2012 Victory Vision Review

Intro

Fairly new to the motorbike-manufacturing game, Spirit Lake Iowa-based Victory Motorcycles launched its creative operations back in 1998. Specializing in V-Twin cruisers, ATV’s, and touring motorcycles, Victory’s actually the motorcycle division of Polaris Industries that was established in the mid-1950s, staking its reputation in power sports by producing snowmobiles and even water craft vehicles until their recent retirement from the company lineup.

Looking to compete with one of the most dominant and highly profitable lines in the industry today, Harley-Davidson, Victory’s small group of spirited engineers, designers, and mechanics aimed at producing large-scale touring bikes produced exclusively in the United States. The opposite of the types of motor bikes that have gradually gained popularity across Europe and Asia - mainly modern, light weight racing inspired designs - Victory focuses more on heavier bikes built for longer journeys. Over the years Victory has slowly etched out a name for itself by steering away from the traditional V-twin cruiser bike designs and opting for vehicles that are more progressive, even futuristic looking in terms of their style.

Victory’s first motorcycle, the V92C, made its official debut at Planet Hollywood at Minnesota’s Mall Of America in 1997. Awarded the ""Motorcycle Cruiser Of The Year"" by the press, the massive V92C packed a 1507cc, eight-valve overhead-cam engine that provided plenty of road-ready motivation. Phased out of production in 2003, the Victory V92C has since become a favorite among Victory enthusiasts.

The coming years brought an expansive and varied lineup from Victory. After a sportier version of the V29C called the V92SC made its debut at Sturgis in 1999, the Minnesota-based bike manufacturer launched the Freedom 92/5 V-Twin in 2002. Weighing in at approximately 700 pounds, or roughly the equivalent of your average Harley, the Freedom delivered a higher engine power output, sporting more rounded cylinders and a smaller oil cooler. The Victory Hammer and the Vegas 8-Ball followed next, both unabashedly muscular cruisers with 250mm rear tires, 90 horsepower, and decked in a sleek blacked out look instead of chrome.

To celebrate their 10th Anniversary, Victory rolled of their Vision model for 2008. A true luxury touring bike all the way, the Victory Vision created plenty of waves when unveiled. Designed by leading Industrial Designer, Michael Song, the 850 pound, aerodynamic, futuristic-looking Vision donned the company""s biggest production engine to date: a 92 horsepower 1731cc mill, 106 cubic-inch motor. Available in two distinct versions, the Street - that includes hard saddlebags - and the Tour - that comes with a hard trunk - Victory’s Vision motor bike is fast becoming the new high water mark for authentic luxury touring bikes.

New For 2012

  • Brand new tube-shaped handlebars designed to offer easier steering control that can accept mounts and clamps so a rider can add a cup holder and all common electrical device mounts.
  • The dampers have been removed from the side storage compartment covers for easier opening.
  • The redesigned exhaust tips now resemble those of the Victory Cross Country.
  • A ""Neutral Assist"" function has been added to make it easier for the driver to shift into neutral when stopped. This reduces the rider""s effort that ultimately reduces clutch wear. This will lessen the performance demands on the oil.
  • Brand new instrumentation includes: analog speedometer, which can be set to show miles per hour or kilometers per hour; blue backlighting; a larger LCD display showing Clock, gear position, tachometer and diagnostic readouts.
  • A new side stand on each Victory Vision features an integrated hooked design for easy locating and easy control of the side stand.

2012 Victory Vision Specs

  • Model: 2012 Victory Vision
  • Engine Type: four-Stroke 50 degree V-Twin
  • Bore and Stroke: 3.9 inches and 4.3 inches
  • Compression ratio: 9.4:1
  • Valve Train: Single Overhead Camshafts With 4 Valves Per Cylinder, Self-Adjusting Cam Chains, Hydraulic Lifters
  • Induction: Liquid
  • Ignition: Electric
  • Transmission: six-Speed Overdrive Constant Mesh
  • Final Drive: Carbon Fiber Reinforced Belt
  • Fuel Capacity: 6 gallons
  • Estimated Fuel Economy: N/A
  • Brakes (Front): Dual 11.8 inch floating rotor with four-piston caliper
  • Brakes (Rear): Dual 11.8 inch floating rotor with two-piston caliper
  • Suspension (Front): 1.8 inch diameter conventional telescopic fork
  • Suspension (Rear): 3.65 inch single mono-tube, cast aluminum with constant-rate linkage
  • Wheelbase: 65.7 inches
  • Rake: 29 degrees
  • Trail: 5.6 inches
  • Seat Height: 26.5 inches
  • Curb Weight: 869 pounds
  • Tires (Front): 130/70R18 Dunlop Elite 3
  • Tires (Rear): 180/60R16 Dunlop Elite 3

Accessories

  • Electric windshield height control, heated seats, and heated handlebar grips.
  • Trunk cargo rack, trunk liner, passenger armrest kit, and saddlebag liners; a full 29 gallons of available space.
  • Fully integrated audio system with AM/FM radio, MP3/iPod capability. The Victory
  • Vision is also wired to accommodate CB radio and helmet communicator system.
  • Standard cruise control across models.

Key Competitors For The 2012 Victory Vision

  • Honda Gold Wing
  • Harley-Davidson's Electra Glide
  • Star Royal Star Venture S