Honda VTX1800 3000 Miles Later Review Affordable Cruiser Motorcycle

After a few months and 3000 miles of riding on the 2005 VTX1800 I got a feel for the bike. Here are a few pros and cons that I found.
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[@AdventureTomek]

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[@edmondsarvarian3749]

I had 60000 miles on mine. no problems at all. Honda makes the best bikes.

[@beeskizzy7276]

Slowest 2

[@denniswinton4485]

I have a 2003 VTX 1800C that I bought in 2006. It had 3600 miles when I bought it. It now has 160,000 mil. I've never felt a need to replace the seat. I did, however replace the handlebars the first year with those for a VTX 1800R. It made all the difference in the world. The original handlebars caused my back to start hurting after only a couple hundred miles of riding. The conversion was a bit expensive as you have to replace the hydraulic lines, but absolutely worth it.

[@AdventureTomek]

Thank you for the conversation tip. Wow!! That’s some miles on the bike. Have you had any major engine work done to it with those kind of miles?

[@1984chevroletdude]

I have a 1800r that I'm in the process of putting 16 inch apes on . I'm 6'4 so anything to help put my back in the backrest. 1800R bars were hitting my knees with a sharp enough turn.

[@rbljackson]

Dang! 160k is a lot. Ive got 42k on my 02 1800c. Bought her brand new when they first came out. Spent half the day detailing the bike today. She was needing some attention...LOL. He mentioned 40 MPG.. I NEVER get that. Average is about 32-33 MPG.

[@joshuajones6113]

@@1984chevroletdude How much did that run you with the new lines? I was thinking of maybe doing the same on my 1800R. Is it a lot of work to switch them out?

[@Ish7777777]

Any problems sourcing spare parts 20 years later?

[@tkong35]

I purchased a 02 vtx 1800 in july with all the bells and whistles fairing radio mustang seat backrest everything I fell in love with it the first day I rode it feels like I'm riding a dragster I am so sad I had to put it away for the winter I'm happy for you enjoy that beast !!

[@AdventureTomek]

Very nice!

[@tkong35]

@@AdventureTomek def mess with ur shock settings it will get a lil more comfortable for u btw what type of bags are those and how do y like em??

[@AdventureTomek]

@@tkong35 Viking bags. Look great on the bike, but not very practical. Just to small to fit much in them

[@BudsCartoon]

Man, the best day I remember, and I screenshotted the weather that day, was Christmas day 2020. (and people ask why I refuse to leave SoCal)

[@tjclarke4604]

Anyone who owns a VTX or a Valkyrie really should hang on to those bikes, they are becoming more and more rare every day. Truly amazing machines. The only thing about this video that kinda made me tilt my head was mentioning "As close as you can get to a Harley without paying the Harley price". Nah nah nah nah nah, nope, getting close to a Harley is a step DOWN, unless you really just like that 1942 noise they make.

[@Dynamic-cb9jy]

And the oil they use to leak regularly

[@beeskizzy7276]

Vtx is a heavy fucking toilet bowl it's not fast at all heavy AF the only thing it has going for it is Honda's name for reliability an tht ain't saying much Yamaha shits on Honda

[@themechanic5671]

@@beeskizzy7276I own a Yamaha R1 and one of these, I love them both for different reasons. I don’t think it’s necessary to trash a brand like that based on what I’m assuming is your comparison of one model against another.

[@chrisstedman-mj1tp]

@@beeskizzy7276Slander

[@WHO-DAT-GUY]

The Harley hate is so unnecessary. We are all riders why knock these awesome rides. Lame mentality

[@jamesnelson7415]

I have an 1800S, picked it up about 7 years ago, great bike with gobs of power - lots more than any Harley I had before. Not that I make a habit of it, but it has been known to cruise at 130 MPH without straining itself. I strongly recommend installing a K&N air filter in the stock housing, that will really help wake yours up. Also go back to stock mirrors, Honda did a great job with them, they stay in place and don't vibrate loose. Another thing that would help a lot for longer rides would be a rider's backrest, made a world of difference on my last Harley and on my VTX. I couldn't tell for sure, watching on my phone, but it looks like you have aftermarket forward controls on yours, and the brackets are scraping long before the pegs and limiting the lean angle. They may also be impacting your feel of shifting. When you do change oil, re.e.ber there are two drain plugs on the oil pan, you need to drain both. A final drive unit from a VTX1300 is a direct replacement, and will decrease the RPM at high speeds in fifth gear. Check out VTXOA and VTX Cafe forums for a lot of good info and tips. Ride Safe!

