This MOD Made My VTX 1800 Run So Much Better!
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- Опубліковано 12 січ 2025
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/ @dcfgarage
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In this video I did the desmog on my 2004 Honda VTX 1800. I followed the step by step process from bareasschoppers.com.
This is video 3 out of 4 of this maintenance stream I did on my VTX 1800. Check out the other three videos:
Valve Adjustment - • Valve Adjustment on a ...
Ground Fix - • Honda VTX Ground Wire ...
Coolant Flush - • Coolant Flush on a 200...
These are the tools and parts that I used, with the exception of the gasket that didn't work and I had to make my own:
Honda coolant - www.partzilla....
Vacuum Hose - www.partzilla....
Exhaust Clamp for the C model - www.ebay.com/i...
Reed valve block off plates - www.ebay.com/i...
Tappet Adjuster - www.amazon.com...
Dialtetric grease - www.amazon.com...
22 Blade feeler gauge - www.autozone.c...
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Would like to support the channel?
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/ dcfgarage
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Disclaimer
The information contained in this video is provided "as is", and should be used for directional purposes. Always follow safety procedures and understand the legal implications of any modifications you might make to your vehicle. Several factors beyond my control might change the information provided in this video. I do my best to provide the most accurate and complete information possible, however, I shall not take any liability for property damage and injury occurred as a result of any information contained in this video. Use it at your own risk. No information contained in this video shall create any implied or expressed warranty, or liability.
I can't get over how gigantic each of those 900cc cylinders are!
You did a great job on this video. I watched it a couple of times before I got started and reviewed one or two things while performing the modification. I just finished about an hour ago. Tomorrow, I'll tackle the valve and sparkplug re-gap (using your other video) and then take "Ladybug" out for a run. Three things I noticed for the Next Guy who uses this video for his bike.
First, I removed the coil altogether, to help access back cylinder head, the leads unscrew from the coil body. Second, that inside bolt to the reed valve on the rear cylinder. Talk about frustrating! Found that an 8mm valve wrench, without the insert driver worked. I don't have a 1/4 inch drive ratchet to fit a socket over the bolt and my open box wrench wouldn't swing in the tight space. Third, the correct torque for 8mm bolts is 16 ft lbs.
Thanks Dale!
Nice explained. Only one thing I will suggest. Little locknut?
Just found your channel a couple weeks back. Great videos....helping me with my confidence level to continue attackingthemaintenance on my 02 1800s. Yours is the only channel i found showing how to take the tank off. Thanks again.
Thanks Rob! I found the same thing. People fail to explain the simple things that are important for us DIYers. Make sure you check out the VTS playlist because I have a lot of videos there. In the near future, I'll also be replacing my own front tire, thermostat and I'll address a carbon issue with my spark plugs.
@@dcfgarage Looking forward to the termostat change! I suspect that my termostat might not be 100%. If there is a way to test the termostat I would love if you could also show that!. I have bought the DESMOG kit and are really anxious to try the mod. Only thing I hate is to take the tank of. I wished there was a simple valve so it did not have to be so messy!
@@MrVilla2000 I thing there is a way where you boil the thermostat... I'll have to dig into that
I changed my fuel pump last year, wish I had seen that tank prop. I am seventy and I love my 2004 VTX 1800
Fantastic detailed video! Makes me a lot more confident that I can complete this on my own. 🤘🏼
Glad it helped!
Just found your channel and sub'd. Alot of great info and teachings on the VTX maintenance. I'm looking for a VTX. Plenty on the market, just looking for the right one. I miss my 02 1800c. I had darn near every part that Kuryakyn made for the Vtx on it. Its a shame they stopped making so many of those little chrome bits. Looking forward to more of your VTX tech!
I have a 2005 vtx1800f1 nice 5500.00 less than 30,000miles
I bought a 2002 VTX 1800R from the dealer and had to sell it 15 years ago due to financial reasons.
