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.

I had a 2003 Honda VTX 1800 R, and it was a 'good' bike. It handled'ok' and did most cruiser duties' adaquately'.

If you don't demand lean angles or tight suspension or quick steering, and just want a (get over it, please) Harley clone that's a bit on the overall bland side, you should be happy.

It is a large (1800cc) V-twin cruiser with classic styling. It is water-cooled, shaft-drive, low maintenance. Honda has a great reputation for reliability. It was way less than half what a comparable Harley would have cost. It is a low mileage bike in like-new condition. What's not to like?

This bike has plenty of power even up over 100mph but is very freindly to ride. It's really smooth. It is great to ride double, my feonce loves the back seat. In my opinion a windshield is a must for highway rideing, lots of wind, but around town up to 55mph it's no prob. Easy to work on also, oil changes ect. 2 thumbs up!

The bike was in great shape. Few miles and the last owner to care of the machine. No major issues. The bike was priced great and it's a good gas saver in today world. Honda is a great Mfg and very reliable machine to work with.

I BOUGHT THIS BIKE ON EBAY FROM KNOXVILLE TN. I DROVE IT 603 MI TO VA BEACH. I FELT BETTER WHEN I GOT OFF THE BIKE THAN I DID WHEN I GOT OFF THE BENCH SEAT ON THE BACK OF A US AIR PROP PLAN FOR 1 HR RIDE

The young man with whom I purchased my motorcycle was honest and took amazing care of this bike. Overall great experiance.

This a great bike except for the most uncomfortable seat I have ever sat on. If you ride for more than 30 minutes on a regular basis then your first purchase has got to be a Mustang or Corbin seat. Other than the seat, this iss a perfect bike.

This motorcycle is EXACTLY what I was looking for in a "first" road bike. Chrome, big engine, low to the ground (I'm 5'9" so kinda short). Dealer was awesome. I couldn't ask for anything better. Little things are nice. Water-cooled engine. Allen head screws all over the engine. Oversized foot brake. Hard front/back fenders. Low price compared to Harley's - and better looking in my opinion. Definitely more trustworthy for maintenance issues.

I have wanted a VTX 1800 for several years now and found and won the bid on a nice bike in the region. I traveled to Colo. to pick up the bike and my intent was to ride it back home. This bike was all I had expected it to be from the seller info and photos, and more. I test drove the bike on the spot and finished the papers and paying for the bike and off I was to go for a ride. I left the town I picked the bike up in and headed from Colo. to Wy. and I was impressed with the ride, overall performance, and solid feel of the 1800. The trip to SD. from Colo. was one of the best rides I have had, the open road, a bike with awesome performance, and a good solid feel on the road. I encountered some strong winds on this trip and with most bikes this would have been a possible issue but the VTX 1800 held the road and handled like a Caddie. I am happy with almost all this bike can offer, power, ride, performance, and looks. I wanted a heavy cruiser and that is what I got plus outstanding performance. If you are looking for 50 + miles to the gallon on gas this is not the bike, I average on the HY. around 38 and in town if I could keep my hand in control of the gas around 32 miles per gal. I can live with that because this is the bike I wanted. I love the looks of this bike, the only thing I would and will down the road is the exhaust with the 1800C you have a two into one and it is big and long and I will be changing that soon. Overall I have a great bike, it has the power I want, the looks, and the Honda reliability and that makes me the happy owner. The only thing with the 1800 that takes a few days of riding it is the weight, at 700 + lbs. it is not a toy and that takes some getting used to, after my road trip of 517 miles, and a lot of around town driving I am good with the weight. When I get on my old bike at around 500 lbs you feel like you can almost toss it around a bit, but anyone getting a Honda VTX 1800 of any type you will not be dissatisfied with your purchase, so go get one and have fun.