Motorcycle specifications Victory (USA)1700 VISION TOUR 2014 The 3rd vision of luxury Grand Tourism

the power of a luxurious road-going GT is not as accessible to a manufacturer as one might think. Few have ever tried their hand at it, but the existing models are legendary. Until now, enjoying the open road aboard a powerful liner has only been possible aboard 3 vessels: the Honda Goldwing, the late BMW K 1200 LT, and the Harley-Davidson Electra Glide (and its many variations). Here's a machine to thin out the picture, offer another version of prestige touring, and combine motorcycle cruising with Canadian style (tabernacle...!) - the Victory Vision Tour.

victory is THE Harley competitor in North America. Less well known in Canada, the brand boasts an extensive range of some fifteen models. A subsidiary of Polaris, Victory arrived in France in 2010 to share its "vision" of the road. Its superb vessel is no exception to the rule of exuberance, from the enormous twin to the curved shapes of its fairing. Remarkable and surprising, the silhouette is worthy of a Star Trek episode. With its futuristic lines and bio-tech design, it's a cross between a yacht from a bygone era and an opulent old Cadillac. The front end resembles the majesty of an intergalactic cruiser, while the hyper-designed stern is adorned with a large V-shaped headlight (for Vision... or Victory) and topped by an imposing, stylized top-case that doubles as a passenger armchair. The styling is not just futuristic. It's the fruit of many hours of wind tunnel testing to ensure high-quality protection, lower noise levels and greater stability on the road. Majestic in its regalia, the Victory Tour doesn't forget the essentials. It leaves its sides wide open to reveal the air-cooled, twin-cylinder "Freedom" engine.

a typically American engine, based on 106 cubic inches, or 1731 cm3. Between its fins, 92 hp, 1 ACT and 4 valves per cylinder, fuel injection and a torque in excess of 14 mkg, much in demand by this big 400 kg beast. Beneath its imposing silhouette, the equipment (standard or optional) is worthy of a good German sedan: heated grips and saddles, MP3 radio-CD player, electric windscreen, cruise control, GPS, good load capacity, princely seating and protection, combined ABS braking, and a very low seat height for sinking into instead of sitting in the armchair. The instrument cluster is flattering, with 4 analog dials, a digital window and a panel of indicator lights between the tachometer and rev counter. Aware of the Vision's mass, Victory has thought things through in case the GT slips out of your fingers at a standstill or in the event of a bad kickstand. Discreet guards greatly reduce the risk of damage should the sides of the machine come into contact with the ground. Ready to eat up the miles, the Vision Tour packs 22.7 liters of fuel in its two tanks. These are recessed into the load-bearing aluminum frame.

a threat to theElectra Glide? This Vision Tourer doesn't have the aura of its rival, but its futuristic styling and Polaris confidence could shake up the hierarchy. The Vision Tour is an imposing machine, and its more affordable price tag may enable it to tickle the Goldwing benchmark and BM's K 1600 GTL (though sportier). This GT is available in several trim levels, the first of which starts at over 23,000 euros, considerably less than the competing Electra Glide Ultra Limited.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos