Thanks, might be a good idea. They’re priced pretty well, but they’re gradually disappearing. Get one while you still can. They’re really heavy at slow speeds, but like anything you get used to it. Sometimes I find myself getting off and walking it when I’m parking, but I’m also a shorter guy. At speed it doesn’t feel heavy at all (for a cruiser), def an easy bike to ride.
Thank you for the cool videos! I agree with everyone else just hearing the engine and pipes is music to my ears. I inherited (lucky me) a black 2004 vtx 1800 c in the fall, with only 6500’ish miles. I can’t wait for Spring 2024 to ride, and get the same cobra pipes you have on your vtx and a windshield, any suggestions I like your setup, thanks
Thanks for watching, you inherited a real gem, it’s a fantastic do-everything kind of bike. Comfy for long rides and quick for a fun time in the twisties. The cobras are definitely great pipes that you can still buy brand new today. A lot of people prefer the tone of the V&H, but they’ve been long discontinued. Here’s a couple cool things I’m using: - If you like to carry a drink with you, I use a RAM cup holder. I’ve mounted it to the highway bars. I chose this because of it tilts when you lean/accelerate/decel. - if you like a sporty windshield with a smaller profile, I’m using a national cycle switchblade windshield. It’s detachable and despite being small, makes a big difference. But I’m only around 5’6 so the wind might hit you different. I almost always ride without a windshield in the summer though, I just really like the look of the bike without it - I recommend a gear indicator - this bike has a lot of power so it’s not necessary, but it’s a nice luxury especially if you’re often looking for that “6th gear.” The diagnostic connector is somewhere under the seat with a red cap. - Daymaker headlight. Nothing updates the look of this bike more than a proper LED headlight. They include a 3D-printed mounting bracket that you can use to adjust the light’s angle which I’ve found is a rare feature in the aftermarket. - I’ve been looking around for some cool aftermarket turn signals, but haven’t found the perfect thing yet. I’ll probably make a video on that later
@JTibs thank you for all the cool information, and all the info on your accessories. Especially about the switchblade, I am 5’9”, I am trying decide on going that route with Boss speakers or spending big money on the reckless dark knight fairing with all the bells and whistles, I need some music lol. Your videos are getting me through the winter. Listening to those cobras and watching you cruise the back roads. I can’t wait to ride, thank you for the videos….please post more over the summer and be safe.
Haha! Ironically, that’s exactly what I upgraded from as well. It’s an easy bike to transition to - Honda makes great bikes that you instantly feel like you’ve known how to drive forever. When the time comes, I second you on keeping the shadow in your stable though 👍🏻
Thanks man, awesome choice of bike. This is my second year with this bike myself. I’ve got cobra speedster slashdowns. They came on the bike when I bought it. I’m pretty sure they just have the standard baffles. They’re pretty loud on a cold start, but calm down nicely after warming up. You can def expect thunder and lightning when you get on it
I agree with the below comment. Rather hear the VTX1800's engine than any music or unnecessary conversation. Ride a VTX1800 too and love the sound of its engine. What program were you using to show the speed, compass, etc.? Nice addition that I don't see on many other vids. And I see you use a throttle lock. Who makes it and happy with it? Thanks.
Great to hear from another vtx rider!The speed and compass stuff are part of the features on the GoPro Hero 7 and newer. As for the throttle lock, the previous owner put it on, but I believe it’s made by Go-Cruise. It’s a cheapo, but it does the job. There are definitely better ones out there, but you get a lot of value for the price. It’s a basic throttle lock, so you won’t get any kind of “mechanical satisfaction feeling” when you engage it, but it holds your speed just fine and you can easily fine tune your speed on demand. It hasn’t left me feeling like I need to find an upgrade.
@@JTibs Thanks for your quick reply. You have great taste in bikes. It's the best cruiser I've ever ridden. I also notice that you have some National Cycle chrome side wind deflectors on her. No doubt connected to the National Cycle wind screen. Do they perform OK? I'm debating between getting them of the Memphis Shades ones. The MS ones look more beefy, is why I ask.
