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Netnorske
09-16-2011, 10:03 PM
Just for grins I stopped into the local Victory Dealer today to have another close look at the Cross-Country Tour bike. As I was looking at it, a friend from High School who I have not seen in 30 years recognized me and came over for a chat.

Turns out he has a 2008 Victory Vision that was parked out back. He loves it and has had many bikes...HD's included. He told me how much he loved the thing and asked if I had ever ridden one. Having said I was afraid to, he insisted I take his for a spin...so I took him up on it. It was a lot like the Cross bike...so what the heck.

After a short ride up and down the highway...I came away with some impressions....

It had good power....

The gears really clunked....badly IMHO....

The position of the handlebars was foreign and uncomfortable to me...not like the sweet natural 45 degree sweep of my Nomad....

With 15k miles on it....it was not nearly as smooth as my Nomad is with 45k.......

It wasn't nearly as cool as I hoped it would be. Maybe the new Cross bikes are better....but they are awful similar in styles...so the ride must be too.....

After getting back on my Nomad for my ride home, I was even more impressed with it than I ever have been. Comfortable and familiar....like an old recliner... ;).

Of all the new bikes I have ridden or sat on....I actually find the new 1700 Nomad fits me nearly to a tee. If the 2012 model comes out with the older bag style like the Vaquero....and Costco still offers those big discounts....I have a feeling I know which direction I might be heading when the time comes.... http://s2.images.proboards.com/cool.gif.

schoeney
09-17-2011, 02:20 AM
I rode a Vision once as well....for about 20 miles. I agree with every point you made. Plus those bags are sooooooooooooooo small on the inside.

jasperboy
09-17-2011, 05:16 AM
Agree with your impressions. I have lusted after many bikes over the years, but after a quick test ride have yet to find anything that "fits" me better than my 1600.

Loafer
09-17-2011, 07:16 AM
Kris, I can relate to how you felt getting back on your Nomad. I have test ridden several of the Victory's over the past 11 or 12 years. I'm always happiest with the feel of my Nomad. I'm not sure about the new Nomad, but I do like the Vaquero.

AlabamaNomadRider
09-18-2011, 11:49 AM
Thanks for the pointers Kris. I'm not in the market as I do love my Nomad. At my age I don't forsee buying another bike. At least not in this lifetime. http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif Good thing I love the Nomad so much.

glwilson
09-18-2011, 01:42 PM
I could see you on a Voyager!! Sooner than later in fact!! http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/cool.gif

unwind2
09-18-2011, 02:00 PM
The dealer I always take my Nomad to for service is now also selling the spyder. Took the nomad in for a quick oil/oil filter change the other day....while waiting on the bike I rode the spyder. Different but fun.

aldridgekennedy
09-18-2011, 02:27 PM
Thanks. I really enjoy reading about these comparisons and opinions. It really does validate why i went with the Nomad. The styling and fit are right for me.

2x18wheeler
09-18-2011, 03:31 PM
I am also glad I bought a 2010 Nomad. My wife and I rode up to Ashland, Maine today and back home. My wife couldn't stop telling me how much she likes the Nomad compared to our 900LT. http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

landman
09-22-2011, 09:16 PM
is the voyager out of the question for you?it seems a better buy then the nomad
that has to be modified the way you like your bikes kris.

Bull Durham
09-22-2011, 10:35 PM
I do enjoy my Nomad, but I wish the seat sat back a couple more inches further backwards. I've been told with the Mustang seat it slides you up closer to the gas tank, don't know, the Mustang seat was on it when I bought the bike.

Netnorske
09-22-2011, 10:45 PM
is the voyager out of the question for you?it seems a better buy then the nomad
that has to be modified the way you like your bikes kris.

I haven't ruled anything in or out....but the Nomad seems to fit me a little better than the Voyager...not sure why.

ponch
09-23-2011, 08:13 AM
Yeah, it does an inch or two. You could try the stocker or I've heard the corbin puts the rider down and back.

Bull Durham
09-25-2011, 04:35 PM
Only problem with Corbin seats, I've rode many friends bike with them, is they feel good at first, then turn into a rock. Seem to be hard.

I have the stock seat, front and rear, came with the bike, never been used, but no backrest with the stock seat. So I guess it's a trade off. Maybe at the next rally, will check out what other people have on their bikes for seats, see how they like them.

ponch
09-25-2011, 06:29 PM
I think the best answer is a custom seat. It won't be any more than a Corbin and it will be better, made for that particular rider.