Must Have Upgrades For Honda VTX 1800!!! BEST BIKE EVER

[@johnnierider7629]

I have the 2002 1800S. I’m the original owner. 80k miles. Seats made for me, straight pipes, hyper charger, fuel computer, heated grips and traditional faring.I’ll never part with her. She’s my profile pic. I hope you enjoy yours!!!

[@RidinAndVibin]

I’m right there with you!! I don’t know how I could ever part with this bike unless I have a financially crisis, I bought this bike with 14500 miles and have put 7,300 miles on it so far! And thousands on my other bike, love it, beautiful bike! Ride safe!

[@futbolmediatv]

@johnnierider7629 what fairing

[@DanielStaggsSix8]

Picking up a VTX 1800 here in a month or so I'm stoked 🤟🤟🤟

[@RidinAndVibin]

Yeahhhhh!!!! Welcome to the VTX family! Ride safe!

[@BangChief_AllIsOne]

Godspeed Salute

[@def1791]

I bought my 2002 VTX 1800R band new and still have it. Some years I don’t get to ride it as much as I’d like but it never lets me down and I love the torque. It only has just under 15,000 miles and is mostly stock. The power level is very addictive.

[@RidinAndVibin]

The bike is extremely addictive haha in so many ways, never get rid of it, everyone I’ve met alwayssss regrets it and goes back to it but can’t cause it wasn’t the one they used to have that was special, especially if you’ve kept it since new which is awesome!! Keep it forever and pass it on to your family :)

[@mixc8]

Let me tell you I have a 2008 VTX 1800, that bike and I have been through thick and thin together. Low to the ground, has a mean growl ( I set off car alarms when I go down the street, I get a kick out of that), it has all the power I need and I only have 6k miles on it. It's in mint condition (Kind of looks like yours minus the flames), its a beautiful for sure. But lately I have been considering upgrading to a Gold Wing. I am US Army Airborne vet and father time is caught up with my knees and the DTC and back up feature on the GW is appealing for sure! I am going to trying my best to own them both because its hard to give up my VTX. But I live here in Brooklyn and the stop and go traffic can be a pain in the butt. I went and saw a GW 2024 the other day, I am thinking about it. I would be just fine with a 2018-2021 GW and pay less $$. I like other reviews I have read know the GW is a beast of a bike as well but when I sat on it, it felt a little plasticky and I little crapped for my knees. I would have to put highway pegs on it for sure to stretch my legs out. Outstanding bike, think I will be buying one in the near future.

[@brienh63]

Hello. I have a 2002 VTX1800R. I do love the bike. It is mostly stock. I am looking to do some upgrades in the future. Keep the VTX videos coming!!!! Be safe!!!

[@RidinAndVibin]

I’ll keep them coming! Ride safe and enjoy your trusty monstrous steed!

[@Negativity808]

Buying a 2002 vtx with all of these mods plus a fairing super excited 4000$ with 48k miles. Upgraded from a NC700x

[@RidinAndVibin]

4000 for one that many miles is a little high but if it has a Bluetooth speaker front fairing it’s worth it, plus all these upgrades, you’ll be golden! Make sure to get that back rest!! Super essential

[@billstapleton8833]

My first VTX was a 03 rode it from Kentucky to Key West years agi, second VTX R was a 02 rode from Kentucky to Rt#66 to California,up the coast to Washington state over 7000 miles only had to lube shifter linkage,now have a 05 VTX F which I will keep along side of my 2 Goldwings, can't beat a Honda !!

[@RidinAndVibin]

Wow!! That’s amazing!! I have plans for a longggg ride in 2025 that I’m excited about. You can’t beat the HONDA!!

[@FYERFIGHTER]

Nice bike man. Hondas are damn near bulletproof!

[@RidinAndVibin]

Nothing but the truth man they are bulletproof!

[@nelsonphilip4520]

They have to be because Honda dealers can't pay their service techs a living wage. So the factory needs to make 'em turn-key reliable. Unlike H-D, Honda engineers their bikes cause it's economically unfeasible for dealers to invest it their service department with qualified technicians. H-D, on the other hand, has cultivated a clientele that will pay m.s.r.p. plus any dealer markup and dealer added accessories. All nicely included into the extended-long finance terms!

