The Victory lineup is now even more attractive for long haul thrill seekers also thanks to the Cross Roads model, which is all-new for 2010 and which brings the most horsepower and cargo capacity in its class.

Powered by a 106-cubic-inch Freedom V-Twin Engine, being able to carry as much as 21 gallons of cargo and being designed in strict accordance with the Victory style, this motorcycle goes against Harley’s notorious Road King and stands all the chances to prove a much better choice for the buck.

2010 Victory Cross Roads

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2010 Victory Cross Roads
  • Engine/Motor: 4-stroke 50° V-Twin
  • Horsepower: 92 hp
  • Torque: 109 ft-lbs of torque
  • Transmission: 6-speed constant mesh
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array


 

Introduction


Victory designed the 2010 Cross Roads from the ground up and made sure that a crucial number of aspects would be covered: to begin with, their 106ci/1731cc engine had to set new performance standards, so engineers made sure that it delivers no more and no less than 92 hp and 109 ft-lbs of torque.

For a sportbike rider, the horsepower number might not sound impressive and it doesn’t even need to be. Victory specializes in designing and building cruising/touring/custom motorcycles, which need to benefit of impressive torque just above idle and of ample power all across the rev range. This gives the rider the confidence it needs for quick highway passing, but when the need for relaxed cruising emerges, the six-speed gearbox is there to tip the scale in favor of fuel consumption.

With a dry weight of 745 lbs, the proper weight distribution and a low center of gravity, the Cross Roads qualifies for a potential sweet ride. It comes with traditional highway bar, 4.7 inches of suspension travel and looks pretty much like a limousine on two wheels.

Competition


Given these facts, the 2010 Harley-Davidson FLHRC Road King Classic can start worrying, but not that much. Harley has a 90-something year head start in front of Victory and the Road King is one of their most popular models. Powered by the air-cooled, Twin Cam 96 engine developing 92.60 ft. lbs. @ 3500 rpm and weighing 773 lbs, the Road King loses its chances to beat the Cross Roads on the drag track, so we’ll have to wait and see what the sales charts say. Also, we shouldn’t forget that the Road King offers only 16.9 gallons of carrying capacity, significantly less than the Cross Roads.

Japanese competitors such as the Honda VTX1800T, Star Road Star Silverado and Silverado S, Suzuki C109RT as well as the Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Classic LT look pretty much in a class of their own when it comes to which of the top touring motorcycles are better, but they’re well worth being mentioned here as well.

Exterior


Ever since Polaris Industries created the Victory brand more than a decade ago, their motorcycles stood out as extremely refined machineries with a taste for smooth flowing lines and aerodynamics. Today, the Cross Roads model stays true to its heritage and it so features an imposing front end dominated by the tall windscreen, large headlight and fork arms as well as 130 mm wide front tire and the aggressive front fender. The handlebar is brought extremely close to the rider, right above the 5.8 gallons fuel tank. This last piece is shaped by the frame and massive V-twin engine underneath it and introduces us to the very low (26.25-inch) rider seat. The passenger is not neglected either and gets a spacious, higher seat mounted on the rear fender, allowing him/her to see the open road in front as well.

The exhaust comes out the right rider side right under the spacious sidebag that Victory brags so much about. These pieces blend in with the bike’s overall design and although they can be easily removed for quick maintenance or simply because there’s no need for them around town, the bike doesn’t look complete without them and they’ll most likely stay on at all times. Also at the back, the LED stop light and signal lights look very cool and are easy to spot, even easier than on the Road King.

The 18-inch custom wheels are just the right things to show that this is no classic motorcycle, but an entirely modern cruiser. Also, the 2010 colors – Solid Black and Solid Midnight Cherry – are just the appropriate ones to help set it as a symbol of its class.

 

Press Reviews


"With its overheads cams and four valves per cylinder, this is a modern and sophisticated engine, with fuel injection that proved pretty flawless throughout the trip. It’s kind of a Jekyll-and-Hide thing, because the engine feels lazy and slow at small throttle openings, then turns angry and insistent when you screw it on." – smartcycleshopper

"Slow-revving with very satisfying grunt, the 106 is still not going to frighten anybody, which might make these two good touring bikes for a less experienced rider." – motorcyclecruiser

"Shifting is quiet and precise (unlike most bikes in this class), and the overdrive sixth gear is so tall that the engine never feels busy—I often caught myself riding in fifth gear at cruising speed, in fact." – ridermagazine

"For "touring" baggers, the Cross bikes can actually be hustled along at a reasonably rapid pace, with that aluminum frame/stressed-engine chassis keeping the wheels in good alignment and aimed in the intended direction quite nicely over some of Texas' finest twisty pavement; you're going at a pretty good clip when the floorboards let you know to chill a little." – cycleworld