Just picked up a 2005 VTX 1800 c that is loaded with accessories. 9,000 miles for $4,200.
I felt bad for the 77-year-old guy that was selling it. He said it was just too heavy for him and he's trading down. It was obvious that he loved it and it really shows in the condition. Pretty sure he's spent his weekends polishing it with baby diapers.
My box of LED headlight, turn signals, and brake light just arrived. Debating on suspension and exhaust. I'm a big guy so a suspension upgrade makes sense. Hoping a bit louder exhaust note might let the deer know I'm coming here in rural Ohio.
He put a lot of chrome bits on it. Beautiful but I'm more a fan of the murdered out look.
Good luck on your search, brother.
How come Honda engineers wouldn't think of these types of mods for ultimate performance? I want my bike to run superbly, but who thinks of this stuff. I want in; just want to make sure this is the right move. Thanks for the videos.I am learning more and more about these bikes.
It's to inject air in the exhaust to get a better exhaust burn
@@SSgtdennisgray Who figured this out? Its awesome. Just curious why the engineers wouldn't eliminate this in the first place. I bought my '02 1800c used way back and it runs awesome. hypercharger air intake, cobra Fi controller. tuned in for max performance with my shortened vance and hines and other non performance mods. Anyway this is cool to mess around with. This one is a bit more work, doable.
one word ( California ) is why these things are added to engineers designs.
Federal b.s.
@@jeffputman8242 Yeah I'm sure that one word isn't *environment* :P
I like this bike a lot. I had a vstar 1300 yama
But the Honda is a real looker.
I'd love to see an update on how it's run long term after removing those parts, whether there was any bad that came along with the good, etc.
Nothing bad so far. But it's a honda!
Thanks for the video.
Removed everything tonight. Will install block offs tomorrow morning!
Poping during decel usually means air is being pulled in from a leak in the exhaust. If you put the bike somewhere where it's dark and snap the throttle you'll prob see a flame shoot out of the exhaust pipe. Must be common on these bikes bc it just happend to my dads vtx. The exhaust flange nut came loose. I just tightened it up, problem solved.
I got it fixed. In my bike's case, it was a combination of a few things, including the secondary air system.
Thank you for the information, I followed your instructions and everything came out perfect
That’s great!
Amazing good video! Exellent instructions and I will recommend it to my friends who also drive a vtx!
MrVilla2000 I really appreciate! Thanks!
Did I miss how long your Tank prop Stick was measured? Good video, thanks!
Robert Scott thanks!! The prop is 10 inches
Thank you so much for your demo video clip!
if possible , can you give the links of tool and accessory that you ordered pls !
I’ll add it to the description on Monday
I just added the tools and parts to the description
What is the hose beside the front reed valve? It can be seen around the 13:20 mark It wasnt touched during the video and it leads towards the bottom of the bike. Mine is blocked. Any help would be appreciated
Don't know for sure
I’ll tell you I’d love if you were close to me as I’d pay you to do this on my 2006 Honda VTX 1800C.
How much better performance would you say you’ve got? Gas Miles change per gallon as well?? Lots of anti breathing garbage even on a motorcycle. I can just imagine how much emission junk my Lexus has!!
Very good video bud .
Thanks for good video. Sure wish would've took it for a cruise and tell us how it feels now and if notice any power increase or notice anything, and maybe let us know what miles per gallon you were getting and what you are getting now after this. thanks.
just curious what this will do for me. my dad did this on his goldwing , think he said it feels snappier and his mpg went way higher now. thanks!
Totally agree
Great video I'm just curious did this improve your miles per gallon at all and if not what were the gains? just in throttle response, or overall power..? Thanks 👍
No change in mpg. I felt the bike a bot more responsive at low rpm and the exhaust note improved 100%
how much?
Hi, nice video, is it possible to leave the tube as it is on minute 13:33 and just block it or is neccessary to take it off and put the plate? Thank you in advance.
