Honda VTX 1800C: Detailed Specs, Background, Performance, and More

Who said that big motorcycles are difficult to deal with? People might have faced tough times while riding a big bike but not every bike with a bigger design have the same riding experience. Many riders who love to go on scenic highways or longer trips always select the muscular bikes with greater comfort, softer suspension, and a larger engine displacement for thundering torque and optimal performance. Because only a bike with a powerful engine and larger weight capacity can fulfill the requirements of keen riders who want to be able to carry their luggage easily.

To suit the needs of those riders, Honda introduced the VTX 1800 series with a combination of big engine displacement and traditional styling cues. The VTX series is a collection of V-twin cruiser motorcycles introduced in 2001 and featured the largest displacement production V-twin engine in the world. The Honda VTX series was launched with different models and stylings but featured the same engine. Among the models from the VTX lineup, the Honda VTX 1800C has its unique identity and styling that makes it stand out from the rest.

In this article, we’ll be discussing the background, performance, specifications, and more about the Honda VTX 1800C.

The VTX series is a collection of V-twin cruiser motorcycles built by Honda. The company developed the series after being inspired by the Zodia concept presented at the 1995 Tokyo Motor Show. The Honda VTX 1800 was introduced in 2001 as a 2002 model and featured the largest displacement production V-twin engine in the world. This engine had the largest pistons ever manufactured for a car or motorcycle and Honda received tons of admiration for this bold and innovative machine.

The Honda VTX series was launched with different models. Since the first year, customers got the opportunity to select models with different stylings, but they all featured the same engine and chassis. The VTX 1800 was designed with a muscular-looking body that was pretty long and positioned low to the ground, featuring significant rake and trail. Also, Honda updated its linked braking feature in which the hand brake operates two-thirds of the front piston and the foot brake controls the other third in front and all of the rear through a proportioning valve.

While the throttle was updated with Honda’s new Programmed Fuel Injection system, using a vacuum sensor within the first 10% of opening to more accurately measure torque, until the usual throttle position sensor takes over. It produces 120 ft/lbs of torque at 3500 rpm and 106 bhp at 5000 rpm, which makes them the most powerful production V-twin motorcycles of its time. All this power is transmitted to the rear wheel through a shaft drive.

The word C in VTX 1800C represents the Classic. Initially, the Honda VTX 1800C model was launched as a 2002 model along with two other Retro models, the VTX 1800R and VTX 1800S. When the VTX 1800C was launched in 2001, it was known as the VTX 1800 and VTX. As compared to both Retro models, the VTX 1800 was unique for having a two-into-one exhaust system, and a speedometer mounted within the handlebar risers. Meanwhile, all the other models had staggered dual exhausts, a large radiator, and a tank-mounted speedometer.

The Honda VTX 1800C has a 1795 cc liquid-cooled 52° V-twin engine that pumps 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. Its offset dual-pin crankshaft with two primary-shaft-mounted balance weights eliminates the harsh engine vibration and allows high-end performance. Its high-pressure programmed fuel injection features 42 mm-diameter throttle bodies that provide air to two specially designed Denso 50-psi high-pressure fuel injectors. Fuel is transmitted via 12 nozzle holes in each injector which outputs an atomized fuel mixture that is extremely combustible for maximum efficiency and power.

The ECU provides separate digital 3-D fuel injection and ignition maps for each cylinder, resulting in optimal fuel mixture and spark advance settings for excellent rideability. Its unique dry-sump oiling system uses a closed crankcase design and places the oil tank inside the gearbox case, resulting in improved power and a lower engine height. The radiator cools and maintains the engine temperature to ensure good performance and long engine life. This bike has maintenance-free automatic cam-chain tensioners and a reliable electric-starter system. This ensures the rider can relax while cruising and performed well with its five-speed transmission. All this power is driven to the rear wheel through a shaft final drive system.

Additionally, the Honda VTX1800C features

• Special chrome hooded-headlight housing a 55/60-watt powerful halogen bulb.
• Tank-mounted trip meter/odometer reset and indicator/warning lights for the turn signals, neutral indicator, high beam, low fuel level, fuel injection, and coolant temperature.
• Large speedometer with legible numbers.
• Large-diameter hand grips with cushioned grips, polished aluminum switch housings, and triple-clamp assembly.
• Maintenance-free battery and reliable 300-watt alternator.
• The switches and controls on the handlebars have internationally approved ISO graphic symbols.
• A  convenient push-to-cancel turn-signal switch.
• Front and rear steel fenders with minimalist designs compliment the VTX's street-rod appearance.
• Wedge-shaped mirrors and bullet-style turn signals feature amber flashing bulbs, clear lenses, and chrome visors.
• A 4.8-gallon fuel tank and the dragster-style seat had a low 27.6-inch seat height for close-to-road confidence during low-speed rides.
• Semi swept handlebars provide the rider with a comfortable, upright riding position.
• The VTX1800C breathes through a handsome, chromed two-into-one exhaust system.
• This bike has a wide yet low front tire which enhances style and steering and an aggressive rear tire which translates the engine’s awesome power to the ground with a superb grip.

The Honda VTX 1800C is powered by a 1795 cc liquid-cooled 52° V-twin engine. It is estimated that this bike can reach a top speed of 180.0 km/h (111.8 mph).

The Honda VTX 1800C liquid-cooled 52° V-twin engine produces 106 bhp at 5000 rpm and 120 lb./ft of torque at 3500 rpm.

The VTX 1800C was designed for riders who want street-rod styling and thundering torque. It is estimated that this bike weighs around 332.9 kg (734.0 pounds) dry.

One of the things that make the Honda VTX1800C stand out is its style. The company designed the bike with beautifully shaped elements and attractive chrome details. The bike has its own identity among big-class cruisers, but there are many beginners or professional riders who love to customize their bikes with aftermarket parts like fairings, crash bars, handlebars, luggage racks, rider and passenger backrests, etc.

If it's your bike, you can always enjoy the benefit of going on long motorcycle roads or highways because the bike has a powerful engine and a large fuel tank that makes travel possible. If you love to go on camping trips or adventure tours, you can install a sissy bar to keep your posture relaxed and also mount a luggage bag to help you carry your essentials.

There is nothing more convenient than installing a pair of premium quality saddlebags for your daily commutes and replacing the seat with a more comfortable solo and passenger seat. These are a few ideas to make your bike more attractive but it all depends on the owner.