What are your thoughts on the Honda VTX 1800?

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 10 Jan 2016 15:03:28 -0500

I was recently in an accident where a cage decided they wanted to occupy the same space on the freeway as me. My bike is totaled and now that I am recovering enough to get back on my feet, I am starting to look for replacement. I have my eye on a couple of Honda VTX 1800's. Has anyone had any experience with these and any thing I should look for or look out for?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 10 at 2016 3:05 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 10 Jan 2016 15:05:56 -0500

The only drawback I can think of is its shaft driven. Ive never personally owned one, but they guys I know that do habe the 1800 haven't had any major issues. It depends on what u rode before cause the weight change will be something to adjust to but its a very well balanced bike with plenty of power.

Response by Capt Jeff S. made Jan 10 at 2016 4:22 PM

Capt Jeff S. — Sun, 10 Jan 2016 16:22:40 -0500

I like the ergonomics of my Heritage more...

Response by CPL J Sannizzaro made Jan 10 at 2016 6:23 PM

CPL J Sannizzaro — Sun, 10 Jan 2016 18:23:47 -0500

Excellent bike, I now own my second. :)

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jan 10 at 2016 6:27 PM

PO1 John Miller — Sun, 10 Jan 2016 18:27:43 -0500

It's cheaper than it's Harley counterpart...

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 11 at 2016 1:05 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 Jan 2016 01:05:22 -0500

What did you ride before? The VTX is a powerful bike, fuel injected, etc.

Response by Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth made Jan 11 at 2016 12:09 PM

Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth — Mon, 11 Jan 2016 12:09:42 -0500

Not too familiar with the Hondas...not against them, it is just that I am a Kawasaki kind of guy so I am biased. If you haven't looked at the Kawasaki Vulcan vaquero, take a look. They way it is designed is ergonomically comfortable. I currently ride a Vulcan Classic and love it.

here is a video clip of the Vaquero on the road with a narrator...not too keen on the green color but the bike is what you are looking for.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yt4z1xZegEA

WRR29: Riding the Kawasaki Vulcan Vaquero 1700

Come take a ride on the Kawasaki Vulcan Vaquero 1700. This bagger has a water cooled 1700cc (103ci) v-twin and a beautiful candy lime paint job. Weekly Rides...

Response by SSG Greg Kerr made Jan 12 at 2016 7:40 AM

SSG Greg Kerr — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 07:40:21 -0500

I had a 2003 VTX 1300 that I loved. My brother in law had the 1800. Was a very good motorcycle. Fuel injected and a few Cc's bigger than my at the time 1300. I think they are both good bikes.

Response by SGT Craig Knutson made Jan 12 at 2016 10:47 AM

SGT Craig Knutson — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 10:47:22 -0500

Glad to hear you came out ok and you are ready to get back in the saddle. I've had a couple of buddies with VTX's both 1300 and 1800. Many friends that ride. I myself have had a couple of metric cruisers and now am on my second Harley. Our Legion rider group is about half and half and we do many miles each year. I don't see a difference in reliability between the Harleys or metric bikes, to each their own. I've gone from a Honda shadow to a Kawasaki Vulcan to a heritage soft tail, and now an Electra glide which is my favorite. Good luck!

Response by 1SG David Niles made Jan 12 at 2016 7:54 PM

1SG David Niles — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 19:54:56 -0500

Good solid low maintenance bikes

Response by SSG Oliver Mathews made Jan 17 at 2016 8:28 AM

SSG Oliver Mathews — Sun, 17 Jan 2016 08:28:18 -0500

I owned a 2005 VTX1800 N... Pros... POWER... they have gobs of power... Cons... 5 speed, lack of an aftermarket base...

They will run good and long, i wouldnt have gotten rid of mine but i wanted a bagger... and the wife said only one for me... some notes... They are a little rough on slow speed handling. They are big bikes (800lbs)

If you have anymore questions hit me up.

BTW when i sent it to my father-in-law it had 15K... now it has over 20k...

Response by MSG Patrick Quinn made Jan 17 at 2016 6:30 PM

MSG Patrick Quinn — Sun, 17 Jan 2016 18:30:12 -0500

Glad you're okay! If you're going long distance you might want to look at a touring bike/bagger, but the VTXs are great bikes and a friend rode his all over the country. Definitely a great choice and Hondas hold their value well. After a Suzuki, a Honda Shadow and a HD Dyna, I went for a Harley Street Glide, which is incredibly comfortable. I'm hooked on the fairing.