Anybody heading to Dover tomorrow? by: Michael Scott
Thanks, again, for getting back, Billy.
Coincidentally, MY wife also rides an 1100 V-Star!
My mount is an '03 Venture Midnight.....and I know what you mean about the height 'challenge'. Even at 6 feet, my size is marginal in terms of being able to "touch down" and/or maintain control in low speed or no speed situations. That, combined with the 869 pound weight make it quite a handful for all but the burliest of riders. Don't get me wrong....it's a great ride, once you're up and running, but don't try paddling it backwards out of even the slightest uphill parking spot.
There are lowering kits and tires sizes that can be played with in order to get it down an inch or so, but the bike's design doesn't allow any SERIOUS alterations to saddle height. It's a shame really, because this factor alone probably forces many riders to other machines.
I'll have to try throwing my leg over a Victory sometime and see how it feels. (Maybe at Dover, tomorrow!)
Cheers, and keep the shiny side up.
Jan 12, 2012 Rating
Reply to Micheal by: Billy aka 2looney
Repy to Micheal
My other bike is a 2003 Suzuki Intruder Volusia which has 90,000km which I bought new, my wife has a 1100 V-star which looks like a mini Yahmaha Venture. Most of my friends ride Ventures, Harleys and Kawi's. I have found that the Victory is a well balanced bike and the 800+ pounds are not an issue. The Victory Cross Country are also make lots of noise in the United States as a replacement police bike, lots of youtube clips so the comparisions between the Victory and the Harley.
The space in the saddle bags are the biggest in the industry and I can fit my half helmet with other items in one bag. The ride is smooth but the tranny has a jet whine which is common and need to get use to hearing. There is no comparing this bike to my Intruder as it is much more of a bike. My friend who also test rode with me rides a Venture and he stands at 6'2" loved the handling of this bike and didn't want to switch to the Vision. He wants to switch bike all the time but I can't touch the ground on his bike as I'm 5'8" with a 27"inseam.
The rider room allows any size rider the comfort for different positioning on long rides as the floor boards I believe are also the largest in the industry. Lots of info on this bike through Youtube.
Be Safe All
Jan 12, 2012 Rating
Comparisons welcome by: Michael Scott
Thanks for the comments about your new(er) Phantom; you're obviously impressed.
What would be additionally interesting to hear/see is how various aspects of this bike compare to others you own or have owned (or maybe just ridden). For example, when you went on your trip to South Carolina, what were your wife and friend riding? Did you swap bikes to see how they compared?
I haven't read many reviews of Victory's bikes, but I've certainly been impressed by their appearance. They seem to have "upped the ante" from a styling standpoint (not that other manufacturers have stood still either) but I wonder how their performance compares to any of their touring competitors, including Harley, Yamaha, even BMW.
Also, I'm sure most of us would be interested in knowing how much this little slice of heaven set you back? Most readers, I'm sure, think your new bike looks "awesome", but I imagine would be hard-pressed to just go out and grab one...as you appear to have done. Good on ya, BTW!!
