Potato-potato-potato. That repetitive onomatopoeia was once
used in a courtroom to describe Harley-Davidson’s distinctive V-twin idle, a
rumble of such specific timbre and cadence that the manufacturer sought to
trademark its sound. Victory Motorcycles, keenly aware of the lure and lore of
air-cooled V-twins as popularized by Harley, has literally built its new
Vision—not to mention their entire brand—around that storied powerplant
configuration as well.
 However, the new flagship twists the American cruiser paradigm.
Surrounding the traditional engine type with sweeping bodywork, Victory
complements the engine’s innately anti-technological stance with lines that are
simultaneously futuristic and nostalgic. The Street version is low and
streamlined, while the Tour variant adds a trunk that doubles as a passenger
backrest and stereo speaker enclosure, cutting a taller and busier profile. (Click image to enlarge)
X-ray the Vision, and more futuristic forms become evident.
Large, twin aluminum tanks flank the steering head and store a total of 6
gallons of fuel, and the engine, which acts as a stressed member, suspends from
the cast aluminum frame without the aid of a downtube. A hollow subframe and
swingarm serve to reduce the Vision’s weight, though, at over 800 lb, the
hulking mass of the bike is certainly no featherweight. Air is fed to the engine
through the gently humped curve of the frame, and an air filter positioned just
behind the headlight is easily accessible but out of sight. The bike’s skin
carefully drapes the engine (which is referred to as a "jewel in the setting" by
Victory brass) and is thoughtfully designed with nary a cheap finish in
sight—the metallic-looking accents that might easily have been constructed of
plastic are, in fact, real aluminum. Included with the premium luxury package,
among other amenities, are extra chrome bits and a backlit Victory badge,
boasting to the world—day or night—of the owner’s penchant for non-Harley
motorcycling.
 RIDING STYLE
Helmet: Bell Sprint
Eyewear: Mercedes Benz MB50701
Jacket: Vanson Cobra Mark II
Gloves: AGV Sport Force
Jeans: Salt Works Varick Street Low Rise Boot Cut
Boots: Harley-Davidson Torrent. (Click image to enlarge)
Resting, the Vision cuts an imposing profile that suggests a
need for substantial lower body strength and the ability to manhandle an
unwieldy slab of two-wheeled mass. Straddle the Vision, and you’ll be met with
an entirely surprising experience. The seat, which rests a mere 26.5 inches from
the pavement, is narrow but comfortable, and its substantial 4 inches of padding
is generously cupped at the rear for support. The handlebars—thick and
authoritative—are mechanically isolated from the vibes of the aforementioned 106
cu in twin. Along the top of the tank is an aluminum panel with a two-line LCD
display for the stereo system, a flat expanse for an optional GPS unit, the
ignition key, and a few stray buttons. Unlike a Gold Wing, the Vision doesn’t
offer a built-in display screen, making the optional GPS unit feel like a bit of
an afterthought (though it does integrate with the bike’s electronics, as does
an iPod). The dashboard fascia features an analog speedometer and tachometer,
and an LCD screen that displays the time, ambient temperature reading, and a
large gear indicator.
Start up the chortling, 1,731cc engine, and you might be
surprised by its gutsy counterpoint to the modernity of the bike’s bodywork.
Rest your feet forward on the wide floorboards, and the daunting task of
maneuvering the bike grows less off-putting. At slow speeds, the Vision is a
pleasant surprise, as it does not want (barring absent-minded rider inattention
or negligent handling) to tip over. Should the rider lose grasp of his iron and
aluminum steed, the Vision is designed to rest on wings on the edges of the
floorboards to protect the lavish bodywork from the ravages of asphalt.
The engine revs eagerly throughout the powerband (though 90% of
torque is delivered at only 2,000 rpm), and increased speed only enhances the
bike’s stability. The 6-speed gearbox feels solidly isolated and substantially
constructed, lending it an air of impenetrability from the torquey engine.
|
; function voidFunc() { } voidFunc();)
; function voidFunc() { } voidFunc();)