@@mr.solitude3352 thanks dude, I agree. This is an amazing bike for a cruiser. The power is addicting! And yes, I’m using national cycle wind deflectors and their quick release windshield. I like them for the balance of comfort they provide without taking from that muscle bike look on these beasts. The windshield does wonders for highway riding and colder temperatures despite the smaller size. I do wear a full face though, so if you prefer to use a quarter or half helm, that might affect your decision as a little bit of a breeze still hits your face area. I can comfortably ride without feeling the cold down to around 8C/46F with winter riding gloves and extra padding under my leather jacket. That said, a larger windshield would still certainly be more comfortable. My only complaint with this set up is the mounting bracket that holds the windshield in place - you have to check on it every couple weeks or so or it can fall off from the vibrations. I’ve lost one on the road once, and the replacement was pretty hefty with these insane shipping costs (to Canada) these days.
@@JTibs That's interesting info about the mounting brackets, 'cause the National side deflectors hook on to the same brackets that the National wind screen is hooked on to, I believe. That may have something to do with the tightening requirement ever so often. I have the largest, 2-up National wind screen on mine, and the brackets always remain tight. The Memphis Shades wind deflectors hook on to the forks, so I may end up getting them then. Gonna add some engine guards soon too, but the fact that I have Cobra foot boards limits my choices. National told me that their Paladin set fits the 2002 VTX1800C series, but only if regular stock pegs are on the bike. They won't fit with the Cobras on the bike. What kind of pipes are on your bike? They sound louder than my stocks.
@@mr.solitude3352 Ah I suppose that makes sense. Checking on the brackets has been a minor annoyance, keeps me in good practice to check on everything often. What engine guards are you limited to? The pipes on my bike are cobra speedster slashdowns. They’re definitely on the louder side but I wouldn’t say they’re obnoxious unless you’re getting on it all the time heheh
For cons I'd say: - It's really noisy, like an angry sewing machine, but the exhaust note is still pretty awesome - Valve maintenance is really tedious to perform, a lot of parts to move and take off to access them, taking the tank off is messy. Service interval is 8k miles - It's heavy in the parking lot - don't skip leg day - Short range on a tank, I get 136 miles on average. MPG varies on your riding style. Ranges between 30 - 50 MPG, but the best I ever got was 42. Who looks at MPG when riding a powerful bike anyways - Aftermarket parts are gradually disappearing For pros: - All other maintenance is really easy, oil changes don't even need to lift the bike - Fuel injection is awesome - Hydraulic clutch is def a big bonus - Braking power is excellent - The torque is incredible, haven't felt the need to chase more power on this machine. You've got power on demand - Bike gets a lot of positive attention from people around. You just feel awesome riding it - Haven't had to search for a "ghost 6th gear". Bike cruises at highway speeds like nothing. Every gear has significant pulling power - Comfortable, yet sporty (for a cruiser) seating position - The F trim has a digital display, including a tachometer, which is always nice since Honda's older bikes are really bare bones - Quite nimble despite the weight, confidence inspiring
You’ll have to pry my cold dead hands off it 😆 Luckily for the most part, these bikes are pretty affordable on the used market considering how much bike you get for it, 1300/1800 both of them an amazing deal. That said, it’s great for buyers but not for sellers
![Cool Down Ride | VTX [RAW] POV | Pure Engine Sound | V&H Pipes | Motorcycle ASMR](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/MOuV00nRLYQ/mqdefault.jpg)
Nice ride! I like hearing the bike and rider rather than music. I also like the compass/gps feature you added!
Thanks! Yes I agree, engine sounds are music to my ears
Thanks for No music background
Best music is sound of the engine
Biker's get what I mean 👍
I watched the video 3 times and I still can't get enough of it 🥰😪
Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed it!
Nice ride! I'm really thinking of getting something like that for myself. It's a great looking bike with loads of torque. 👍
Thanks, might be a good idea. They’re priced pretty well, but they’re gradually disappearing. Get one while you still can.
They’re really heavy at slow speeds, but like anything you get used to it.
Sometimes I find myself getting off and walking it when I’m parking, but I’m also a shorter guy. At speed it doesn’t feel heavy at all (for a cruiser), def an easy bike to ride.