[@AdventureTomek]

I most likely will do a K&N filter, had no luck finding a forced air housing. The brackets for the aftermarket hwy pegs catch first, I may just remove those since I very rarely use them. Thanks for the heads up with the oil drain plugs I may have missed it on the oil change . Hmm 🤔 interesting vtx1300 final drive, I may have to look into that. I’ll checkout the forums. Thanks for the tips and watching 😎✌🏼

[@jamesnelson7415]

@@AdventureTomek Glad to help. BTW, the service manual calls for several important maintenance items at 8,000 mile intervals, including oil change, valve clearance adjustment, and other items. Somewhat tome consuming but important. You can find a link to a PDF copy of the factory service manual on the forums. Also, most of the "forced air" intakes for the 1800 don't actually add power, they're mostly for looks In fact, some of them actually restrict airflow and reduce power. I am running Vance and Hines Longshots, a PCIII USB, and a K&N air filter in the stock airbox, I've found that to be an excellent setup. There are a host of small mods which can make a difference, including Pair valve removal. Have fun!

[@traviswikoff5094]

He nailed it, everything I was going to recommend 👍I wonder if it's been desmogged yet? cool vid🤟

[@kevineveritt5952]

I’ve had 2 of these over the years , I wish I had of kept my maroon one. Awesome motorcycle

[@jamiehartwig4788]

Me as well! Had a new 2003 Tangerine, in 2003. Recently bought a 2003 Uranium Green! Always loved the bike!!!

[@KrakensGarageandAdventures]

The VTX is a great bike and great to pick up used as they can be had on the cheap.

[@mixc8]

Glad to see this video! I have a 2008 VTXc. Brought it off my friend after Sand hit NYC and took out may Kawasaki 1100. It had 3k miles on it when I brought and I am only up to 6K as of today. And I have to same problem as you with the after market mirrors :( I carry a small wrench around to keep them tighten. The bike over all to me is a beast and dependable. I Harley friends that respect the bike, it's still running strong, I am going to add a windshield in a few weeks because when I hit around lets say 60 miles per hour on the highway the wind hits my chest and pushes me back on the seat and I am not a small guy. I wouldn't give this back up for the world just for the dependability alone.

[@AdventureTomek]

The mirrors are driving me crazy….unfortunately the previous owner did not have the stock ones. I’ll figure something out before riding season starts to keep them steady. It’s a badass bike! I’ll film another vid here some with the VTX, currently looking for a air intake system, but those are $$$ Thanks for watching

[@ericrhinehart6055]

@@AdventureTomek Blue loctite and let it cure. Just like a Harley! AMHIK

[@joshuaranger1631]

My vtx1800 has a Kyrogen hyper charger air intake and it works great with my Vance and Heinz and power commander 3

[@Rkennyx]

We have almost a identical set up. Mines a 2008 VTX w/Cobra pipes and no baffles. PC III w/HyperCharger.

[@mr.solitude3352]

Glad you're a fan of the bike; I am too. To me, it feels more like I'm riding a muscle bike than a cruiser. It's a torque monster, for sure. And because it's so torquey, it has great engine braking capability. I love to engine brake alot. The braking is super because there are two discs up front and both brakes are linked. Consider returning to stock mirrors too. They're not that difficult to find and they stay in one place. It also looks like you have a set of Viking bags. Like 'em? Lastly, who makes the highway pegs that you have and where do they connect to the bike? Thanks for making the videos that you do. They are superior in quality.

[@AdventureTomek]

I’ll have to look into the stock mirrors. The Viking bags are great, just a bit small. I’ll have to see about the HWY pegs and get back to you. I’m not even sure if a brand is labeled on them. Thanks for watching

[@PurpleOnThree]

Handlebar position and improving it makes such a huge difference.

