Honda VTX 1800 N: Specs, Background, Performance & More

Honda is known for its timelessly efficient and performance-oriented VTX motorcycles. In 2004, the company outdid itself by introducing a neo-retro theme for its cruiser. The iconic liquid-cooled 52° V-twin engine was housed in a neo-retro frame much to the delight of fans.

Continue reading to unveil the unparalleled neo-retro designs and impressive performance figures of this beautiful bike.

Honda introduced a successful lineup of mighty cruisers in 2002. These cruisers were called the VTX 1800 and produced the world’s largest displacement of 1795 cc. Honda’s VTX 1800 cruisers held this title for two years until they were superseded by the 2.0 Liters Kawasaki Vulcan 2000 in 2004.

During the same year, Honda introduced a new member of the family, the Honda VTX 1800 N. By this time, three versions of the VTX 1800 each bearing three different build variations - Spec 1, Spec 2, and Spec 3 - were successfully introduced to the market. These included the C-type Honda VTX 1800, the S-type Honda VTX 1800, and the R-type Honda VTX 1800.

Whoever laid eyes on the newly released, head-turning, N-type VTX beauty could easily detect what Honda aimed to achieve with the VTX 1800 N bike. The bike was a reiteration of the retro-style cruiser. The cruiser motorcycle looked stunning with its swooping fenders, straight-cut mufflers, shiny LED tail lights, and iconic cast-aluminum wheels. This beautiful ride had the vintage charm of an old-school retro cruiser and the modish design and technology of contemporary motorcycles. For this reason, the Honda VTX 1800 N remained relevant even after 14 years.

The 2004 Honda VTX 1800 N bikes featured the following eye-catching colors.

• Black
• Titanium
• Candy Red
• Magenta Metallic

Moreover, the 2004 VTX 1800 N had three different build variations:

• Spec 1

The Spec 1 variation included the following neo-retro custom-building options:

• Cast aluminum risers and caps with a satin-brushed finish could be added to handlebars.
• The crankcases, cylinder, and starter motors were available in a silver finish.
• The Spec 1 build offered clutch and brake levers with a brushed aluminum finish.
• The inverted fork tubes had a satin-brushed finish and matching satin-brushed caps.
• Upper and lower triple clamps were made of cast aluminum. The clamps also featured a hairline satin-brushed finish to heavily accentuate the neo-retro styling.
• Similarly, the floorboards possessed a hairline satin-brushed aluminum finish.
• Switch housings featured a brushed aluminum finish.
• The radiator cover came with a glossy black finish.
• Final drive housing featured a glossy silver finish.
• The cast-aluminum wheels were satin-brushed.
• Moreover, the rear shocks boasted a dual chrome ribbed design paired with top mounts that included a satin-brushed hairline.

• Spec 2

The Spec 2 variation had the following custom-building options:

• The crankcases, cylinder, and starter motors were available in a gorgeous satin black finish with milled cylinder fin edges.
• Chrome-plated aluminum handlebar risers and caps could be added to the handlebars.
• Clutch and brake levers came with a highly polished aluminum finish.
• Upper and lower triple clamps were made of highly polished cast aluminum.
• Shiny chrome steel covers and chrome caps could be added to the fork tubes.
• The final drive housing looked lustrous with a silver finish.
• Cast aluminum wheels were satin-brushed.
• Floorboards possessed a hairline satin-brushed aluminum finish.
• Switch housings featured a hairline satin-brushed finish.
• Moreover, the rear shocks boasted a dual chrome ribbed design paired with top mounts that included  a satin-brushed hairline.
• The radiator cover had a glossy black finish.

• Spec 3

• The crankcases, cylinder, and starter motors were available in a satin black finish with milled cylinder fin edges.
• Chrome-plated aluminum handlebar risers and caps could be added to the handlebars.
• Upper and lower triple clamps were made of highly polished cast aluminum.
• Clutch and brake levers with a highly polished aluminum finish.
• The fork tubes had chrome steel covers and chrome caps.
• Switch housings featured a hairline satin-brushed finish.
• Chrome side covers were available for the radiator.
• Highly polished, chrome-plated aluminum floorboards could be added.
• Highly polished cast aluminum wheels were available.
• The final drive housing featured a satin-brushed hairline with chrome-plated axle caps and fasteners.
• The rear shocks of Spec 3 had a unique dual chrome ribbed design with an A-shaped top mounting hole.

