VICTORY VISION TOUR (2008 - on) Review

At a glance

Owners' reliability rating: 5 out of 5 (5/5)
Annual servicing cost: £200
Power: 92 bhp
Seat height: Low (26.5 in / 673 mm)
Weight: High (869 lbs / 394 kg)

Overall rating

Next up: Ride & brakes
5 out of 5 (5/5)

The Victory Vision Tour is so out of this world, you wouldn’t be surprised if little green men stepped out of a pannier. But underneath the outrageous size and style is a damned good big-twin tourer loaded with gadgets.

Ride quality & brakes

Next up: Engine
4 out of 5 (4/5)

The Vision handles far better than it should – it’s like a supersport bike next to it’s main rival, the Harley-Davidson Electra Glide. The suspension smoothly damps out bumps and copes admirably with the weight without pitching and bouncing, especially if you pump the rear air shock up. Braking is OK – it does the job as long as you don’t hope to hammer on the brakes at the last minute everywhere. ABS is standard for 2010, which helps.

Engine

Next up: Reliability
4 out of 5 (4/5)

The 1731cc ‘Freedom’ engine in the Vision isn’t the fastest thing in the world, but surprisingly for a big narrow-angle twin it’s smooth, and holds out on to it’s power through the rev range rather than running out of puff. It makes enough torque that a pillion or luggage makes little impact. Above ninety it starts to strain against the barn-door fairing – it’ll do it, but high-speed isn’t the point of the Vision.

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Reliability & build quality

Next up: Value
4 out of 5 (4/5)

Victory is still a growing brand so a solid reputation for reliability is a few years away, but there’s no major faults reported with any of the bikes using the same engine, and MCN put 7000 miles on a Vision with only a minor software issue afflicting the stereo. Service intervals are disappointingly short at 2500 miles though – long foreign trips will require careful timing if you don’t want to go past the service interval. Built quality is stunning – the ‘Victory’ badges on the fairing light up at night for the final needless, but cool, touch.

Value vs rivals

Next up: Equipment
4 out of 5 (4/5)

There’s no doubt you get a lot of bike for the money – it’s a brilliant way for you and a pillion to cover miles in style. It makes the Harley-Davidson Electra Glide feel and look cheap as well as riding better, and it’s considerably cheaper than the Honda GL1800 Goldwing, though the Honda boasts six-cylinder power and even more toys. If you have this much cash to spend on a bike, you’ll have your own perception of value anyway. Find a Victory Vision for sale

Equipment

5 out of 5 (5/5)

Dull motorways are made more interesting by the Victory – you can marvel at the buttons for hours. Cruise control and a high-quality stereo (complete with iPod jack to control it through the dash) plus heated seats and grips. A reverse gear is fitted to help move the behemoth backwards, and impress onlookers. Comfort is excellent, allowing you to use all the 200 plus miles fuel-range in one hit. Compare and buy parts for the Vision in the MCN Shop.

Specs

Engine size 1731cc
Engine type 8v air-cooled 50° v-twin. Six gears, belt drive
Frame type Cast aluminium cradle
Fuel capacity 22.7 litres
Seat height 673mm
Bike weight 394kg
Front suspension none
Rear suspension Air-adjustable preload
Front brake Twin 300mm discs, three-piston calipers. Linked ABS.
Rear brake 300mm disc, two-piston caliper. Linked ABS
Front tyre size 130/70R18
Rear tyre size 180/60R16

Mpg, costs & insurance

Average fuel consumption 37 mpg
Annual road tax £117
Annual service cost £200
New price -
Used price -
Insurance group 17 of 17
How much to insure?
Warranty term Two year unlimited mileage

Top speed & performance

Max power 92 bhp
Max torque 109 ft-lb
Top speed 110 mph
1/4 mile acceleration -
Tank range 215 miles

Model history & versions

Model history

2008: Introduced. Two models – Vision Street, without topbox and some accessories, and the Vision Tour, with top box and full spec.
2010: ABS introduced as standard fit.

Other versions

Vision 8-Ball: Introduced 2010, stripped of top box, shorter screen, all electronic accessories and painted all-black, costing £13,495.

Owners' reviews for the VICTORY VISION (2008 - on)

3 owners have reviewed their VICTORY VISION (2008 - on) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.