[@AdventureTomek]

It is hard to find anything aftermarket for the bike unfortunately

[@mr.solitude3352]

@@AdventureTomek That is the ONLY con that I have for the bike. Aftermarket stuff is sparce indeed. :(

[@saxtx09]

Thank you for mentioning the gear ratio, roms and gas mileage. I have a 2014 Valkyrie that I like except the fatal flaw is that it doesn’t want to go over 60mph. After 60 the Roma climb and the gas milagr falls off fast. There are just some roads where it’s open and it’s common for speeds to go 80 plus but the Valkyrie just lacks a gear or two to make that happen. Too bad really, it’s an otherwise fine machine. I watched a lot of videos before I bought it and not one every said anything about that issue which is disappointing, I’m glad you gave fair warning on what to expect with the VTX 1800.

[@saxtx09]

Sorry about spell check. “Roma and roms” should be “rpms”.

[@a.j.sgarage9637]

72,000 mile on my vtx, power commander 2, cold air, cobra pipes. Top speed was about 120 even with those, felt like a screen door on the highway at those speeds. However a full set of fairings and cleaning up some of the areo on it got me to 137mph on the GPS.

[@PurpleOnThree]

Honda probably knows how to properly install a hydraulic clutch that works consistently. 👌

[@mr.c493]

I have an 05 f3, got back in 2016 for $5k with 5k miles. Love the bike!!

[@AdventureTomek]

Nice!!

[@Phil-pw7ko]

when this model was 1st released the Honda District Serice Manager comes in to our dealership and is telling us when you let out the clutch, you can feel each stroke of motor if you idle away, has intake valves same size as P-51 Mustang, I kidded him that with all these Japanese cruisers being built, no man hole cover is safe from being turned into a big twin crankshaft, with aftermarlet exhaust they sound kinda like a truck using diesel brake, very popular sales record, but Honda cut the price on later models killing what resale value they had, dealership sold 52 18's in a month for a picture of how popular these models were, before the 2008 economy housing market crash tanked motorcycle sales

[@sociopathmercenary]

Had a 2002 VTX 1800r but I had to sell 15 years ago for financial reasons. Picking up a 2005 tomorrow with only nine thousand miles on it. Pretty damn excited... I missed that sweet girl.

[@AdventureTomek]

Oh heck yeah! Sad to say I just sold my VTX a few days ago... it was time to move on. Im looking forward to trying something new.... but who knows maybe the VTX was the one and ill have to find her again one day. Thanks for watching!

[@sociopathmercenary]

​@@AdventureTomekthere's a ton of great bikes out there. Got to go with what you love

[@coopidon]

The instant power that you feel is due to the shaft drive as well.

[@BangChief_AllIsOne]

I love the shaft drive. No more famn chain maintenance. Salute

[@adriansolis7760]

Damn crusing at a hundred bro😅 respect

[@rbatman9704]

Im still on a hunt for mine. I’ve wanted one since they came out.

[@BangChief_AllIsOne]

Just got 1 one on Monday. It's a damn Beast. Salute

[@Clutch_Kick187]

I had the same bike, 05 18N S3 in metallic silver, V&H long shots, forward facing intake, & power commander. and I hated the pullback bars so I got some 10" apes and flipped the risers backwards from pull back bend to bend forward, and it fit my 6'4" long frame and arms great.. Put 40k miles on it in after buying the 05 brand new in 07, was still sitting there 2yrs old in late 07.. It was nearly $5k off sticker so I swiped a great deal on it.. After riding a few street glides of friends, I made the switch to a 2010 street glide for the fairing & bags, cruise control, radio, and of course the sound.. A twin cam harley with a camshaft & pipes sound just cannot be replicated or beat.. No matter what, that sound is just so satisfying and muscle car like.. Regardless, I loved the Honda, and it just didn't have the aftermarket to really make it your own, but I didn't lose much money, I paid right at $10k as it was 2yrs old still on showroom floor, and sold it with 41k miles for $8500 bucks in late 2011.. I still have my 2010 street glide I bought after the vtx, 14yrs later.. I had the motor built at 45k miles a couple years ago, and the aftermarket is endless for it so I will prob keep it for ever.. No one other than super harley nerds really even know its 14yrs old..

