Triumphrat

TOMKRILL · 04-20-2008, 12:04 PM

Took one out for a test ride on Friday, $21,000+ loaded with radio, adjustable windscreen, trunk, hard bags, 6 speed overdrive, cruise control, heated grips and heated seats. 300 pounds heavier than my Speedy. 106 cubic inch gear to belt drive (no chains). I was never so happy to get back and get on my Triumph in my life, it scared the hell out of me. Weird sounds from the drive train, lots of gauges, nimble, lots of torque, well made and comfortable. If I had to drive one anywhere but on the Interstate I would be in a world of hurt and I don't use the Interstate, I ride on the small highways and byways because I hate the cages on the Interstate.

Silverado57 · 04-20-2008, 12:29 PM

Nice report Tom.
Just curious, how come you didn't test ride a Vegas or 8 Ball that might be closer to your riding style?

I'm really anxious to ride a Vision. We're coming into Open House season and hope to try one or two out.

Most of the Vision rider reviews are very positive regarding the power, handling, quality and comfort once you get past the over-the-top styling. Most people are only going to get a Vision for serious long-distance slab riding, not local byways as Tom says.

Personally, I don't get guys riding big honking baggers to bike nights and ice cream stands, but to each his own. How much crap do you need to carry on a short day ride?

All the more reason to have 2 bikes.

Primo · 04-20-2008, 12:57 PM

Holy cow the vision is crazy looking and in mho not a good way. I understand it is probably supposed to compete with the goldwing (at least in touring dress) but if your gonna have that much bodywork anyway why not just throw a radiator on it and get the added benefits.

ohiorider · 04-20-2008, 02:05 PM

In automotive terms, that was like driving an Austin Healey 3000 to the dealership, taking out a Buick Roadmaster for a test drive, all the while wanting to get back into the AH3000. As much as I like many models of BMW, when I swapped rides for an hour or so with my R1150RT-riding buddy, I couldn't wait to get back on my T100.

Bob

Pokeyjoe · 04-20-2008, 02:12 PM

Holy cow. That's not a motorcycle. Its a car with two wheels.

BigChiefWoody · 04-20-2008, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Primo

Holy cow the vision is crazy looking and in mho not a good way. I understand it is probably supposed to compete with the goldwing (at least in touring dress) but if your gonna have that much bodywork anyway why not just throw a radiator on it and get the added benefits.

All the Victories are ugly..this one even more so.

BlueThrux · 04-20-2008, 07:10 PM

A friend and I rode up to the local Yamaha-Polaris-Victory dealer the other day to get some parts for his FZR600. There was a guy there taking one for a spin, what a boat. I thought Victory was getting into the automobile business. If it had two more wheels and a overhead DVD player you would call it a minivan. All the other Victorys are gorgeous.

redbaron586 · 04-20-2008, 08:01 PM

where are the side air bags?

wolfgang · 04-20-2008, 08:07 PM

I rode one down at daytona bike week and also found it to be pretty well put together. The transmission was a little bit clunky, but otherwise fine. I thought it rode just fine, I wouldn't hesitate to take it down any road, I threw it around pretty well and didn't have any difficulty. It probably can be a little intimidating with all the extra motorcycle you see around you at first. It is fairly weird looking, and I wouldn't buy one (not my kind of touring), but it was fun to try nonetheless.

Canucks_Fan · 04-20-2008, 08:17 PM

Wow, I rode a Vision and had a completely different result- I loved it. The bike was smoooth, and really didn't feel heavy at all- the only thing that stopped me from buying was the $21k price tag (and the fact that it looks like something you'd see in Star Wars).