Anyone who regularly reads motorcycle magazines has already seen numerous sketches of these not very secret motorcycles from Victory. Now, in conjunction with the New York International Motorcycle Show, Victory has formally unveiled the Victory Vision Tour and the Victory Vision Street, two brand new luxury touring bikes with a completely new style. They will be available from dealers this fall.
When you visit the Victory website you’re greeted with this not too subtle comment, “We’re not rewriting American history, we’re writing its future.” Hmm … I wonder what other American manufacturer they’re hinting at? Victory has definitely staked out new territory in the V-Twin touring market with this aerodynamic design which they say offers superb weather protection and from the appearance of the bike I would have no reason to doubt it. Features include six speeds, six gallon forward positioned gas tank, optional electrically adjustable windshield, adjustable rear suspension and all put together in what is a distinctly American style. This is no Gold Wing or BMW.
The Victory Vision comes in two flavors, Tour, with 6750 cubic inches of storage space and Street with 3370 cubic inches of capacity. Seat height is a low 26.5 inches and the seating position is relaxed with a lot of room to move around thanks to integrated floorboards.
Interesting is the lack of specifics on engine displacement, with some time left before it shows up on the showroom floor, it may be a decision that is not yet final.
Overall, this looks like a very clean and new design. It remains to be seen which potential customers will be won over to the Victory Vision, … Harley or Honda? Or both?
Polaris press release follows:
In a highly anticipated world unveiling, Victory Motorcycles, a division of Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE:PII), today launched its new Victory Visionâ„¢ family of luxury touring motorcycles at the International Motorcycle Show in New York City. The new bikes, the Victory Vision Streetâ„¢ and Victory Vision Tour,â„¢ boast Victory’s own thunderous V-Twin engine, unmatched comfort and breakthrough styling – redefining what it means to be an American touring bike.
“We spent nearly six years researching and developing this bike, and more than 28,000 miles riding with customers and are confident that the Victory Vision will fulfill the dreams of people looking to tour on an American Luxury touring bike,†said Mark Blackwell, vice president of Victory Motorcycles and International Operations. “The Victory Vision is perhaps the most pure example of what riders have been asking for: a modern, American V-Twin touring bike.â€
A powerful combination of style and comfort, the Victory Vision bikes have four inches of cushion in their seats, a relaxed, feet-forward riding position, the best aerodynamic wind protection and airflow management for all weather riding, ample storage space with modern American styling. The new bikes will be available to riders across the country beginning in fall 2007.
“This is a proud day for Polaris and Victory Motorcycles as we launch a family of motorcycles that 30 years from now people will look back and say, ‘Those bikes fundamentally changed the design of American motorcycles,†said Tom Tiller, CEO, Polaris Industries. “We launched Victory Motorcycles in 1998 with the belief that an American company could design and build the best motorcycles in the world – while not the biggest, we are confident based on feedback from our buyers Victory is the best.â€
Link: Victory Vision
John J. Redmond says
Slick looking;would like to ride one. I do like Victory’s and would cinsider buying one-would rather have three of their models-need to have big bucks.
The new touring bike would be in contention with the new Moto Guzzi Norge.
John
Steve says
Saw this yesterday on: http://www.polarisindustries.com/en-us/Victory/Vision/Models/
Looks kinda’ like a concept/prototype drawing that didn’t get finished before they built it!
Good ideas, lines-wise but way too Flash Gordon.
jp says
I like it… I’d think it’ll definitely be comparable to the HD dressers, though perhaps not quite up to the Goldwing’s tech-loaded spec sheet. Unique is good though.
designeraccd says
As an Industrial Designer, from what I can see in the 2D pics, the Victory designers have hit a home run, visually. The bike appears to be very fresh with beautifully integrated surfaces that use color effectively to enhance the shape of the bike, quite unlike my ’06 FJR where the silver destroys any design concinnity the bike may have.
Kudos to Victory! I hope the dynamics of the bike match the ultra modern looks. Funny, a GL1800 is at best staid looking, but has amazing dynamic capabilities for an 800+ # motorcycle. It will be interesting to see how the new Victorys perform. DFO
Blaine Newell says
Hi there. Victory’s large twins have been pretty bad on fuel milage. If they put in a larger engine, than their 100 inch, I’ll be surprised if it get’s 35mpg. That will hurt them with the long distance crowd. Also, they will have to keep the weight and price reasonable. I used to have a GL1800. I mostly ride solo, so bought a Triumph Sprint ST. That big old Goldwing, could really move. Blaine
F451 says
1) Tupperware takes on a whole new meaning.