[@RidinAndVibin]

Someone had to say it! Unfortunately pay is a big issue for everyone right now but even when it wasn’t as bad you’re still dead on the money correct :(. Got to love our Hondas! They just do it right!

[@JohnGrosso-m3u]

Loved this bike, Converted mine to a total touring bike by myself. Never did that ever before and was not difficult. Highway bars required a little help shifting the radiator into place. Only critique was the gas tank low capacity

[@RidinAndVibin]

How many miles do you get out of a tank on highway miles? If I cruise 55-60 I get 48-50 mpg If I cruise 65-70 I get 44-48 mpg This all including some rips from stop signs and giving some beautiful development pops on slow down, I get roughly 150 before my gas light comes on. Then I have half a gallon to get me to gas station but I don’t like to sip on it lol

[@emmiegottbrecht7573]

beautiful bike, love all the added parts!

[@RidinAndVibin]

🥹🥹🥹

[@johnnycashbenham1192]

Nice bike man, flames look sick! I have the vtx 1300. It's been a great bike. I'll have to eventually get that 1800.

[@colinm1325]

Newest 369th sub here. Just saw this vid when you had 98 subs. Great looking comfortable bike, great call saying this the best, or in your top 5? Bikes. Thanks for this vid.👍🍻

[@RidinAndVibin]

Thank you brother! Definitely my top 3 bikes for sure!! Love this bike and for the price you truly can not beat it!!

[@quadkrazykeith]

I have a 06 1800 it knocks and taps makes all kinds of racket sounds like she coming unglued but runs amazing and never misses a beat.

[@RidinAndVibin]

That doesn’t sound good. When did you do your last valve check and what oil are you using? It has a little ticking which is normal but shouldn’t be knocking and taping and racket sounds

[@quadkrazykeith]

@@RidinAndVibin valves in spec, honda synthetic oil, I bought a VN2000 since my original comment, this thing will eat Harleys and shit vtx's 😆

[@RidinAndVibin]

@quadkrazykeith you might be close to me with that one haha I know that bike pretty well and they do eat rubber on pavement. But, it also comes down to the riders ability. We have to line them up and see who and who’s bike together is fastest. Interested?

[@quadkrazykeith]

@@RidinAndVibin I’m down, Northeast Pa is where I am

[@RidinAndVibin]

@quadkrazykeith that’s not too far from me! I’m Middle East MD, do you have an instagram?

[@robertrobinett4449]

New sub. As of 8-10-24 i have a 05 vtx 1800 almost as nice as yours had it for 2 years great bike

[@RidinAndVibin]

That’s awesome!! Definitely look into the progressive suspension, if you’re getting rear suspension done too then don’t get the 412s get the expensive 444s and also get that K&N air filter, it completely changes the bike!

[@BangChief_AllIsOne]

I love My '05 1800C. Daily rider, like I stole it. Godspeed Salute

[@RidinAndVibin]

Ayeeee twins! Maybe you’re local to chestertown Maryland? Maybe we can ride sometime! Ride safe brother, and same here I ride every day like I stole it and can’t get off of it 😂

[@BangChief_AllIsOne]

@@RidinAndVibin I wish Bradda, CenTex here. Godspeed Salute

[@RidinAndVibin]

Ahhhh I see, god speed brother! Salute!

[@johngrosso1938]

I basically got 130 not. My sport 883 got the same with a smaller tank, but an 883 on an interstate can be nerve racking. The VTX laughed at 18 wheelers

[@RidinAndVibin]

Harley’s out the door stand by 55mpg so that sounds about right but absolutely, on my shadow 600 which is a little lighter than the 883 is very nerve racking next to tractor trailers, I get much more to a tank now with the new filter

[@johngrosso1938]

Never drove to work. 2 hour + commute home and on the morning it was an hour with no traffic. Could not do it after spinal fusion plus being in a car after a day that long is more forgiving safety wise

[@RidinAndVibin]

Very true, never ride when you have exhausted yourself, not worth it

[@honda_vtx_1800n]

I have the neo 06, I love it, I trying to put my speakers, ground lights, and bigger saddlebags, but can't find help, so everything is just sitting in my car

[@RidinAndVibin]

Hey there are LOTS of videos online, all you need is time my friend, you’re gonna be happy to get it all put on!

