Honda VTX1800R VTX1800S reviews

Engine is to big, bike is to heavy, wheelbase is to long, in short; just about perfect. Having spent the vast majority of my 19 years of riding on sportbikes and standards before jumping on this monster, it took a fair bit of mental adjustment before I felt I had this thing under complete control. Once there however, the bike is a blast. Tons of torque and quite a bit of speed, (for a cruiser/battleship), when your rear tire stops spinning that is..... I'd still keep a sportier bike around for the twisties though, this thing scrapes even in your typical midwest corners! Show less

I have ridden for 30 some years. Starting primarily with dirt bikes and progressing more and more into cruisers as time went on. Probably driven 30 motorcycles. Everything from Sears MoPeds to Harley-Davidson. Before my VTX 1800 C, I had a Shadow Spirit 1100. I have had many people ask me to compare my Shadow Spirit to my present VTX. My retort has always been, my Shadow Spirit was like driving a Mustang or Camaro with a V-8. My VTX is like a 426 Chrysler Hemi. I will admit, I was somewhat skeptical about the 1800. After all who needs that big of an engine and isn't that bike heavy? Well after the first 5 minutes of driving the beast, I was like a kid in a candy store. Not only does it have power, it has handling, looks, smoothness and let me tell you, everyone notices the deep rumble of those 900 cc pistons moving up and down. I've done very little to my bike. Added K&N Filter, Roadhouse Shorty, Memphis Shade Slim, Sissy Bar and Sissy Bag. And let me tell you this. I have never been on a bike that scares Harley riders more than this bike. You pull up to a light and they can't make a right or left hand turn fast enough or pull into the nearest 7-11 for a refreshment. Anythig to get away. Wherever I go, people turn around and stare, look and wonder. When you park next to Harleys, the Harleys look puney. I've raced a few Harleys. Actually I felt sorry for them. The other day a crotch rocket went screaming by as I was going up a Canyon Road. Suprised me, scared me. You know how those crotch rocket guys drive. Well there was a turn ahead and I caught up. After the turn, there was a big long steep climb. I got right up behind the screaming crotch rocket and he of course came out of the turn a little faster than did I. When I saw nothing but pavement in front of me, I got on the throttle. Guess who was the first one up to the top of the hill? Was fun passing one of those stratosphere red line machines, and I'll guarantee, that kamkiaze crotch rocket driver had a new respect for a V Twin Xtreme (VTX) cruiser. I just absolutely love my bike. Can you tell? Hope this helps. Good luck. Show less

The 2002 VTXs is the strongest, most torque laden bike I have ever ridden, but it still is very well mannered and easy to ride. My normal ride is an 1800 gold wing, so I was used to engines this size. The low seating position helps even more for someone my size, 5'6 150 lbs. But I was amazed at the low end torque. I was doing 65 on the highway, and didnt realize I still had 5th gear left. The VTX likes to operate at lower rpms than the wing, and normal around town riding only requires second or third gear. Even on the two lane back roads 4th is more than adequate. Even with all that power, the bike is amazingly well behaved, very smooth shifting, smooth powerful brakes, strong low end acceleration. Red lines a little early at 5500 or so and rev limiter kicks in. Some falling into a stop at low speeds, but the seat height of 27" helps out. I couldnt believe that one of the motorcycle magazines rated the Harley V rod, Kawasaki mean streak one other power cruiser ahead of it. V-Rod costs almost twice as much. Mean streak lacks in power. VTX even does well on the highway with windscreen on. Weight makes it dead stable, even in high wind. Would expect more vibration from such a big v twin, but dont see it on the VTX. Had more vibration on a 750 virago. Show less

Bike I have is a 2002 leftover from the dealer.Although I haven't logged many miles yet,this bike is pretty impressive.Lots of power,heavy.Bike just floats as you're going down the road.I love the ride.Only drawback is that it's not loud enough for me. Show less

This bike is just about everything a cruiser fan could want. With a pair of Cobra slip-ons and a processor for your intake, this machine puts out a thunderous rumble matching it's looks. There is enough torque and horsepower to satisfy any man. While at speed, the stability is phenomenal. The only draw back is that it doesn't corner very well. You really have to slow down considerably when banking. It's not a sport bike and not built for that, so there's no real unhappiness. The Beast does everything it promised and more. It's beautiful and chicks dig it. Honda has reached the zenith of cruiserdom. I can't wait for the Rune....... Show less

when in doubt.......buy it. great ride performance, low maintenance, looks, sound, a real head turner. if it sounds like i'm a thoroughly satisfied customer ...........like they say here in the south..."YEAH YOUR RIGHT" Show less

Got my illusion blue 2002 vtx 1800 Retro May 2002 and have not regretted it in any way. I have not experienced any problems in 5,000 miles. I love this bike! Head turner when stock but now with my DG Kickers exhaust, PC3 dynojet, and Thunder air kit she finally sounds as bad as she really is. Nothing can touch or match this machine. If anyone is looking for a super cruiser this is your ride. Ride hard and keep the shiny side up!! HOOK Show less

THIS HAS BEEN A REAL PLEASURE. MY HARLEY NEVER GAVE ME THE POWER OR COMFORT THAT THE RETRO HAS. I HAVE TAKEN LONG DAY RIDES AND HAVE HAD MORE COMFORT . I DONT HAVE ENOUGH MILE TO OPEN IT UP ,BUT IN ALL HONESTY THERE IS ENOUGH POWER THAT AN EASY CRUISE IS GREAT. I HAVE HAD A QUESTION ABOUT A RATTLE WHEN THE RPM IS RAISED IN NUTRAL BUT NO PROBLEM IS NOTED WHEN UNDER A LOAD. MY WIFE LOVES THAT THE SEAT IS BIGGER THAN MY HARLEY AND LIKES THAT FACT IT OFFERS MORE COMFORT THAN THE PAD I HAD ON MY FAT BOB REAR FENDER. EVEN THOUGH ITS NOT A HARLEY ..SO WHAT !..I HAVE PRAISE FOR WHAT THE BIKE HAS TO OFFER. THE EXTRA POWER IS GREAT BUT THE COST OF FUEL ECONOMY IS PRESENT. WHAT THE HELL...SO YA STOP A LITTLE MORE OFTEN. LOVE THE BIKE!! I THINK YOU WILL TOO. SCOTT Show less

Bought the VTX one month ago. Changed oil @ 700 miles. Changed out pipes to Vance and Hines Big Shots. Installed the Dyno Tech Power Commander to compensate for the new pipes. Put some Arlen Ness Eye Ball mirrors and put on a Drag Tech. Tach on it for perf. shifting. Got rid of the "angry woman" seat. Awesome cruiser with big sound. Smooth ride with power to spare. Everyone wants to ride it!. Bullet proof bike would not consider any thing else. If you are thinking about one, don't. Go and get it. Show less

i have had this bike for just six (6),days. this is only my second bike,my first being a vlx600,no comparo between the two,just sarting to get the feel for this sweet thing.life is good but this will make smiles mile after mile,yes this is fine machine,as my son said,who by the way rides a cbr600f4i, this is sweeeeet !!!! ride safe. Show less