You can't just leave the reed valve open. You have to block it off or you might ruin your engine.
@@dcfgarage I meant to bock it with a cap without taking apart the metal tube, or is neccesary the plate?
@@ebersaucedoflores1052 Doing the plate mod is really easy. And as far as I know if you don't take it apart you'll have some weird noises at the top of the engine.
@@dcfgarage Oh okok, so better to take it appart, thank you so much
My previous comment referred to exhaust ports on the reed valves, I think I meant to say intake ports, since the purpose of this equipment is to recirculate unburned hydrocarbons back to the cylinder.
Excellent Video guide! I have a 2006 honda VTX 1800 R1 would this also work for my bike?
Very likely
It would seem to me, inserting vacuum plugs coated with high heat silicon sealant in the exhaust ports of the reed valve are more efficient and cost effective than removing the Reed Valve and replacing with blocker plates, correct? Or what am I overlooking?
Others have thought the same. I read a forum post explaining that over time, this shortcut can cause condensation build up in the tubes and reeds leading to much larger long term problems.
Will unplugging any those electrical plug's cause any sensor lights to come on? 2008 f1 1800 vtx with digital dash cluster..... Thanks
Hi Jim. The cluster on the F is different but the bike is the same. Mine has not thrown any FI codes. tech.bareasschoppers.com/resources/ecu-error-codes-vtx-1800/
@@dcfgarage Ok Thanks
Thanks for the excellent video is there a computer on the bike that has to read certain sensors for the smog
I don't think it's that sophistocated
I have an extra pipe from the top of the secondary valve where there should be the adjuster knob. Seems to go to some sort of denso sensor just in front of the battery. I have capped of the sensor is that correct
I’m not sure. Can u send a picture to danielcarfix@gmail.com?
Very nice video, where can i get the block off plates, ? And i install a spike intake filter and removed the hole filter box it runs great but when i turn off the bike it makes funny sounds i think it the reed value that making the noise so is i do what your shows will that take care is , or should i block the the holes to the air filter box on the spike filter or just unplug the pumps?..am up there in age so the eazy way would be best for me Thank for your video I hope you have time to answer my call for help God bless
Hi Tim. Sorry for the delay. These are the plates that I got.
www.ebay.com/itm/Honda-VTX1800-Pair-Valve-Block-Off-Plates-Exhaust/174403619683?hash=item289b440b63:g:8igAAOSwq4tfdODV
I followed the step by step from the site below. Everything worked fine for me and the bike doesn't make any strange sound.
tech.bareasschoppers.com/engine/vtx-1800-desmog/
So my guess is that maybe you didn't remove all the components and disconnected everything... pair valve, flapper, secondary air solenoid.
@@dcfgarage I ordered the plates tru a honda dealer already,but wouldn't you know it there on back order till late Oct, but i found that the filter box gasket was missing so i replaced it, seems it was part of the problem 😅 Ty again ill be back again looking at your video when the plates come in ty.
tim robison huh. That makes sense. And that gasket is easy to miss
@@dcfgarage Yes it is,even when i ordered it they gave me the wrong one so i ended up using high heat gasket from a tube and alls well, could yoy give me a round about price on clutch plates, am thinking its best to buy them now,and install them when needed,so I have them around keep up the good work, Ty
@@timrobison6289 Unfortunately I don't know how much the clutch plates cost or how much they would charge for services
Nice motor. I recently bought one. Currently, based on the LED headlight video, I am waiting for the parts to arrive for me as well. Your videos are informative, thank you. In your opinion, if the engine does not have a factory exhaust, but rather one that is somewhat more open, does this cause problems in the engine. This is how I bought it, unfortunately I don't have a factory exhaust, the sound is not offensive yet, but am I worried that it is more open than the factory one, or am I worrying too much? Dont have other hack.