[@AdventureTomek]

Your are correct, the aftermarket is very limited for the VTX bikes. I have never owner a Harley yet, but on my list of bikes to own. I’m a fan of the Road King, love the classic look it has. Thanks for watching!

[@Clutch_Kick187]

@@AdventureTomek Thats my fav Harley to look at and city ride for sure, but the fairing is just sooo nice breaking wind & the radio/gauges, that I'm now spoiled.. I had an 02 RK for a few years, but it just sat in the corner collecting dust.. The looks with some sweet apes and 21" front fat spoke wheel, and of course fishtail exhaust..

[@mixc8]

Been thinking lately about upgrading to a GW 2018-2021. My 2008 VTX is in mint condition with only 6k miles, but the reverse feature on the GW is appealing to me. Father Time has caught up to my knees sadly.

[@Rkennyx]

I basically have same thing. 1800 VTX w/Power Commander III. Asfar as cold air intake, what the previous owner of MY bike did was take the air box, cut out off the air diaphram AND air intake type box. So when I put in my HyperCharger, the Power Commander was already set TO the additional air intake. I have the Cobra pipes, baffles out and its a mean soundng 2008 VTX. If I could add a picture to SHOW you the airbox I would. Anywho great looking and sounding bike.

[@AdventureTomek]

Thanks for watching!

[@tomsreviews238]

I had a 2002 Retro, the bike had great power. If you still got the bike, I would get rid of those highway brackets that sit lower than the pegs. Your scrapping hard parts and that can lift the bike off the tires and it will go down instantly.

[@aicsusa]

If you are going to use it on the highway mostly go up 1 or 2 teeth on the front sprocket. that will bring your RPMs down at cruising speed and get you better mileage. I have a 2004 1800s and love it.

[@sociopathmercenary]

There's not really a front sprocket since it's a shaft drive. Easiest way to accomplish this is to swap in a VTX 1300 final drive.

[@aicsusa]

@@sociopathmercenary that true I forgot I am so used to chain drive. Is the 1300 geared higher I would think lower since it has less torque?

[@jamiehartwig4788]

No disrespect,but, who buys a bike based on fuel economy! Get an ebike or a moped. Sorry can’t help myself 😊

[@jamiehartwig4788]

All my bikes have gotten about 36 miles to the gallon. 😉 Yamaha Stratoliner 1900 cc Harley Road King 96ci Indian Chieftain Classic 111ci And finally, 2003 Honda VTX 1800 C 😊

[@danvee1804]

thanks for posting , Love the review.......safe riding out there

[@AdventureTomek]

Thanks for watching!

[@ChopperFett]

I still have this bike saved for alerts should a deal pop up in the area. Nice follow up review man.

[@AdventureTomek]

Thanks!

[@BudsCartoon]

I think I got the same Cobra pipes, they're so obnoxious... and I love it. 2:28 - Oh yea the stock seat is amazing, way better than the Shadow I first had. I was planning on getting the seat stitched by an upholstery guy that did an amazing job on on the I had done before selling it... it was a black bike and I had the seat done in like a caramel tan, but the guy did diamond stitching and it looked really good, but this one is too nice to F with. My handlebars are perfect, medium meathook ape hangers, lemme measure right now...10". Not too low (stock feels like a bus driver) not too high... just right. 5th gear on the freeway is just getting to 70mph. 7:38 - I think I have an aftermarket horn, mine sounds like a 50's Buick. I wish I got 40 mpg, mine is dry by 108-118 to the tank in the city.

[@Ritalie]

On a side note, I can't believe people think it's ok to use a K&N filter. The point of an air filter is not to create good airflow, the point is to restrict the dirt from destroying you engine. The tiniest wisp of dirt that gets into your engine will take 10 years off the engine. Engines last forever, UNLESS you get dirt in your engine. I picked up a K&N air filter once on a display counter, and looked through it, and I could see physical holes in the pleated filter element, holes big enough to see through. You cannot double the flow and also maintain the air filtration ability. Old engines had "oil bath" filters that were soaked in oil and bubbled oil over them, and you would have been laughed at if you talked about a "high flow" filter with giant holes in the filter media.

