A dream collapses
Written: Nov 19 '02
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Pros: 1800 - Sexiest thing on two wheels - But I like the 1300 better
Cons: I can't ride the 1800.
The Bottom Line: My dream bike come to life. Wish I could handle the 1800, but I'd be really happy if the 1300 showed up in my Christmas stocking.
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| hularider's Full Review: 2002 Honda VTX |
Ever since I saw the first ad and magazine review of the VTX it was my dream bike. IMAGINE! 1800 ccs of power thundering between my legs! So I can't afford one. So my bikes are for commuting, not fashion statements. I can dream, can't I?
I finally got to the Honda dealership to take a look at a used Nigthawk 750 I was thinking of getting to relieve the miles I'm beating my Nighthawk 450 to death with. And there it was. All 1800 ccs waiting in the parking lot, beaconing, calling, "You want me, don't you? You know you do. Come, feel me, ride me."
I asked, and the sales manager took me to the bike. I stood beside it and threw a leg over, settled into the saddle, and, at 5'3" tall, 29" inseam, could barely reach the brake pedal or the shifter. I gave a heave, and pulled the behemoth upright. It was work. I tried to move the bar. There's a lot of weight holding that front tire down. I turned the bar to full lock on each side. I could not reach the outside grip. That means making a choice between the clutch and the brake. Personally, I like to have full access to all of my controls at all times.
Gorgeous, sexy, and wonderful as the VTX 1800 is, I feel it would be irresponsible for me to take it on the road. I can't REACH the controls, let alone handle them with any kind of finesse. As a short person who likes to use sexy toys to maker her feel bigger, I really had my hopes up for the VTX. But it is just too big for me to handle. Sigh. I think it would be the perfect bike for my 6'2" tall 36" inseam boyfriend.
BUT - AH HAH! There, beside the 1800 was the new 1300. Same classy styling, but in a scale better proportioned to me. "Try this one" the sales manager said. It was love at first sit. No harder to pull upright than the Nighthawk 750 (weighs more, but lower center of gravity). I can reach all controls easily. They are more forward than I am used to, but not to the point where I am uncomfortable. Stock, it is a very doable, comfortable bike. If I owned it, I'd pull the bars back a touch.
The relatively quiet engine rumbles to life, low and pleasing. I'm NOT a fan of loud pipes. I would not touch the stock set-up. I like the pipes to sound like thunder - in the far distance.
Handling is Honda-smooth. It's a well-behaved bike in all gears. I did not have an opportunity to really put it through its paces, but if I had had the money, I would have bought the bike that day.
For all of the VTX sex-appeal, they are surprisingly low on personality. They are almost too clean and perfect. But the Nighthawk is considered a personality-less bike, and my little 450 is so full of personality that Harleyphiles love him. So, maybe after the VTX been around a while, developed a larger line of aftermarket parts, had a significant number tinkered with and after-factory customized, they'll start showing more character.
I will definately be searching "880 - Motorcycles" in the want ads for used VTX 1300s in a couple of years. It will be interesting to study the long-term viability of this bike and to see how long owners hang on to them.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 10,100
Condition: New
Model Year: 2002
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Epinions.com ID:
hularider
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Member: Leilehua Yuen
Location: Hilo, Hawaii, USA
Reviews written: 70
Trusted by: 8 members
About Me:
HulaRider is an author, artist, and educator who specializes in Hawaiian culture and arts.
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