VTX1800C vs. Valkyrie

[punkidd912]

I know these bikes are 2 different breed but I'd like to know if anyone on here has had them both and can give me their opinion. As soon as I have the money (this weekend) I'll be test riding both of these to see for myself, the black 98 Valkyrie Standard in my earlier post and a red 03 VTX 1800 C with v&h pipes, locking bags, 200 rear tire and sissy bar. both evenly priced so I'm torn at the moment, having ridden neither of them. This comparison from what I've seen has only been done on VTX sites, so what do you guys think?

[rick_in_vanc]

more parts~aaftermarket~ avail for the vtx..... but with the valk you will not see yourself coming.

[bg]

i have both......2000 Interstate and 2003 VTX1800R.
if i had to get rid of one, the vtx would be gone in a heart beat.
there is no comparison for me.
but parts might be a little more readily available for the X.
it's not that the x isn't a good bike, it's just i like my valk that much more.
ride them both and make your decision, both are great bikes.

[Thunderbolt]

he had had the Valkyrie for several years, thought he needed a VTX.  So he bought one.  Wishes he could find someone with another Valk to trade it for.

[HotRod]

I had a 1800N, loved it,lot of power,fun to ride,Had two I/S's since that bike and love them as well. I don't usually keep thing for very long but just cant seem to part with the Valkyrie yet,I am looking to go with a wing though.

[blackvalk]

I have both bikes so I find your question interesting.

Think about how you are going to use the bike. I know for long trips, the Valk is a much more comfortable bike. I had taken the VTX on long trips and loved it, but the Valk is just smoother.

I also find my VTX sits because I like the Valk more. So, ride both and see which one you like more. That, will ultimately be the best decision.

Both will need a variety of mods to make it fit you perfectly so enjoy the ride.

By the way, there are lots of great bikes besides the VTX and Valk!

Bill

[Sludge]

I havent owned a VTX, but I have ridden a few 1800s.  I liked them.  Esp because I like the feet forward position of a V-Twin.  The VTX is a great bike, but I, like others have said, will keep my Valk.  Its just a smoother bike all around to me.

[Dubsvalk]

I rode a VTX 1800 and bought a '98 Valk.
Dubs

[Dogg]

the valkyrie carries more stuture than the vtx. pull up ona vtx and people look. pull up on a valk and people walk over to look. besides, valk s are faster!!

[ricoman]

You will find the Valk to be way smoother.
Truth is the VTX is faster-many reports on this.
If you like to be shaken not stirred, teh VTX will do that.

[punkidd912]

  thanks for the responses guys! Only reason I haven't looked at other bikes is because these 2 are readily available here and in my price range. Hopefully my VLX is sold by this weekend and I can bring cash to test drive the Valkyrie at the stealer... My main usage will be to go to school everyday and go to work everyday during the summer, possibly weekend trips to dallas here and there and an eventual long trip. So its sounding like, that said, the Valk is winning, but I'm ok with feeling the engine...so I'll just have to do like ya said and ride both, just have to wait to make it happen.

[Trynt]

I had both. IMHO the VTX1800C makes a good "bar bike". Although I never raced them, the VTX feels more powerful (Honda rated hp 106.5) especially down low. It's handling is lighter than the Valk's, but less stable over rough roads.  Its rear suspension is more abrupt even with the addition of Progressive shocks. The pegs on the VTX grind before the Valk's will.  The Valk is MUCH smoother. In short the VTX is fun, it's a hot rod. But if you are actually going to travel on a bike, the Valk wins hands down.  I traded the VTX in on a Vette.

[Jess Tolbirt]

on a hot day the Valk will roast you to a med rare... the heat coming up from the engine is  very hot especially when the fan kicks on...not bad when moving....
i have had it my mind to trade for a VTX,,,,

[MP]

on a hot day the Valk will roast you to a med rare... the heat coming up from the engine is  very hot especially when the fan kicks on...not bad when moving....
i have had it my mind to trade for a VTX,,,,

Go over to any V-Twin forum, and look at all the posts about how hot they are.

Put a 75-100hp motor 6" away from you, and it WILL be hot!

MP

[RainMaker]

Post the same question on a VTX forum.  This one may be a bit biased. 

[MP]

Post the same question on a VTX forum.  This one may be a bit biased. 

I think they BOTH will be!  LOL   

MP

[Kaiser]

Put a 75-100hp motor 6" away from you, and it WILL be hot!
MP

I seem to recall feeling a lot more engine heat from my HD Night Train than I do on my I/S.  Could just be me or fuzzy memory, though.

[BIG--T]

Post the same question on a VTX forum.  This one may be a bit biased. 

