Victory Cross Country (2010-current)

Air-cooled engine rumbles are a plenty at standstill to give this engine character and the rider a smile. The smooth delivery of torque makes pulling away on a 345kg (dry weight) bike a lot easier than you’d think. Throttle response is weighted perfectly so you can dial in exactly what your brain demands – slow traffic isn’t such a bad place when you can simply trickle along without worry. But it’s the open road where the engine excels; where every gear is precisely engaged and neatly spaced for the twists and turns or flowing A-roads. 

Weight and high-ish bars conspire against shorter riders. It makes slow 360° turns in car parks frustrating when arms struggle to achieve full-lock. But when you’re away the bike is surprisingly agile and oh so stable. Rear suspension is set to firm but not uncomfortably so. It allows you to feel what’s going on underneath you. The front end is softer so doesn’t give the same level of feel as the rear, but it copes well with the engine weight and under braking. Ride quality is plush and comfortable, but six-footers will need the taller screen that is available.

Love the solid, locking panniers and (as shown) the cavernous topbox, except the topbox – complete with high mounted lights, rear speakers and 12V socket – is a £1869 accessory. Gulp! And this is the reason why it’s not four-star rated in this section. Nicely made, though. The stereo is also cool and comes with the usual bar-mounted volume/tune access switches. Cruise control is perfect on average speed camera roads. And while the spoiler-like crash bars grate on first sight, like the rest of the bike’s styling you soon fall for the uniqueness. Compare and buy parts for the Victory in the MCN Shop.