The 2005 Honda VTX 1800 N was available in the following exciting colors:

• Candy Orange
• Metallic Silver
• Bright Blue Metallic
• Black

In addition to the classic colors, the 2005 VTX 1800 N had three custom-build variations.

• Spec 1

The Spec 1 trim of the 2005 VTX 1800 N model was mostly similar to the 2004 VTX 1800 N. The distinct changes between the two motorcycles are as follows:

• The Spec 1 build of the 2004 VTX 1800 N model offered clutch and brake levers with a brushed aluminum finish. Whereas the 2005 VTX 1800 N model offered the satin-brushed aluminum finish.
• The 2004 VTX 1800 N model featured switch housings with a brushed aluminum finish for the Spec 1 variation. On the other hand, the 2005 VTX 1800 N model had switch housings with a smooth cast aluminum finish.

• Spec 2

The Spec 2 variation of the 2005 VTX 1800 N shared all of its design features with the 2004 VTX 1800 N Spec 2 build. No changes were reported.

• Spec 3

The Spec 3 build of the 2005 VTX 1800 N was the same as the 2004 model.

Honda launched its VTX 1800 N 2006 models in the following inspiring colors:

• New Dark Red
• Titanium
• Black

Just like its predecessors the 2006 Honda VTX 1800 N was also available in three distinct trims variations which offered the same neo-retro design features as in 2005. The titanium color was only available in the Spec 1 variant.

For the 2007 VTX 1800 N styling, Honda only revised the color scheme. The new colors were:

• Metallic Black/Red Custom Art
• Dark Red/ Red Custom Art
• Black Metallic

The bikes were available in three specifications, having the same features as in 2006. However, the black metallic paintwork was only available in the Spec 1 variant.

The 2008 Honda VTX 1800 N cruisers were launched in three traditional colors.

• Black
• Black Custom Art
• Dark Orange Metallic

The black color was only available in the Spec 1 trim. On the other hand, the dark orange metallic was available in both Spec 1 and Spec 2. Moreover, the black custom art was also available in the Spec 2 trim.

Unlike the previous models, the 2008 Honda VTX 1800 N was available in only two distinct custom-build variations. These variations received the following changes:

• Spec 1

• Up until 2007, the crankcases, cylinder, and starters had a silver finish for Spec 1. But for the 2008 model, Honda launched crankcases, cylinders, and starter motors with a satin-black finish and milled cylinder fin edges.
• Other features of Spec 1 remained unchanged in 2008.

• Spec 2

• For the  2007 models of the VTX 1800 N, the radiator covers had a glossy black finish. But in 2008, the N-type VTX 1800 cruisers featured chrome side covers for radiators.
• Moreover, for the  2007 models, the Spec 2 build came with hairline satin-brushed aluminum floorboards. This was revised in 2008 when the Spec 2 trim featured polished and chrome-plated aluminum floorboards.
• The design of the final drive housing was also changed. In 2007, it had a silver finish. But in 2008, the Spec 2 variation featured a hairline satin-brushed finish with chrome-plated axle caps and fasteners.
• Until 2007, the Spec 2 had satin-brushed cast aluminum wheels. In 2008, the Spec 2 of the VTX 1800 N had highly polished cast-aluminum wheels.
• The rear shocks were also different for the 2008 Spec 2 variant. In 2007, the rear shocks had a dual chromed ribbed design with hairline satin-brushed top mounts.
• In 2008, the rear shocks were upgraded and featured a dual chromed ribbed design with an A-shaped top mounting hole.

The Honda VTX 1800 N variant is well-known for its neo-retro appearance, splendid ergonomics, and gigantic 1795 cc power plant. A beautiful bike with lots of power and dash, the VTX 1800 N is a comfortable bike.

At first glance, you are bound to notice the conspicuous cast aluminum wheel that gives a neo-retro feel to the bike. These wheels add luster to the bike and are available in two exclusive styles: satin-brushed and highly polished. The wide fenders curve smoothly around these shiny metallic wheels and also feature a flush-mounted double chevron brake and taillight. The rear fender rails with a slotted design are another unique addition to upgrade the look of the bike.

