Honda Vtx1800 Review

Used Buyer Review

The VTX1800 is Honda's answer to the question nobody asked: what if a cruiser actually worked every single time you pressed the starter? That 1795cc V-twin is genuinely massive and makes its presence felt from idle, but Honda somehow kept it civilized enough to ride all day without your hands going numb or your back staging a protest. It's not Harley theatrical — it's just relentlessly competent, which either appeals to you or it doesn't. Used examples are everywhere right now and mostly in decent shape because owners tend to be older, careful riders who serviced them properly. Check the carbs on pre-2008 models for varnish if it's been sitting, inspect the shaft drive for leaks, and wiggle the handlebar controls — the switches can get flaky. The R and S trims handle noticeably better than the base model. Expect 50,000-mile examples that still feel tight, because these things were overbuilt.