2010 Victory Cross Countr...
2010 Victory Cross Country
Setting into the cockpit, the drop-seat configuration of the frame allows for a nice low perch, and despite good ground clearance, the footboards don't feel too high like on some other bikes. The long 'boards are nice but the far reach to the controls made me keep hunting for a heel shifter. Luckily, the controls are adjustable an inch in either direction, and there's also an accessory heel-toe unit in the catalog. The bars are too close for my lanky arms, but that's par for the course when you're lanky, and bars are easy to fix. Still, I probably wouldn't have minded my hands so close if I'd had some support at the back of the seat. Stiffness was what was missing. The wide passenger accommodations, on the other hand, are superb and show that you don't have to give up style to give some love to the other person on the bike. Comfort is altogether pretty good, which is a nice thing with a pair of bikes that get over 40 mpg and have 5.7 gallon tanks.
Riding the two bikes is remarkably similar. The biggest difference is the buffeting at highway speeds. Despite a claim that the Cross Country's fairing was wind-tunnel tested, it felt like the fairing-equipped bike had it worse than the windshield-wearing Cross Roads (though Victory has since told us that the shields will be updated on production Country models).
The same 106 ci. engine that powers the Vision is present in the engine compartments of these two, and while you'd think the loss of all that weight might make these bikes feel like rockets, it's just not that kind of engine. Slow-revving with very satisfying grunt, the 106 is still not going to frighten anybody, which might make these two good touring bikes for a less experienced rider.
2010 Victory Cross Countr...
2010 Victory Cross Country
In fact, they don't do anything scary, even when pushed. They turn in easily and extremely neutrally, flowing through corners with ease and torqueing their way out even when left a gear high. The front brake lever seemed to engage too close the bar and felt very squishy, but thankfully the lever is adjustable, and otherwise works very well.
The air-adjustable suspension also does its job, finding that balance between comfort and handling, and while adding air or taking it out made definite changes, it didn't seem too touchy the two times I made an adjustment.
Switching back and forth between the bikes required no riding adjustments; they feel that similar, but your attitude may need to change. On the Cross Roads there is only a speedo and clear plastic between you and the open road. Granted, that speedo has a number of cool functions in the digital display, but on a long stretch of road you'll be yearning for distraction. On the Cross Country you've got all the distractions you need, with not only a radio, but the same reams of digital readouts you have on the Vision: a timer, range, average and instant MPG, thermometer, clock, and more. The radio is pretty bare bones, but accessories are on the way to allow it to play MP3s or hook up a CB. The claims of aerodynamics for the engine guard are believable too; on a scorching day it sure feels like less air gets past it.
All in all, the two feel like sporty, well-balanced cruisers, which is an important distinction to make, since all too many touring bikes make excuses for their touring status. In fact, with as much luggage as they carry, handling changes little whether loaded or not, something you can't say about most bikes with a box on top. The light handling and good acceleration of the Cross bikes sets the bar pretty high for those who want their tourer to still feel like a motorcycle.