Motorcycle Honda VTX 1800: description, specifications

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

The Honda VTX 1800 motorcycle is a device, all descriptions of which are given using superlatives. Very heavy, very powerful, very charismatic, very well equipped, very expensive, and some very, very, very.

History of Creation

The history of the famous model began in 1995 with the introduction to the general public of the new Zodia concept from the Japanese company Honda. With this motorcycle, Japanese manufacturers sought to enter the American market, quickly conquer it and, to be honest, push the iconic Harley-Davidson.

The VTX 1800 F cruising motorcycle was released in 2001 and was immediately recognized as the world's largest touring motorcycle with a 1.8L V-Twin engine. The innovative design of pistons, also the largest in the world, installed on a motorcycle, brought the concern additional points and high praise in the world.

The new model entered the markets of both America and Europe, but the American direction was still a priority, since there are the highest sales figures. Therefore, the cruiser was made in a typical American style under the slogan: "To stand out fromcrowd!"

The Honda VTX 1800 lost the palm to the Kawasaki Vulcan 2000 in 2004.

After the appearance of the base model in 2001 and its recognition, the concern next year released two more modifications with indices R and S, a year later - version N, a year later - F.

The concern ceased production of the motorcycle by 2009.

Main modifications

Specifications, layout and basic design have not changed in all versions. They differ in external details.

So the basic version with index C is shortened fenders and alloy wheels, a speedometer on the steering wheel and a 2-in-1 exhaust pipe.

R version - alloy wheels and short fenders; S - the wings remain elongated, but the wheels are already spoked; N - new retro style.

The Honda VTX 1800 F features wheels with low profile radial tires on rims made in the form of double spokes but cast. It has a clock and an LCD tachometer.

Model description

Structurally, the model is no different from other Japanese choppers and cruisers. The frame is made of strong, almost indeformable steel pipes, a high-tech engine, liquid cooling and a cardan shaft as the main drive. All in all, practical and super reliable.

The weight of an empty motorcycle is more than 320 kg, and a full one is almost 350 kg. Not even every man can cope with such a colossus, especially in city traffic jams, at low speeds, and girls are not even mentioned. Moreover, he maneuvers extremely slowly. Experienced drivers confirm that the large and wide Honda VTX 1800 motorcycle is not intended for jumping from row to row. Cases (leather, by the way) have to be removed if there is a need for frequent trips around the city. Yes, and change the steering wheel to a narrower one too. Only then can you drive between the rows in order to be the first to take off at the green traffic light and go far ahead of those who were standing behind or nearby.

But the VTX 1800 wasn't designed for urban travel. His element is good roads and high speeds, he easily goes at a maximum speed of 200 km/h.

A big bike doesn't look bulky. Maybe because everything in it is proportional and organic. Its dimensions (L × W × H) are 2.4 × 0.9 × 1.1 m. The saddle height is 0.7 m, the ground clearance is 0.13 m, and the wheelbase is 1.7 m.

The load on a motorcycle can also be rather big. The total weight of the driver, passenger and luggage can reach almost 200 kg.

Motorcycle engine

The engine is the main feature of the VTX 1800 motorcycle. It is a 2-liter V-twin, liquid-cooled, six-valve, electronic fuel injection, V-twin. Produces 107 horsepower. With. and a torque of 164 Nm. And yes, it looks big enough. Even without knowing the capabilities of the motorcycle, one can guess from the look of the engine that they are great, despite the fact that the cardan drive takes away some of the power. The actual power of the motorcycle is up to 80 hp. s.

Engine at maximum powerspins 5000 rpm, and at maximum torque - 3000 rpm.

Cylinders with fins retain the overall style of the conservative class, while the fins also dissipate heat.

Other important features of the Honda VTX 1800 are acceleration to hundreds of kilometers per hour in just 4 seconds, and fuel consumption per 100 kilometers is 6.5 liters. True, this is official data. Motorcycle owners raise this limit to 7-8 liters, while stipulating that less is possible, but with careful driving without a load and a passenger. But who will drive such and such a device quietly and calmly!

Chassis

If we talk about the basic version of the Honda VTX 1800 C, then the front tires are 130/70 R18 and the rear tires are 180/70 R16.

The front suspension is a 45mm inverted 32° fork with 130mm of travel.

Rear Suspension - Dual shock absorbers with 5-way preload adjustment and 100mm of travel.

The brake system is combined hydraulic and consists of a double disc with a diameter of 298 mm, a thickness of 4.5 mm, a three-piston caliper with metallized brake pads, and a rear disc with a diameter of 316 mm, a thickness of 7 mm, a two-piston caliper, again, with metallized brake pads.

This number of discs allows when you press the rear brake pedal, not only the rear, but also one front disc is activated. At the same time, according to experienced bikers, it is impossible to overbrake before skidding, since the effort on the pedal is quite large.

Motorcycle transmission and electrical system

The gearbox of the Honda VTX 1800 motorcycle is a five-speed, multi-plate oil clutch, with a hydraulic drive. The final drive is a closed cardan shaft with a gear ratio of 3.091 (34/11).

Comes with a 18Ah 12V battery and 400W alternator. And the received electricity is spent on lighting one lamp with a power of 55 W for the low beam and 60 W for the high beam. By the way, many pilots complain about poor road lighting and install xenon not only for beauty.

