The American cruiser specialist’s latest bike is the Vision Tour – a massive piece of metal, which claims to be the new benchmark in luxury touring. It’s only nine years since the first Victory rolled off the Minnesota production line and the company’s mission statement was written all over its motorcycles – build ’em big.GALLERY: Victory Vision TourThe new Vision remains true to that ethos. View it from any angle and what strikes the eye is the sheer size of it! From the front, the wide fairing and height-adjustable screen shield the flanks of the Vision to provide sumptuous protection from the elements. To the rear, a glowing, double V-shaped bank of lights frame the sculpted tail unit giving the Vision a futuristic appearance. However, it is the side aspect that showcases the Vision. The lines are strong and bold with luggage integrated into the bodywork. To accentuate the clean lines, all fasteners are hidden and the massive V-twin motor sits as the gleaming jewel in the crown.But big isn’t always beautiful and this isn’t a beautiful bike in the 916 sense of beauty, but it is bloody impressive! Sitting astride the Vision, the low seat is plush and wide. An extra four inches of foam has been added to prevent numbness between the 200-mile fuel stops. The pillion seat is stepped above the rider to give a clear view and to act as a lumbar support for the rider. Riding two-up needn’t add any undue strain as the rear shock is air-adjustable, just plug and pump to the desired pressure!Victory has done away with the traditional cruiser rocker gear-change in favour of a single pedal. This clears the floorboards of clutter and allows the rider more room to change position and avoid cramps. Protection points are located on the floorboards and underneath the passenger boards. This should prevent damage to exhaust or bodywork should the rider drop the machine. Turn the tank-mounted key and the cockpit lights up like an Airbus 330. Analogue dials cover fuel, speedo, tacho and voltage. A digital display provides clock, trip 1 and 2, average mph and fuel consumption, timer, instant mpg and temperature.Lighter than it looksVictory has increased engine size from 1634cc to 1731cc by lengthening the stroke and has added fuel injection. It’s more fuel efficient, has reduced emissions and more power. Frame is a two-part cast aluminium structure. The main front section doubles as an 11-litre air box, the false tank hides the entertainment electronics, while the fuel tanks are wrapped around the frame. Heading out into the Minneapolis rush hour offered an early opportunity to test slow speed manoeuvrability and clutch control. It’s not the bike you’d choose for commuting in London, but like many large motorcycles, it’s not as heavy as you might fear.On the open road it handles with a lightness that belies its 365kg bulk. Previous Victory gearboxes have been clunky, but this is much better. A higher sixth gear drops the revs down to 2,600 at 70mph. To cope with the huge task of stopping, Victory has uses a Nissin linked system. Apply the front brake and six pistons bite down hard on the twin 300mm discs. Depress the rear and initially just the back brake takes hold, but apply more force and a single piston squeezes each front disc.Any touring motorcycle worth its salt needs a state-of-the-art entertainment package. As standard the Vision has a radio with speakers front and rear. It can also be iPod-ready and the left-hand switchgear allows you to scroll through audio sources with ease, including optional CB/Intercom, XFM satellite radio, CD changer or Mp3 player. An important part of the bike’s overall design and structure is the luggage system. The panniers double as rear holding brackets for the long silencers. Together, the trunk and two panniers provide a massive 110 litres load space. The top box is large enough to store two full-face helmets.