Focus on Beauty: Victory Cross Country/Cross Roads

RU-MOTO rating

• Reliability
• Chassis
• Appearance
• Comfort

5

Verdict

Everything in the Cross Country Tour is provided for the most comfortable ride: heated seats and steering wheel grips, roomy hard trunks, a high windshield for effective wind protection, a platform for the passenger’s feet that is adjustable in three positions, a 12 V socket and much more.

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Victory Motorcycles USA, a division of the largest manufacturer of all-terrain vehicles, snowmobiles and jet skis of the Polaris concern, a year after its founding, proved that it was not in vain that it was born. Their brainchild, the base model V92C motorcycle, was named the best cruiser of the year in 1998. The success of one of the first developments was repeated by the choppers of the Victory Cross line.

Appearance of the Victory Сross Сountry motorcycle

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Victory Cross Country/Cross Roads: cruisers, 2010, 1731 cc, 92 hp, 347/338 kg, $18,000/$16,000 (US prices).
Victory Cross Country/Cross Roads: cruisers, 2010, 1731 cc, 92 hp, 347/338 kg, $18,000/$16,000 (US prices).

Yes, yes, it is precisely such a simple characteristic of things as beauty that has been forgotten in the age of imposing false values ​​on customers, such as aggressive design, top-end characteristics and deliberately perverted stylistic techniques. Well, tell me, can the just released Yamaha Super Tenere or Triumph Speed ​​Triple boast such an authentic and original design? No, they are just one of thousands. Thousands of faceless “just motorcycles” that, no matter how hard you try, the eye does not cling to. What is the secret of Victory? It's simple: the plant in Iowa employs 55% women! It is not for nothing that the Vision luxury tourer has been winning prizes for the best appearance at many motorcycle exhibitions for several years in a row. It is in addition to the expensive and luxurious Vision in the touring car sector that two new cruiser models are turned, so to speak, to face the people - the “modest” Cross Roads with soft panniers and without linings, and something in between it and the Vision - Cross Country with hard suitcases, a developed fairing and an audio system.

“When developing the Cross family, the main goal was to satisfy the wishes of potential trucking customers as much as possible, because they wanted insanely stylish motorcycles without a single sacrifice to this style on the side of comfort, and they got it. They received a relaxed fit, low saddle height, spacious luggage capacity, which is carried by a modern chassis and a “rubber” engine for traction, but, most importantly, they received that original style, which became the calling card of Victory,” explains the chief designer of Polaris. Greg Breu.

Winged Follower

This line is divided into several models. The most common among American and European consumers are Victory Cross Country motorcycles. A powerful 4-cylinder power plant, 6-speed manual transmission and electronic fuel injection, together with a stylish aerodynamic tail, invite the rider on a long journey.

For additional rider comfort, the creators have provided:

1. Heated side grips and double seat.
2. Large adjustable windshield on the fairing.
3. Spacious luggage cases located on both sides.
4. Wide leg extensions.
5. Wide, comfortable, low-slung seat.

On the basis of this cruiser, a new model Victory Сross Сountry tour LE was developed and presented for the 15th anniversary of the company. The interior of the motorcycle is even more adapted for long trips. This special bike is equipped with a computer, audio system and anti-lock braking system, a larger windshield and a more streamlined tail.

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Technical features of Victory Сross Сountry

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Together with the footrest platforms, the gearbox and rear brake levers are adjusted.
Neither gnomes nor regulars of fashion catwalks are left out. Together with the footrest platforms, the gearbox and rear brake levers are adjusted. Neither gnomes nor regulars of fashion catwalks are left out.

Like all twins, the cars are absolutely identical and at the same time completely different. They are identical in that they are built on the basis of huge air-oil V-Twins with a camber of 50 degrees and a cubic capacity of 106 cubic inches (1731 cm³ in our opinion). They are combined with six-speed gears, already familiar to Victory, and the reverse gear is belt driven. The cylinders breathe through 45 mm throttle bodies, the power supply is injection, and there is cruise control as standard. The motors, the vibrations of which are completely eaten up by the balancer shafts, are monumentally mounted in cunning backbone aluminum frames, because in addition to setting the motorcycles in motion, they also have a second important task - to add rigidity to the chassis. The light frame spine does not lift up the center of gravity of the motorcycle, which means that the gas tank can be placed in its usual place, rather than blocking the neck on a false tank, and the tank itself under the seat. A 43-mm Marzocci shifter and an aluminum swingarm supported by a monoshock absorber complete the picture of the confident monumentality of the chassis. The “tail,” by the way, is easily and quickly (due to a hydraulic cylinder with a “twist” removed from the bowels of the motorcycle) adjusted by spring preload to adjust to the weight of the passenger and luggage. At the end, the engineers received a 50 to 50 wheel weight distribution with a dry weight of the “naked” Cross Roads of 338 kg and the “dressed” Cross Country of 347 kg. Agree, not bad for touring cruisers with engines larger than 1.7 liters.

What's the fly in the ointment?