Consumes electricity and starter, it is electric. Ignition system - digital transistorized, computer-controlled with electronically controlled ignition timing. There are four spark plugs - two for each cylinder.

Optional equipment

On the Honda VTX 1800 cruiser, a back-trunk and voluminous side cases are the most necessary attachments. And it is convenient for a passenger to sit on a long journey, and there is where to place luggage.

And in order not to get bored, you need to install a music system. For example, the radio is installed on the steering wheel, the speaker system is installed in special podiums on the footrests and in the trunk on the sides of the rear seat back, the amplifier is in a wardrobe trunk.

For the driver, protection from the headwind is important, because at such speeds it is strong, and its gusts can throw small debris in the face. Therefore, a high windshield is installed, alsorelieving the rider of tension while resisting dense airflow.

Motorcycle tuning

What might be interesting about this bike is the tuning. The Honda VTX 1800 is begging for design projects that emphasize the American character of the Japanese motorcycle.

It can be an airbrush that gives the silhouette extra swiftness or rapacity, painting in exclusive colors that makes a conspicuous car even more noticeable even at night, if you add glow-in-the-dark components to the varnish.

According to the taste of the owner, body kits and other elements made of composite materials or chrome plated can be installed.

Motorcycles from Japan, as a rule, already come off the assembly line thought out to the smallest detail, but nevertheless, experts still find something to improve.

In motorcycle workshops, they offer to replace the rear wheel with a wider one - 240-250 mm. At the same time, you can install tuned discs, and a metal, rather than plastic wing, and progressive shock absorbers. The Honda VTX 1800 with these progressive shocks looks wider and more powerful, and rides nicer. They are shorter than standard and may vary in firmness.

Test drives

Experienced bikers who have something to compare to note the unusually intense acceleration of a motorcycle made in the American style. In fact, it accelerates to 100 km / h in 3.8 seconds, less than stated by the manufacturer.

You need to adapt to the wide steering wheel, but such a large base itself stabilizes the car whensharp acceleration. On the VTX 1800, you can accelerate up to 210 km / h, only without the protective high glass it is below average pleasure, it seems that the hands can come off the steering wheel, and the legs in sailing trousers will be blown off the comfortable footpegs.

At cruising speed, the bike is stable and stable, which has its downsides. In the event of an obstacle, he slowly leaves the trajectory, which for a not too experienced pilot can be simply dangerous.

Short gears, which seem to many to be a disadvantage, in fact, provide maximum acceleration intensity.

During testing, pilots noted the absence of a tachometer, which appeared only in the latest versions; inability to fine-tune the rear-view mirrors; uncomfortable sloping down very wide handles and American-style footrests.

Motorcycle Disadvantages

They are few, and one of the most noticeable is a slight delay if you open the throttle sharply. Actually, this disadvantage is inherent in all motorcycles with cardan drive, but not so noticeable.

Some inconvenience delivers and gas tank, not big enough for a huge car. Motorcycle pilots note that with such a low ground clearance it is inconvenient to enter turns. You have to do it very carefully, at least until you have certain skills in driving a heavy motorcycle.

Many write that a five-speed gearbox is not enough for such an engine. The sixth stage is clearly missing.

Motorcycle Benefits

Installing a cardan drive instead of a chain drive isthe moment is positive, since such a design does not require frequent maintenance.

Like all motorcycles from Japan, at least from the Honda concern, the VTX 1800 has a precise gearbox. A big plus is the large resource of the engine. Yes, and it starts making unpleasant noise only at high speeds.

With such a powerful engine, there are practically no parasitic vibrations.

According to the comments of happy owners, the appearance of a motorcycle with an abundance of chrome and a solid finish gives them no less pleasure than riding on a good track.

The quality deserves superlatives not only in the main components, but also in the details of the Honda VTX 1800 motorcycle.

Owner Reviews

Owners in their reviews confirm that the motorcycle is designed for long-distance travel. With side cases and arches in traffic jams, it’s not easy, and on unpaved, especially wet, so to speak, roads, he doesn’t ride too confidently.

On a Honda VTX 1800 motorcycle, owners determine fuel consumption empirically. Maybe the difference in the readings is large for this very reason, or maybe the conditions are different: the quality of the road surface and gasoline, the amount of cargo, speed, the number of accelerations and decelerations. For someone, a full tank of 16 liters is only enough for 200 km, while someone claims that 18 liters drive 300 or more kilometers.

On long trips, it becomes clear why the type of motorcycle is a cruiser. On the highway at a speed of 160 - 170 km / h in a day you can drive more than one and a half thousandkilometers.

In general, the reviews are full of emotions, reaching the point of delight and admiration for the mighty iron horse. There is no negative at all. Minor remarks about the lack of some devices and the inconvenience of landing are removed by the availability and quality of components and elements that can replace the standard equipment.

Cool, powerful, reliable, with comfortable ergonomics, the Honda VTX-1800 motorcycle, despite the appearance of competitors, still occupies the hearts and thoughts of motorcycle travel enthusiasts. Those who are not afraid of frightening sizes and high speeds, who love adrenaline and prefer to tame a strong beast…