The Beast From The East
Written: May 09 '03
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Pros: Build quality, style, handling, stump pulling torque.
Cons: Uncomfortable seat, gas tank design, lack of tachometer, weak exhaust note.
The Bottom Line: If you don't buy into Harley hype, like to cruise but need to know you can pull stumps when you rip her open, this bike is for you.
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| vtxhorndog's Full Review: 2002 Honda VTX |
I've had this bike for 2 weeks. Used to own a Shadow Aero 1100, nice bike but heavy, underpowered, underbraked, suspension was rough. I liked it but didn't love it, sold it. The VTX addresses all those criticisms - great brakes, much better suspension, heavy yes but very stable, handles quite nicely. But let's talk about the motor.
I have several sportbikes - 02 RC51 being the fastest. The 51 is overgeared, so it feels a little soft on the bottom, with a huge (unusable) rush of power on top - you rev it to make it go fast. The VTX 1800, seat of the pants, feels much stonger off the bottom and into the midrange. Crack the thottle aggressively and it feels like your arms are being pulled out, plus, it likes to rev. The engine has a huge amount of character - it is a total giggle machine. But, typically Honda, it is not scary - you can lope it around and it will never catch you out. It's a lovely machine - I had a 2000 HD Road King with the 1550 Kit, total dog compared to the VTX, plus it leaked oil - love a 22 thousand dollar bike that leaks (sold it along with the leather vest and the shorty helmet required to ride HD).
The fuel filling is a drag - all the nozzles seem to flow fuel really fast these days, and there is a metal shroud right under the cap in the tank that ensures fast fuel flow will shower rain all over your bike when filling up. I grab a paper towel and wrap it around the nozzle when I fuel up. Got a Corbin seat, required for this bike, no back support with stock seat. The exhaust note is pathetic for such a monster bike, just ordered a Vance and Hines. Sure, it's not a Harley, it doesn't turn heads like a Deuce. But it is a thrilling ride, reliable, well packaged. Needs a tach as it runs through the gears very quickly. If you like sportbikes, but enjoy scenery and just cruising, this bike is the best of both worlds. Far more comfortable and stable that a Yamaha Warrior, with more power. Buy this bike and you will be very, very happy.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 11,5000
Condition: New
Model Year: 2003
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Epinions.com ID:
vtxhorndog
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Reviews written: 1
Trusted by: 0 members
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