[@bigrod0069]

You can spray it with their red spray, meant to help catch more shit, like the oil bath filters you talking about

[@user-op9gk1sn2k]

Tell me you dint know what your talking about without telling me lol

[@choppergirl]

There's a lot wrong about the Shadow because they tried to copy Harley with a look, compared against 80's Hondas, but you keep it because it's pretty. Foot pegs too far forward, no 5th gear light, keys danging off the side, keylocks seem to fail quickly and won't let go of your keys, speedo on tank too low for your eyes, speedo liquid crystal lcd destoyed by direct sunlight or speedo gets condensation moisture in it you can't get out, kind of a heavy bike, fenders not long enough on some models, back fender not long enough on all models and throws dirt on back swing arm, etc. I find it difficult to stop it safely and have to be very mindful when I drive it. It gets the job done, is a bog standard UJM basic bike, gets 50mpg, and like I said, it's pretty. The big plus is that like the Rebel, it's been made forever, which means parts are plentiful. And supposedly the engine is overbuilt and reputed to last a long time, but that is yet to be seen. One persons long time is another person poor showing. 80K does not impress me, mine better last 250K... or at least as long as a car.... if I garage keep it like you should keep all bikes. They don't fare well at all left in the weather. I've seen a lot of Shadows in the FB market place abused and destroyed by monkies.

[@stevenyearian6172]

I have a VTX 1800s 2006 love this bike

[@Irish_Goose]

Get the quiet baffles... it still has the tone at higher RPMS, but it very quiet when low RPMS vs no baffles = loud all the time

[@Irish_Goose]

Also, any idea where you got the highway pegs?

[@AdventureTomek]

The HWY pegs were on the bike when I bought it.

[@AdventureTomek]

I have the baffles just not installed .I like it loud all the time since I really don’t ride it that much 😁

[@fairplayer916]

Heads up on the oil change, the bike has two oil plugs. Because of its shape, it has two low points. Make sure to watch a video, or look up some instructions. It's not like it'll be catastrophic if you don't, but if you want to make sure you're getting as much of the old oil out as possible, then you're going to want to find and drain it out of both plugs.

[@AdventureTomek]

Thanks! I need to do the oil change here soon before riding season

[@BangChief_AllIsOne]

Good to know. I just picked up an '05 V5X 1800C and will be changing the oil, as well. Salute

[@fairplayer916]

@@BangChief_AllIsOne my 02 is still going strong. Motor is alittle noisy but from what I can find that's par for the course with these japanese puzzle box engines.

[@BangChief_AllIsOne]

@@fairplayer916 I read that same thing in a forum. Godspeed Salute

[@jaredmetcalf5538]

Let me preface that my dad is 6'4" and i am 6'5" sp our experiences may be different. A couple things i noticed, as my dad has owned a few of these (he owned a 2003 he bought in 2005, he sold in 2008 for a harley that we lost in a house fire, now he has a 2005 that he bought in 2010 (never rode the harley because he didn't fit and wasnt worth the modifications when the vtx fits stock) i have been looking at getting one myself for a while, and will finally be getting one within the week. I have rode his countless times all over the country (he bought with 3000 miles, it now has 18k miles and 4k were from him) i have never seen one with a digital speedometer. May be a rare model, or someone took the spedo off of a VT1300 so it would work better with the power commander, which could explain why there is no fuel guage. The pegs look aftermarket (now i know there are 3 different versions of this bike across a few years, maybe i just missed the one with those). Ever one i've seen has the floor board with the rocker shifter, making shifting far more comfortable (again, im a large guy with size 15DD boots that don't fit well under standard shifters). The fuel economy definately shouldnt change that much (mind you, the one i've been riding is stock with the exception of adding the same exhaust you have, and some pegs to stretch out on long trips) i run 90+ on the highway (and some very straight backroads, because as you said, it scrapes when you try to make race turns😂) and get about 40mpg (a 2mpg change from my under 90 usage). If you are taller and looking at one of these bikes (6'2+) i would suggest the mustang brand seat for this bike (includes a much larger and more comfortable passenger seat as well) it is well worth the investment if you plan to ride farther than 30 minutes on the bike. Bacj ti the fuel economy deal, i would suggest checking the fuel pump, as the stock fuel pump's diaphram tends to rot, causing cracks and a loss of both power and fuel economy. If you feel your bike is starving for air, try removing the cover for the air cleaner and see of that helps (not permenant, just to troubleshoot the cause of the lathargic side you were discribing (minor paraphrase) and could help increase fuel economy at higher miles as well. Not trying to sound smart or anything, just been around this exact model since i was like 10 (20 years), and been looking at buying one myself since i was 18 (11 years), and while i don't know, bore have i seen everything, those were just some of the things that seemed a little different to me. All in all, beautiful bike, a very informative video, and i hope you are enjoying it the way i've enjoyed riding it.

