The Vision of the future

These are the world’s first pictures of the new Victory Vision; a bike that its American manufacturer claims is going to revolutionise the touring market.

By merging classic American style (with the chrome V-twin engine proudly displayed at the centrepiece) with the fresher lines of European tourers, like BMW’s K1200LT.

Even the grey/silver colour schemes ape BMW’s executive-looking touring bikes.

Victory has unveiled two variations of its new tourer: the Vision Street and the Vision Tour. Both are aimed at the serious touring market, however, the emphasis of the Tour is targeted at two-up, long-distance travel whereas the Street is aimed more specifically at the solo traveller who occasionally takes a friend out for a spin.

The Victory Vision has six-speed transmission with an overdrive for relaxed motorway cruising – perfect for ticking off the miles on long stretches of straight road in comfort.

The 23 litre tank is large enough for a tank range of over 200 miles – a must for those looking at crossing continents without having to divert for fuel every hour.

Also, there’s plenty of room for luggage with the Vision Tour promising over 110 litres of storage from its built-in panniers.

Currently no weight has been announced but judging by the chrome, the fairing and the 1,634cc V-twin it will probably tip the scales by at least 300kg.

The Vision gets twin, three-piston calliper 300mm front discs to bring the colossal bulk of this super tourer to a standstill. The rear brake gets a single disc with twin-piston callipers.

Victory had been promising the Vision would get one of the lowest seat heights in the touring market.

The confirmed figure is 26.5 inches (67.3cm) which only just undercuts the Harley-Davidson Road King at 26.6 inches (67.5cm).

It might not sound like much but seat height figures can be as important in the cruiser marketplace as peak horse power figures are to superbike riders.

All creature comforts have been considered and the bikes can be factory fitted with a stereo and MP3 player and GPS navigation.

The Vision is also likely to come with optional ABS and heated grips and seats; expect to see a comprehensive list of optional accessories by the time the bike is released.

No UK prices have been confirmed but the first bikes are expected in the UK in Autumn 2007.

MCN expects the bike will cost at least £16,000.