"Cornering clearance is stellar for a big cruiser, and ride quality is air-adjustable for load or comfort via an easily accessible teat in the saddlebag. The bike's 4.7 inches of suspension travel did a fine job of smoothing out the countless Texas cattle guards, yet was stiff enough to let us safely dart around the cows, sheep and crap." – motorcyclistonline

Price


The US MSRP for the all-new 2010 Victory Cross Roads touring motorcycle starts at $15,999, which is just in the range of the Japanese alternatives and well under the 2010 Harley-Davidson Road King even if we only consider the Vivid Black color choice, which sets the Road King at a $17,999 starting price.

Conclusion


Looking at the facts here, it is not hard to see why there’s so much buzz about the 2010 Victory Cross Roads: this is a more powerful, lighter and cheaper motorcycle than its Harley competitor. On the other hand, you really have to be a Victory kind of person in order to like the way the Cross Roads looks because classic is far from being its middle name.

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SPECIFICATIONS

 

Engine and Transmission

 

  • Engine Type: 4-stroke 50° V-Twin
  • Cooling Type: Air / Oil
  • Displacement: 106 ci / 1,731 cc
  • Bore x Stroke: 101 x 108 mm
  • Compression Ratio: 9.4:1
  • Valve Train: Single overhead camshafts with 4 valves per cylinder, self-adjusting cam chains, hydraulic lifters
  • Fuel System: Electronic Fuel Injection with dual 45mm throttle body
  • Fuel Capacity: 5.8 gal / 22 ltr
  • Exhaust: Split dual exhaust with crossover
  • Oil Capacity: 5.0 qts / 4.75 ltr
  • Charging System: 50 amps max output
  • Battery: 12 volts / 18 amp hours
  • Primary Drive: Gear drive with torque compensator
  • Clutch: Wet, multi-plate
  • Transmission: 6-speed constant mesh
  • Final Drive: Carbon Fiber Reinforced Belt

 

Chassis and Dimensions

 

  • Front Suspension: Inverted cartridge telescopic fork, 43 mm diameter, 5.1 in 130 mm travel
  • Rear Suspension: Single, mono-tube gas, cast aluminum with constant rate linkage, 4.7 in/120 mm travel, air adjustable springs
  • Front Brake: Dual 300mm floating rotor with 4-piston caliper
  • Rear Brake: 300mm floating rotor with 2-piston caliper
  • Front Wheel: 18 x 3.0 in
  • Rear Wheel: 16 x 5.0 in
  • Front Tire: 130/70R18 Dunlop Elite 3
  • Rear Tire: 180/60R16 Dunlop Elite 3
  • Length: 104.4 in / 2,652 mm
  • Wheelbase: 65.7 in / 1,670 mm
  • Seat Height: 26.25 in / 667 mm
  • Ground Clearance: 5.8 in / 148 mm
  • Rake/Trail: 29.0° / 5.6 in / 142 mm
  • Dry Weight: 745 lbs / 338 kg
  • GVWR: 1,360 lbs / 618 kg

 

Other

 

  • Solid Colors: Solid Black, Solid Midnight Cherry

 

Features & Benefits

 

106-Cubic-Inch Freedom V-Twin

  • This 106ci/1731cc engine produces 92 HP and 109 ft-lbs of torque, which is ample power for acceleration on-demand and highway cruising with one or two riders and cargo.


92 Horsepower and 109 Foot Pounds of Torque

  • There's excellent throttle response, great acceleration, impressive torque and all the power needed to make good time on the open road with one or two riders aboard.


6 Speed Overdrive Transmission

  • There's smooth shifting through the greats, and in 6th - which is a true overdrive - the RPMs drop for smooth, efficient highway cruising. Plus, there's still power for passing without downshifting.


Traditional Highway Bar

  • Chrome tubular highways bars are standard. They provide tip-over protection and complement the bike's chrome. They can also be equipped with accessory high pegs and driving lights.


580 Pounds of Load Capacity - Best in Class

  • With one or two riders and a full load of touring cargo the Cross Roads is ready to roll. It has the cargo space, adjustable suspension and Freedom Engine power for memorable 2-up touring.


21 Gallons of Cargo Capacity - Best in Class

  • The roomy, twin side storage units are weatherproof and feature strong, durable glass-filled nylon construction, have hinged lids with a lockable latch that can be operated with one hand.


4.7 Inches of Suspension Travel - Best in Class

  • The class-leading rear suspension features an air shock and coil spring. It is easy to adjust the air pressure to suit the passenger/cargo load and maintain the superb ride.