[Nuklhed]

I ask this because I'm wondering. I have the hardball, and it has a fairing and windscreen which makes it nice. The stock seat works well for me, too. No problems on long trips. Saddlebags contain lots of storage, too, which I like. I've been lucky enough to enjoy some several thousand mile long trips with it.

AND...

I really like the highball, also. Apart from the lack of storage (which is a solve-able problem), has anyone taken their highball on long trips and was it comfortable? For long trips, it makes sense to either have a backrest or windscreen for comfort (or both). The highball in stock form has neither. Again, a solve-able problem.

Were the footpegs/controls good or bad for long trips? Did you add a clear windscreen or bullet fairing? Anything else to make it comfortable?

Hopefully, someone here has both a cross bike and a highball that can lend some insight. I sat on a highball before buying my hardball just to check the ergonomics of the seat and bars, but I didn't spend any time riding one.

 

[BP6666VR]

I did 2600 km in 6 days, this might not sound like much but i made 1 circle of Sumatera island, i made a rack for my 60 liter bag that was the softesed backrest ever

2013 Jackpot with 4" foot extensions ....

After the trip my radiator looked like this ....

...

 

[iabob]

I've been all over the country on my Kingpin by throwing a windshield and saddle bags on it. I've also done it on a Vision. The direct answer to your question is yes, all the Victory cruisers are suitable for long trips. The more in depth answer is no matter what you do to it, it will never be as comfortable on those long trips as your Hardball is.

 

[Nuklhed]

Dang! You definitely want to wash that radiator off! Does the highball have the same 5.9 gallon tank?

iabob, I know the bike has the 'legs' for the trip, just wondering about the seat and ergonomics? I've always subscribed to the notion that you can ride a big bike short distances, but it's tough to ride a small bike long distances. With Victory using the same engine/transmission, that challenges my notion because the rpms/vibration will be on par with the hardball (think 883 sportster trying to go 85 down the interstate!).

 

[Captcupcake]

I have a '10 XC and a '17 Highball. I would say NO on the long trips due to some of the replies you received, plus the fact that the difference in the suspension is immense. Air ride vs. coil spring...I'll take the air ride any day for those 500+mile days. NOT saying it can't be done...there are some here who have done Iron Butt Rides on the steel frames.
I prefer to keep it under 200 miles on my HB. Your Back side/ Your choice.

 

[Nuklhed]

Good to know. I didn't realize the difference. I do like the air adjustable shock.

 

[iabob]

Dang! You definitely want to wash that radiator off! Does the highball have the same 5.9 gallon tank?

iabob, I know the bike has the 'legs' for the trip, just wondering about the seat and ergonomics? I've always subscribed to the notion that you can ride a big bike short distances, but it's tough to ride a small bike long distances. With Victory using the same engine/transmission, that challenges my notion because the rpms/vibration will be on par with the hardball (think 883 sportster trying to go 85 down the interstate!).

The gas tank on the Highball is going to realistically give you 3.5-4.0 gallons. The seating position is close, but the seat is smaller and stiffer on the Highball, it has pegs instead of mile long floorboards, and of course the wind protection.

 

[longhauler]

Yes, if you're willing to make the changes you noted. I added a Mustang seat and a clear windscreen to mine for the comfort, and added a sissy bar with a bag for the gear.
I've never owned any air suspension, but I previously came from dual sport/touring bikes that are made for distance.

I can tell you the highball can go any distance you want with those simple additions, but I think virtually any bike can do that so long as your attitude is "I can't wait to get on that thing" each day you're riding.

 

[MagVic CCT]

Nuk.....What I ride right now is a CCT. I don't have nor have I ridden a HB, but have been thinking lately about what I might do if the need to change to a smaller bike becomes an issue. Old age and all that.

By way of (sort of) a comparison, I've traveled with the wife and lots of "stuff" over 60K total miles on an older Nomad (think Roadking..ish). It worked and we had a ball doing it, but since I've moved on to other bikes, especially the CCT, I would find it really hard to go back. These are my reasons, maybe they apply to your situation.

Already mentioned is the suspension....there is a BIG difference.
Then the range. I can get at least 230 miles from the CCT, or more. It's come in handy in those isolated areas.
The room that I have to move as we ride along is very important to me. It keeps the back and legs and arms from cramping up.
And the weather protection is very nice. I gave up my chaps when I started riding the CCT. No matter how cold it gets, my lets stay fine in just the jeans.

Can a smaller bike be made comfortable like a big one? I doubt it. Can it be made more comfortable than it is, sure. It's going to come down to what you can live with. I could live with a lot more when I was younger. Now, I don't want to.

 

[BP6666VR]

The tank size & distance is not a problem, i always ride with Visions, Ducati, HD, etc, ..... i had a CCT as second bike

So the jackpot has no problem doing the same KM on 1 tank, the differance is not noteceble, and what does it matter ? The ride is to enjoy, go with the flow, yeah the BMW GS can do 350 km on one tank ....

The suspension on the Highball & Jackpot is the same, a bit stiff, but you know that before you start,

Put a big bag as backrest and the bike handles AWSOME , many times i left my CCT at home and took my JP out on trips, coz it handles better anyway

This is 2600 km in 6 days all around the island of Sumatera, best trip ever, the steel frames are just amaizing compared to the CCT i had