[@honda_vtx_1800n]

@RidinAndVibin I watched all of them and they make it look so easy

[@RidinAndVibin]

It’s pretty easy when you have a extra set of hands for the bags but still doable, just safer with help

[@nickjurgle7131]

I have an 1800C. Check out Mean City Cycles. They can redo your stock seat. Mine is awesome.

[@RidinAndVibin]

@nickjurgle7131 don’t you have to send it in to them so you are without a seat if they redo it? This seat is really bad after about an hour of riding

[@Manonymous108]

Liked my '05 VTX 1800 NEO but it had a noisy drive train even with perfectly adjusted valves. Traded it in on a Harley Ultra and had the motor blueprinted and it would smoke any VTX and is much more comfortable.

[@RidinAndVibin]

Where are you located? Maybe we could run it?😂😂 The VTX is noisy but they last a lifetime no matter what, I plan to pass this bike down to my kids someday, sad to hear you traded your X but glad you’re still riding

[@DretSlimpickens]

😅😅😅😂😂😂

[@teddygwrig76]

what is and where did you get the chrome radiator cover

[@RidinAndVibin]

It is stock on my 2005 Honda VTX 1800 C3, you can find them on EBay or junk yard, definitely a nice touch!

[@realBkay]

Honda should at least bring the - engine - back.

[@RidinAndVibin]

I personally want the whole bike brand new, granted I wouldn’t want all the emissions stuff they would need now but yeah, even the engine back would be awesome!!!

[@amanequine2245]

Great looking bike. I have an '03 C model and i want to upgrade the suspension as well. What model Progressives are you running? Thanks in advance

[@RidinAndVibin]

progressive suspension 11-1520 12.5 progressive rate fork spring black, that is what it is called on Amazon, great suspension and for the fluid, I run a mix of two different weights equaling to 12.5 at a guess. Definitley let a experienced mechanic do it and made sure they have Hondas special tool to do it, it’s doable but different than standard suspensions. Goodluck!!

[@RidinAndVibin]

Also that is of course for the front suspension. The rear I haven’t done yet and don’t know which I will get yet, but stay tuned! Maybe in the future!

[@amanequine2245]

Awesome man. Thanks for the info 👍🏿

[@RidinAndVibin]

Of course! And goodluck to you! Come back on any video with any questions you have :)

[@SergeantFlatTop]

Turn your turn signal off!! 😂 😂 😂

[@RidinAndVibin]

It’s so bad man😂😂😂 I get so good and then comfortable and do it again😂😂😂multitasking is not at its finest😂

[@fairplayer916]

one complaint is the range for me. with only 3.7 gallions to work with (effectively only 3 before the gas light comes on), and only around 30MPG, you are stopping every hundred miles or less for gas. gets annoying.

[@RidinAndVibin]

What is your year, model, and sub model, for instance, mine is a 2005 VTX1800 C

[@fairplayer916]

@@RidinAndVibin 2002 VTX1800C California model. IT had abunch of smog crap on it, that has been removed. But still has the catalytic converter in the muffler. what kind of MPG do you get out of yours?

[@RidinAndVibin]

I like to get some tips in all the time and cruise fast so I get 38, but if I don’t speed but still get rips in then I get 40 and if I am calm for a whole tank and cruise at 60 then I get 44-45 mpg. The California version had a lot of emissions stuff made for it, not too familiar with it. You have a 4.5 gallon gas tank including reserve. You should be getting 35-36 mpg. Do you use synthetic oil? Do you have efficient spark plugs? Is your air cleaner restricted? Is your tire pressure pumped up right? All of these affect gas mileage, I definitely recommend getting the k&n air filter and removing the catalytic converter out of the pipe and tuning the bike, will WAKE the bike up a bit for sure

[@RidinAndVibin]

One of the best things I learned about these bikes is that first and second gear eat a lot of gas, so if you do a lot of stop and go and get ripping on stop signs, because of course we do that!, then that will decrease the mpg a lot too, if I do a lot of stop and go riding then I get 30-32 because I have a heavy throttle hand lol

