Motorcycle-USA - Harley Road Glide Ultra vs Victory Vision

[XV1100SE]

Came across this article this morning and know some people have been considering the Victory. I know the 2011 RSV beats both bikes but for comparison....

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/10/9011/Motorcycle-Article/2011-Victory-Vision-Tour-vs-Road-Glide-Ultra-.aspx

[rsstar]

When I first read your post I was going to jump all over you UNTIL I read the article and realized they were talking about the Vision. I apologize for almost wanting to decapitate you. If you are comparing the Vision to the RSV I have to admit that the RSV is pretty much the winner EXCEPT in power, and also the audio system. Now the Venture may be quicker but the Vision has more ponies and considerably more torque. The audio system is superb although to get helmet hookup for speakers you have to spend big bucks. With a few simple changes (well not really simple but just a few) the Vision could be the supremo touring bike. But as it stands, no.

 

Now, if you want to compare the RSV to the Cross Country fitted with the gold plated trunk (check out the price and then tell me that sucker isn't gold plated) the RSV would have to work to keep up. Likewise with the Cross Country you have to spend big bucks for helmet hookups and intercom but if we're talking one up touring the Cross Country is a very fine touring machine. Even if you don't add a trunk the saddlebags are huge, and if needed additional stuff can be tied on to the seat. With the 6 gallon tank and 40+ mpg that I am getting with my CC, the bike has a very good range.

 

 

I have owned two RSVs and I still think it is the most comfortable touring bike on the road. If Mama Yamma would just up the power, add fuel injection and maybe add ABS and/or linked brakes the RSV would be the undeniable king (or queen depending on your perspective) of the road. As for the Cross Country compared to her Harley counterpart Harley loses big time !!

[XV1100SE]

I posted the link because I've seen posts from others talking about the Harley and Victory. Thought the write up was interesting.

 

From what I've seen, the European requirements for 2017 require ABS on bikes. If Yamaha keeps the Venture until then (or stops and starts again), that will be the time they finally update the RSV. LOL - getting older so heated seats/grips would be a welcome addition too !

[SilvrT]

I know the 2011 RSV beats both bikes

 

I would suggest that this statement is a matter of fading opinion.

 

Personally I do not agree and fail to see how a 12 year old design can even compare to current competition. Harley, Kawasaki, Victory (both Vision and Cross Country) have all leaped ahead in technology, design, and comfort while Yamma has literally abandoned the RSV IMHO. Honda GW, on the other hand, is not even in the same league ... has been in a league of it's own for years and years.

 

This is not to say that the RSV is not a good bike ... it's just not "current" and therefore, has nothing new and imporved to offer a prospective buyer (other than a color change).

 

 

Now that new Road Glide is very interesting!

[XV1100SE]

Other than sales figures I don't know why Yamaha doesn't update the bike. What R&D does it take to add some of the conveniences like heated grips and seat, improved radio/intercom system (add blue tooth and remove the cassette). Fuel injection might take a little adaptation but they have experience on other bikes. Same with ABS. Strengthen the rear shock...

 

The base bike is still strong with riding comfort, 4 cyclinder, shaft drive, low maintenance. In these areas the RSV is still a great bike. Would adding the other features greatly increase sales? Probably not a lot given that the touring market isn't that big, but the updates would be nice and would make the bike more competitive against the HD's, Victory, and even GoldWing. How many of us here would consider getting a newer RSV if it was updated?

[SilvrT]

How many of us here would consider getting a newer RSV if it was updated?

 

Without specifying "details", I certainly would but if my '06 died and I was to buy a new bike, I would NOT go out and replace it with the current 2011 RSV ... I'd be seriously looking at either Victory Cross Country or Harley and nothing else, even tho I did at one time think I'd buy a Wing...which I do like, a new one is too much money and I still prefer the "conventional look" of the CC and the Harley.

[ahoutzer]

The Cross Country (not the Vision) is a bike that I would really like to have, but doesn't it fall short of the RSV in weather protection, having no lower fairing? Storage space and the extra two speakers can be added with the optional trunk, but what about the lower weather protection? And, as outdated as it is, what would it take to add CB, intercom, headset functionality to the Cross Country, plus Buddy Rich's bluetooth cell phone addition?