck…...

Soooo….will I trade the Rocket, I hear you ask (those who haven’t nodded off :crzy: )…..After getting the standard salesman’s “ohhhhhh…no one can move Rocket Tourings…..there’s a couple of new ones selling for $19k aussie (normally around $26k new), so they aren’t worth much”….. I’ll need to think long and hard…..did I mention the handling ???? :D:D

I can get a great deal on an early 2010 Vision (no ABS) and without the transmission upgrades mentioned earlier in the thread…maybe $6k off…..or I can buy the latest 2011 model with ABS etc for around $37k….and I’m still going to have to add on taller screen, stage 1 etc.

I know that Biggiefries loves ABS and the smoother transmission, but $6k is a lot of money. What are the thoughts of others regarding ABS and transmission? I can’t ask out here as the 2011 models have only just arrived :mad:

Pete