[@fairplayer916]

@@RidinAndVibin 1st of all, thank you for taking the time to talk to me about this. een a pain finding someone who knows anything about em anymore. bike has ben fully desmogged. Even the O2 has been removed wiht a inline resister for the wiring to fool the computer. I dont have a PC3 because they are illegal in california (because ofcourse they are) but i do have an old Turret style Cobra FI2000. but ive disabled it becuase all it really can do is make the bike run richer. and with my stock exhaust, theres no point. I use Honda OEM oil straight from the dealer. Just refurbished the driveshaft last year with some moly added to the final drive. i use the hottest burning reccomended plugs from NGK. Cant remember the code right now, and would have to yank one out of my bike to check. (i did gain like 2 mpg after switching to them from the OG manual reccomended ones) I have the K&N air filter. properly cleaned and oiled every new season. i pump my tire pressure to 37psi when the tires are cold. and while riding they heat up to between 40-42psi. I got a monitoring system from amazon so i can keep an eye on it in real time. incase i spring a leak, i can pull off before the tire goes flat. IDK where you got the idea of a 4.5 gallon tank but i defintely do not. ive run i all the way out of gas, and walked it to the station. the absolute MOST ive ever gotten into the tank was 3.7 gallons. ive just ordered a used oem O2 sensor from ebay that im going to try installing before i yank the Cat out. see if reverting it to stock completely will give me any MPG gains. if that doesnt work, im going to do this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJObnIOEm7mLp7M to delete the Cat and muffler to test that out next. I dont want it straight piped to be honest. but if i can lean it out, then use my Cobra FI2000 to compensate, maybe i can find the goldylocks zone. im telling you all this to get your thoughts, and see fi you have anymore input. TY again for chatting!

[@najm4985]

Hello, how are you? Thope you can advise me what to choose vtx 1300cc or vtx 1800cc Another question, please, Approximately how many miles ca be driven per liter of fuel if it is 1300 or 1800?

[@RidinAndVibin]

Hello! Im good. The 1800cc is a BIG bike and is not a beginner bike at all. I recommend the 1800 if you have ridden a big bike before and have several years of experience before attempting to ride an 1800. The 1800 has a lot of power, A LOT! The 1300 is also not a beginner bike, it is your intermediate bike that has a lot of power too but easily doable with a couple years of experience but definitely not a starter bike. I have ridden for several years now and have quite a bit of experience riding a large number of bikes and I live the VTX 1800 because it is big, power full, and fuel injected. It is also low maintenance and just overall a great bike. It is just a very heavy bike so be careful parking in the grass because you will likely have to go forward, you can hardly back up in tall grass at all. Anyways, I would say if you have experience with heavy bikes already and have a lot of experience then I would go straight for the 1800 and dont worry about the 1300. But, if you are worried about the size and weight of the 1800 then go for the 1300 because it still has plenty of power. Now for the fuel economy. I go by MPG (Miles per gallon). The VTX 1800C that I have has some modifications on it so it may not be completely accurate to some VTX's out there, but, I get 38-44 miles per gallon on my VTX 1800. The 1300 gets anywhere from 40-45 miles per gallon. This also all depends on the kind of rider you are, if you are always heavy on the throttle which is hard not to on these bikes since they are so much fun, then you will get less, but if you are just cruising then you get slightly better gas milage on the 1300 than the 1800 since it is a smaller to a bigger engine of course. But the power from the 1800 is unmatched compared to the 1300. If you are worried, go for the 1300 because it is still plenty of power for a bike and a lot of fun still, if you are experienced and think you can handle a really heavy bike. Then go get the 1800 and you will not regret it. I sure am glad i went for the 1800 instead of the 1300 because I LOVE my 1800 and will never get rid of my 1800. Let me know if you have any other questions and if this helps at all. Stay safe and enjoy riding!!