Dunno, Lot of Valk owners on the VTXOA board like me

[BIG--T]

Put a 75-100hp motor 6" away from you, and it WILL be hot!
MP

I've never referred to my wife as a "75-100hp motor" before, but you are right - it is HOT! 

(Trying to get back on topic here amidst my immature ramblings...)  I seem to recall feeling a lot more engine heat from my HD Night Train than I do on my I/S.  Could just be me or fuzzy memory, though.

Yes, my nightrrain and every Harley I've owned put out a lot of heat. I will say my VTX 1800 with all the power she has, puts out the least heat of any V Twin that's oiled cooled- where the X is water cooled 

[punkidd912]

Well I like that the VTX is cooler, being that Louisiana is hot enough already and I have to ride through traffic a lot. This is going to be a rough decision

[BIG--T]

Blackvalk, Sludge and most are right about he VTX and Valk. It is a tough decision, at least for me.
What sold me on the Valk was the smoothness and sound, not to mention the handling. I have an 1800 R and bet I look like a side grinder going through the twisties Mine are stock shocks but a set of Progressives will take care of that.

IMO the VTX is faster and I get 42 mpg ,  Valk , 35

Valk is the smoothest bike I've ever ridden- and that was the decision maker (never ridden a wing) ; Vibrates, but not as bad as  harleys since it is a dual pin crank engine, another words smooth for a twin considering she has 2 4" pistons and exhaust valves bigger than a P-51 Mustang!

VTX is fuel injected, no worries ; Valk- carbs that has to be run.

All bikes have a weakness. The VTX is the clutch as I had to put one in at 6500 miles and put in a MTC that really grabs now! Now I haven't had the Valk long as most on the board, but  have heard a lot about that dreaded hydrolock and of carb problems.

As someone said, when going on a long trip I'm taking the  Valk, although the X ain't bad for a twin.. but the Valk it is!!


I suggest ride both, then make your decision. Good luck!

[Willie]

Read the VTX forum...   see if you find the same passion on that board as you do here....  see where all the nuts are...  then you can decide if you want to hang out with normal folks or with those from this asylum.

I have had my Fat Lady since December 2010....   I still ease out and check on her before i go to bed...

No technical data to back up my post, but I could have bought either one and she was the only one to call out to me...

So my opinion would be, if you have to ask...   get the VTX.   Wait ...   I swear I think she just winked at me...   later.

[BIG--T]

Willie, Was that one or 3 winks?   As a lover and owner of both a Valkyrie and VTX, he does have a hard decision. They are two different animals but both beautiful. He just needs to take each one down the road for a while and make up his mind. I know what sold me on both.

There are some real nice and knowledgble people on this forum that are passionate about their Valkyries and the same on the VTXOA board. On the VTXOA a lot have Valkyries too. Go to vtxoa.com and you'll see what great information is out there even on the Valkyries, also a lot of humor and yes some crazies too Beware - there are a lot of bias against Harleys! Some threads are endless cause the are some with HDs and either VTX owners or previous owners

[ArmyValker]

Ridden both, really liked the 1800, plenty fast, comfortable and cool. Still liked the Valk a little more because it's more practical for my 90 mile a day commute. Can't go wrong either way IMO.

[BIG--T]

Well I like that the VTX is cooler, being that Louisiana is hot enough already and I have to ride through traffic a lot. This is going to be a rough decision

Here's my 03 1800R  http://vrcc.photostash.com/vrcc_32669/S6300895.JPG

[BIG--T]

Ridden both, really liked the 1800, plenty fast, comfortable and cool. Still liked the Valk a little more because it's more practical for my 90 mile a day commute. Can't go wrong either way IMO.
[/quote

I totally agree! Ditto on the 90 miles! Can NEVER go wrong on a Honda!

H (harley) O (owners) N (need) D (dependable) A (alternatives)

[GotValk]

I've driven the VTX before nice bike, But it's hard the beat that flat 6 ,it's so smooth and has very good power. wished Honda still made them. Try them both and remember your asking this on the Valkyrie lovers board!
Good Luck with your choice! 

[F6BANGER]

Another thing to think about is how long you are gonna keep it. I dont know for sure but common sense says the Valkyrie engine being super smooth will last a lot longer. (given you do your regular preventive maintenance) There are people here with over 200k miles. DDT has over 400k on his. May just be the last bike you ever buy unless they come out with an 1800 valkyrie....I guess we can keep DREAMING.. .

[YardBoy]

I ride with a friend thata got an VTX 1800.  The few times we've played roll on the the throttle the machines were pretty much even, after the Dyna 3000 I'm giving the edge to the Valk up to about 90mph.  Thats as fast as I care to drive in my old age.

