The rider seat provides a low, inviting place to situate my non-inconsiderable mass, while the extended floor boards allow one to extend one’s legs forward or bring them back closer to the seat to help absorb bad bumps. The complete set of instruments, gauges, lights, toggles and levers are all easy to read, reach and use – I especially appreciate the cruise control, a feature that reduces fatigue considerably over longer distances or in heavy weather. The Vision, like all full bodied cruisers, is top heavy, as all such machines are. It makes me wonder how a weaker person can cope with a loaded bike in town of when parking.

The ride is smooth and effortless, as you would expect, with every component performing assigned tasks to perfection. Performance is more than adequate up to 140 kph, from whence it inches up to an indicated 170 kph maximum, up there with the better Japanese cruisers. The only flaw in this ointment is the ever present sound of air being gulped avidly by the bid cylinders between your legs. The sound grows to a pounding when accelerating and remains ever present, even when touring at 100 kph under cruise control.

The seat is really comfortable, and performance is more than adequate up to 140 kph.

I suspect that this “sound” is designed in to satisfy the craving for noise from the target customers, much like the engine growl Harley have managed to push up into rider’s ears without allowing for similar propagation to the sides – everything to satisfy EPA inspectors. I looked at the offending air box, and it did not look like there was much room left for insulation – I know the Victory engineers are way better than me, so please guys!

Victory boss Mark Blackwell told me four years ago that Victory wanted to grab just under 10% of Harley’s market share, i.e. below the pain level of the Motor Company. They certainly have the machines needed to reach that target, despite a narrower product rang, but with excellent pricing versus direct competing models.


Complete equipment
Quality of components and assembly
Comfortable seat and suspension
Adequate power and torque
Variety of models and options


Top heavy at slow speed




Intake noise





Photo Credit : Philippe Champoux