[@najm4985]

@@RidinAndVibin Hello my friend. First of all thank you very much for your message. Yes I had a 1995 Gold Wing 1500cc. I think it was bigger than the 1800cc. And it was heavy too.. Maybe I have spelling mistakes. I apologize for my Arabic accent. 🙂I am from Lebanon. My regards to you and thank you very much

[@RidinAndVibin]

@najm4985 the gold wing is very different from this 1800. Around the same weight but the 1800 has way more power and stands no chance against the 1800. The 1800 is a big upgrade from the gold wing. I’m glad I was able to help you, if you have a lot of riding with the gold wing and think it was good then don’t get the 1300, go straight for the 1800, you won’t regret it!

[@najm4985]

@@RidinAndVibin Okay my friend. It is better to buy what we like.. We do not want to buy anything else and dream of what we love..

[@MilesTheMighty]

how hard was that headlight to install? Direct replacement? soo many I have seen require purchase of a custom mount bracket :(

[@RidinAndVibin]

For this one it was literally plug and play, stupid easy a toddler could do it. You remove the screw, take the rim trim piece off, unscrew the bracket from the housing, and install the placement brake t with the new housing headlight and plug it in and you’re done, there are instruction you can scan and it will show you steps or a video but it’s really easy, hardest thing to do is pay for it because it’s not cheap lol but it’s SO worth it

[@RidinAndVibin]

Eagle Lights 5.75 inch LED... www.amazon.com/dp/B07GT76W52?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

[@RidinAndVibin]

There is the link for Amazon, is pricy but so awesome and good looking, if you need any help just shoot me a comment and I reply pretty quickly to all comments

[@scottg429]

Have you ever ridden a Yamaha FJR1300? How does it compare to the Vtx?

[@RidinAndVibin]

I got you They are two completely different bikes for starter, duh but will still say it haha The Vtx family (1300 and 1800) is an amazing bike and can make sure a great bike and add some great mods if you have the right links and look deep enough. I’ve never ridden an FJR but I’ve seen sooooo many in my time with tons of miles and ride like a dream. They are touring bikes really and they can be pricey with all of the stuff you’re gonna wanna add to it but that’s the problem with this hobby of motorcycles, nothing is cheap so just remember that. I’ve seen VTX 1300s and 1800s with over 100-150k miles on them and still start on a dime with them maintained in the right intervals for fluids. I’ve seen FJRs with over 100k miles on them and still ride like a brand new bike. You can’t go wrong with either really they are both really reliable bikes but you HAVE to maintain them properly, we can’t keep doing 5-10k oil changes and expect it to last as long as a 3k mile interval oil change bike, they have to be maintained properly with allllll fluids not just oil. Stop listening to people say “oh you got another 2k out of that” or “it’s not due you can wait another year” JUST DO IT! Lol Now remember the FJR is a sport touring bike so the stance is different and knees are closer to your chest, if you like that then that’s your ride, by buddy who rides sport bikes says he can ride for hours on his sport bike and be fine, he rode a cruiser for 1 hour and was in a lot of pain so he is sticking with sport bikes, it really depends on you. But trust me when I say this, THEY ARE BOTH GREATTTT bikes and you can’t go wrong with either, my advice would be to go test ride both, or at least sit on them and get a feel for it, and see what you think from there. My thing is, it would be a lot harder for me to ride a cruiser without my backrest that my VTX has on it now that you can see in my must have for VTX video, was needed because I ride a lot but I could easily go 2 hours and be fine but after that my back would start to hurt. If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate and I would be happy to answer them, I got you!

[@scottg429]

Thanks much for the detailed response! I’ve actually had my 1800R for 2 years now and I’m thinking about adding something faster to my stable but I don’t want to go full on sport bike. I got the ultimate big boy seat which is the best seat on the market with a butt buffer gel pad on top. I rode with that for 4 hours and never needed a backrest. Also I’d highly recommend switching to a 1300 final drive. It lowers the rpm’s especially on the highway and makes the gears last longer. I also have the all balls steering stem bearing but haven’t had it installed yet because it’s 3 hours of labor at the shop. Does it really make that much of a difference in handling over the stock one?

[@RidinAndVibin]

Noted! I’ll probably make that a project far down the road when I get my house but will add it to the list for sure! I didn’t know the 1300 final drive gear fit in the 1800. You did mean the gear right? Not the shaft? And the FJR is a sweet ride and if you wanna add another to your line then that is a great option and soooooo much more comfortable that a sport or super sport, sport touring bikes are so much better! In my opinion of course. The steering stem bearing from all balls when lubricated generously (don’t listen to those who say “only add a small amount for the steering stem bearing, too much is not necessary” bull crap, lube the crap out of it but not enough to make it a huge mess, and it is a noticeable difference. It’s a lot smoother and easier to move when you are standing still. I hope that helps!

