Bigger and badder than any other original-equipment V-twin, the VTX1800 motorcycle not only put Honda in the big-twin battle but escalated the displacement war. Yeah, it’s fast. On paper or pavement, Honda’s VTX is much faster than any stock V-twin cruiser on your dealer’s floor.

With its 12.3 seconds at 105.5 mph quarter-mile time, the only large displacement cruisers that even come close to matching its performance are Honda’s own six-cylinder Valkyrie at 12.13 seconds and 107.0 mph, its V-4-driven Magna (12.21 seconds at 107.6 mph) and, of course, Yamaha’s V-Max — which eats a quarter-mile in a mere 10.87 seconds, crossing the line at 124 mph. But remember all of these bikes have at least a two-piston advantage over the VTX. Nevertheless, the VTX beats them all in the torque department.

Most impressive of all is how your head snaps back when you accelerate in fifth gear. It’s guaranteed to make you cackle.

This particular VTX1800 is in time-capsule condition with just 9 miles on it, ready to be enjoyed by a new owner. Considering Honda’s outstanding reputation for quality, there’s not much to say about the condition of this bike other than it is brand new in every way. The shiny parts are factory flawless, the mechanicals are as good as they were when it rolled off the assembly line in Marysville, Ohio, and the first posterior to make an impression on the seat will be yours. It has been stored since new, climate controlled with a staff of technicians always around keeping the hardware in top condition. This is, for all intents and purposes, a new bike.

Most of the engine covers are chromed with an attractive silver finish on the crankcases and cylinders, these are finned for that traditional cruiser look. Full fenders give it the right look, while the chrome pipes look as great as they sound. The entire package definitely looks as if someone cared as much about how it looked as how it performed and it has a very integrated, yet still very machine-like look that I like.

And perform it does! Just one push of the starter button makes that big 1795cc twin sing like it’s been on stage for hours, no fiddling or tweaking needed. It’s hard to imagine that 41.4-pound forged steel crankshaft being so easily motivated (they had to create a special hoist at the assembly plant just to maneuver the monster into the cases). The fuel-injection system Honda devised for the bike uses a new, dual 12-nozzle orifice system with tandem regulators. A sophisticated vacuum sensor measures minor changes in the throttle opening and is dedicated to balancing the first 10% of throttle application, while the main throttle-position sensor (TPS) doles out proper mixture for decisive throttle action.

To put all this in perspective, Honda’s Civic engine has two more pistons, is 127cc smaller, and makes less torque. The transmission is quite smooth and offers five ratios which seem to suit the bike quite well. Drive is transferred to the large 180 series rear tire using a shaft-drive system.

For this cruiser the engineers linked approximately 30 percent of the braking power from the dual, six-piston 296mm front discs to the rear pedal. The hand brake utilizes the remaining 70-odd percent (eight of the twelve total pistons) independently. Out back, there is a single 316mm disc with a two-piston caliper. Honda is aware that the typical cruiser rider uses more rear brake than front, and this system is designed to compensate for that bad habit.

The cockpit view is very attractive too, with the long, broad tank sweeping up toward billet risers, which house a small, but readable black-faced speedometer/LED odometer unit. The headlight is handsome from all angles, and everyone agrees the cast aluminum wheels are perfect for the bike. The tank cluster houses the usual indicators as well as an LED odometer/trip meter.

Accessories include the windshield fairing, saddle bags and backrest with chrome bracket for the rear seat. Of course, being one of our pieces, you know there are manuals, books and other documents related to it, again reinforcing the new bike feel. Best of all, it’s available for 2/3 the price of a new one. Honda doesn’t change these bikes very often, so this one is virtually identical to a new 2010 version. With famous Honda build quality and reliability as part of the package, why pay more? Call us today!