[BIG--T]

I ride with a friend thata got an VTX 1800.  The few times we've played roll on the the throttle the machines were pretty much even, after the Dyna 3000 I'm giving the edge to the Valk up to about 90mph.  Thats as fast as I care to drive in my old age.

And more than likely you both were in 3rd. 4th and 5th is when the VTX starts coming on strong. They are both strong machines. When I was coming back from Pigeon Forge before I bought my Valk, I was already cruising At 90 and these HDs just blew around me like I was sitting still. Well when I had enough, I rolled on @ WOT and they were way ahead of me. They kept them wide open and see me closing in on them a little smoke was coming from their pipes being wide open, when I got beside them I just rolled on the throttle pulled them bad, slowed down and done it again- them not letting off at all. If looks could kill, I wouldn't be writing this!   When you outrun them with the Valk, they'll say something like "you got 6 cyls"! They hate it when another twin spanks them!- especially a lil ole HONDA!

[PAVALKER]

on a hot day the Valk will roast you to a med rare... the heat coming up from the engine is  very hot especially when the fan kicks on...not bad when moving....
i have had it my mind to trade for a VTX,,,,

pittsburgh craigslist > for sale / wanted > motorcycles/scooters - by owner
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Wanted Honda Valkyrie for VTX - $1 (Erie )
Date: 2011-03-26, 1:40AM EDT
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I am looking to trade my 2002 Honda VTX 1800c for a 1997 or newer Honda Valkyrie, I am the original owner of the VTX it has 30k miles , Kuryakyn highway pegs, Memphis shade windshield. Mustang seat, Factory backrest and luggage rack , leather look saddle bags , Kuryakyn Wild Things Fuel Injection Controller , custom pipes ( I removed 12 in. from factory pipes ) sounds nice not to loud , I also have Cobra drag pipes ,Kuryakyn hypercharger air intake with a K and N airfilter

    Location: Erie
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image 2287120403-0    image 2287120403-1



NO, that is not me.  I had both and still have the Valkyrie I/S.... I am browsing for another Valk or something.....  The VTX has been discontinued and there are still some aftermarket parts available, but no one is beefing up production for a discontinued bike (Valk or VTX).  There is heat on a VTX, it just hits you in different places.   The VTX has had some issues; like flange bearing, water pump and a recall for frame or something on the 02's... but it didn't affect all bikes

I found the X to be more snappy torquey in a jerky way than the smooth torque with the Valk.  You can't lug a VTX...  like going 25 or 30 in 5th, it will knock your fillings out... if you can hold on to the bars.  Each bike has its advantages, the 1800 VTX is fuel injected and is "start N go" whereas the Valk has  carbs.  Both bikes are very nice, they have their following here on the VRCC  and on the VTXOA at www.vtxoa.com.  I think you will have to take em both for a ride and make up your own mind.  The prices on used VTX's are great for the most part (if buying).  They still have NEW ones in the show room a few years old, if you want NEW..  Good luck....

[Dogg]

If you want to be like everyone else, buy the vtx. a v-twinkie is a v-twinkie is a v-twinkie. IF I were to buy a v-twin, it would be an excelsior henderson for nostalgia and an electraglide classic for everything else. A vtx, being what it is, is fine. BUT I never liked the way they sounded. just never did no matter what kind of pipes were on them. And even pre-supercharger, I never had a vtx or any other vtwin give me a run for the money 'cept for a 107 ci  zipper monster bigblock. the vtx has good power vs a STOCK valk but put a couple of bucks ina valk and none of them come close. Dolphin engineering posted in there advertisements that their 113ci motor was enough to knock off those pesky gl1500s (for about 27k). a vtx is a vtwin like the rest of the v-twins tho. a vulcan 2000 is a better ridig bike than a vtx tho and for just about the same money. but then, I hate v-twins so, maybe Im biased...   

[BIG--T]

If you want to be like everyone else, buy the vtx. a v-twinkie is a v-twinkie is a v-twinkie. IF I were to buy a v-twin, it would be an excelsior henderson for nostalgia and an electraglide classic for everything else. A vtx, being what it is, is fine. BUT I never liked the way they sounded. just never did no matter what kind of pipes were on them. And even pre-supercharger, I never had a vtx or any other vtwin give me a run for the money 'cept for a 107 ci  zipper monster bigblock. the vtx has good power vs a STOCK valk but put a couple of bucks ina valk and none of them come close. Dolphin engineering posted in there advertisements that their 113ci motor was enough to knock off those pesky gl1500s (for about 27k). a vtx is a vtwin like the rest of the v-twins tho. a vulcan 2000 is a better ridig bike than a vtx tho and for just about the same money. but then, I hate v-twins so, maybe Im biased...   