[@boenq1908]

I forgot to mention about the handle bar. The R type has a nice relax position of handle bar. You gonna like it a lot. Your is the C type just like my VTX 1300 C. It is a little tired if you are riding for a long trip, by by adjusting your sitting from time to time, it is ok.

[@AdventureTomek]

Thanks for the info!

[@BoltBucket]

its a nice bike. and yeah big air intakeby drilling holes is my way lol

[@crescentmoon610]

Beautiful bike. That thing sounds more Harley than my M8 Fat Boy

[@AdventureTomek]

Haha, those cobras 🐍 are mean

[@boenq1908]

You got a nice 1800 with a low mileage. That is a nice bike for the low price. I have 2 VTX 1300 the C and the retro style. Both are great. Yours I believe has fuel injection and VTX lime mine have the carburetor. One you ride it, it has no difference. The only difference is when the engine is cold, it needs choke for few minutes and it is ready. I would love to have the 1800 but very rare in my state here.

[@AdventureTomek]

They are a hard bike to find here in CO as well, especially with low mileage

[@RidingHumboldtCounty]

She’s definitely beautiful. Nice review 😎

[@M9A1MAN]

I'm about to pick one (2006) up for 2K. Great condition. Same color as yours

[@AdventureTomek]

That’s a great deal. Enjoy it

[@randykelly1595]

I've got a front seat backrest,and full feet pegs,and heel shifter

[@JohnDoe-yoyoyo]

Thanks for making this video and sharing your thoughts on your VTX 1800.

[@AdventureTomek]

My pleasure! Thanks for watching

[@jakeuff]

Did you ever end up adding a cold air? was thinking of doing Duc’s DIY Intake to mine, since i cant find a decent priced intake.

[@AdventureTomek]

I never did

[@TheKariff]

In terms of RPMs look for final drive, at the rear wheel, swap from 1300. At 70mph its 500 lower. Of course trade of is a bit of acceleration. Handlebars - after fitting 14” apes on my 1300R I found the completely different word. Handling much better, comfort much better. I’m 5’7. Was thinking to get myself 1800 but…. 1300 git all of what I need so far. After this step it would be hard to go higher as well, just imagine the feeling of hopeless when you get used to BIG and there is no way up….

[@thakidrmh314]

Raked bars on eBay with stick risers would do the trick

[@DennisCordova-zg2ij]

Jus seen one of your videos and noticed you are near Longmont I have a 1800 2009 are you still riding it may be we can meet up some time

[@AdventureTomek]

Unfortunately I sold this bike. Looking into a used Yamaha Raider 1900, if I can find one in decent condition

[@PurpleOnThree]

It's nice when you can pick up a used bike and it has lots of accessories that you didn't pay for LOL

[@PurpleOnThree]

Yep, you did do some scraping!

[@MinnowMoto]

Great looking bike. I thought highway speed would have been better. Hopefully airflow will fix it.

[@DimitriMiles]

I’m thinking about buying this bike , how do you monitor your fuel without a fuel gauge?

[@AdventureTomek]

I usually just wait for the gas light to come on and on longer trips just reset my trip meter.

[@jbgcimentados]

I have 2005 VTX 1800F2 and run with full tank 200 miles. the light turn on at 175 so I know have full for 15 to 25 mile more depend ride. For that reason every 150 mile I refill the tank before the warning light turn on.

[@kurtmcl]

Bardzo fajnie. Uczę się po polsku 😐 I assumed you understand polish because Tomek is a very common name w Polsce 🙂

[@AdventureTomek]

Witam I speak fluently.... reading not so much haha.

