It was one of those “close but no cigar” outcomes. The scene? Last August’s “Have bags, will travel” comparison test. Its purpose? To see how Victory’s then-new Cross Country fared against similar V-Twin hard-baggers from Harley-Davidson and Yamaha. The outcome? Were it not for a few niggling complaints—a noisy transmission, a slight top-heaviness and a non-stock seat that kept us from assessing the bike’s true ride and comfort quotient—that 2010 model might have emerged from the three-way gunfight on top. Instead, it finished second.
But we don’t give up easily. Neither does Victory. The engineers at the company’s Medina, Minnesota, factory gave the entire driveline on all Victory models a thorough reworking for 2011 to help quell the gear noises, especially in fourth and sixth gear. While they were at it, they designed a nifty “Neutral Assist” that—much like the Positive Neutral Finder that’s been on Kawasaki’s transmissions for decades—allows the rider to shift into neutral when stopped just by yanking up on the lever; the gearbox won’t go into second but instead stops at neutral.
To learn how these changes have improved the 106-cubic-inch Cross Country, we’ve just added a brand-new 2011 model to our long-term fleet. It’s strikingly attractive in its sparkling pearl-white paint accented with silver trim. There wasn’t much the engineers could do about the top-heaviness, but they did make sure our bike had a stock seat.
We intend to do some “travelin” on the new CC, so we had Victory add a couple of choice accessories to make our time with the bike more pleasurable. A 3-inch-taller windshield ($349.99) provides added protection from the elements while reducing buffeting at head level; and Victory’s new Lock & Ride Trunk ($1749.99) adds considerable cargo capacity (it will hold two full-face helmets) to complement the 21-gallon hard saddlebags. That’s a lot of jack for a top trunk, but this one includes dual speakers for the standard sound system, a large high-mount LED taillight/stoplight, an internal 12-volt power port and, of course, a passenger backrest.
As the test progresses, we’ll try other accessories to help further improve the CC’s roadworthiness. We’ve already ordered fork-mounted wind deflectors from Victory’s accessories department, along with a set of the company’s unique but effective lower block-outs, which are fabric panels that lash onto the bike’s stylish engine crash guards.
Already, staffers are talking about possible trips on the Cross Country, usually with a Significant Other along for the ride. It promises to be a fun 10,000 miles.
SPECIFICATIONS |
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|---|---|
| Total miles: | 252 |
| Next service: | 600 |
| Maintenance costs: | $0 |
| Repair costs: | $0 |
| Average fuel mileage: | 41 mpg |
| List price (2011): | $17,999 |