2) Air/oil cooled for a touring machine is a big mistake when in high-density urban areas. Not only that, they’ve shrouded even more of the engine.
Streeter says
I like the looks of the Vision Street and am glad to see Victory go modern (with an American flair) rather than following Excelsion-Henderson by trying to nibble at Harley’s customer base with “production custom” retro-cruisers. However, over the years I’ve been going smaller and lighter for bikes and simply woudn’t be interested in a big fat heavy touring bike. Last year, Victory showcased a bike using an 800/cvt engine from an ATV – that’s the sort of bike I would be interested in particularely if they went with a modern look like these bikes (but with a short wheelbase) and tossed in some interesting features such as dual rear camera displays rather than mirrors. I realize it would be a pricey bike but people buy BMWs and Mercedes when a Honda does the same job.
Larry Kahn says
Some of you guys need glasses. That is the FUGLYIST thing ever built, motorcycle or otherwise. That makes some of the BMW’s look pretty!
Bryce says
I like the look of the “street” model, and I too am an industrial designer. The rear has lines reminiscent of a Vespa that has been chopped and stretched. Overall, this bike has several attractive touches. I’m not keen on the look of the top box, but it looks quite capacious.
Were I in need of an 800lb gorilla for touring and cruising, this would draw me into the showroom to at least have a look.
Chris says
I would have been a little less harsh than Larry Kahn, but I couldn’t agree more. Looks like a 1970’s moped on steroids, and we all know how the saying goes about mopeds and fat chicks.
Fred Gaehring says
Looks really pretty too tall in the rear for me but a real eyecatcher.
I ride an Intruder 1500 its heavy.And i have ridden victories they are quick and they feel light.This one is really nice looking but how much will it be and what size is it?I have many friends with Goldwings and thwy are fast and get great mileage,but this bike has great looks .Where does it look like a moped on steroids.
kneeslider says
Let me just jump in here and remind some individuals to keep the comments civil. For those of you who do not like the appearance of this motorcycle, please be specific and technical. Comments off topic or aimed at starting controversy will be deleted. Thanks.
mark says
It looks to me like a giant scooter. I’m not a great fan of scooters, or cruisers for that matter, so this bike is not my cup of tea.
I have to give Victory credit for doing something new and different, but I can’t help thinking that there are a whole lot of directions they could have gone in that might have looked better.
todd says
I too think there are other directions that would have been appealing to me. I’m getting used to seeing bikes come out that are getting bigger and heavier and more expensive every year let alone less attractive.
Who cares what I think. This bike is not aimed at me. I think Victory knows what they are doing and this is a very clear direction for their brand. If they were to develop a light weight sport bike, I think it would use the Polaris name and not muddy the Victory brand identity; American Cruiser/Alternative.
It’s nice to see such a large tank on the bike and the huge fairing could hide a large radiator if they were so inclined to build a motor with water jackets. This might just be the beginning of more news to come from Victory.
My money would be better spent on a BMW F800ST. It’s a very nice bike, more comfortable, much better looking, and more than capable enough to take on a few continents in its stride. Probably gets better gas mileage to boot and costs about half or less than the Victory.
-todd
-todd
KDB says
After years of waiting for Honda to come out with a new Valkyrie touring bike my wait is over thanks to Victory. See ya later Honda hello Victory! For those of us who like long distance touring (not 250 miles in a weekend but 250 miles by 9:00 am) the Victory Vision looks like a fast and comfortable bike. My hats off to Victory for not trying to create a bat wing and patrol bag look. Sorry Honda but you blew it with the solo Valkyrie Rune, and HD you blew it with the 96″ motor on the same looking bike my 65 year old father and my 85 year old grand father rode.
Larry Beaumont says
This bike looks incredibly gorgeous to me. The lines just flow from front to back. It is totally refreshing to see something that doesn’t simply look like it is trying to be a Harley-Davidson. Nostalgia is nice, but I vote for progress.
