View Full Version : Thinking bout buying VTX 1800F
Boxingchad
01-02-2006, 01:36 PM
Hey All.
Im thinking of purchasign and VTX 1800F
Ive rode bikes for years. . but have recently wanted a cruiser bike
My first bike was a Honda F4i
Then went to a Yamaha R6.........
I was actually about to purchase a Yamaha Warrior when I was browing and found pictures of the Honda VTX 1800F .. I dont know much about them and was wondering what you guys think .............
I think they look 10 times better stock .. although ive seen some pretty sweet modded warriors. .. wondering what was out there on the market for modding the VTX 1800F .. not that it nees much ..
ANY feed back will be greatly appricated.
thanks
- Chad
Ranger
01-03-2006, 07:20 PM
I own an 1800F3.
There are plenty of after-market items for just about anything you want to do.
But in my opinion, the 1800F comes with about everything I was looking for. I did get new pipes, Power Commander USB, Progressive Springs and Shocks. If you ride 2 up any, you will want a small back-rest so the wife doesn't slide of the back when you twist the throttle.
kouaka
01-05-2006, 01:04 PM
I had a Shadow Sabre VT 1100 until August 2005, when a car rear ended me. I test rode the 1800 F type 3 once, and was completely sold on that bike. As you said, it comes stock already so nicely tricked out, there is not much you need or want to do. Power and torque is plenty. I like the stock pipes and everything else. Whereas I spend a few thousand $$ on chrome etc. on my previous bike, I don't feel like doing that much to this one, because I don't want to ruin the great lines it has. I put on the Honda boulevard windshield, it keeps the wind of the chest and still does not interfere with the looks. also added a tank bra from Honda, perfect for the garage door opener and a cloth. Since I like to sit back a little more, I got a handle bar from Kawasaki, to give me the additional few inches pull back.
I took the passenger seat off, took all the decals (fender, side covers, tank) off, and will also exchange the time belt cover/motor cover on both sides, which are the only two pieces left with the HONDA logo on.
Today I am getting a custom seat, black leather with chrome lightning bolts integrated. The last thing will probably be different mirrors.
Boxingchad
01-06-2006, 10:12 AM
sounds good. Im going to try and go take a look @ one this weekend. I havent seen them in person yet. . ............
bgreer
01-07-2006, 06:43 AM
For the first few months, maybe as long as a year, stock bikes look pretty good to a new owner. After that, many of us feel the need to personalize our bikes so they don't look just like everyone else's. Right away, most of us want to change the pipes just so they sound as bad A as they run. Then most discover the seat can't be ridden in much longer than about an hour before your butt says "enough". The F is a great bike and I know you'll love it. Most accessories made to fit a C model will also fit an F so there's lots of cool stuff available. :icon_yike
Waz up X, imagine meetin you here
saltire
01-07-2006, 09:00 PM
Check out the new Suzuki also it comes with a 240 rear as standard and represents great value .
Wiseman
01-08-2006, 09:50 AM
Chad:
I was on the fence for a while too. Bought my VTX "F" last night and it is beautiful. Spec 3, so other than a comfier seat for the wife and I, I will probably just leave it alone for a while... (maybe).
I think the F is a perfect blend of cruiser with a sportier look. Plus, with the VTX having been out for a while, hopefully most of the kinks have been worked out of the design of the bike. Also, there seems to be a ton of after market stuff for it already.
One final note, my dealer here in Sacramento was eager to dish the '05's he had in stock before the 06's come in. You may have some better leverage now than later. I got him to take a couple G's off the price and he even threw in a used PW50 for my 4 year old (didn't tell the wife about that until I brought it home).
Best of luck!
Wiseman
2FS4LV
01-10-2006, 02:07 PM
Chad:
I was on the fence for a while too. Bought my VTX "F" last night and it is beautiful. Spec 3, so other than a comfier seat for the wife and I, I will probably just leave it alone for a while... (maybe).
