Victory Cross Country 2011 Review

American iron with a modern bent is Victory Motorcycle's take on the classic V-twin cruiser and touring market.

We're talking a 106-cubic inch (1731cc) engine the rest of the bike is literally built around, ensuring a low centre of gravity and effortless acceleration once underway. And the build quality is brilliant.

VALUE

The Cross Country is Victory's hard panniered tourer and it's a head-turning chunk of machinery. It needs to be - it's taking on the Harley-Davidson Road Glide for the title of top US-built bagger. The standard bike rolls out of Victory's Sydney or Melbourne stores at $27,995 plus on-roads, while the red/silver paintjob adds $500.

Victory knows it's on a good thing, which is why the 2012 range has been extended with the Tour for $30,495. That adds a hard top box, full fairing and manually adjustable wind deflectors that, depending on the weather, can be opened to let in cool air or closed to shut out the elements.

TECHNOLOGY

Think of those massive combine harvesters rolling across the US plains and you're starting to get the picture of how the Cross Country rides. The engine cranks out 148Nm of torque and the bike weights more than 340kg, so it's an irresistable force once underway. The only thing it doesn't do is play the Star Spangled Banner on start-up - and the radio with iPod connectivity means that's a possibility.

There's also an easy-to-use cruise control on the right switchblock to keep your licence in check. The six-speed gearbox changes with a meaty clunk but rows up and down the cogs with little effort.

STYLING

There's no mistaking a Victory. The paintwork is lustrous, the chrome is mirror-finished and all the bikes are a modern interpretation of classic muscle bike lines. For those who want more, the famous Ness family have helped sculpt the lines on some "Signature" models. One area where Victory does mirror Harley is the extent of customization - the showroom walls are lined with pipes, bars, seats, mirrors and wheels so owners can make the bike theirs.

SAFETY

Falling off any bike isn't a good idea. The Cross Country's design will protect the rider - the hoops ahead of the running boards and chrome-finished frame around the panniers act as crash-bars, but then you have to pick the damn thing up. Fortunately, it's fitted with ABS brakes to help avoid the problem and the basic handling is pretty good, even when pushed. Low-speed manoeuvres are a constant reminder of the bike's weight though - this is no peak-hour traffic-light punter.

RIDING

Victory owners are even more devoted than Harley riders, based on a 95 per cent customer satisfaction rating in JD Power surveys. At anything other than walking pace, I'd take the Cross Country over Harley's Road Glide. It doesn't take as much effort to tip into corners and has the edge on engine and cargo capacity.

The bikini fairing and screen do a good job of deflecting wind at low speed, but punch over the legal limit in rain and the low-pressure around the rider can create a vortex of fine droplets. Long-distance runs are limited only by the capacity of your bladder and the 22-litre tank.

VERDICT

A genuine rival to Harley with stylish looks for those who don't want to run with the pack.

VICTORY CROSS COUNTRY

Price: from $27,995
Warranty: Two years/unlimited km
Engine: 1731cc V-twin
Transmission: Six-speed, belt-drive
Seat height: 667mm
Dry weight: 347kg