Well, my run with the Vision is over, and I feel very relieved. This morning on my way to work my bike caught fire and burned to a crisp in seconds flat. My left foot also caught fire, but miraculously I got away with nothing more than a couple slight burns on that foot. The V however, is absolutely trashed.
It took this much for me to realize that I can't go on dumping money into a vehicle that gives so little return. In the past year and a half I have become obsessed with trying to get this machine to run well, and now I can rest knowing I did all I could.
Doing some routine maintenance on her last night, I replaced my fuel lines and fuel cutoff valve with new parts. Everything was clean and tight, took her for a test run and all was fine. Double-checked it this morning before leaving and everything was looking good again. At some point a fitting or hose clamp must have failed, allowing fuel to leak and ignite on the exhaust. No one here is an idiot, but I'm going to say it anyways: make sure your fuel delivery is in proper order!! I can tell you that when a bike goes up in flames it happens incredibly fast. I'm fortunate to be alive and not disfigured right now. And I'm one of those meticulous, anal types who goes over everything three times.
I understand that a lot of you are very fond of the Vision and I respect that. For me, it was an extremely problematic machine that never rewarded hard work for more than a day or two at a time. I'm glad to be rid of it, and seriously doubt I'll ever touch one again. But I wouldn't know that if I hadn't taken it this far.
If I can, I'll post pics. Anyhow, I learned a ton from this project, and I thank you all for your help. Fuzz is out like a fat kid in dodgeball.
http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/aphexapex/media-full/Mobile%20Uploads/20140523_064414_zpsf9521802.jpg.html
http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/aphexapex/media-full/Mobile%20Uploads/20140523_064404_zpse68638e3.jpg.html
http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/aphexapex/media-full/Mobile%20Uploads/20140523_143645_zps0937c4c9.jpg.html
http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/aphexapex/media-full/Mobile%20Uploads/20140523_143942_zpsc43f1c34.jpg.html
http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/aphexapex/media-full/Mobile%20Uploads/20140523_144318_zpsbf4b83f7.jpg.html
Most Visionaries that have "had enough" simply sell their bike and walk away. In contrast, you sir have a flair for the dramatic. :) Seriously though, glad you're OK and sorry your Vision experience wasn't more positive. Also a really good reminder to pay extra attention when making repairs to the fuel system.
What a bummer, glad your ok
So sorry to see this.... I'm glad you are ok.
That does look rather final. And there you have another close call to add to your life story. How far away from home were you when this happened? Rather inconvenient, I'd say. Glad you're OK.
Holy crap. Incredible. Thank goodness you were not badly injured.
I have had a couple fuel leak episodes, but fortunately did not ignite.
A timely warning for Vision owners. If you can smell fuel, then you have this to look forward to.
Oh man oh man, sure hate to see this, glad you are OK.
Well hope it doesn't scare you off motorcycles, there are many, many others!
At least you don't have to paint the engine black now. ;D
Glad your OK.
I guess it can now star in the next MAD MAX movie too.
Since this is a farewell to a forum member I will join in if for no other reason but to keep you coming back to read replies.
You will always be able to tell people it was a flaming good bike.
The main thing is you were not hurt, they are still making bikes and by the way what have you got your eye on for your next ride? All the best.
Well, it's official - not too soon for humor! I agree vadasz1, the motor does look good "murdered out" in soot black.
Just an observation, on the third picture showing the left side it appears the R/R got hot. Probably want to keep an eye on that.
I don't know that it's appropriate to make dreadful puns about his hotrod vision.
". . the R/R unit got hot . ." What gives you that impression? 8)
The plug was a little bit melted. :P
The plug? Oh hell. ::)
And here I thought it would be the alternator that caused the fire.
His Vision was a smoking hot bike, with smouldering good looks, blistering speed. It ignited a spark in me, my heart was ablaze with passion for this flash bike. I will always give it glowing reviews for it was a machine that was easily coaxed into a burnout. ;D
Not bad, sir. Not bad. ;)
This brought me out of my lurking to say EEEEEEPPPPPPPPP!!!!!!
I know, pretty tragic isn't it. I was thinking of taking up a collection to fund a small roadside placard to commemorate the passing of a brave Vision. Nothing fancy but tasteful nonetheless.
Maybe a lamp to burn an eternal flame if there's enough money...... :D
Ill give you 50 for it? ;)
Hey I got super busy these past few weeks and haven't had time to stop back by the forum...
The whole incident was really a hell of an experience! (trying to think of more puns but my brain is foggy this morning, lol)
Again, I wanna thank all of you for help over the past couple years. The knowledge I've picked up from this forum is something you simply can't put a price tag on. I'm excited to start work on another bike.
That bike was my sole transportation so I'm really itching to get back on two wheels! I'm definitely gonna get another bike asap. I want something I can work on because I really enjoy wrenching on them, but I also want something with good parts availability and something not too problematic. Right now I'm thinking about a late 70's CB750; does anyone know much about these bikes? Are they a handful to work with? Parts easy to get? I have to assume that anything that old will have some issues to deal with, but it seems to be a pretty popular bike so I am hoping that means parts are readily available, problems aren't too great, etc. If any of you are familiar with that bike I'd love to hear what your opinion of it is.
Anyhow, I'll still be stopping by the forum now and again to pick some brains.
I just wrote a wonderful Epistle extolling the virtues of the Suzuki sv650 over the cb750, and our website lost it. Bottom line: the SV650 is better than the late 70s' cb750 in every way including price. Nice or even decent cb750's are not particularly cheap. Do yourself a big favor and seriously investigate the Suzuki.
I have owned 2 different Honda 750s in the 70s and a Suzuki SV650 recently, and am in total agreement with QBS. My personal choice for the Suzuki V would be the V-Strom 650 due to the sporty riding position on the SV650. Mine was the Naked version with real handlebars, not the S model with clip ons and rear sets.
Not to knock Hondas but if you want a 4 cylinder bike look at the Suzukis over the years and also Kawasaki KZ650 or 1000. Sturdy bikes. Suzuki has a reputation for smooth transmissions.
Hey Fuzzle, all kidding aside it does suck about the bike - especially being sole transportation.
Regarding replacement bikes (especially for sole transportation) I'd think newer than the V is a better idea. Some of those older models have begun to reach collector status and fetch a premium. Parts availability can be an issue with any older model. Having said that, I'm a big fan of the DOHC 750 Hondas...
The SV's got very popular for good reason. Having said that, there are early 2nd gen year(s) to avoid due to unique part (i.e. no interchangeability) and purportedly wretched fuel injection mapping. Whatever you decide, my advice is research as much as possible.
Holy Crap it looks like a movie stunt (Terminator, Hell Rider?)
I'd take it as a message from God and go with a different vintage bike.