Is a Vision too much bike for a new rider?

[james_garner]

I have seen this question answered for other bikes but not for the Vision. I have also seen folks with a lot of wisdom telling prospective new riders to start with a 250 or a 500.

I am 6'7" and I weigh in at 260 pounds. I understand and appreciate the concern for new riders buying too much bike. But isn't the converse just as true?

I would think that a bike that is too small would have obvious comfort issues and some safety issues as well. If you can't get to the gear lever and the brake, that is problematical.

I really like the Vision but I want to make sure I am not getting too much bike compared to my experience. I am also looking at the BMW K1200LT. It appears to me that the BMW's higher seat and higher center of gravity would make it more difficult to ride than the Vision's lower seat and lower CG.

If this topic has been discussed, please point me in the correct direction and accept my apologies.

Thank you in advance for your responses!

[Milehog]

If you are a talented and co-ordinated fella it might work out. Starting on a disposable bike is less stressful, if (when) you drop it, so what. An older Gold Wing or such is cheap and can usually be sold for close to the purchase price. FWIW my 115# wife started on an older Kaw 440 without problems.
BTW, the Vision is a cool bike.

[Diamondrmp]

There are two trains of thought on new riders. Here is my story and advice.

I took the MSF course 3 years ago. Prior to the course I had maybe 1 hour max time riding a bike.

The month after I finished the course I bought my Victory Jackpot. Not only did I buy a full size bike but a wide tire bike. It is the bike I've learned on.

I was told by more people to get the bike I want and learn on it. Why waste the money on a starter bike that could have gone on my full size bike? Most people I've known only stay on their starter bike for 6 months or so.

Everyone says IF and WHEN you are going to drop it. LOL I know people that have been riding for years and didn't drop the bike until AFTER they got their full size bike.

I say get the bike you want and practice on it. I was lucky to be less than 100 yards from the college where I took the MSF course. I went over there regularly to practice on my bike.

[nightrob]

My 2 cents..... Is a Vision too big or too powerful for a beginner? NO!! Is a Vision expensive? YES!! Is it a good idea to spend that much on a bike that you are not even sure that you will like riding? Im not saying that a Vision would ride bad, but are you absoulutely sure it is something that you will stick with. I must say I know too many people making payments on garage queens that they just had to have. Then they figured out that they dont like to ride. My suggestion is, rent a bike for a few weekend outings, get some practice and some miles under your belt and then decide if it is for you or not. Just my 2 cents

[WEINERDOGBONE]

IMO, you could handle that bike fine. I'm not as tall as you but I am a big solid dude and I started on an old Gold Wing. The only thing that I would be concerned about would be dropping a brand new bike. I dropped that old GW several times before I learned to be a little more smooth with stopping and starting.

[kustom_flames]

Lots of good points already made. You need to find a bike you feel comfortable on...and sure a smaller CC bike will mean you will outgrow it in a season, but it may be easier to learn on. I am certainly in favor of a MSF course. You don't even to have a bike, just learn on theirs, get your license at the end of it, and then let the fun begin after...

I would go for a used metric bike, where you get alot of bike for the money, and ride the hell out of it for a season. Then you can start lookin at upgrading...

[1atom12]

I think you will fine on the Vision... As far as the comments about dropping it? It's a non-issue. The Vision has built in tip over protection up to 25 mph. It prevents any damage to bike. Secondly, the Vision has an extremely low center of gravity which makes it very easy to handle at both low speed and high. It is simply one of the best handling touring bikes out there right now... How do I know? I sold my 2007 Ultra to buy one...

For sure you need to take the MSF course!

[Sarge7]

Ya also might check out yer local victory dealer and arrange a test ride on the victory model you are thinking about buying. Most dealers are pretty good about this and have several demo rides through out the tear to show off their new models.

[Eddie Haskell]

I hadn't ridden in at least 30 years and that was an old Honda CB360, went right out and bought an 800 LB Ultra, it all worked out. In the beginning there were some "what have I gotten myself into" thoughts but they went away as the mileage increased. Good luck on whatever you decide

[VicXC]

MY opinion...sense you asked...1st take the MFS cours...I don't remember if you said you had...2nd for a guy 6'7" tall and weighing 260...you are going to out grow a starter bike in a week. I don't know if it is even possible for you ride a 250 anything...your chin and knees would be touching each other.

Now the subject of the Vision...well I have a few hundred miles on various Visions and I will say without any hesitation that the Vision is the easiest and best handling cruiser that I have EVER ridden. And yes that includes all of the motor company’s offerings. The last couples of years I have put 30,000 miles on a Victory Kingpin Deluxe an extremely good handling cruiser...but I can do every "Ride like a Pro" maneuvers as easily on an unfamiliar Vision as I can on my own Kingpin.

Yes it is a powerful bike but you will not be pulling wheelies until you put Lloyds cams and resister plate in it...then you will have to mean to...Yes it is 800 pounds but it is also the best balanced lowest centered bike I have ever ridden. And if you drop this bike the famous tip over protection has got you covered...Go to the Victory Motorcycle website pull up Vision and videos and watch the one they have on tip over protection...It is absolutely cruel what they do to the competitor’s bikes...what the heck here is a link… http://www.polarisindustries.com/en-...es/videos.aspx (on the right side pick the confort, weather and protection tab...it starts to get ugly about have way through)

Any way...if you are not a complete duffus you'll do fine starting on a Vision and as for cost...the new 2010 Vision 8-ball is like $15K

[Tinnitus]

My first bike was a 1978 Yamaha full dress XS750e model. EVERYONE advised against such a HUGE powerful bike for a new rider. Never had one seconds worth of trouble with it. (Yawn)

Buy what you want to ride, and then learn how to ride it. Simple. You're obviously not an overconfident squid -or- you wouldn't be here queing up opinions. The new rider that has a "I already know everything" mentality is the one headed for trouble...