Love these bikes. Ride on !
Thank you for the cool videos! I agree with everyone else just hearing the engine and pipes is music to my ears. I inherited (lucky me) a black 2004 vtx 1800 c in the fall, with only 6500’ish miles. I can’t wait for Spring 2024 to ride, and get the same cobra pipes you have on your vtx and a windshield, any suggestions I like your setup, thanks
Thanks for watching, you inherited a real gem, it’s a fantastic do-everything kind of bike. Comfy for long rides and quick for a fun time in the twisties. The cobras are definitely great pipes that you can still buy brand new today. A lot of people prefer the tone of the V&H, but they’ve been long discontinued.
Here’s a couple cool things I’m using:
- If you like to carry a drink with you, I use a RAM cup holder. I’ve mounted it to the highway bars. I chose this because of it tilts when you lean/accelerate/decel.
- if you like a sporty windshield with a smaller profile, I’m using a national cycle switchblade windshield. It’s detachable and despite being small, makes a big difference. But I’m only around 5’6 so the wind might hit you different. I almost always ride without a windshield in the summer though, I just really like the look of the bike without it
- I recommend a gear indicator - this bike has a lot of power so it’s not necessary, but it’s a nice luxury especially if you’re often looking for that “6th gear.” The diagnostic connector is somewhere under the seat with a red cap.
- Daymaker headlight. Nothing updates the look of this bike more than a proper LED headlight. They include a 3D-printed mounting bracket that you can use to adjust the light’s angle which I’ve found is a rare feature in the aftermarket.
- I’ve been looking around for some cool aftermarket turn signals, but haven’t found the perfect thing yet. I’ll probably make a video on that later
@JTibs thank you for all the cool information, and all the info on your accessories. Especially about the switchblade, I am 5’9”, I am trying decide on going that route with Boss speakers or spending big money on the reckless dark knight fairing with all the bells and whistles, I need some music lol. Your videos are getting me through the winter. Listening to those cobras and watching you cruise the back roads. I can’t wait to ride, thank you for the videos….please post more over the summer and be safe.
I heard music from the moment the engine started.
When its time to upgrade from the shadow this is the one! Definitely keeping the shadow too though 😂
Haha! Ironically, that’s exactly what I upgraded from as well. It’s an easy bike to transition to - Honda makes great bikes that you instantly feel like you’ve known how to drive forever. When the time comes, I second you on keeping the shadow in your stable though 👍🏻
@@JTibs Hell yeah! Glad your still loving your VTX
I was going to get a shadow but I happen to see a vtx1800 at a dealer and bought one the next day. Bet bike I have owned.
Sounds like a dream 😊
Thanks! A lot of people aren’t a fan of the sound in the 1800, but I love it.
Sounds great bud, I just bought an 07 1800f and I'd love those pipes. What kind of exhaust is that? And is it baffled? Let me know, thanks!
Thanks man, awesome choice of bike. This is my second year with this bike myself. I’ve got cobra speedster slashdowns. They came on the bike when I bought it. I’m pretty sure they just have the standard baffles. They’re pretty loud on a cold start, but calm down nicely after warming up. You can def expect thunder and lightning when you get on it
Sounds great, I ride a 2008 VTX 1300 and my only complaint is that it’s not a 1800.
Thanks man, nice ride. The 1300 is no slouch for sure, my only complaint about the 1800 is that I’m always burning my tires out 😆
I only get 4-6000 miles on an 1800 T
Tires
@@dwaynemay-xu9kp sounds like you’re fully enjoying your 1800 😆
Спасибо, что без музыки👍🤝
I agree with the below comment. Rather hear the VTX1800's engine than any music or unnecessary conversation. Ride a VTX1800 too and love the sound of its engine. What program were you using to show the speed, compass, etc.? Nice addition that I don't see on many other vids. And I see you use a throttle lock. Who makes it and happy with it? Thanks.