Gary says
As a school teacher from an old black and white movie, when I travel I like to pack a lot of Dunce caps in case I need to send people to the corner. This bike looks great to me. Those saddlebags look like they are the perfect shape.
I dunno. Its hard to judge without seeing it in the flesh. Its definitely bold. Looks like it might be xbox hueg though.
John Bonanno says
It definitly looks better in person, I was in NYC for the reveal on Friday, I like it, the look is fresh… modern an retro at the same time, but then again this is not for everyone.
coho says
It’s not the bike for me.
Too big.
That said, it’s a cool bike.
The front of the bike has a distinct “Hondaness”, but the fully-exposed Vtwin in the middle is very “NotHonda”. This is, at first, visually jarring, a cruiser engine in an aerodynamically faired touring bike? It’s kinda growing on me and I don’t even want one. I think – if it can walk the walk it’s appearance talks – that they’ll draw from both the Metric and SAE touring communities. The Harley People will always be Harley People, but not all Harley owners also have the Bar & Shield tattoo, and I’ve met some Dyna and Sportster owners who also had a GoldWing.
I say, go, Polaris, go.
Larry Crockett says
I have both a GL1800 and a Victory Vegas and like both and have often wondered what the result would be like if they mated. I now have an answer.
I would want to see the particulars, particularly the weight, and take a test ride if they will allow it (Victory has been good about this, which is why I have a Vegas). I fear it will be north of the $20K price point, so I need to be convinced it has a more luxurious ride than a Kingpin and is not a lot less comfortable than a Wing (to convince my riding partner).
But the aesthetics? Striking, original, breathtakingly beautiful. I fear I am a goner on this one.
Bill says
I just saw this bike at the Cleveland show and all I can say to those who have negative comments is “sit on the bike” and you will realize how comfortable it truely is. The bike is well balanced, so no matter what the weight is/will be you won’t feel it. Right now I own a 2005 Yamaha Royal Star Tour Deluxe, and would trade it in on a Vision Street… no question about it.
Ray Posey says
Too far for me. Looks too much like the Honda, I prefer the Harley look. But as you know, you can’t please everyone, so if most support your design, you are committed to build it!
luigi (from italy) says
è bellissima ma mi sembra che assomigli a uno scooterone dalle forme molto abbondanti,in certi versi mi ricorda il mio atlantic 500 aprilia old model
Peter Lafrenz says
The first time that i saw the Vision,I thought.awfull!!But allready after a few days,I,m getting to like it a lot.Here in Denmark Victory is not represented,so I have never seen any kind of Victory,and frankly I havent cared much about it,since they in my opinion,only was making H.D. clones.But with the vision,I,m really getting curious.Maybe the Vision will come to Sweeden,so I can see it for real there one day.My only concern beside the price is if it has enough power.From what I have been reading,the Electra glides are fantastic touring machines,but they really lack power.I hope that Polaris will see too that the Vision will not have the same problem.Good luck to Polaris
Duane Sarazin says
I sat on the Vision at the recent show in Minneapolis. It definitely put a smile on my face for its comfort. I like to tour and put big miles on my bike, but have never been taken by the cruiser ergonomics. The Vision, however, has an extremely inviting driver’s position, with excellent footrests. Its design is more than striking; breathtaking. Fit, finish and colors all say “Zowie.” Viewed in person, it will change lots of skeptical minds. The bags and trunk are commodious indeed. However, I wonder why Victory’s engineers decided to place the battery up front, down low and exposed where the grease, grit and grime can get at it big time. All in all, I say “Go Victory!” Looks like a terrific entry in the touring market from my home-state Polaris people. Can’t wait to take a test drive now.
Jeff says
It looks like the Vision is going to be at the dealership MOM’South in Foxboro, MA this coming weekend, March 3 and 4th. They have this listed on their website, momsouth.com. I will definately be there to check this bike out!
Mickey says
I have caught a bad case of new bike fever. I have been riding metric bikes for more than 20 years. This time I thought I would go with American made. But all I saw was the same old tired stuff with more buzzers and whistles. Until on a fluke I went to the Victory site and saw the Vision. I could only sit and blink in disbelief. What a beauty! I can’t wait to see one. I will defintely postpone my new bike purchase until Vision comes out.
Rusty says
I have been casually folling this bike for while. Currently ride an FJR but I have been looking for something a little cozyier for my passenger and yes Im a sucker for the v-twin rumble. So I’ve been scoping out the Ultra’s and the Roadglides. So by chance I check out Victorys website, then I hear Arlen Ness has one of the prototypes at his shop. I had some of the same concerns about “ugly” for the pictures. But folks in person this thing looks like Pam Anderson in a prom dress – you just want to jump on and ride. Sitting on it feels light and nimble and the lines from the back and dash are great! I put down a $1000 refundable depost on the spot and I am hoping for electronic cruise and possibly an intercom.
todd says
hmm, the analogy of Pamela Anderson in a prom dress makes me shudder. All it brings to mind is; oddly proportioned, phony tacked on gimmicks, dirty, well riden – probably still covered in the last “rider’s” filth, inappropriatly dressed (c’mon prom dress, what are you a highschooler or a pedaphile?), over hyped… I guess that’s what I can expect visiting Ness’ shop.
The last time I was at Ness’ shop, the only thing that looked rideable and worth the money was sitting over in the Vespa display.
No hard feelings Rusty, all in good humor.
-todd
D.Avery says
Hey guys, I took the vision on a test ride about a month ago, there was a
roll-out promotion at elko speedway. I wasn’t really that bad! Had great ballance
cornered good, and when I kicked it into 6th gear on the freeway, it was like
firing up the afterburner. I rode both the street and the tour, was very surprized at how easy it handled and cornered. I like the design, it’s very futuristic. I think that once they stock gets rolled out to the local dealers, you will see quite a few on the road. it is a major investment, but I’ll probably put major miles on it before I trade it in for a new one. just my 2 cents worth…ride safe everyone!
Jeff says
I like the look. I almost always take my wife with me I’ve been riding a goldwing. We have been wanting a v-twin but not a Harley the last one I bought new, cost to much too keep on the road (and I’m not talking of the purchase price). I would like to take a test ride. I think victory is a great concept and it is good looking.
Tom says
I think I’m like most people who see this bike for the first time and ask “what is that?”. It has grown on me and now I love the looks. I just took a test drive yesterday and all I have to say is “I’m in Love”. Wow, what a nice ride. very very comfortable, easy to handle, power, radio’s great. I have never tried a bike with cruise. I have to say that was nice. worked flawlessly. As soon as I sell my car, I WILL have one of these. I really really loved it. Don’t judge it until you see it and try it.
David White says
I took a demo ride on the the tour version back in Sept 2 up in Gaithersburg MD. I love the bike from the moment i saw it. after riding it, i knew i would own one. I had been looking for the last two years at the BMW K2100LT, HD Road Glide, Yamaha Venture and actually was waiting for Triumph to come out with there 2008 Rocket III with hard bags. I now work as a Victory Technician and uncrated and prepped a new Midnight Cherry Tour Premium last week. Got her checked out and put together then took her out for a test ride. You can not explain how light the bike handles and how easy it is to start feeling comfortable. After about 30 miles of stop and go traffic with some u-turns and people cutting you off lke normal and then taking her on the interstate, you will be surprised how soon you will feel at home on the bike. For the nay sayers out there you may want to think back on what was said about the very first GL-1000 or the first Venture and of course what happened to the Voyager touring rig. I am glad though that the bike is polarising. We all should feel strongly about what we ride and not blend in like so many.
Ride Safe and watch out for those that don’t watch for you.
k.d. says
in oct. i bought a new vision. wow.!!! what a bike. i fell in love with it right away. and man did the h.d. riders give me a strange look. they better get use to it, because you will see more of them soon!!
Leah says
I now own a Vision Tour edition and I will say that it’s a great bike…it’s nice now having one for longer than the 15 minute test ride. I will look forward to long trips with it.
jim from WV says
I seen the vision i fall in love with it ,i sat on it it was so nice . I have a Nomad 2002, but i my have to buy a vision .Going to test ride this spring hope it rides as good as it looks .
John says
I thought it was ugly when I first saw it on the net. On a dare, I rented one. Loved it so much , I purchased one. I have owned everything from a honda to several Harleys… The ride is very special…A real magic carpet ride… I purchased the Arlen Ness Signature Street. A very nice machine. I recomend a test drive and/ or rent one. There really is nothing on the market quite like it…