The Honda VTX 1800 motorcycle is an apparatus all descriptions are given using superlatives. Very heavy, very powerful, very charismatic, very well equipped, very expensive and still somewhat "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, to supplant the iconic Harley-Davidson.
The VTX 1800 F model cruise motorcycle was launched in 2001 and was immediately recognized as the largest tourist motorcycle in the world with a 1.8-liter V-Twin engine. The innovative design of the pistons, also the largest in the world mounted on a motorcycle, brought the group extra 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 designed in a typical American style under the slogan: "Stand out from the crowd at any cost!"
The Honda VTX 1800 was defeated in 2004 by the Kawasaki Vulcan 2000.
After the appearance of the base model in 2001 and its recognition, the group released two more modifications with the indices R and S the following year, a year later - version N, a year later - F.
The concern discontinued motorcycle production by 2009.
Major modifications
Specifications, layout and basic design in all versions did not change. They differ in external details.
So the basic version with the C index is shortened wings and alloy wheels, a speedometer on the steering wheel and a 2-in-1 exhaust pipe.
Version R - alloy wheels and shortened wings; S - wings remain elongated, but the wheels are already with spokes; N - new retro style.
The Honda VTX 1800 F motorcycle 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 durable steel pipes that are practically not deformed, a high-tech engine, liquid cooling and a cardan shaft as the main drive. In general, practical and super reliable.
The weight of an unfilled motorcycle is more than 320 kg, and the full one is almost 350 kg. To cope with such a colossus, especially in city traffic jams, at low speeds, not even any man can do it, and girls are out of the question. Moreover, he maneuvers extremely slowly. Experienced drivers confirm that the large and wide Honda VTX 1800 motorcycle is not intended to jump from row to row. Wardrobe trunks (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, so that the first at the green traffic light to get off the ground and go far ahead from those who stood behind or nearby.
But VTX 1800 was not intended for trips to megacities. 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 height of the saddle is 0.7 m, the clearance is 0.13 m, and the wheelbase is 1.7 m.
The load on the 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 two-cylinder V-shaped, injector, liquid-cooled and has six valves and electronic fuel injection, a volume of 2 liters. It gives a capacity of 107 liters. from. and torque of 164 Nm. And outwardly it is quite large. Even without knowing the capabilities of the motorcycle, you can guess from the look of the engine that they are large, despite the fact that the cardan drive takes part of the power. The actual capacity of the motorcycle is up to 80 liters. from.
At maximum power, the engine winds 5,000 rpm, and with a maximum torque of 3,000 rpm.
Cylinders with ribs preserve the general style of the conservative class, while the ribs also remove heat.
Other important characteristics 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 it is possible and less, but with careful driving without cargo and passenger. Only who will ride quietly and calmly on such a device!
Chassis
If we talk about the basic version of the Honda VTX 1800 C, then the front tire size is 130/70 R18 and the rear one is 180/70 R16.
The front suspension is a 45 mm inverted telescopic fork with a longitudinal inclination of 32 ° with a stroke of 130 mm.
The rear suspension is a double shock absorber with a five-step adjustment of the preload and a stroke of 100 mm.
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.
Such a number of discs allows you to use not only the rear, but also one front disc when you press the rear brake pedal. At the same time, it is impossible to re-brake before using the drive, according to the opinions of experienced bikers, since the pedal effort is quite large.
Gearbox and motorcycle electrical system
The Honda VTX 1800 motorcycle gearbox is a five-speed, multi-plate oil clutch with hydraulic drive. The main gear is a closed driveshaft with a gear ratio of 3,091 (34/11).
The motorcycle is equipped with a twelve-volt battery with a capacity of 18A * h and an alternator with a capacity of 400 watts. And the received electricity is consumed for lighting on a single lamp with a power of 55 W for low beam and 60 W for high beam. By the way, many pilots complain about the poor lighting of the road and install xenon not only for beauty.
It consumes electricity and starter, it is electric. Ignition system - digital transistor, computer-controlled with electronic ignition timing control. Four spark plugs - two for each cylinder.
