Riding both the Cross Country and the H-D Street Glide confirmed that the stock TC96 engine from H-D does not come close to the 106/6 for usability and real-life performance. The new-for-2010 TC103 engine in the Electra Glide Ultra Limited I rode last fall is the only stock mill from H-D to get close to Victory in terms of drivetrain efficiency and performance. The TC96, with 67.5hp at the rear wheel and 80.4 lb-ft of torque at 3500rpm, suffers from a 20% deficit that prevents it from cutting the mustard, although it does project pure H-D style, character, image, sound and idiosyncrasies.

The bike looks comfortable, and it is. The fairing provides excellent protection from the wind, and does not generate undue turbulence like similar models from other manufacturers. (Photo: Philippe Champoux/Moto123.com)

Comfort-leaning Ergonomics
Happily for everyone who rides the bike at speed, Victory designers went one better than the competition when it came to ergonomics, applying some serious aerodynamics to the fairing and windshield shape. One of the aims was certainly to avoid the unbearable chronic turbulence on the Street Glide, which can only be corrected by fitting a different windshield irrespective of the owner’s preference.

Rides on 4oC mornings left me well protected from the cold blast behind the fairing, with some air reaching my legs unimpeded, an easily corrected problem with available cold-weather deflectors. There was some turbulence behind a truck, just like on any bike with a fairing, but one could easily mange to stay away from it.

The nice and wide saddle, combined with long mid position floorboards, allow you to move your feet and bum around and still easily reach the bar, a combination that made for comfortable riding over short and longer distances.

And if you enjoy riding a little harder, the bike is willing to play along, charging harder into corners and coming out nicely under power, and using some extra rear ground clearance to avoid grinding the floorboards, unless you absolutely need to showboat in front of the “competition”. In fact, that same high ground clearance allows you to brake harder at the front going into corners, an important bonus on a bike with no ABS.

Quality and a logical approach everywhere
The fit, finish and components of the highest quality make this Cross Country a joy to look at, with a well thought out design that reminds one of Honda and BMW S1000RR levels of integration.

OK, so I am not a cruiser fan – yet – but this bike is moving my conversion along nicely. The ergonomics will let you ride to the end of the world, quickly, silently and comfortably – which makes it difficult for me to understand why such competent bikes are so invisible in our markets.

The seat is low, and the rear still high enough to provide adequate damping and comfort over bumpy roads. With 108mm of travel, you can still "slam" down the rear down if you absolutely need the low-low look. (Photo: Philippe Champoux/Moto123.com)