2004 Honda VTX

Background: My 2004 VTX 1800C was my second VTX and my 3rd Honda. I have approximately 20,000 miles in the saddle on the VTX, so I consider myself a semi-expert on the bike.

Performance: The bike will do 0-60 in a shade under 4 seconds and is not is quick as the 1800F, which has shorter overall gearing. Top end on the bike ranges from 125-135 mph, depending on rider weight, road conditions, and mock up of the bike (windshield, bags, etc.). The bike is great for blasting down the street in between stoplights, and only a handful of stock cars could keep pace with you to the next light; however, make sure there is a next light because in the quarter mile even a lowly Mustang with some juice is going to catch you. The bike will hit the low 12s in the 1/4 mile, but, again, rider weight, riding ability, and mock up of the bike are factors here.

Reliability: Excellent. I never had a single problem on this bike. My previous model, an S variant, had to have a replacement water pump, and it seems about 10% of those bikes had that problem, but that was an '02 model. They cured that and the fouled plugs (the bike ran a little rich early in the model run, according to some) along the '03 model year.

Comfort: Comfort on the C model, which is the original variant of the VTX is only average, but cruisers as a whole are not comfort bikes, so this is not a mark-down or strike against the bike. The bike is built for those about 5'10 -6' tall. If you are shorter, you might be stretched out more than you like and if you're taller, you might find yourself wanting for more leg room. The reach to the bars was perfect for me, and I found the footpegs to be comfortable but only for trips less than a 100 miles. If you're going on the interstate or an extended ride, you'll want floorboards or a heel shelf to support your legs because the wind hitting them will tire out the flexors in your legs, as you will ultimately strain to keep your legs up on the pegs. Having a thick cleat on your boots would help but only marginally so.

Quality and Craftsmanship: See my review of the 2002 VTX, as the quality and craftsmanship highlighted there applies to this bike as well.

Additional notes: Judged against its most direct competitors--the Yamaha Warrior, the Suzuki M-109R, and the Kawasaki Vulcan 2000--the Honda is the most well rounded. The Yamaha is a better handler but less powerful, not as fast in the 1/4 mile, and not quite as comfortable. The Suzuki is equivalent in performance terms, but I have not ridden one, so I can't comment on the comfort. From appearances, it would seem to be the closest in most regards to the VTX except in style (it's one of the uglier designs, if you ask me). The Vulcan 2000 is faster in roll-ons because of its immense torque, but 1/4 mile still goes to the VTX. Comfort is going to be equivalent, and perhaps the only flaw on the Vulcan is its stock seat, but the stock seat on most of these bikes is the first or second item to go, along with the stock pipes.

The VTX overall is a cut-above the cruiser norm in terms of performance and reliability with decent comfort and nice aftermarket support. I highly recommend it to riders of all skill levels. It might be a bit heavy for females and small riders, and the weight may prove difficult for novice riders, but with a little practice, the weight will become a non-issue. The VTX is a well-rounded bike and represents one of Honda's finer cruiser offerings.

Yes, the bike is one of the most powerful bikes around, 106HP. Low end torque is amazing. I rode 500+ miles in a day without hesitation when I bought my first 1800 X. Any other bike would have had my back in pain for days. The ONLY drawback to this bike is weight. It cumbersome at slow speeds. But that fact is overridden by the comfort and power provided by all X's. Cruising at 90mph all day is nothing for this bike. Being a Honda, they will outlast all the "sportier" bikes out there also. I do wish they has airride. Finely adjusted shocks would be a major plus. 32-37mpg is about all you'll get out of an X, but we don't look at those numbers...it's a lifestyle we look at, now isn't it?

I was the wiining bid for a nice Honda motorcycle and never got the bike.

Right away the seller wrote to tell me he "was having trouble with PAY PAL and that I shouldn't use it at this time."

I wrote him and mentioned times and chashiers check for payment for when I came to pick it up.

3-emails and a week latter he told me he had already "sold" it to me???? (someone impersonated me... right!)

Short story... I believe he used Ebay to establish a price for his friend to buy the motorcycle.

John

I've owned Harley, Triumph, Royal Enfield, an early Honda and my VTX 1300C is hands down regardless of price, the best of the bunch. It is road bike engineering at it finest. Honda continues to dominate with great quality where it counts. If forced to deny anything to Honda, it is a bit to much chrome plated plastic. I'm an old guy and chrome plated plastic was always reserved for model car bumpers and hub caps. Not for a real machine like the VTX. The bike deserves better. Don't cut the chrome, just the plastic
Excellent power, very good ride, seat could be a tad more comfortable, but acceptable. Overall the VTX is the finest motorcycle I have ever owned. Not much interested in any other bike.

Very well mantained! Low miles and perfect shape...
The description of the seller did not leave outside any detail or feature of this motorcycle.
Runs smooth.

great ride seat a little hard very comfortable to drive easy to drive very reliable what can you say it is a honda

This is by far the most comfortable bike I have ever owned. I have rode all my 43 years and love this VTX. Honda oudid thierselves. It is all stock and turns alot of heads going down the road. Sounds good and runs like a champ!!

I read up on the internet about the bike before I bought it. It was what I expected. Cruises well on the highway at any speed but you can feel the bumps on rough roads. There is a lot of power behind this bike and it is heavy. It is not for the beginner.

I like the powerful 1800cc motor. The body line are nice to. The only thin i have to dislike is the motor design. I owned a 1300VTX and the motor actually sounded like a harley with aftermarket pipes. The 1800VTX does not at all. The difference is the crank area. On the outside it looks the same but sounds like a VT1100 (Honda Shadow)big bore. If this doea not bother you the bike will be perfect.

This is a sleek, powerful motorcycle built by a company that consistently provides quality products.