These engines are pretty solid, so even with a more open exhaust, they will last forever. Having said that, you should get a power commander to adjust the FI to enrich the mixture. With the new exhaust, the mixture is probably going to be more lean
This video is great! Thank you.👍
Thanks
Also, I've noticed the fluid low in my clutch reservoir, and some fluid leaking at the bottom near the slave cylinder...it only has ~11k miles on it...is it normal for the slave cylinder to start leaking this soon? But it is 12 years old, so... The rubber seal still looked good (no tearing or fading). Ordered a whole new assembly. Hope it's worth it...
Not Sure It’s probably the seal, like you said. Age plays a bigger role than miles
@@dcfgarage Yeah, makes sense.
The slave on my ducati started leaking in the first 3000 klms. I put new piston and seal in it solved the leak
Nice video.From where the engine gonna breathe?
From the engine intake. The Secondary air system is just for decreasing emissions at start up.
He never showed where he put the 1/8” vacuum caps. What else gets blocked off other than the reed valves?
Well done. Good video.
Thanks!
Most people I know say the only benefits are reduced decel popping. Maybe it depends on the bike?
Possibly
@@dcfgarage I like the elimination of a bunch of cluttery hoses, if it did nothing else it does that.
Trying to vent rear cylinder ;crankcase ventilation port aluminum stud on valve cover trying to open it up do you know anything about this experiment on vtx1300 c 2008 with 400 miles
I don't, sorry
Very useful, thank you Sir!
†GuArDiAnAnGeL†™ thanks!!! Don’t forget to subscribe
Sort of thinking ,if you’re in a smog state,California,how you going to pass your emissions test or have they changed since I left ? No pass,no ride.
Best option is to do this mod and find a different sate to live
I have a question, on the backside of the breather housing , you say that you have to plug off one of the openings , but I noticed that there is a opening at the very bottom , yours isn’t plugged but when I looked the bottom one was already plugged , is this a good thing or should I unplug it
The very bottom tube in the airbox is the crankcase breather. You cannot plug that.
www.bing.com/images/search?view=detailV2&ccid=BUZB1F0f&id=AA28C30C3BFD1675E271B66AF30961C6CA829D4F&thid=OIP.BUZB1F0fiVRuogNF1l2_YAHaH-&mediaurl=https%3a%2f%2ftech.bareasschoppers.com%2fwp-content%2fimage_gallery%2ftech%2fengine%2fdesmog%2fVTX_1300%2fdynamic%2fintake.jpg-nggid03359-ngg0dyn-1000x1000x100-00f0w010c010r110f110r010t010.jpg&exph=646&expw=600&q=bottom+of+vtx+1800+air+housing&simid=608005453394349170&ck=D41BED6B4C36D931A7C8F9C16CC10235&selectedIndex=56&FORM=IRPRST&ajaxhist=0
Ok thank you , I didn’t think so but when I did the desmog I noticed it was plugged
@@dwanjacquet162 that could create undesired pressure in the bottom part of your engine. Luck you caught that before it caused any damage
California X bikes have CA in their name, others have just A. Some online shops need this info when ordering.
Thanks for sharing!
If I put a cap on the Reed valve would it do the same thing as the blocking plate?
I believe so
And the last issue I have is I hear a ticking sound coming from around the left side rear cylinder (not the pipes side), but it's not rhythmic like a valve should be, and it only starts doing it when it gets hot... Was thinking about doing a valve adjustment anyway after a desmog, but first try to get this clutch fixed. Seems like my bike is falling apart. :(
It’s a lot of work, but it’s worth it. My has about 22k miles and the gaps were at the service limit. I assume the previous owner had it done once when the bike was newer after break in
I have same clicking it is like left rear at spark plug
Your Nightmare I haven’t noticed it on my bike... the vtxs are very noisy, and sometimes a click goes unnoticed
Decompresion lobe if this is the sound:
ua-cam.com/video/2MiRcpx9Hpg/v-deo.html
It can be removed,but lots of work if its on the back cylinder. Good news is,ot doesnt afect the good running of the motor,just anoying noise!
