The decline of RoV

[The Prophet of Doom]

2022 saw another record low number of posts on RoV - just 32
Not all that long ago we were getting that a week.


It's sad to see this decline - Facebook is a decidedly crappy alternative but seems to get all the traffic


 

[jefferson]

Just about all the forums I frequent are the same way. Seems everyone thinks facebook is the way to go which I just don't understand. It's absolutely horrible because you can't find anything. All you can do is scroll and scroll and scroll. If there is a way to find some thing I have no idea so I just stay away.

[JBEVARDOS]

Hopefully our bikes arent  forgotten!

[fret not]

Well, they won't be forgotten as long as we are busy with them.  They are becoming "vintage" machines as the years slip by.  Tiger had the idea of focusing his repair and resurrection of used XZ 550s, but it takes a lot of energy to keep such specialty going.  I will eventually get mine on the road and enjoy riding it here in the foothills of the Sierra Mountains and maybe farther.  One problem I see is there are other motorcycles of more modern design and convenience available these days.  XZ550s are a niche, though I think not too far from the mainstream to be enjoyed by a good number of enthusiasts,  but a niche none the less.

[kevin g]

I found a nice 1983 that I got running and rebuilt the brakes and front end.  I had recently done a complete rejuvenation of a BMW R100RS and had planned to do the same with the Vision.  After I finished the RS, which was my dream bike 45 years ago, I concluded that my two modern BMWs were way, way better and sold it.

The Vision was another dream bike of mine in the 80's but work and school were a higher priority.  I rode the Vision a while but then applied the same logic to it as the RS and decided to sell it.  It was a very cool design and one of the best bikes of the 80's, but these modern machines are just so much better I cannot see another vintage machine in my garage.  I like working on bikes, but I like riding them more.  I have been to Alaska and back on a modern bike and would not think of doing that on a vintage bike.  I do back-to-back 500 mile days regularly and count on the reliability of my latest bikes.  I am fortunate to be able to be discriminating in this way.

I still check in on this site to see what is up because I will always appreciate the design of the Vision.  Such a sweet motor and the fairing was fabulous.

[briandneville]

Sobering to see when put in those terms, POD.  32 posts!  I think I started 5-10 of them.  And I joined this group less than 3 years ago.

I agree that FB sucks in many ways, as does the general quality of the info you get there, but I still check it daily because I like staying connected to others with a similarly bizarre interest in the XZ. 

Not sure what more to say, other than I HOPE we get more crossovers to this site.  It's been invaluable, and just generally a huge addition to my life!

[pullshocks]

When I bought my Vision back in '07, it was in large part because there was an active forum devoted to the bike. I see from P.O.D's chart that I joined when activity was at its peak.

Although my Vision is long gone, and my riding days are over, I still look in periodically, and post when I have something to contribute.  After reading this thread, I checked Facebook for the first time.  There is an impressive level of activity and enthusiasm there, (and even a recent post from John Clemens!) but I far prefer the forum format.  There is a tremendous amount of good info accumulated here, readily searchable.  Thanks to Ron/ArGee/Admin for maintaining the site all this time, and the many folks who took the time to assist me.

[jefferson]

After reading your post I decided to check the facebook site out. While scrolling since that is all you can do, I came across some terrible news. Eddie Wilbanks passed away Aug. 25th of last year. For those of you that don't know, he was a master machinist and builder. He built a Battle of the Twins racer based off a Vision engine that was heavily modded and 750cc. It was chain drive and trellis framed. Eddie built it all. He also built the Memphis Shades Vision engined flat tracker using the same basic engine. He was a really nice guy. I'm honored that I got to spend time with him a couple of times and see his Vision handiwork. Watched an hour long video on Youtube about the Memphis rodders that he was a lifelong member of. It was episode 8 that was out 10 months ago. Found out he was much more than I knew of. Pearl paint was his idea that he toyed around with and kind of got stolen from him. He was a spiritual man and I know he's in good hands.

[fret not]

Sorry to hear of Eddie Willbanks' passing.  I knew he was instrumental in making the Vision motor into a competitive 750cc flat tracker.  For anyone interested in making a larger displacement Vision his work is an inspiration to study.

[ArrrGeee]

2022 saw another record low number of posts on RoV - just 32
Not all that long ago we were getting that a week.


It's sad to see this decline - Facebook is a decidedly crappy alternative but seems to get all the traffic


 

yeah, unfortunately, not the best.

I do appreciate you guys stopping in from time to time
as they say, time marches on, and at some point in time this site will also.
I plan on keeping it going as long as there is some interest.

thanks
-Ron

[The Prophet of Doom]

Thanks Ron, we appreciate you keeping the site up for sure



If you decide the end has come, I hope you pass it on rather than just delete it.  Visions will be valuable one day, and this site will be needed

[azzivar]

After being a long anti-FB citizen, I finally had to succumb to joining as I thought I was missing out as this forum did seem less and less to have current posts.  After having joined FB, ONLY for the Vision site, I was sorely disappointed.  I felt I had to be on FB as I was starting a carb rebuild and ultimately discovered that I needed a part, and lo and behold, the ROV forum came through! 

I also explored all the many posts on Vision carbs and the solutions that many have used and shared on the site.  I hope that the site can stay viable as I'll be following up on the carbs with rebuilding the forks and other maintenance, including valve clearance inspection and adjustment, if needed.  (Does anyone have a tool I can rent or borrow, in the event I have to make adjustments - they appear to be "unobtainium" so far!)

Thanks all for your help in supporting this bike and all its innovation...

[karmisol]

Hey! My two cents are that I am frequently using the search function and using old posts as instructions and guidance for my problems. Don't think it's unused just because there are few new posts!