Looks odd, runs great

Let me deal right off the bat with the first thing that strikes when you lay eyes on the Vision, and it strikes quite hard: the looks. I am at a loss of “artistic” words to describe it. I negotiated with myself the word futuristic by implication, as it looks like nothing from the past!

The raison-d’être of a touring is riding–hours on end, with enough comfort and effectiveness to enjoy the trip.

With looks and first impressions out of the way, let’s delve into what this unique bike is made of. After a slight misfire with the first generation of Victory models in the mid 90s, the Polaris Industries subsidiary came out with an impressive second generation of cruisers and customs, powered at the time by a 92 CID air and oil cooled V-twin, with impeccable electronics to manage the ignition and fuel injection systems. As easy to operate 5-speed gearbox made for effortless riding, while the 85-odd horsepower and usable torque all the way down to 2000 rpm provided plenty of oomph for solo as well as two-up riding.

Happily, the 2009 Vision uses an evolution of the same flawless engine, now displacing 105 CID and equipped with an environment-friendly 6-speed gearbox (Because revs and thus noise emissions are lowered at cruising speeds). The rest of the drive train is just as efficient, with a light-pull clutch and state-of-the-art Kevlar belt final drive. The engine delivers 95 hp at 5,000 rpm and 109 lb-f of torque at 3,500 rpm, with 90% of that torque on tap at 2,000 rpm.

The Vision is a full sized machine, one that demands a solid chassis and suspensions to put up with fully loaded touring. The bridge-like pontoon chassis fills the bill, with adequate damping from the non-adjustable front and preload adjustable rear suspensions. The two front and single rear discs are up to the task, as long as you remember to use both ends when looking for maximum retardation. A word on the shifter and brake pedals, both of which are well positioned for operation without having to lift your heel off the floorboard. This makes rear brake modulation more precise than on other brands with their big, high macho brake pedal. I hate braking with my foot completely off the floorboard, as forward weight increases braking, which in turn increases braking, until you react and pull back – enough said…

The raison-d’être of a touring bike is riding – hours on end – with enough comfort and effectiveness to enjoy the trip while remaining fresh enough to keep up the extreme vigilance needed for safe riding. This is where the Vision shines. The boys in Minnesota must have spent months fine-tuning the aerodynamics on computers, in wind tunnels and on the road, as the big machine provides the quietest, most serene riding bubble of any bike I have ever ridden. The air behind the screen remains absolutely stable, to the extent that it may become somewhat hot on stifling summer days (Note to self: Check out Vision on a hot day!).

The 2009 Vision, now displacing 105 CID and equipped with an environment-friendly 6-speed gearbox.