@@akybosule Heck yeah, that's it! I ride in some planet Mercury level weather, so I'll probably just leave it alone. Man, big relief for that!
How do the engine breathe with no valve cover breather?
If this really makes a difference I’d love to know I’ve done everything to get more power despite major motor work any tips
I noticed more low end torque. But if you’re looking for more power, then you need to install a turbo
@@dcfgarage a turbo would be my last choice. A power commander would be the place to start for more power. Then if you want more porting maybe a cam different exhaust.
Hello! With this modification, what is your consumption per gallon? how much is your range per gas tank? Thank you!!
Mpg stayed the same. I ride with my wife and get 40mpg. 120ish miles before the yellow light comes on
@@dcfgarage Thank you!! I received the bike with this modification and its consumption is 16 mpg😔 I don't know what the problem is
Is this apply to vtx 1300 as well, or just 1800? Great videos btw.
Thanks! I am 90% certain it's the same in the 1300
I believe it’s close just parts mounted in different spots.
Where did you get your passenger arm rest
Energi Inc. It’s from ultimate seats. Worth every penny. Very sturdy, thick leather and good chrome.
ultimateseats.ca/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=695
How good do the lower fairings work? Do they actually help? Been thinking about getting a set for my vtx. Thanks in advance.
They’re an absolute necessity if you have a large windshield. I bought the windshield first and I was having a hard time to ride on the highway because there was a high amount of wind coming from under the bike and up onto my chin. It was very uncomfortable and made riding with a helmet impossible. I bought the fairing not believing it would solve the problem. But it worked like a miracle. I get very little wind, even when I’m going 80+
excellent video...thank you sir
Glad you liked it!
Hey sorry new to the vtx world. Previous owner put a aftermarket intake in. Is this already done then?
Andrew Miller after market intake and desmog are different things
Where did you get the printed out step by step information?
Here you go - tech.bareasschoppers.com/engine/vtx-1800-desmog/
Could you put another link for the reed valve block off plates? The one isent working
here you go -> www.ebay.com/itm/Honda-VTX1300-Pair-Valve-Block-Off-Plates-Exhaust/184614145522?_trkparms=aid%3D1110006%26algo%3DHOMESPLICE.SIM%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20200818143132%26meid%3D7ba0d3166be84d57b2f9fa35612610f7%26pid%3D101198%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D10%26mehot%3Dpf%26sd%3D174403619683%26itm%3D184614145522%26pmt%3D1%26noa%3D0%26pg%3D2047675%26algv%3DSimplAMLCvipPairwiseWebWithBBEV2bDemotion&_trksid=p2047675.c101198.m1985
Thank you.
@@kylland1999 ye!
@@dcfgarage The link says 1300, will it work the same for 1800?
@@Milk-uy5ky not sure. It’s been a while and I can’t seem to find block off plates anymore. Try ebay
I am not sure if I followed your video correctly, but in order to remove the tank, you do need to remove the air filter , or that part was for something else? thank you
You don’t need to remove the air filter
Awesome, Thank you 👍
great video, what year is your bike?
2004
What make and model of lift are you using?
I have a 2012 stateline VT1300CT. WAT KIND OF LIGHT U HAVE. N WAT SIZE IS IT???
5.75
Where did you get the block off plates ?
Bought it on ebay
Will shops do the desmog? Any idea how much they will charge?
I doubt any shop will
@@dcfgarage illegal? Technically so are aftermarket pipes but shops will put those on
That won't create high crank case pressure?
Probably
I did this mod very carefully and it made no difference in the decel backfiring. What could still be causing this? I even removed the blocking plate afterwards and re-caulked the hell out of it. No change.
There might be air getting in the exhaust. You can re-seal, put new brackets. It could be the exhaust gaskets at the cylinder. Or if you have an aftermarket exhaust you'll need a power commander or another way to adjust the fuel ratio
Thanks! I will look into the Power Commander.