Yeah and I've alredy busted a Vulcan with my little Honda twinkie. I love my Valk mostly because she is smooth, unique and sounds good and runs strong. I have and love both but the X is a little faster but not by much. There is not many cruisers out there that can take either one, unless they are really built! And even though a 200hp V-Max is NOT a cruiser even though they say it is. The Rocket 3 is one and it's fast, just can't get past the sound.

[Tropic traveler]

Surprise! NOT!  I think you should go with the Valk hands down.
Like dogg I'm not a fan of the V-twin as a motorcycle powerplant, never have understood why it is worshipped by so many. All that being said if I HAD to buy a V-twin powered bike I think the X, both the 1300 & 1800 are the best of the bunch. Key word there being bunch. With the Valk as your ride you will NEVER be accused of being a "Harley wanna be" rider, if that sort of stuff matters to you.
While I think the X series are good bikes I carry just a bit of a chip about them. I think it is the series that Honda thought would "replace" the Valkyrie in their lineup back when Honda gave a damn about the cruiser market, when all the manufactuers were caught up in "Harley-mania".
Well fast forward to today, the Valkyrie is fast becoming a TRUE legend while the X & all the other V-twins are fading away.
Just my opinion of course!  

[Tropic traveler]

As far as heat & speed put out by a cruiser bike, hop onto a Rocket 3..........
PLENTY of both & it will make both a Valk AND a VTX very small in it's rearview mirror!!

You owe yourself at least a ride on one. 

[BIG--T]

Eddie i see you got rid of your Rocket, those were bad years for it but they got it right now!

[hotrodjohn]

ive owned two VTX1800c's, liked them both.  Recently got a 97 Valk.  I sold my last VTX to a friend, i went over and we switched bikes.  I couldnt believe the VTX felt small after getting off the Valkyrie.  Both bikes are plenty fast, although my Valkyrie walked the VTX in a drag race.  This surprised me as I have read they are very similar in performance as their power to weight is near equal.  I will say this, the Valkyrie has some sort of exoticness to it that the VTX never will, the look of that flat six just draws attention and looks amazing IMO.   Also, Valkyries appear to be easy to sell for pretty good money, they will hold their value much better than a VTX.  I can attest to this after trying to sell a VTX and buy a Valkyrie.   You cannot go wrong with either of these bikes, they are great.

[Valkahuna]

Dave,
You are absolutely right about the HD being hotter. Don't know about the VTX though, since both Valk and VTX are liquid cooled.

My RoadGlide fries me in the summer. That's why its in CT not here in Florida. BTW, hows that new Baby? Congrats and all!

Pete

Put a 75-100hp motor 6" away from you, and it WILL be hot!
MP

I've never referred to my wife as a "75-100hp motor" before, but you are right - it is HOT! 

(Trying to get back on topic here amidst my immature ramblings...)  I seem to recall feeling a lot more engine heat from my HD Night Train than I do on my I/S.  Could just be me or fuzzy memory, though.

[BIG--T]

ive owned two VTX1800c's, liked them both.  Recently got a 97 Valk.  I sold my last VTX to a friend, i went over and we switched bikes.  I couldnt believe the VTX felt small after getting off the Valkyrie.  Both bikes are plenty fast, although my Valkyrie walked the VTX in a drag race.  This surprised me as I have read they are very similar in performance as their power to weight is near equal.  I will say this, the Valkyrie has some sort of exoticness to it that the VTX never will, the look of that flat six just draws attention and looks amazing IMO.   Also, Valkyries appear to be easy to sell for pretty good money, they will hold their value much better than a VTX.  I can attest to this after trying to sell a VTX and buy a Valkyrie.   You cannot go wrong with either of these bikes, they are great.

Your Valkyrie "walked the VTX"? I love my Valk and have a 1800R and there is no walking away on either side unless your VTX was sick- and some are from the factoy and the same with any car or motorcycle. I don't know how to post links but go to motorcyclecrusier.com and search for Valk vs VTX. They are both 12 sec. machines. It was so close it probably came down how much the rider ate! Can't remember the exact numbers, but something like VTV; 12.3....Valk 12.4

Yes the Vakyrie is unique and and smooth is the reason I bought mine. They are attention getters! People will come up to me and ignore the Harleys and other twins! I can't think of but 3 fast V twins zcruisers: Suzuki M109ci, Yamaha, and finally Honda VTX 110ci

[Kaiser]

Dave,
You are absolutely right about the HD being hotter. Don't know about the VTX though, since both Valk and VTX are liquid cooled.

My RoadGlide fries me in the summer. That's why its in CT not here in Florida. BTW, hows that new Baby? Congrats and all!

Pete

Thanks Pete.  Doing well - except the whole "sleeping-at-night" thing.