2008 Victory Vision - First Ride

[SRMark]

From the back it looks like a toilet. The fairing opening in front looks like a storage bin. Instant classic indeed.

[Buzglyd]

Just not for your good taste.....

[Kenneth_Moore]

Did anybody else notice the front fairing is referred to as a "batwing?" Gee, haven't I heard that description somewhere else?

[naco_traficante]

I have always appreciated art deco as a timeless style that mirrors fluid shapes found in nature. By contrast I have always thought that HD design looks like something from the Eastern Bloc during the cold war, like some kind of luxury Ural. Thankfully, recent models are starting to look more aerodynamic.
I don't like behemoth bikes in general but at least this one has style. I applaud Victory for their big cajones and I hope this gamble pays off for them. However I think the top trunk looks a bit awkward, I think the Street design is cleaner.

[ikonoklass]

Good get, guys. So tomorrow you'll have an indepth review of the Concours 14?

[lwatcdr]

Real simple. How does it ride? Isn't that the big question? When I was a kid the Z1 and CB750 where the bikes of choice. To me the ZRX1200 was a great looking bike. I admit that I don't find this bike a thing of beauty but I don't think it is any worse then the Goldwing. I find all the big touring bikes kind of lumpy.

[DonM]

I was glad to read further down in the article that function did indeed follow the unusual form. I applaud the exposed engine. That is a difficult thing to do in a luxury tourer.

I would like easier access to the high-res pictures in an article.

[zenjim]

I've seen them in person and they're not as ugly up close. But they're still fantastically hideous. Methinks from a business perspective putting the fancy new engine and all the cruiser accoutrements* on the Kingpin may have been the way to go. But hats off for having the balls to do something really different. Stockholders may not agree.

*sorry for the use of the fancy French word. If it helps, I'm a little hung over from celebrating my freedom yesterday.

[longride]

For the 20+ grand that monstrosity is going to cost, I think you will be admiring it from a distance......a real LONG distance.

[mscuddy]

Originally Posted by SRMark

From the back it looks like a toilet. The fairing opening in front looks like a storage bin. Instant classic indeed.

..and the back of the fairing looks like a slot machine. I keep searching for the coin slot & handle. Pee-u. What ever happened to form following function? I owned the original "Vision" manufactured by Yamaha in 1980 (XS1100 Vision). Mine looked way better, and was most likely a better tourer too.