A huge flangeless 5.3-gallon fuel tank has a pinstripe quality VTX icon to give the bike a commanding presence and ensure an excellent cruising range. The designers have decorated the bike with heavy chrome accents. The tank-mounted nacelle also features beautiful satiny chrome highlights and houses a trip meter/odometer reset and indicator, turn signals, and indicators for fuel level, oil pressure, coolant temperature, and fuel injection.

The chrome-hooded headlight features a bright 55/60-watt halogen bulb for increased visibility and safety in all conditions. The headlight also adds a nice retro touch to the bike, which is a bonus.

With the VTX 1800 N, Honda removed the uncomfortable, obnoxious seats and replaced them with a plush, low-slung 27.4-inch seat that is quite accommodating. The detachable passenger section enhances the neo-retro feel of the bike.

Now let’s discuss the most favored feature of this bike. The mighty 1795 cc 52° V-twin engine generates massive horsepower (107 hp) at 5000 rpm and 163 Nm torque at 3500 rpm. The V-twin motor present in the VTX 1800 N motorcycle is advanced and performance-oriented because it features four-inch cylinder bores, and the largest connecting rods and cylinders ever made by Honda.

Each cylinder comes with two iridium-tipped spark plugs for combustion efficiency at different speed ranges. The high-pressure programmed fuel injection system (PGM-FI) provides outstanding power and improves fuel efficiency by reducing emissions. Moreover, the fuel injection system is easier to maintain and therefore increases the overall driveability. The engine mounting system also utilizes hangers and rubber mounts to eliminate excess vibration.

The VTX 1800 N has a five-speed transmission with carefully selected gear ratios to maintain the perfect balance of torque and speed. The shaft-drive system provides a smooth driving experience, eliminates unwanted final-drive noise, and also ensures a low-maintenance operation.

As far as the handling of this bike is concerned, the Honda VTX 1800 N has a double-cradle steel frame to contain the power of the engine and gives the bike its low profile. To complement the 32° rake angle, a trail of 6.4-inches is designed for greater stability.

The 45 mm large inverted front fork provides wheel travel of 5.1 inches and the dual chrome rear shocks provide 3.9 inches of wheel travel. These suspension figures contribute greatly to the bike’s overall handling and braking, while also providing a comfortable ride, especially on bumpy roads. The VTX 1800 N boasts an impressive linked braking system (LBS) which features a 296 mm double disc and three-piston calipers in the front. Meanwhile, the rear brakes feature a 316 mm single disc with a twin-piston caliper. The braking system of VTX 1800 N is designed to ensure maximum safety, especially during an emergency.

In the VTX 1800 N, the VTX stands for V-Twin Xtreme, and the letter N stands for Neo-Retro. It is believed that Honda sought inspiration from its limited Honda Valkyrie Rune for the New-Retro design of its VTX 1800 N.

After launching the VTX 1800 N in 2004, Honda stopped manufacturing its N-type V-twin motorcycle in 2008. But the demand and sales have seen a continued surge due to its remarkable design features and powerful engine.

The great thing about the Honda VTX 1800 N series was that each model in this lineup had three distinct trims. The color scheme also changed every year, giving an overwhelming array of selections for the riders. Not to mention the neo-retro look was first available at an affordable price, with the used markets putting up even more economical bargains. This allows the riders of today to fulfill their dream of owning a customized neo-retro bike.

If a quick reading of this article has convinced you that the Honda VTX 1800 N is your kind of ride and if you plan to get new accessories for your VTX 1800 N cruiser, then aftermarket Honda parts are your best bet.

You can start by changing the seat and handlebars of the bike.This combination will add comfort and a lot of character to the bike. If you feel that the new seat works well with the old, built-in handlebars then you can opt-out. No need to splurge extra bucks for the sake of spending.As long as the handlebars and seat height are in sync, you are good to go.

You can also upgrade your cruiser into a tourer by mounting a pair of saddlebags to carry your stuff and sissy bars to create more room for the backrest. To find good quality Honda parts and motorcycle luggage, you would have to hunt the market, and digital stores, or you can trust our recommendation and give Viking Bags a try!