[@bigrod0069]

not one person talking about the color. is that house kolor, Brandywine?? nice bike

[@AdventureTomek]

Pearl Canyon Red (Illusion Red) it was stock from factory

[@bigrod0069]

​@@AdventureTomekoh really, kool, thank you. I was thinking about painting mine the brandywine, but maybe not now, not sure it'll fit

[@kokobeatz7222]

I had my 04 up to 140 on the speedo. So it was probably like 132-135

[@fairplayer916]

So what kinda mpg do you get out of yours? EDIT: he answers this in the video (about 40 if you keep it around 85mph)

[@Ritalie]

3:13. It sounds like an amazing machine. Although it's clear from what you said that they messed up the gearing, as they have on every motorcycle made by the Japanese manufacturers for the last 50 years. Have any Honda engineers ever actually drove their prototype motorcycles at 80mph through the American highways? So it's turning 4,000 rpms at 85mph? The engine has more torque than a small car engine, and should have an overdrive. No offense, but people need to start speaking up and demanding better gear ratios. Every car and truck has an overdrive. It's the apathy of consumers, not asking for an overdrive, that keeps them selling bikes without it.

[@southernarsenal908]

OR, drive slower!! This is not a sports bike to begin with.

[@Ritalie]

Did they ever put an overdrive on this? I just read on a forum that one guy measured 3,000 rpms at 80mph with his GPS on his VTX, and someone posted on the forum that 5th is super tall and is a "double overdrive." But something doesn't add up, because that's not your experience. I wonder if his GPS was wrong!

[@AdventureTomek]

It maybe VTX1300 they had a taller 5th then the 1800’s

[@benjaminhoff5004]

These are good bikes but it seems to be held back a bit by the cruiser pinnings, outisde of the bagger aspect making it low and manuverable with a lot of weight. It seems you enjoy the offroad riding and these kind of bikes just can't handle it, where something like a Vstrom 800 RE could crush light offroading while also being comfortable on the road.

[@AdventureTomek]

Really enjoyed the bike for the short time I’ve owned it. Just like any bike I’ve owned it the past, kind of regret selling it.

[@timdemming6352]

I've had a VTX1800T for 13 years and I never found it comfortable enough for long distance travel. 400 miles would be painful!

[@scottytoohotty7617]

1800t?? What's the t stand for?

[@projectswithjw]

Touring. Comes factory with windshield and bags@@scottytoohotty7617

[@DailyDahaka]

Oem mirrors are the best

[@AdventureTomek]

I probably ended up selling it because of the damn mirrors 😂

[@DailyDahaka]

@@AdventureTomek I have never seen any aftermarket mirror be better than an OEM Honda..they all vibrate, shake and loosen up

[@raymondjohnson6496]

Have you sold it yet

[@AdventureTomek]

Yes, bike has been sold.

[@shoomapadoo1141]

When you say after 400 miles do you mean straight through?

[@AdventureTomek]

Yes

[@shoomapadoo1141]

@@AdventureTomek thank you. im really struggling with buying a motorcycle. I don't want to spend a fortune and ive been looking at the kawasaki 900

[@AdventureTomek]

@@shoomapadoo1141 the Vulcans are great bikes as well. All personal preference though, try and test ride both.

[@ericrhinehart6055]

@@shoomapadoo1141 I had a 900 Vulcan and liked it a lot. Bought it to do a 1000 mile ride to DC area and then down the Virginia Skyway, the Blue Ridge, and back to Florida. I'm 6'3" and 240 and it worked very well. My buddy immediately bought a Big Bore Vulcan and we both thought it was a wallowing PIG. Sold it and got a Honda ST.... what a bike! Then sold that and got a BMW1200. I have two HD's now and like both (01 Road King and 2010 Fat Bob). I may buy a used VYX 1800 and sell both HD's...... riding one tomorrow. 03 with 11,000 miles for 5500$

[@faithrenewed3443]

Honda for some reason can't seem to get it that we Americas need a taller 5th gear or a 6th gear....road trip cruising is 75 to 80 mph... I also wish they'd put the 1800 in the fury with a tall 5 speed.

