High points
+ Amazingly successful first touring model
+ Spectacular styling
+ Class-leading comfort, especially for big riders
+ Confident handling
Low points
- Underpowered audio system
- Occasional hiccup when throttle opened
- Noisy clutch
- No abs option
First changes
-Stronger amp or helmet speakers for stereo
-Shaped liner for main saddlebag compartments to ease packing
'08 Victory Vision Tour Premium
Suggested PRICE: $21,749
Colors: Gray, Cherry, Black
Warranty: 12 Months
Engine
Type: Air/Oil-Cooled 50-Degree V-Twin
Valvetrain: Sohc; 4 Valves Per Cylinder, Operated By Hydraulic Lifters
Displacement, Bore X Stroke:1731cc, 101 X 108mm
Compression: 9.4:1
Fuel System: EFI, Two 45mm Throttle Bodies
Lubrication: Wet Sump, 5 Qt.
Minimum Fuel Grade: 91 Octane
Transmission/Final Drive: Wet Clutch, 6 Speeds/Belt
Chassis
Wet Weight: 896 Lb.
GVWR: 1414 Lb.
Seat Height: 26.9 In.
Wheelbase: 65.7 In.
Overall Length: 109.9 In.
Rake/Trail: 29 Degrees/5.4 In.
Wheels: Cast Alloy, 18 X 3.0 Front, 16 X 5.0 Rear
Front Tire: 130/70-R18 Dunlop Elite 3Tubeless Radial
Rear Tire: 180/60-R16 Dunlop Elite 3Tubeless Radial
Front Brake: Two 11.2-In. Floating Discs, 3-Piston Calipers
Rear Brake: 11.2-In. Floating Disc, 2-Piston Caliper
Front Suspension: 43mm Fork, 5.1 In. Travel
Rear Suspension: Single Damper, 4.7 In. Travel, Air-Adjustable
Fuel Capacity: 6 Gal.
Electrical
Charging Output: 50 Watts
Battery: 12v, 18 Ah
Forward Lighting: Hid, 55/60-Watt
Taillighting: Multiple-Point Led
Instruments: Speedometer, Tachometer, Fuel Gauge, Voltmeter; Lcd Clock/Odometer, Tripmeter, Gear Position, Air Temperature; Warning Lights For Neutral, High Beam, Engine, Turn Signals, Oil Pressure, Low Fuel, Cruise Control
Performance
Fuel Mileage: 31 To 42 Mpg,
37.4 MPG Average
Average Range: 224 Miles
Riding Position
You can't help but be a bit overwhelmed by the vision at first sight-I saw women gasp, babies drool and grown men glaze over as I rolled by. And sitting in it feels positively plush, but I just assumed that because the thing looked titanic it would be an overweight handful once I shoved off. not so-the vision is a real rider's motorcycle, and cranking out long miles on it is a relaxing and comfortable proposition. I'm not crazy about the engine noise, but the thing pulls like a truck and the weather protection is outstanding. normally I'm not an acres-of-bodywork fan, but I give big props to the engineering department on this project, though I find the saddlebag capacity and configuration unforgiveable. There's a lot of wasted room inside. The jury's also out on the styling, but I prefer it to the gold wing's late-'80s vibe. here's the big one, though-my wife absolutely adores the back perch, and that goes a long way toward domestic bliss.
Andrew Cherney, 5' 7", 155 lb, 30-inch inseam
Talk about one cushy bike! victory's luxo-barge is the perfect place to plant one's posterior for the long-haul road trip. It eats up the miles with aplomb, my weight comfortably distributed between the well-cushioned seat and the world's longest floorboards. Even in the lowest position the windscreen was still too high . . . of course, I'm only 5 feet 4 inches. like every victory motorcycle I've ridden, the shift and rear brake pedals are a bit of a stretch, but not bad. styling? well, I love the rear two-thirds of the bike, but that front fairing is wider than Big Momma's backend.
Evan kay, 5'4", 159 lb, 29-inch inseam