2002 Honda VTX

Pros: 1800 - Sexiest thing on two wheels - But I like the 1300 better
Cons: I can't ride the 1800.

Ever since I saw the first ad and magazine review of the VTX it was my dream bike. IMAGINE! 1800 ccs of power thundering between my legs! So I can't afford one. So my bikes are for commuting, not fashion statements. I can dream, can't I?

I...

Pros: Affordable cruiser and trend setting tank design. Strong motor and great riding position.
Cons: Bulky and heavy feeling. If you play rough it will suck gas like a fiend.

This is free ride number two. Honda is attracting customers in a positive way. See bike - like bike (so far a given with the new VTX). So Honda says, like bike - ride and sample. Kinda like the doughnut shop of old handing out freebies only I've yet...

Pros: Power, refinement, quality, charisma
Cons: Pegs can drag in tight corners (no big deal)

Here are some comments after a few months' VTX riding. I have a 2002 VTX 1800 C that I ride daily on local errands with occasional longer trips. The VTX is a truly great motorcycle.

If you can, get a test ride on a VTX from your local...

Pros: Build quality, style, handling, stump pulling torque.
Cons: Uncomfortable seat, gas tank design, lack of tachometer, weak exhaust note.

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,...

Pros: Largest production motorcycle 1800cc (110 cubic In) except one off bikes by specialty shops.
Cons: Shoddy chrome, no tach, brick for a seat, a speedo that only goes to 150.

Before I begin on the bike a little about me. I have been riding for 27 years on everything from 60 ...

Pros: Great looking bike that handles well in most situations. Honda reputation for reliability.
Cons: Uncomfortable seat, excessive vibration at certain RPM ranges, annoying quirks (see review text).

NOTE TO READERS: I'm including my review of the 2004 Honda VTX 1300-C here, as there is no appropri ...

Pros: Great power, handles very good, comfortable, very good fit and finish
Cons: Foot pegs drag early in tight corners

I picked up my VTX sight unseen the first day they arrived at the dealers (April 12). I had been waiting for several months for it and having been riding motorcycles since 1972 I was hoping that it was everything that it had been built up to bee. From...

Pros: Look & style, Power, reliability, in this case the price,
Cons: Big for inexperienced, seat could use an upgrade, key is in odd position

have not ridden much in last 20 years. Decided to start after my wife bought a sportster. One thing for sure, they are all nice when your browsing showrooms. Looked at V-Star, Vulcan, VTX 1300, all nice. Found this leftover 03 1800R for a great price. ...

Pros: Powerful - Fast - Fun to ride
Cons: Big and heavy - Average MPG - Stock pipes too quiet

I've had the 2003 Honda VTX 1800R for just over a year now. I moved up from a Suzuki 700cc street bike and was a bit concerned about the size of th 1800. My worries ended once I got on and rode it. It actually feels much more stable and nimble than my older, lighter bike. I imagine this is due to the lower center of gravity.
I've been getting right around 130 miles on a tank of gas (which is right around 32MPG) - I wish this was a little better. Once you get the bike, you'll want to start customizing it.. one of the first things I would recommend is a set of aftermarket exhaust pipes. The stock pipes are too muffled to feel safe - if people can't see you, they better hear you!

If you're looking for a big cruiser you won't find better for under $10,000.

Pros: Lots of power and nice handling characteristics.
Cons: Bad design on the turn signal lens, faulty trip meter.

I bought the VTX 1800 Retro in August 2002 and as far as power and comfort goes it's a great cycle. I have put over 9K miles on it so far and the only thing I've had to do as far as maintenance is change the oil and tires.
Only complaint I have is the rattle in the headlight housing, turn signal lens have a nasty habit of breaking at the tab where the screw that attaches them to the nacelle, and the trip meter has quit working which is a problem with many othe VTX owners I've talked to. Overall though I'm well pleased with the beast. Handles really nice considering the weight.

Pros: Oodles of power, decent handling, not a legs way out in front seating position!!
Cons: ROUGH ride, so so brakes.

Ok, its fuel injected and with a Hypercharger and vance hines pipes its got a great sound. But its acceleration is ROUGH and its suspension, even at a light setting lets you feel every crack in the cement (my BMW K1200GT has a MUCH more refined ride and is nearly 700 lbs). The brakes are a disaster. Linked but quirky. The front brake doesn't apply the rear wheel but the rear brake applys the rear disk and several of the pots on the front brake. You can easily lock the rear wheel without chirping the front...and the front brakes take an inordinate amount of pressure...definately not two finger stopping!! All in all for dual fronts with 3 pots per wheel I'd expect better stopping power.

Handling is great, I have and continue to scrape the foot pegs but c'est la vie! I just which the suspension had more travel to make it a smoother ride.