Review your VICTORY VISION (2008 - on)

Summary of owners' reviews

Overall rating: 5 out of 5 (5/5)
Ride quality & brakes: 4.7 out of 5 (4.7/5)
Engine: 5 out of 5 (5/5)
Reliability & build quality: 5 out of 5 (5/5)
Value vs rivals: 4 out of 5 (4/5)
Equipment: 5 out of 5 (5/5)
Annual servicing cost: £200
5 out of 5 Futuristic Blast From The Past
30 January 2023 by VisionNess

Version: Arlen Ness

Year: 2013

Annual servicing cost: £200

Best features are the engineering that went into every aspect of the bike. Worst features are the saddlebags were built more for form than function. That being said, there's still plenty of space between the two of them and the trunk for touring.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

The air adjustable mono shock on the rear let's you dial in your firmness. It rides much smoother than other bikes I own on the same roads. I can ride her until she needs fuel which is around 250 miles.

Engine 5 out of 5

Engine is well designed and very reliable. Power and torque are incredible, especially for a bike designed 15 years ago.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

People who see her as well as myself can't believe she's 10 years old... looks and rides like new. I've never had a mechanical issue at all, though I do maintain her properly. There's absolutely no signs of corrosion or unusual wear.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Generally 2 oil changes per year and cleaning the K&N air filter and plugs. Tires are as needed.

Equipment 5 out of 5

Favorite feature - long floorboards that offer numerous locations for foot placement. No need for highway pegs. Honorable mentions... Heated grips and seat, cruise control, adjustable windscreen, tip over protection, in-frame air intake, Ness Kicker radio and speakers are better than non Ness version, locking fuel cap and a dedicated place to keep cap while fueling.

Buying experience: Bought privately as Victory is not in production anymore.

5 out of 5 The best American V-Twin full dress tourere you've never heard of
17 May 2016 by Lee Blackburn

Version: Vision Tour

Year: 2010

Everything an American Full Dress tourer should be. I was converted to full dress tourers a few years back after a tour on a Honda Goldwing around New Zealand's South Island. Having tried a Harley-Davidson Electra Glide I've found the Victory to be better than both and all for less money.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

The ride quality is great and the air-adjustable rear suspension really works well. the brakes are fine but the front could do with more bite.

Engine 5 out of 5

Everything a Harley-Davidson big twin should be. Smooth and continues to pull beyond 3500Rpm which is handy when overtaking something. Plus it looks great too and really encourages you to get into the swing of things by being some low revving and muscular.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

So far so good.

Value vs rivals 3 out of 5

I got my bike for a good price but the servicing costs aren't particularly great. Plus service intervals on my model are every 4000Kms, which is a pain.

Equipment 5 out of 5

Heated seats, grips, HID headlight, Electrically adjustable screen (Take note Honda and H-D), gear indicator, clear instruments, IPod-compatible stereo... The list goes on and on.

5 out of 5 I wear reading glasses, but my Vision is perfect.
04 May 2016 by Deano106

Version: Tour

Year: 2008

Like my Vision. Best features you get to talk to lots of people. Worst feature lots of people always around the bike. I have parked the bike, switched off and put the stand down; couldn't get off the bike on the right-hand side as a mechanic was already on the deck looking underneath and bumped into three bikers as I got off on the left-hand side. All in 10 seconds, honest!

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Does anything and does it all well. Great fun slow riding (thanks Craig Jones-Bike Skills Academy). Motorway all day if you really want (although cars will come alongside to take photos; yes they do). Continental roads bliss. Only ever worn vented gloves and open face. Did once get wet on a Dutch residential road in a storm in a 20kph speed limit, Otherwise faring and screen take the pounding.

Engine 5 out of 5

Over 1700cc and a Stage 1 boost. Thinking of more...

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Black Forest 2014, Pyrenees west-east-west 2015. Frequent daily commute. Front forks now need a blast/powder coat. Otherwise shines like new... we do all spend hours polishing chrome don't we?

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Frequent oil service a cost. MPG excellent especially on long lazy tours in the sun.

Equipment 5 out of 5

Got everything. But added a sub woofer in the trunk and LED lighting (see chrome comment above).

Buying experience: Friendly Victory dealers wherever you go.

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