The owner of a Victory Cross Country may be disappointed by the incorrect reflection of fuel sensor information. Riders complain that if there are 6-7 liters of fuel in the tank, the display indicates the need to refuel. There have also been cases of a “false” full tank. The weak point of a cruiser in our latitudes is the electronics.

Due to manufacturing defects in the crankcases, manufacturers recalled about 1% of motorcycles from the Victory Cross Country model range produced in 2014-15. For the rider, such a gap can result in a jammed engine while driving and an accident. Therefore, management suggested that motorcycle owners contact dealers for inspection and necessary repairs.

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The engine, compared to last year’s model, used across the entire Victory line, was made longer-stroke (the piston stroke is now 108 mm instead of 102 with a cylinder diameter of 101 mm), while not moving away from advanced technical solutions such as overhead 4-valve heads with hydraulic compensators, pistons “ in miniskirts,” as well as the more “edgy” phases of timing.
As a result, we got 92 forces and almost 150 Nm of torque, which smoothly spread across the entire speed range of the engine. The traction from the 6-speed gearbox is transferred to the wheel by a new GATES carbon belt, which has had its service life increased due to the use of larger diameter pulleys and, as a result, a reduction in the load on it. The engine, compared to last year’s model, used across the entire Victory line, was made longer-stroke (the piston stroke is now 108 mm instead of 102 with a cylinder diameter of 101 mm), while not moving away from advanced technical solutions such as overhead 4-valve heads with hydraulic compensators, pistons “ in miniskirts,” as well as the more “edgy” phases of timing. As a result, we got 92 forces and almost 150 Nm of torque, which smoothly spread across the entire speed range of the engine. The traction from the 6-speed gearbox is transferred to the wheel by a new GATES carbon belt, which has had its service life increased due to the use of larger diameter pulleys and, as a result, a reduction in the load on it.

Starting my inspection with the more modest Cross Roads, I found not only spacious leather trunks (with a total capacity of 66 liters), an ultra-low seat (height of only 667 mm), but also adjustable (!) footrests, as well as “rich” instrumentation (speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge and clock). For this car in the USA they are asking 16 kilobucks, but once you scrape together a couple more “tons”, the Cross Country will become available, clad in a plastic half-fairing and with hard cases (the capacity of which is already 79 liters) and more stuffed with electronics (here, in addition to the listed Cross Roads set, and a trip computer, and a radio with two component speakers and a line-in input for connecting an MP3 player). The wheels are Dunlop Elite 3, sized 130/70–18 at the front and 180/60–16 at the rear (the same size as a Honda GoldWing), and Nissin brakes once again remind you of the Land of the Rising Sun. In appearance they are the same as on the Vision, but on the top model there is a combined system, and on our twins it is a classic one. And it’s a pity that ABS is not even available as an option. Another similarity with the Japanese grand tourer is the colossal amount of factory tuning: from windshields, chrome and body kits to sophisticated electronic gadgets like a Garmin navigator, Bluetooth adapter and hands-free system, wireless intercom and iPod connection kit.

To buy or not to buy?

When choosing a motorcycle, most bikers choose cruisers from the Victory Cross line because they:

1. Suitable for long journeys.
2. They have a comfortable fit.
3. Some models are equipped with new electronics.
4. They have a spacious 22 liter fuel tank.
5. In terms of technical parameters, they outperform analogues (Honda, BMV, Ducati).

Problems with electronics and manufacturing defects can be resolved by monitoring refueling and technical inspections at dealers.

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In terms of cockpit equipment, the Cross Country is not much inferior to the flagship Vision.
On Cross Roads, the instrumentation is simpler, but it is easy to read and provides plenty of information. In terms of cockpit equipment, the Cross Country is not much inferior to the flagship Vision. On Cross Roads, the instrumentation is simpler, but it is easy to read and provides plenty of information.

Having enjoyed all this beauty in static, I warmed up the engine and set off to conquer the Scottish highways near Edinburgh. There was sun, and wind, and downpour, during which I didn’t want to think about anything but Scotch whiskey. There were also magnificent views of the area, against which our couple looked no less impressive. But I received more than just aesthetic pleasure from the trips: my legs seemed to take up space on the huge platforms, my arms relaxed on the comfortable handles of the steering wheel, and my lower back basked in the soft seat. But the most pleasant thing was to change from the “naked” Cross Roads to Cross Country when it started to rain and strong winds. Here is the first conclusion: for high-speed maneuvers, it is better to equip Cross Roads with a small windshield, so that a very fast (at 160 km/h 3700 rpm on the tachometer, cut-off at 5800 - draw your own conclusions!) and maneuverable car simply does not blow away.

