“Exhaust valves as big as a P-51 Mustang’s!” is what billboards all over Sturgis screamed when Honda first launched the VTX1800 in 2002. That bit of hyperbole underscored that Big Red’s new V-Twin was a torque monster with a huge motor and that Honda had come to town to mark territory occupied by the guys from Milwaukee. Five years later, the touring version of the big 110-incher still packs a wallop.
The VTX1800T is the new-for-2007 touring configuration which fills out the model line along with the C, F, N and R models. All have the same 1795cc liquid-cooled V-Twin and five-speed gearbox hooked up to shaft drive. Adding the bags, backrest and windshield makes this the heavyweight of the bunch, waddling in at 792 pounds, 58 heavier than the F model.
My “test track” for the T was the Honda Hoot territory of backroads in the Appalachians around Knoxville—including the infamous Dragon’s Tail—and a fun stretch of Interstate 40 between Knoxville, Tennessee, and Maggie Valley, North Carolina. It’s a wide variety of roads suited for a big touring-oriented cruiser.
And actually, the T does it all quite nicely, thank you very much. Sure, it’s easy to make sparks by grinding the Honda’s metal on asphalt—on a tight trail like the Dragon you can create scratchings that will echo through the hollers for miles. But when ridden with some intelligence and consideration for the design of the machine, the VTX can be a fun-loving buddy on these challenging roads once you figure out how to utilize the 120 ft.-lbs. of torque pounding between your knees. You needn’t shift much, so riding the twisties at slow to moderate speeds by just rolling on and off the throttle is downright fun. And the open road is pure joy.
The VTX may not be a Dragon slayer, but it can conquer any interstate on the map with its long 67.5 inch wheelbase and languorous 32 degrees of rake. The ergos of the cushy seat, beach-cruiser bars and floorboards, combined with the smooth efficiency of two primary-shaft-mounted balance weights and rubber-mounted motor make this a coast-to-coaster of a cruiser. Riding the undulating curves of the Appalachian interstate was so much fun that it seemed like this is what the 1800T was made for.
The hour-and-a-half ride on I-40 was delightful. The windshield was burble free, and with the perfect weather I was tempted to keep riding north, maybe to Nova Scotia, or however far I could get before they caught me. The only limiting factor might have been how much I could pack in the two 24-liter leather saddlebags, which wasn’t very much. To call this bike a “tourer” is a bit optimistic because the bags are at best big enough for one person on an overnighter. Although they’re nicely made and sturdy, for a true long-haul tour they’ll have to be augmented by more luggage. Fortunately, the passenger backrest serves as a handy attachment point.
But those are just details, easily taken care of. There is a world of aftermarket luggage out there that can provide all the storage space required. The VTX1800T has the basics of a lovely smooth motor and great comfort to make this an outstanding long-haul companion.
Sound Off! What’s your take on cruising-tourers?