[@AdventureTomek]

Just those few tweaks and I would have kept it forever 🍻

[@ec9156]

Mirrors Loctite purple or blue. Honda supersedes HD any day. That be Cruiser country.

[@raymondjohnson6496]

Put some Loctite in them mirrors

[@randykelly1595]

If you want to sell it let me know.i have a 2007 vtx1300R and looking for an 1800

[@AdventureTomek]

Unfortunately I have already sold the bike

[@СергейКомар-ы7я]

1800F!!!

[@89goldtop]

7:32 Clown horn. 🤣

[@gotRdunn]

So you feel like ya need a 6 gear. Change your Differential to a 1300. Get better gas mileage too

[@BoltBucket]

The Scrapage is real

[@urbanwarior3134]

Who needs front view mirrors?

[@gotRdunn]

O and for long rides, mustang seat. Only way to go long distance.

[@JP-ec9rl]

My vtx 1800 was a decent bike. My Yamaha raider was better. My 2014 ultra classic was ok. My 2018 chieftain takes the cake.

[@gphilipc2031]

I have seen riser offsets for a bit more pullback and about an inch taller height. They mount to the top of the existing risers. Check E-bay. Nice Bike though.

[@AdventureTomek]

Would you happen to able to send me a link? Thanks, Tomek

[@brucecowell7048]

Just inherit Ed a 03 with 5500miles

[@PurpleOnThree]

A qlickity clank shifter huh LOL? 👌😁

[@AdventureTomek]

I believe they were trying to make it feel more like a Harley

[@razredge68]

100+mph is not cruising speed, that's reckless endangerment. Cruisers are meant for slower riding and enjoying the view.

[@AdventureTomek]

😂 Ok 👍🏼 if you say so

[@ausz33crew17]

Looking to sell the bike?

[@AdventureTomek]

Already sold

[@JP-ec9rl]

Lol. No fuel gauge lol. Just stop every 90 miles and put 2 and a half more gallons in it.

[@Orbitaonamika]

Jones Robert Hall Amy Young Brenda

[@choppergirl]

Unless you're towing a boat, you don't need 1800cc's Good gawd how much did the previous owner and his phat wife weigh? You don't look that phat, you certainly don't need more than 500cc.

[@AdventureTomek]

500cc.. are you being serious? The VTX1800 has a boat trailer hook up option available.

[@choppergirl]

@@AdventureTomek LOL for real, a ball hitch? Just great, now guys can add truck nwts to their motorcycle... And yes, I'm serious. The more cc's, the more more gas you burn with no additional benefit. Once you're motorcycle can go 85mph on the interstate all day long, there is no point in having any more HP per pound... your just squandering fuel to be exhuberant. I have a 250, a 450, and a 750... 450 is more than enough for the interstate... 750 is overkill. Then you're just paying to haul more weight around like a car...

[@chrisstedman-mj1tp]

Maybe I am towing a boat. Ever thought of that?

[@airwarorg]

You don't look that fat. You know, you could be drinking 2% milk if you want. Or driving a 450cc bike, which would be more than enough.

[@airwarorg]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aF7HYqJ9mLmWatk

[@airwarorg]

The seat is fine, but the front pegs are way too far forward. Uncomfortably so. At least on my Shadow. Someone warned me today that the sun will destroy and ruin your LCD screen / odometer and I should cover it, as the sun had destroyed theirs.

[@AdventureTomek]

🤣 Thanks... Yeah the bike is more of a chopper style with the pegs forward. I could see how the LCD screen could get damaged with years in the sun, good tip to cover it. You can never have enough power

[@lightninga150]

J&P cycles has an air intake for sale at about $377.95 the part number is ZZ40322

[@AdventureTomek]

Ouch, the intakes are so pricey 🤑. Thanks for the info. Most likely will order a K & N and maybe drill some holes in the stock air box housing for some extra flow.

[@ericrhinehart6055]

@@AdventureTomek Good idea, or make an aluminum flat plate that screws on capturing the K&N might be an option. I'd get a 1/2" hole saw and open up the stock setup as long as it is de-smogged!

[@scottytoohotty7617]

Closest thing to a harly?? That bike will outrun almost every harly you see. You sir, are ignorant of the facts...