And, of course, we can’t help but mention the engines. V-Twins, already famous for their abyss of traction, have become even more “rubbery” and smoother due to the increase in piston stroke. But at the same time, they follow the throttle surprisingly quickly, clearly tracking the slightest movements of the pilot’s hand. The gearbox works smoothly, without “lags” or false neutrals; the clutch can be pressed through the hydraulic drive with almost two fingers. And I repeat, no, no vibrations at all, and it doesn’t matter whether you’re idling in top gear, or cranking from first to sixth before the cutoff during traffic light races. As for the gearbox, the first four gears are accelerating, and the fifth and sixth are not only to save gasoline, but also so that even at high speed it is possible to fully feel every stroke of the mighty pistons, every sip of energy transmitted to the wheel . 200 km/h is easy and quick, which is more than enough for a luxury tourer. But the point is not even the speed, but the fact that the cars, without giving the pilot any reason for fatigue, literally devour hundreds of kilometers of highways. And what is the rich bass of the exhaust worth when, at a hundred kilometers and 2500 rpm, you open the gas and rush forward under the infrasound from the muffler!

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The Nissin brakes live up to expectations very well.
One thing that upsets us is the impossibility of retrofitting motorcycles with ABS. The Nissin brakes live up to expectations very well. One thing that upsets us is the impossibility of retrofitting motorcycles with ABS.

As for “handling”, here too I would like to give everything the highest score: with a wheelbase of 1670 mm and conservative chassis geometry, the car is easy to drive and stable at any speed. There was no wobble or understeer when moving from step to step, and not a hint of destabilization of the car when accelerating at full throttle or braking “on the horns.” During fast maneuvers at low speeds, the weight of the Cross Country's fairing and electronics is almost unnoticeable, but part of the view of what's “under the nose” is hidden by the monumental design.

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Among the wealth of factory tuning there is also a central trunk for the Cross Country, stylistically reminiscent of the Vision.
Among the wealth of factory tuning there is also a central trunk for the Cross Country, stylistically reminiscent of the Vision.

But all the same, the main trump card of the twins is their appearance, and excellent functionality, excellent characteristics and, simply put, convenience are just a pleasant bonus that turns the stereotype about beauty upside down: the Cross family embodies the slogan “beauty without sacrifices.”

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Technical characteristics of Victory Cross Country/Cross Roads (manufacturer data)

Focus on Beauty: Victory Cross Country/Cross Roads

Victory Cross Roads is an excellent American cruiser, powerful, stylish and comfortable. Possessing a rather unusual appearance, characteristic of all Victorys, this motorcycle is very good on the road. It’s a pleasure to ride through the streets of the city at night or to go on a long journey. True, it is advisable that this journey take place on roads with normal asphalt - this is a cruiser, after all, and not a tourist enduro.

A direct competitor to the Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan , Harley-Davidson Road King and Yamaha Stratoliner , the Victory Cross Roads is perfect for those who like to ride far and have fun. A comfortable seat, good wind protection, an impressive power reserve, excellent brakes, spacious panniers, a powerful and at the same time economical engine - all these advantages are in the arsenal of the American motorcycle, and it will not fail to boast of them as soon as you saddle it and roll it out for the first time. highway.

Victory Cross Roads received the same engine that is installed on other motorcycles of this brand, for example,
Victory Jackpot . It's a 1.8-liter air-cooled V-twin engine with four valves per cylinder and boasts 97 hp. and 157 nm of torque. The gearbox is a six-speed, sixth gear is needed mainly to save fuel on long trips. The main drive is driven by a belt, which gives Cross Roads excellent smoothness.

The Victory Cross Roads comes standard with a windshield and plastic saddlebags, painted in the color of the motorcycle and lockable with a key.
However, later in the year the standard cases were replaced with others - of a similar shape, but not painted, but covered with artificial leather. They fit almost a cubic meter of luggage, which is not a record figure, of course, but still quite good. An ABS system is also offered as an additional option. However, the brakes are good even without it - three 300 mm discs with 4-piston calipers at the front and 2-piston at the rear stop a heavy motorcycle very effectively. The element of Victory Cross Roads is the highway. As soon as this motorcycle goes out into the open, it begins to literally ask the biker sitting on it to unscrew the gas handle harder. A smooth turn and the “American” rushes forward, loudly muttering from the exhaust and pleasantly surprising with moderate vibrations of the engine. From 0 to a hundred kilometers per hour, the 350-kilogram Victory accelerates like a bullet fired from a gun, and only after 140-150 km/h does the dynamics begin to sag, which is also quite noticeable. Maximum speed is about 200 km/h.

Once you get on this motorcycle, you don’t want to get off it at all - it seems that it was created just for you, yes, just for you, who is now sitting on it. The most comfortable standard Victory Cross Roads seat immediately puts you at ease, and the platforms invite you to put your feet on them. On the steering wheel, the switches are located where logic dictates they should be, and the instrument panel is concise and easy to read.

The suitability of the motorcycle for long-distance travel is evidenced not only by the spacious panniers and the glass that provides good wind protection, but also by the economical injection and a solid power reserve. The volume of the Victory Cross Roads gas tank is 22 liters, and the consumption is approximately 6 liters when driving quietly at 110-120 km/h. Thus, on one tank of gasoline this motorcycle can easily travel 300-350 kilometers. The only thing I would like to see included as standard is a passenger backrest.

The Polaris concern has created an excellent cruiser - beautiful, powerful and comfortable. All the ingredients for success are there. So if you're thinking about a big long-distance bike, check out the Victory Cross Roads. What if you like it?

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