Honda VTX 1800 R (Retro): Detailed Specs, Background, Performance, and More

Riding a motorcycle is the most common and coolest mean of transportation; not every rider rides a motorcycle out of necessity or as a hobby. Some view it as passion and those passionate riders just want to travel to every corner of the world. There is a burning desire in their body to ride which helps them achieve the impossible. Real bikers are always willing to devote a good amount of time and income to their motorcycles. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that when passion turns into a profession, it gives birth to champions.

If you are one of those riders who love riding and exploring scenic highways or uncharted roads, you just need a comfortable bike with a powerful engine and larger capacity. In this post, you’ll find a bike that has everything you need to go on the journey you always dreamed of. We are talking about the Honda VTX 1800R, the bike which took retro styling to the extreme.

In this article, we’ll be discussing detailed specs, background, performance, and more about the Honda VTX 1800R.

Honda developed the VTX series after being inspired by the Zodia concept at the 1995 Tokyo Motor Show. The VTX series was famous and presented as the VTX1800. The company introduced the series in 2001 as a 2002 model motorcycle. The bike had the largest displacement production V-twin engine around the globe. The engine was matted with the largest pistons ever made for a car or motorcycle. After the launch of this series, Honda received much admiration for the gorgeous move.

Shortly after the release of the Honda VTX series, customers had the option of buying models with different styles, although they still had the same engine, features, and chassis. Every model had its own attractive traits and styles which gave the jam-packed crowd at Honda outlets more reason to enter the showrooms and buy the biggest cruiser of their choice.

Honda designed the VTX1800 on a muscular frame that was long yet positioned low to the ground, featuring the notable rake and trail. Moreover, the company added the linked braking feature, replacing the common separate hand and foot brakes. The hand brake controls two-thirds of the front piston while the foot brakes operate the remaining third in front and all of the rear through a proportioning valve.

Honda also equipped the bike with a new Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) system, using a vacuum sensor to more accurately measure torque before the stock throttle position sensor takes over. It produces 120 ft/lbs of torque at 3500 rpm and 106 bhp at 5000 rpm, which made it the most powerful production V-twin motorcycle of its era. The company also added the shaft drive system to transmit all this power to the rear wheel.

There were three models introduced during the launch of the VTX series: the initial VTX1800C Classic, the VTX1800R, and the VTX1800S. The VTX1800R and VTX1800S were two Retro models, one came with cast wheels while the other with spoked wheels.

The Classic model was different from the Retro models and identifiable for its two-into-one exhaust system, and the speedometer was placed within the handlebar risers. While all other models had staggered dual exhausts, a larger radiator, and a tank-mounted speedometer.

The Honda VTX 1800R is equipped with a 1795 cc liquid-cooled 52° V-twin engine that outputs 106 bhp at 5000 rpm and 120 lb/ft of torque at 3500 rpm. This V-twin engine features four-inch cylinder bores and the largest connecting rods and cylinders the company ever made. It has a dual-pin crankshaft with two primary-shaft-mounted balance weights and permits a high-performance engine design that reduces vibrations from the engine. This results in high engine power across a wide rpm range for matchless acceleration and powerful performance.

Its cast-steel crankshaft utilizes bolt-on weights and reduces the crankcase width by almost two inches and the crankshaft weight by 8.8 pounds compared to a standard design. The rubber mounting system of the engine uses carefully matched hangers and reduces excessive vibrations while keeping the engine’s V-twin design.

It has modern high-pressure programmed fuel-injected throttle bodies with a diameter of 42 mm, which deliver air to two specially designed Denso 50-psi high-pressure fuel injectors. Fuel is transmitted through 12 nozzle holes in each injector. This powerful engine is fitted with a five-speed transmission and the full power of the engine is transmitted to the rear wheel through a shaft drive system. This muscular engine is started with a reliable electric starter system.

This massive bike is built on a tubular steel frame with high engine power and a long, low, muscular stance. Its 45 mm inverted front fork permits 5.1 inches of wheel travel, with ribbed design, chromed rear shocks, and hairline satin-brushed top mounts providing 3.9 inches of wheel travel. The VTX 1800R has ultimate stopping power thanks to its advanced front and rear braking system. The front brake lever controls the two outer pistons of the front calipers, while the rear brake pedal activates the two pistons of the rear caliper and the center pistons of the front calipers.

Additionally, the Honda VTX 1800R features:

• Tank-mounted fuel injection, coolant temperature, oil pressure, neutral indicator, low fuel level, high beam, warning lights for the turn signals, trip meter/odometer reset indicator, and a chrome nacelle that houses the fuel cap.
• Excellent use of chrome on engine parts, including the cylinder-head cover, spark plug covers, valve inspection cover, and left-rear engine cover.
• Spec One has a silver finish on the crankcases and cylinders.
• Specs Two and Three feature a satin-black finish with milled fin edges that give the vehicle a custom look.
• The large speedometer with easy-to-read numerals and distinctive, chrome hooded-headlight housing has a powerful halogen bulb with a computer-designed multi-reflector for excellent lighting in all situations.
• Large-diameter cushioned handgrips with the smooth cast (Spec One) or polished (Spec Two and Three) triple-clamp assembly and switch-housing.
• Long-lasting, maintenance-free battery, and convenient 300-watt alternator.
• Reliable push-to-cancel turn signal switch.

The Honda VTX 1800R is a reliable cruiser, having a larger engine displacement and retro custom styling. This bike has a low 27.4-inch seat height which is ideal for beginners and is designed for all-day comfort for both rider and passenger.

The Honda VTX 1800R is equipped with a 1795 cc liquid-cooled 52° V-twin engine that allows the speedometer needle to reach a top speed of 134 mph.

The Honda VTX 1800R is a massive bike designed on a tubular steel frame with high engine power and a long, low, muscular stance. It is estimated that this bike weighs around 340.2 kg (750.0 pounds) dry.

The Honda VTX 1800 R took retro styling to the extreme. The bike is carefully designed with classic styling, a large engine displacement, and excellent use of chrome on various engine parts. Many riders love the vintage look of their bike while others always want to customize them to their preferred level of comfort and style. There are many aftermarket parts available to make this bike even more adorable and comfortable such as crash bars, fairings, luggage racks, handlebars, rider and passenger backrests, and more.

If you own this bike for touring or exploring long motorcycle roads, never forget to install a good quality sissy bar to keep your back relaxed and mount a luggage bag to keep your items with you. This bike has a comfortable low seating position and provides all-day comfort for both rider and passenger. The large fuel tank gives you unlimited cruising for miles and miles.

If you are using the bike for daily commutes, you always have the option of installing a pair of premium quality saddlebags to help carry your essentials with you. There are thousands of ideas to recreate your bike, but it depends on your lifestyle and choice.