I have V&H Big Shots on the bike.
Does the 07 vtx1300c have the same system?
It does
Dude why does the air box have so many open holes in it? Mines the same damn way. Like what's the point of the damn filter?
Does this mod work on the 1300 ?..
And does cost +hassle = worth while
It’s cheap in parts but a lot of work. It was worth for me because the exhaust note is better and there is significantly less popping at decel.
What do you mean by, "Exhaust Note", thank you!
I just took over a worn out 05 1300. Would this apply to me?
I think they have the exact same sysyem
Where did you get the passenger arm rest at
Ultimate Seats
Where can I get the block off plates??
I got on on ebay
Where is the "rare" cylinder located?
Reeear. Betta?
I had popping on my VTX 1800 2008. Power commander solved all my problems and runs like a banshee.
Thanks for sharing
what commander do you have? 3 or 5? I have a PC3 on mine that i just bought and have popping, dont know anything about Power commanders so appreciate any help on how to set it correctly.
Where do I get the little block off plates?
Larry Elkington I got them at Amazon. But they’re not available anymore, for what I’ve searched. This one seems to work. www.goheencycles.com/product-page/vtx-1300-1800-and-vt1300-pair-valve-plate-kit
Thank you just ordered them.
Great videos by the way. I’m going to do the mods on my 2002 1800c. Thanks
Larry Elkington let me know how it works
DCF GARAGE I did the de-smog, ground fix, coolant change and lifters. Installed new plugs and air filter, it’s amazing how much better it runs. Thanks for the tips...
where do I get this kit for this??
I got it at ebay
is this a kit I can buy if so where from
I bought it as separate parts - here is a detailed step by step that might help you - tech.bareasschoppers.com/engine/vtx-1800-desmog/
Can u tell me where u got the 1/8 vaccuum plug? I know goheen includes 1 plug for the airbox, but they say to use a screw for the vaccuum hose...? But I don't know what size... Also, what's the point of the desmog? I had someone put on a cobra fuel programmer, and I don't notice any surging anymore or decel popping... Sounds like it idles too low at start up, but smooths out once u throttle it a bit.
Not Sure I got the 1/8 vacuum plug at a local Autozone. A FI programmer will have additional benefits, bit it cost $$$. The main advantage I noticed was a bit more torque at low RPM and a deeper exhaust note. Before I had to be over 40mph to cruise on 5th gear... now I can shift to 5th at 35mph, if I want to
@@dcfgarage Yeah, I know before the FI it would surge in 3rd gear at 30 mph. The mechanic said it was starving for fuel, and he was right. I'll do the same with the plug then. Cool. Preciate the tips.
Not Sure I also want do install an FI commander in the future... I think it’s worth it
Save yourself the money, stick a bolt in !
What are the positives and negatives of doing this to the bike?
Hi Claude. Positive are better exhaust sound, a bit more low end torque and less popping noise. The negative is that it might not pass in an emissions test if your state has one.
@@dcfgarage is there any increase in fuel mileage at higher speeds/(I know over 75 it plummets.)
@@claudesmoot1880 It remained the same. I go about 120 miles before I refuel, and there's still 1-1.5 gallons in the tank
Can't you just plug the big hose at the back of the airbox and leave it be? I shoved a AA battery in it and left the system there...can't flow anything so it's as good as not being there.
You probably can
can't you just cap the reed valve plates without removing them or the reed valves themselves...
I suppose you could. BUT... would you ever be sure that a neoprene cap would last with that constant hot gas pressure pushing on them? That's a breakdown waiting to happen.
@@dalebennett9949 ... there shouldn't be any such pressure or gas...The reed valve is there to only allow air to flow in and to prevent anything flowing back in the opposite direction
My luck, I'll do all that and then the bike won't run right!
I doubt. If your bike is running right before this and you take your time and be meticulous... it will run right.
Send me those bags and windshield
They're gone