Optional equipment
On the Honda VTX 1800 cruiser, the back-trunk and voluminous side wardrobe trunks are the most necessary attachments. And it’s 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 - in special catwalks on the steps and in the trunk on the sides of the back of the rear seat, the amplifier - in a wardrobe trunk.
For the driver, protection from the headwind is important, because at such speeds it is strong, and its impulses can throw small garbage in the face. Therefore, a high windshield is installed, which also relieves the driver of voltage when resisting a dense air flow.
Motorcycle tuning
What may be interesting in this motorcycle is tuning. Honda VTX 1800 directly requests the implementation of design projects that emphasize the American character of the Japanese motorcycle.
This can be airbrushing, giving the silhouette additional swiftness or predation, painting in exclusive colors, making the visible machine even more noticeable even at night, if you add components that glow in the dark to the varnish .
To the taste of the owner, you can install body kits and other elements made of composite materials or coated with chrome.
Motorcycles from Japan, as a rule, go off the assembly line thought out to the smallest detail, but nevertheless, experts still find something to improve.
In motorcycle workshops, they offer the replacement of the rear wheel with a wider one - 240-250 mm. At the same time, you can install tuned disks, and a metal, rather than a plastic wing, and progressive shock absorbers. Honda VTX 1800 with such progressive shocks looks wider and more powerful, and it goes nicer. They are shorter than standard and can vary in stiffness.
Test drives
Experienced bikers who have something to compare with, note the unusually intense acceleration of the motorcycle, made in the American style. In fact, it accelerates to 100 km / h in 3.8 seconds, less than the manufacturer claims.
You need to adapt to the wide steering wheel, but such a large base itself stabilizes the car with a sharp acceleration. On the VTX 1800, you can accelerate to 210 km / h, but without a protective high glass this pleasure is below average, it seems that your hands can come off the steering wheel and your legs in soaring trousers will blow off comfortable footrests.
At cruising speed, the motorcycle is stable and stable, which also has its drawbacks. 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 drawback, actually provide maximum acceleration intensity.
During testing, pilots noted the absence of a tachometer, which appeared only in the latest versions; the impossibility of fine-tuning the rear view mirrors; uncomfortable lowered very wide arms and American-style footboards.
Motorcycle disadvantages
There are few of them, and one of the most noticeable is a slight delay if the gas is suddenly opened. Actually, this drawback is inherent in all motorcycles with a cardan drive, but not so noticeably.
The gas tank, which is not big enough for a huge car, also gives some inconvenience. Motorcycle pilots note that with such a low ground clearance it is inconvenient to enter turns. We have to do this very carefully, at least until certain driving skills of a heavy motorcycle appear.
Many write that a five-speed gearbox is not enough for such an engine. The sixth step is clearly not enough.
Motorcycle benefits
Installing a cardan drive instead of a chain drive is a positive moment, since such a design does not require frequent maintenance.
Like all motorcycles from Japan, at least from the Honda concern, the VTX 1800 is characterized by a clear gearbox. A big plus is the great resource of the engine. Yes, and it is unpleasant to make noise only at high speeds.
With such a powerful engine, parasitic vibrations are practically absent.
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 a superlative degree 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 distances. With side wardrobe trunks and arches in traffic jams, it is not easy, and on dirt roads, especially wet ones, to say the least, he is not driving very confidently.
On a Honda VTX 1800 motorcycle, owners determine fuel consumption empirically. Maybe the spread in the testimony is great for this reason, but maybe the conditions are different: the quality of the road surface and gasoline, the size of the load, speed, the number of accelerations and brakes. Someone with a full tank of 16 liters is only enough for 200 km, while someone claims that 18 liters travels 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 thousand kilometers.
In general, the reviews are full of emotions, reaching to the delight and worship of the mighty iron horse. There is no negative at all. Small remarks about the lack of some devices and the inconvenience of landing are removed by the availability and quality of components and elements, which can be replaced by standard equipment.
Steep, powerful, reliable, with comfortable ergonomics, the Honda VTX-1800 motorcycle, despite the competitors that have appeared, still occupies the hearts and thoughts of motorcycle enthusiasts . Those who are not afraid of awesome sizes and high speeds, who love adrenaline and prefer to tame a strong beast ...