Great to hear from another vtx rider!The speed and compass stuff are part of the features on the GoPro Hero 7 and newer. As for the throttle lock, the previous owner put it on, but I believe it’s made by Go-Cruise. It’s a cheapo, but it does the job. There are definitely better ones out there, but you get a lot of value for the price. It’s a basic throttle lock, so you won’t get any kind of “mechanical satisfaction feeling” when you engage it, but it holds your speed just fine and you can easily fine tune your speed on demand. It hasn’t left me feeling like I need to find an upgrade.
@@JTibs Thanks for your quick reply. You have great taste in bikes. It's the best cruiser I've ever ridden.
I also notice that you have some National Cycle chrome side wind deflectors on her. No doubt connected to the National Cycle wind screen. Do they perform OK? I'm debating between getting them of the Memphis Shades ones. The MS ones look more beefy, is why I ask.
@@mr.solitude3352 thanks dude, I agree. This is an amazing bike for a cruiser. The power is addicting!
And yes, I’m using national cycle wind deflectors and their quick release windshield. I like them for the balance of comfort they provide without taking from that muscle bike look on these beasts.
The windshield does wonders for highway riding and colder temperatures despite the smaller size. I do wear a full face though, so if you prefer to use a quarter or half helm, that might affect your decision as a little bit of a breeze still hits your face area. I can comfortably ride without feeling the cold down to around 8C/46F with winter riding gloves and extra padding under my leather jacket. That said, a larger windshield would still certainly be more comfortable.
My only complaint with this set up is the mounting bracket that holds the windshield in place - you have to check on it every couple weeks or so or it can fall off from the vibrations. I’ve lost one on the road once, and the replacement was pretty hefty with these insane shipping costs (to Canada) these days.
@@JTibs
That's interesting info about the mounting brackets, 'cause the National side deflectors hook on to the same brackets that the National wind screen is hooked on to, I believe. That may have something to do with the tightening requirement ever so often. I have the largest, 2-up National wind screen on mine, and the brackets always remain tight. The Memphis Shades wind deflectors hook on to the forks, so I may end up getting them then.
Gonna add some engine guards soon too, but the fact that I have Cobra foot boards limits my choices. National told me that their Paladin set fits the 2002 VTX1800C series, but only if regular stock pegs are on the bike. They won't fit with the Cobras on the bike.
What kind of pipes are on your bike? They sound louder than my stocks.
@@mr.solitude3352 Ah I suppose that makes sense. Checking on the brackets has been a minor annoyance, keeps me in good practice to check on everything often. What engine guards are you limited to?
The pipes on my bike are cobra speedster slashdowns. They’re definitely on the louder side but I wouldn’t say they’re obnoxious unless you’re getting on it all the time heheh
Enjoyable!
2 years in, what are your pluses and minuses?
For cons I'd say:
- It's really noisy, like an angry sewing machine, but the exhaust note is still pretty awesome
- Valve maintenance is really tedious to perform, a lot of parts to move and take off to access them, taking the tank off is messy. Service interval is 8k miles
- It's heavy in the parking lot - don't skip leg day
- Short range on a tank, I get 136 miles on average. MPG varies on your riding style. Ranges between 30 - 50 MPG, but the best I ever got was 42. Who looks at MPG when riding a powerful bike anyways
- Aftermarket parts are gradually disappearing
For pros:
- All other maintenance is really easy, oil changes don't even need to lift the bike
- Fuel injection is awesome
- Hydraulic clutch is def a big bonus
- Braking power is excellent
- The torque is incredible, haven't felt the need to chase more power on this machine. You've got power on demand
- Bike gets a lot of positive attention from people around. You just feel awesome riding it
- Haven't had to search for a "ghost 6th gear". Bike cruises at highway speeds like nothing. Every gear has significant pulling power
- Comfortable, yet sporty (for a cruiser) seating position
- The F trim has a digital display, including a tachometer, which is always nice since Honda's older bikes are really bare bones
- Quite nimble despite the weight, confidence inspiring
@@JTibs Many thanks for the details 🙏
I need this bike please :)
You’ll have to pry my cold dead hands off it 😆
Luckily for the most part, these bikes are pretty affordable on the used market considering how much bike you get for it, 1300/1800 both of them an amazing deal. That said, it’s great for buyers but not for sellers
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