2010 Victory Cross Country test ride.

[GIBBY]

First thing let me say that I love my 2003 Pearl Black Nomad.
Last evening I went on one of Victory's "Factory Ride Along" rides.
I rode a black 2010 Cross Country. First the good: Nearly perfect ergonomics for a 6'1", 250 lb. person. More power than anyone really needs. 6 speed tranny. Cruise control. Very good handling. Beautiful styling and a very nice gauge layout. Huge saddlebags. Nice solid feel.
The bad: No mute for the Audio system, uncomfortable grips, no heel-toe shifter. Excessive heat from rear cylinder on the left side.
But the worst thing about that bike is that it isn't in my garage right now. I will wait a few years and find one that is used and has low miles and save 4 or 5 or 6 thousand $

[schoeney]

I am hoping to test ride one of those at a demo days too.

I did the Victory demo a couple years ago....great format I got to ride 3 different models 15 miles each through the twisties on rural roads.....fun.

Interesting input. I am 6'2" 200#. Sounds like a CC might fit well.

Thanks

[Netnorske]

That CC IS a cool bike. I recently sat and drooled on one myself, although I only got to ride it in my imagination... . I too would miss the heel shifter and don't for the life of me understand why they didn't include one, as the floorboards are certainly large enough to accommodate it. That, and a nice trunk to go with those swimming-pool sized saddlebags and they would really have something!

[AlabamaNomadRider]

They are sharp bikes no doubt. I have seen a couple on the highways but have not seen one up close.

[GIBBY]

They do have a heel-toe shifter as a dealer installed option. I did ask about a trunk but they were only demo guys and not in the loop of any upcoming design changes or options. Add a nice sized trunk and it would truly be a cross-country bike.

[cactusjack]

I was really disappointed when I saw Victory wasn't at Cyclefest in April. I really wanted to test ride a Cross Country.

[ringadingh]

Ive never ridden one myself, but everyone Ive talked to that has ridden them or owns one says they are a great bike to ride. They have a lot of really good looking models, but the Vision is a little to space age looking for my taste.

[cactusjack]

Originally Posted by Ringadingh

Ive never ridden one myself, but everyone Ive talked to that has ridden them or owns one says they are a great bike to ride. They have a lot of really good looking models, but the Vision is a little to space age looking for my taste.

I rode a Victory Kingpin Tour a couple of years back. I'd say it was their equivalent to a Nomad. It wasn't as comfortable as the Nomad, but that bike had power to spare! Lots of zip!

If I had the money I would have one in my garage. I own a Victory Vegas and can tell you these are powerful and well handling machines. They are sort of pricey, not quite as bad as a H/D but they do hold their value pretty good.
If you are ever at a Victory dealer or run into one of these you have to check out the saddlebags. They are huge yet they fit the bike very well as far as looks. I believe they lead the field in cargo capacity, so a trunk may not be needed.
If and when I decide to cut loose my Nomad I will definetly look at one of these as my touring bike.

[rustyknight]

I really can't understand why they make these big bikes air cooled? That was one of my big screen-out factors when I was shopping last year, and it ruled out a lot of bikes. Is weight the only reason? IMHO liquid cooling is worth its weight in gold in stop-and-go or mountains or so many other times.

[jesse]

I almost didn't read this one. I like the looks, this bike will be on my short list when I replace the Nomad.

[qmaster234]

I have been drooling over them since they came out. I just asked my wife the other day if she would be upset If I bought a new motorcycle. I will be keeping the nomad for a little longer :(

Black Cherry is my color of choice, I think the skulls look stupid.

[cactusjack]

The air-cooled engine is the only downside (in my opinion) to Victory and Harley. I see a lot of Harleys pulled over on the side of the road here on a hot day. I read a couple of H-D forums on a regular basis and the purists (the same guys who would rather see their mothers working in a brothel than ride a "Jap bike") don't want any part of liquid-cooled engines. Even though it's common knowledge that H-D is going to have to switch to liquid cooling, possibly as soon as the 2011 model year to meet EPA regulations, these neanderthals cry and moan about it. As if a cooler running engine is somehow inferior.

[pastorgumby]

Funny, i submitted a video for Victory's True American Road Trip...


My little girls helped video tape on a cold, boring winter weekend.
I didn't win, so i bought a NOMAD

I test rode the Victory Vision - nice ride! Also, very HOT (engine wise), but a great design.

[GIBBY]

Hey CJ,
All Victory's are air/oil cooled. My experience with excessive heat on the left side of the rear cylinder may be a very short term problem on a new model. That being said, a friend has a 2001 Harley Ultra with the optional engine oil cooler and last year on a hot day it puked up a half quart of oil thru the air filter. He let it cool down, rode to the nearest dealer and had the oil changed and no more problems.