2003 Honda VTX1800 Retro

Summary:

The VTX 1800R is a huge bike that does almost everything well

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong with the bike since I owned it.

General Comments:

This bike is a monster! It rides great with lots of power. As with all my experiences with Honda, dependability is king. You get on, start the engine and ride.

The one disadvantage is the weight. When you are backing it into a parking space it is a handful... especially if there happens to be a little sand on the parking lot asphalt.

Another issue is that it is so high geared that under 55 it would rather be in fourth than fifth. From 55 up till you run out of nerve, it purrs. I do wish it had a tach, a fuel gauge (not just a light to tell you when you are about to run out of gas) and self cancelling turn signals.

The brakes are great.

One other item would be the 1800's offset crank pin that makes it sound more like a John Deere than a motorcycle. It had loud pipes on it when I got it. The stock ones sound better, so I put them back on. The 1300 with a common crankpin sounds a lot better.

Overall it is a great bike.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd May, 2015

2002 Honda VTX1800 Retro

Summary:

This bike rocks

Faults:

Wiring harness needed replaced due to high level exposure to calcium carbonate, and salt. Dealer did this for free, and I paid nothing due to having an extended warranty. The bike was nearly 5 years old. No other problems.

General Comments:

This bike is 10 years old, is in excellent shape, and is still as fast as ever.

It is a bit top heavy compared to some bikes, but with a 110 cu. in. motor, that should be expected.

Burns no oil, only bothered with 2 valve adjustments, new brake pads only once so far.

I ride the hell out of that bike, and it never falters. It is truly a performance cruiser.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th May, 2012