Victory celebrates its 15th anniversary with a limited edition of the Cross Country Tour dressed in beautiful Antares Red like the brand's first-ever motorcycle.

All the latest products from Victory try to eclipse each other in terms of sex appeal. The new 2013 Cross Country Tour 15th Anniversary Limited Edition is no exception, with premium bagger looks, superior fit and finish, high-end components, and a clever architecture normally reserved for prestige models.

Benchmark styling and size were already part of the mix. However, for the Cross Country Tour 15th Anniversary Limited Edition, Victory simply added a heated seat and heated grips, cruise control, ABS, air deflectors, crash bars, a premium audio system with iPod compatibility, as well as a rear top case and saddlebags for 155 litres of cargo room.


Surprisingly friendly
The 2013 Victory Cross Country Tour 15th Anniversary Limited Edition is long, heavy, and cumbersome, yet surprisingly rider-friendly. With a highly rigid aluminum frame, a nicely calibrated suspension, and a super-low centre of gravity, this motorcycle feels almost as easy to ride as a lower-displacement, naked cruiser.

If you want to push a bit harder, the Cross Country Tour will happily comply by attacking corners with surefooted precision. Generous ground clearance (for a touring motorcycle) will allow you to have fun on twisty roads. What's more, the ABS-backed braking system proves competent and easy to modulate.

The 2013 Victory Cross Country Tour 15th Anniversary Limited Edition is long, heavy, and cumbersome, yet surprisingly rider-friendly. (Photo: France Ouellet)

Comfort with a capital C
Much to the delight of touring enthusiasts, Victory engineers developed a more aerodynamic windshield and fairing that effectively neutralize the usual buffeting. Both the rider and passenger are superbly protected against the elements, and benefit from a comfortable riding position courtesy of an ample seat and long floorboards allowing great hip and leg movement.

The ergonomics of the 2013 Victory Cross Country Tour 15th Anniversary Limited Edition are such that you can ride from coast to coast in style and not even worry about cramps, backaches or whatever. With 120 millimetres of rear suspension travel, comfort is remarkable on any surface. My only complaint is the few rattles in my tester's fork head.

Victory engineers developed a more aerodynamic windshield and fairing that effectively neutralize the usual buffeting. (Photo: France Ouellet)

Perfect powertrain
The Freedom 106/6 powertrain (106 cu. in. V-twin and 6-speed transmission) is a perfect fit, here: no disgraceful radiator or big bulge around the clutch, and even no wires and lines in sight. The whole assembly looks clean, efficient, and sophisticated. In fact, the gearbox is flawless, and the final drive belt is jerk-free and requires no maintenance. On the flip side, the clutch lever demands above-average effort.

In the end, despite a similar architecture to other Victory motorcycles, the 2013 Cross Country Tour 15th Anniversary Limited Edition boasts a unique personality. Smooth and quiet, it beautifully fulfils its primary aspirations as a comfortable grand tourer. Outstanding riding dynamics and equipment levels will surely appeal to the iron butts among us.

The Freedom 106/6 powertrain (106 cu. in. V-twin and 6-speed transmission) is a perfect fit. (Photo: France Ouellet)

Pros

• Surprisingly friendly for such a big bike
• Flawless engine and transmission are a perfect fit
• Superb comfort and protection against the elements
• Premium components, fit and finish
• Ergonomic riding position and controls

Cons

• A few rattles in the fork head
• Clutch lever still requires too much effort