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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 45
San Antonio Texas | So here we are blissfully holding our downpayment for a new VISION. Then Radioteacher posts the demo rides for San Antonio. "Let's go look and see if they have the new Cross Country Tour". Throw helmets in the car because we are on errands that require a trunk. I figure we won't even need to do more than mount two up on the CCT to check the seating. Hop on a nice Sunset Red and asks the wife to slide on the back. "I'm on" she says. Evidently the lower rear seat height allowed her to slip on when I moved forward to brace the bike! Next we notice more room between us. So we hop off and go to a Vision. First, she had to work a bit more to hop on. Then she noted that the rear lip of the Vision seat pushed her forward. Next, the front of the trunk was below her elbows and she said it felt squished compared to the Vision. SO, grab helmets and sign up. On the street the air control is fabulous. Had to get used to the fairing. We ride a fixed unit like the Vision. Crank the stereo and settle in. Loved the entire ride. The CCT is really designed as a two up machine. We had more room, better control over the airflow, and she sat a bit lower giving us a really good feel. I need pull-back bars and that's it. My wife said she could be comfy with a 400-500 mile day on the bike. The passenger seat is longer and a bit less bucket like. She asked for armrests, a drink holder, country music, and hill country.
Mamma is 5'10' and I am 5'91/2". For us the CCT is a better fit. She has a 34" inseam and is, Ahem, endowed. The seating position is fabulous. And that was without lowering the passenger footrests.
So Mr. Radioteacher, now we have to rethink our entire motorcycle just because of you. But, it was good to see you again.
JB
Edited by lonestarmedic 2011-08-13 5:04 PM
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Visionary
Posts: 4278
| wife sounds nice and so so for the bike. You know you can readjust the handlebars just by loosing the pinch bolts. |
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Visionary
Posts: 3773
Pittsburgh, PA | ive been curious to hear how a fork mounted fairing is compared to a frame mounted fairing in cross winds etc.. |
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Visionary
Posts: 3006
San Antonio, TX | lonestarmedic,
It was wonderful seeing you again and meeting your bride. You might curse me but I consider the day a victory!
You and the wife found out some information that will help you out with you future purchase.
Ride safe and take care. |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 45
San Antonio Texas | DBL Post
Edited by lonestarmedic 2011-08-14 10:15 AM
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 45
San Antonio Texas | RT- Indeed it was a Victory. As soon as the government budget is figured out next month we will know when we can purchase. The government shutdown scared us this year. Always figured my job was stable. You are right, it help us to make a good choice.
Fairing differences
Fixed fairing the whole bike feels pushed in a crosswind. Mirrors are always aligned to your rear. Sits farther out from the driver and you do not see right in front of you. Usually a bit better wind protection. Accessories are easier to reach as the dash items are closer. On some bikes the fixed fairing gives a lighter feel to the steering.
Fork fairing- Headlight point where you are going. Can be a big help!! Have run into situations where I was almost turning blind on a sharp curve. Fuel tank and engine are easier to access. Fairing/windshield is closer and easier to see things on the road. Wind sometimes pushes the bars and steering a bit. My experience is that it doesn't really affect much. Often more accessories such as driving lights etc. for the bar fairings. Mirrors are often better mounted to the bars.
CCT fairing- Steering is so light you don't notice the fairing. I was over-compensating like crazy the first few minutes. Never had a moment that it felt in the way. With the lower wind wings on the fairing and the lowers opened, both my wife and I had a lot more air. She was wearing shorts (don't flame- we weren't planning to ride and we new the risks!!) She said that there was less heat on her legs than on our water cooled Yamaha. And less heat than the vision. I liked the gauge system and the dash indicators on the CCT. Well thought out. Also, there will be very little if any glare and reflection with the angles. The lower pockets are nice. Easy to reach and large enough for gloves, glasses etc. I think my 4" 1911 will fit lying flat in the pocket! No lock of course but it gives a size idea. I was able to reach all of the airflow controls while riding using my hands. Hands off the bars on the highway next to a semi and no problem. I actually think the buffeting affected the bike a bit less than the Vision.
CCT seating- Felt lower than the Vision. Rear seat will be fantastic for vertically challenged passengers. The flat front of the tour pack makes it easy to mount. The tapered speaker area of the Vision makes my wife go forward to mount then slide back into the u-shaped passenger area. Although the Vision seat is wider for the passenger, the CCT seat is longer and flat on the rear lip. Doesnt throw the passenger forward. Pilot seat is fantastic and feels like the Vision. I would say we had at least 2-3" more room between us on the CCT. Also, no grabrails on the CCT.(They are available) So, nothing rubbing on thighs/buttocks.
CCT luggage- As reported many times, cavernous!!! Do not think we would need a top rack or bag except maybe for a pair of rainsuits on a long trip. Little cable holding the lid on the top is cheesy. Did not hear rattles on speed bumps etc.
The CCT is a traditional touring bike in its setup. However, the styling is all Victory. It is not an Electra-Glide wanna-be. Victory has designed it for the market that likes the traditional setup. I have ridden many E-Glides. I felt cramped behind the fairing. Wife felt squished between me and the luggage. The front of the sidebafs always rubbed her calfs. Victory did indeed think about overall comfort on the CCT.
JB
Edited by lonestarmedic 2011-08-14 10:12 AM
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Cruiser
Posts: 273
Midlothian, Va. | Nice write up! |
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Visionary
Posts: 1290
Ruskin, Fl | I'm afraid to test ride one now. I can't afford 2 bikes and don't want to give up the Vision. I'll end up making a deal with the devil. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1350
| Nice.
If they put an electric windshield and reverse on a CXT then Anny might have a sister in the garage. :P (sorry CC is still for the old Classic Cruisers to me) |
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CURSE YOU RADIOTEACHER!!
