So far....yawn
As an owner of probably the best two biggest, stock bikes in the US of A, the Victory Vision just doesn't do much for me. This bike was hinted at almost 6 months ago and the details are still a bit sketchy.
I have a 80 per channel, six speaker audio system already on the Gold Wing, I use a 30 or 60 gig IPod already on it. The tires appear to be the same, the alternator appears to be suspect as the GW lists at 1300 watts, theirs is listed in amps. The cargo capacity they listed in cubic inches, the GW listed the capacity in liters. It's like they are not directly comparing anything the "normal" way as if you might notice something.
I will say a few good things about it, if that ugly looking trunk can hold two full size helmets that is a good thing. Honda's used to, but with their "new" design in 2001 they made the main trunk smaller...something I wish they would change eventually. Also, as much as I don't really care for the styling, at least they took a chance and hopefully it will push Harley and Honda to a better design in that regard. Their "adjustable" windshield looks like it might shut a lot of Gold Wing riders up...if it is standard equipment, if not, we can already get the electric Wind Bender so that may be a cancelling advantage factor for the Vision. The side wind deflectors could be of some use as well. It looks like they may have gotten the 6 speed tranny standard...but is it the same design the Harley is somewhat "plagued" with as in a clunky gear or two in the shift range?
My built in GPS on my GW has a 7 inch screen (also a Garmin), one thing that disappoints me with the new vision is that they are holding back pictures of the "cockpit" other than the gage cluster. I wouldn't mind seeing how they integrated (or just added on....which is it???) their GPS offering or the IPod docking system.
Maybe I'll visit their website a little later and see if they have lifted a lot more of their secrecy.
The things I don't like about it...besides the styling are the air cooled engine (double, triple YAWN), and belt drive (another yawn), also the V-twin with the already drooling remark noting that it is just aching to be a "proper beast" if only a stage 1 kit was installed.
Again, hopefully it will spur Honda and Harley to improve their respective offerings...and if Triumph ever jumped into the fray with the 2300 engine...all bets would be off.
Dennis