Victory (USA) 1700 CROSS COUNTRY TOUR 2014

Although boasting half a dozen models, Victory’s Touring lineup lacked a long-haul GT, less exuberant than a Vision but more touring than a Cross Country. Never mind: the coupling of these two models allowed the birth of the Cross Country Tour. By equipping a top case with a design similar to that of the vision, the machine substantially increases its loading capacity. By adding the volume of the suitcases, the top-case and the front panniers, we get 155 liters of available space, the best score in the range. The liner Vision Tour tops out at 110 liters.

This traveler is entirely cross-country based, both technically and mechanically. To take on Harley in the field, it’s not just about style, but above all about engine. Victory has what it takes in her stomach: a pot-bellied V-twin (how could it be otherwise….), Huge, clean on him and well behaved. The striking 106 logo enthroned between the cylinders indicates its cubic inch displacement, or 1731 cm3 for us Europeans. It is even bigger and fatter than the 103 ci of the Touring range from Milwaukee. At Uncle Sam’s, that’s 97 horsepower you can count on – our standards unsolder about 7% of that horsepower, but there’s a hefty 14mkg left to move this nearly 400kg beast. Since 1998 that Victory exists, engine manufacturers have had the time to work on and refine this large twin. Available and efficient, the engine is efficient, available, but lacks relief. Facing the Twin Cam, it will benefit from its superior strength; character level, we will have more sensations with the Davidson.

One area where Crosses will outperform Harley’s Touring is in handling. The chassis with a molded aluminum frame and a singular inverted fork allows a more rigorous ride and far from what one can imagine of such a motorcycle of more than 400 kg with the driver. Braking uses three 300mm discs crimped by 4 piston calipers at the front and 2 at the rear. You can therefore ride in peace, ensure a good pace and cruising for a good time thanks to the 22 liters of the tank..

In a good GT, this Tour is full of equipment and protection. ABS is standard, as well as handles and heated saddle (dual zone please), air rear suspension, protective rails for suitcases, a pair of adjustable footrests, a 12V socket, a iPod interface, two storage compartments in the leg protection scoops, and optional, you will find the cruise control and a reverse gear kit.
Protection is greatly enhanced on the Tour compared to the Cross Country. In addition to the larger windshield, there are small spoilers at the base of the fork crown as well as the large front scoops already mentioned. They incorporate a clever ventilation system, very useful when the summer decides to knock.

More equipment and more skills, it shows on the scale. Going from Cross Country to Cross Country Tour, the Victory carries 46 kilos more. The bill also climbs, taking almost 2,000 euros in passing. The price of this bike should be put into perspective, because it allows itself to be 5,000 euros lower than that of its direct competitor, the HD Electra Glide Ultra Classic.