Riders Of Vision

Hey all,

I've just recently purchased my first 82 Vision and simultaneously discovered this online gang.  I'm not sure where best to post my questions so I went with general.

Basically this bike is in need of some love.  It definitely is showing some of the signs of the most common issues listed here and elsewhere for this model like some hesitation on acceleration and some apparently carb and vacuum related fussiness. (locks on hot start, sputtering, etc.)  One thing I know is that it's going to need all new hoses, they're obviously shot.  I'm new to this bike but have about 10,000 miles on a shadow, what have I gotten myself into?I'm a young guy with time but not a lot of cash and this bike seriously struck my fancy.  I'd like to do ask much of my own work as possible, is this a good place to get parts?  I'm in Washington state.  thoughts? suggestions?

Evan

Welcome to the gang!

First, read as many of the past postings as your time permits.  There is a ton of info available here.  Just about anything that can go wrong with a Vision has a fix that has been discussed here.

Second, get in touch with Lucky & purchase his CD (or DVD?) of Vision stuff.  Manuals, advertising info, just tons of worthwhile info.

Third, remember that it will take some time, effort and yes, money, to get your new acquisiton running safely & reliably.  As Rick G says, "Someone has ridden much of the good out of that bike & now it is up to you to put that good back into it."  Even bikes that were stored need some work to get them back into proper riding condition.

Fourth, Go replace the brake tension bar bolts before you ride it again.  We have had several recent incidents of those bolts breaking & it can be a very ugly proposition.  Better safe than sorry.

Hoses are best replaced with new parts.  You can usually find what you need at hardware & auto parts stores.  Many of us have lots of spare parts.  As you find things you need, post in the swap shop & we'll let you know if what you seek is available from one of us or the dealer or aftermarket.  Not much aftermarket for this bike, but there are some things.

Don't be afraid to ask questions - there's a wealth of knowledge here & we don't give newbies a hard time about it - at least when we do give some grief, it is meant in good humor.  Good thing you want to do your own work, as dealers won't touch these bikes & we know more about fixing them than any independent shop - unless you get extremely lucky & find one whose mechanic owns or recently owned one & got it running right.

H₂O

We have several visionaries in WA. I'm sure that someone will be not too far away and they will pop up with offers to help!  Welcome aboard.

Hi Evan and welcome to the ROV family.  As with yours, most Visions are diamonds in the rough and with a little care and work are capable of serving as a terrific mode of transportation and fun.  For the most part, if your bike starts, you are off to a good start...better than most.  If it starts and runs...even better.  Hesitation is usually attributable to dirty carbs and if your Vision spent any amount of time sitting, then a vigrous carb cleaning is in order.  And I don't mean a couple sprays of carb cleaner either.
Hoses and such can be found quite cheaply at your local auto parts store and Vision parts, most at least can be found either here by asking in the "Swap Shop" or on ebay.
You will have lots of other posts to follow mine to read with other tips as well but I also encourage you to thoroughly search and read the site.  Many of the questions you have have been asked and answered hundreds of times over...not thats not to say that we wont answer them again, we will, but the site has a wealth of information at your disposal.
Speaking of which, look for any posts by "Lucky" and clikck on his screen name, send him a PM and ask about buying one of his DVD's.  He has put together a whole DVD full of information, manuals and facts about the Vision and it is one of the most important investments you cna make in your bike.

Welcome Aboard!

David

hi Evan,,
  a Vision is a thing of pride, and also one of hate . you take pride in fixing it,restoring it, easing it back into daily use, and then ,it breaks down and you hate it, want to sell it, walk off and leave it,, but it will always call you back, reveal the problem and let you fix it, and then th elove starts to flow again.

  follow th eabove advice and when yo ucan go buy the following :
pb blaster penetrating oil    spray can    to get stuck stuff apart
an inline fuel filter
a can of seafoam  fuel sys treatment   to clear up any fuel issues other than a rebuild

you dont really have to be a master wrench to fix a vision,, we have medical folks, lawyers, computer whizzes, a few office managers, and most learned to repair a bike ,one step at a time, one question at a time-- and you can too.
the trick is to use the forum ,,, the search feature is great, and anything that cant be found ,can be asked ,,,All questions get an answer,,, and best of all, it is pretty much free.. parts are not really an issue, someone has a spare ,just ask in the swap shop

  also ,, check the links on main page, a few of the original members have a site of thier own, and there is info there you wont get from a book

 

Welcome to The Group.  It sounds like you have the right attitude to become a dedicated Vnary.  When you get your V well sorted you will love it dearly.  They are really wonderful, "do it all", bikes.

FYI, It is possible to love your V all the time.  I've never hated mine...but then again, I haven't been through 4 or 5 stators in one year either.
Now I've gone and done it...woken up the hibernating gremlins...hope that new gremlin bell is as effective as everyone says it is.  ;D

I love my Vision!  ;D

David

Quote from: YellowJacket! on July 02, 2008, 06:34:37 PM

......
You will have lots of other posts to follow mine to read with other tips as well but I also encourage you to thoroughly search and read the site.  Many of the questions you have have been asked and answered hundreds of times over...not thats not to say that we wont answer them again, we will, but the site has a wealth of information at your disposal.

read: but we've forgotten what the hell was said before and will probably forget an "oh yeah.... we forgot to tell ya about that"....


"Forget which, but it doesn't matter, as both work great".  (taken waaaay out of context)

random memory access...  ;)

Even after going through a stator every 1,000 miles, I've never hated my V.  The stators & whatever is causing this atypical problem, yes - but the Vision, never.   ;D

H₂O

Welcom.  I'm in Seattle, and there are other ROVers in Bellevue, Bellingham, yakima, orting & elsewhere.  Look in the "Going Riding" section for the WA-ROV thread.  The ride hasn't happened yet, but you'll see some of the other names.

The Vision certainly has its pluses and a few minuses, but this forum is A+++.  You will find encouragement and sound advice here.

wow, rock on.  I'll do some research  be back right after I clean the grease off

Evan

Take it to the bike shop for plugs.

The shop owner will come out and take a look at it. They really are that unusual. A great concept bike the likes of the VX 800 never quite matched.

I'm in New Zealand (in fact there are a few of us here), if you ever want a natter.

pickteam@xnet.co.nz

Promise not to mention Weber carbs!

Welcome aboard Evan,
I Am over in Orting and have just aquired another V, after getting my first also up and running. I don't have a wealth of information and have yet to get that cd from Lucky; but through this forum LiLLy is the best bike that I have ever owned.

Anything that I can do to help you get yours back into the Twisties is at your disposal. Just ask and I'm sure that we can come up with some soultion.
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