[@scottg429]

Both the final drive and driveshafts are interchangeable with the 1300 but you only have to swap out the final drive to get benefits. First gear becomes more useful because you can push past 5 mph without feeling the need to shift up and I don’t even think about shifting into 5th until I hit at least 80

[@RidinAndVibin]

@scottg429 is it really that much of a difference???? That sounds too good to be true if you’re shifting into 5th at 80 mph

[@DeanAWhite-gr8eo]

Well, it's YOUR best bike ever. But we don't all wish for the same things in motorcycles or anything else. I have my best bike ever too. And a lot of other people have THEIR best bike ever at home in the garage. Hondas have always been bulletproof, BUT that's no excuse to skimp on maintenance. All machinery needs proper care, inspection, and adjustment. Do other Honda riders a favor and advise them to maintain their motorcycles as they should, not try to save a dime. I like your' bike, it reminds me of a Honda Ace 1100, and Ace 1100 tourer that I once owned. They are gone now, but not forgotten. Enjoy your perfect motorcycle, be safe, and have fun. Oh, the right side mirror may not be perfect! LOL! I spotted it missing long before you mentioned it in the video. Thankfully neither you nor your ride was injured when it checked out. Keep riding!

[@RidinAndVibin]

Best part about these Vtx’s are they are stupid easy to maintain though. But yeah this video was just a POV video of my opinion of the best bike ever haha. I made it that way to see if anyone would notice before I said the mirror was missing, glad you spotted it quick😂 but yeah, thank you for your comment! You should never skimp on maintenance but this was just a aftermarket parts and bike preference video, love this bike and wish Honda would bring back the lineup😭

[@rayslife4k]

I’m saving for a Harley but dam they are expensive

[@RidinAndVibin]

This bike smokes every single Harley I’ve ever raced, only one that was really close was the crate 127 motor swap into a stage 3 Harley, and I still beat it but it was a struggle for a bit on low end. Every single Harley I have beaten, you can beat it plus the maintenance is so much cheaper. Get the VTX brother and save the remaining money for gas and fun upgrades!

[@rayslife4k]

@@RidinAndVibin I just want something new so I can travel across America and not worry about my bike breaking.. but I’ll look for the bike like yours they are cool 🆒

[@RidinAndVibin]

Hondas are very reliable, I would take this thing from the east to west coast and back without question

[@themechanic5671]

These things are awesome, a friend of mine just picked up an ‘03 for $3800 with 7000 miles, and I grabbed an ‘02 with 29k miles for $1900 last night. Easy purchase, these bikes are amazing.

[@IronBodyMartialArts]

You need to desmog it brother.

[@RidinAndVibin]

I know the benefits but I LOVE the backfire on deceleration so much, I’d rather keep it and save the labor lol

[@tkong35]

I like mine popping too sounds bad ass !

[@Forgottencarss]

Imagine if the mirror would have hit your face, ouch

[@RidinAndVibin]

If I didn’t have a full race helmet? Then that would have suckedddddd😭

[@Forgottencarss]

@@RidinAndVibin Oh yeah u had one, but yeah haha maybe new teeth would have been in order

[@RidinAndVibin]

I already have several thousand dollars in dental work because of my teeth grew in the wrong way at birth and I got it all fixed up, I don’t wanna do more😭😭😭😭

[@Forgottencarss]

@@RidinAndVibin Hahaha

[@ShakespeareYvonne]

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[@RidinAndVibin]

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[@RidinAndVibin]

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[@RidinAndVibin]

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[@RidinAndVibin]

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[@RidinAndVibin]

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[@RidinAndVibin]

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[@Orbitaonamika]

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[@RidinAndVibin]

What?

[@OutlawBayouRider]

​@@RidinAndVibin I believe they're tagging people so they can view your video 🤷‍♂️

[@RidinAndVibin]

Ahhhh that would make a lot of sense😂