It is very hard to leave a stock bike stock for long. Once the sickness gets you, you are done. Hand over your cash and credit cards to the :icon_evil . I guarantee you will be selling your plasma to keep your habit going. Especially if you have a wife or girlfriend.
flattracker
01-11-2006, 11:31 AM
If you get the "F" model don't discount the stock pipes with the vtxexhaust mod, it sure gives it a throaty deep tone that rumbles smooth at low rpm and allows a authoritative note when you roll it on
dracul
01-11-2006, 04:00 PM
:choppersm :hmm2: The 'Zuki is tight as Hell! I still like the R3 better though...so ugly it's beautiful!!
gregmcb
01-12-2006, 09:02 PM
I have had my 1800F for 6 months now and absolutly love it. The model is nice to the eye and stocked as is, but I did purchase a new seat from Corbin and a Memphis.
dracul
01-13-2006, 06:59 PM
:hmm2: I agree with saltire...check out the upcoming 'Zuki's before you decide...do the bit with the Roadliner too...both are nice new additions to the metric universe!
pilotjc
01-17-2006, 07:34 PM
I got an 05 F model for sale, sent you a pm today. 520.980.0140
http://www.nogalesriders.com/jchavez.jpg
docsabre
06-03-2008, 11:20 AM
You are just the person I need to ask this question(s). My 2000 Sabre engine finally destroyed itself after 137,000 miles. I also am looking at the VTX F model. Other than the obvious power and weight differences, how does the F corner compared to the Sabre. My Sabre was a very sweet cornering bike. I ground off the feeling pegs and was working on the footpegs. At one point I ground off part of the side stand attachment. Can the F corner as tight? How about your gas mileage and tire wear? What does the dealer charge for valve adjustment?
kyork1
06-03-2008, 03:53 PM
Used to have them, now they are ground down to nubs. I just picked up my F model 3 months ago, and it had 12K miles on it. It has 16K now, and it is time for some new pegs. These things corner pretty well, and it is fun in/out of the twisties with all the torque.
I have been riding crotch rockets for years, and still have a gixxer that gets ridden fairly hard. Having not had much seat time on a cruiser, I love my VTX. Its hard to get used to a 6K redline, especially when the gixxer tops out at 15K.
Happy riding, and go with the F model. Unless your over 50, then get a different one. Good luck!
docsabre
06-04-2008, 11:04 AM
Thanks
Philscbx
06-04-2008, 11:10 AM
I was on the Warrior Kick at first too.
Great Looking Machine by all means.
And they do make a 1800 kit for it.
If it was in place, I might have gone that way instead.
I just wanted a sick street rod, simple as that.
chromesideup
06-05-2008, 06:17 PM
I'm new to the site....let me know if I mess up........
I have an 1800F that I really like. Super styling, and fast like all the models. I also like the stock look. Wanted a bit throatier exhaust, so I had the stock pipes modified by Sturgis Pipe Works. Same look, better sound.
docsabre
06-05-2008, 06:22 PM
I am definitely leaning toward the F. I just want to make sure it leans way over in tight turns. Scraping pegs don't freak me out but poor cornering clearances can get annoying. Also I need to be relatively sure my 6'5" 200 lb frame will be comfortable on the bike for extended tours and all day in the saddle. It is not unusual for me to go on a 10 day, 5,000 mile ride once or twice a year.
Doc
Stump
06-10-2008, 01:17 AM
Having modified my fair share of F's I will tell you IMO it has a better end look with less total $$$ spent when finished.
Philscbx
06-10-2008, 02:20 AM
Having modified my fair share of F's I will tell you IMO it has a better end look with less total $$$ spent when finished.
That's looking Mighty Fine!
coopi
06-10-2008, 09:37 AM
Used to have them, now they are ground down to nubs. I just picked up my F model 3 months ago, and it had 12K miles on it. It has 16K now, and it is time for some new pegs. These things corner pretty well, and it is fun in/out of the twisties with all the torque.
I have been riding crotch rockets for years, and still have a gixxer that gets ridden fairly hard. Having not had much seat time on a cruiser, I love my VTX. Its hard to get used to a 6K redline, especially when the gixxer tops out at 15K.
Happy riding, and go with the F model. Unless your over 50, then get a different one. Good luck!
I have a set of stock pegs and a set of Kuri. switchblades with adapters that I would like to get rid of.
Coopi
torque-oholic
06-10-2008, 12:38 PM
I looked at the yammy and the suzi M109R before deciding on my 1800C. I just liked the looks better than the others. C or F is the way to go.
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