Launch: 2010 Victory touring range

This week Victory launched its 2010 touring range to the Australian motorcycle press in Queensland, with the exercise reinforcing in quite emphatic terms that the American marque is a powerful contender in the long-haul game.

Although still only a baby in motorcycle terms - the Polaris-owned company is turning 12 in 2010 - Victory has made huge inroads in a short period of time, and its three touring bikes are cases-in-point.

There are three touring bikes in Polaris' 2010 line-up: the Vision Tour and the new Cross Country and Cross Roads models, all powered by the company's muscular 1731cc 50-degree air/oil-cooled V-twin and built to the company's CORE Technology.

We'll talk more about the CORE Technology in the full launch report (which will go on-line soon), which Victory believes is all about "multi-tasking within the structure of a motorcycle."

Other CORE concepts include increasing chassis rigidity and "intelligent progressive design of chassis and powerplant". In real terms that equates to features like a cast aluminium frame.

The engine produces a healthy 148Nm and 92hp and the unique-looking Vision is one surprise packet.

Performance is on a par with what you'd expect from such a broad-shouldered engine, but the real calling card is its superb handling and comfort.

It certainly doesn't feel as heavy at it looks -- it has to be one of the sweetest handling tourers I've ridden, with plenty of ground clearance a boon. And with a plethora of tasty standard features, including ABS, cruise control, a power windshield, 110lt of storage and a multi-function instrument display, it's a home away from home.

Meanwhile, the Cross Country lacks the sheer physical presence of the Vision (as most other bikes in the universe do…) but still includes the long-haul luxuries such as cruise control, massive floorboards and plenty of suspension travel.

Victory claims the Cross Country has the largest storage in class (79lt), the longest floorboards (450mm), the most rear suspension travel (120mm) and the lowest seat height (667mm).

Victory is pitching the Cross Country up against the Harley-Davidson Street Glide, while the Cross Roads is taking aim at the H-D Road King.

When you consider that Harley dominates the big bike market in Australia, even if Victory seizes a small amount of that pie it's future is looking bright.

The Cross Roads jettisons the voluminous fairings found on the Vision Tour and Cross Country, with its uncluttered front end supported by a sleek headlight nacelle and Lexan windshield - the latter able to be detached in seconds.

Fully integrated panniers are also part of the Cross Roads deal, and I have to say it is my personal favourite. Find out why in the full launch report.