'02 VTX 1800 vs '00 Valkyrie

[Paxton]

"She Dragon" has company...  
Well... the deed is done. I finally got to trade my Sports Car for a VTX1800 Retro.  
When I got her ("MADAM X"), three weeks ago, she desperately needed tires. So, I got her a new front m/c tire
and a used rear c/t in excellent condition.  
I've also spent over $1.5K in accessories for her ... and another $2.8K blingin' the Fat Lady.
(There goes the kids' tuition!)

So I finally took the VTX for a hard ride. It is surprisingly nimbler than the Valkyrie and although it is heavier,
it really feels lighter than the Valk. ???

Unquestionably, the Madam is a great machine in her own right... and all the ladies love her color and style...  
It is definitely a great creation... a freakin' fast and beautiful cruiser...   ... but then, it ain't a Valkyrie.

Cruising down the highway she does not have the feel and the roar of the Dragon. Around town I find myself
"excessively" downshifting the VTX. I mean, she lacks the low-end torque and the robust feel of the Valkyrie.

As some of you have told me, do not try to compare them. They are both beautiful... and that's where the similarities end.

See photo links...

'02 VTX: https://picasaweb.google.com/103917731019176896112/2002VTX1800R2ProgressiveBlingin?authkey=Gv1sRgCKmZuerz4aOYEw

'00 Valkyrie: https://picasaweb.google.com/103917731019176896112/ItWasAsABeautifulDay?authkey=Gv1sRgCPLfwa7i1JGvWQ#

I’m scared of my expensive dreams… they tend to become reality!

[bg]

great looking bike. i see you got the 1300.
i have the same color in an 1800 and an 00' Interstate.
both are great in their own right but if I had to choose 1, there is no question as to which one
it would be......love the valk.

[Slick]

great looking bike. i see you got the 1300.
i have the same color in an 1800 and an 00' Interstate.
both are great in their own right but if I had to choose 1, there is no question as to which one
it would be......love the valk.

BG, I believe you may be mistaken- it sure looks like an 1800 to me. I also last week picked up a new to me 2008 1800 N model to keep my fat lady company. I've also got an 03 1800 C model that will be up for sale shortly.

Paxton- enjoy her, they are both amazing machines

[Spirited-6]

and another $2.8K blingin' the Fat Lady.
(There goes the kids' tuition!)

Where in the World did you find $2.8 K in "bling" for a Valkyrie ?

I thought everything had been "tooken" 

[Paxton]

and another $2.8K blingin' the Fat Lady. (There goes the kids' tuition!)
Where in the World did you find $2.8 K in "bling" for a Valkyrie ?

Spirited-6;
I ask myself the same question.   
I've come to learn that had I purchased a Tourer model in the first place for say, an extra $1k, I would have saved more cash in the longer run.  ???

Mind you. I purchased the Valk (and a Gold Wing) back in 3/2011, when I thought I could not afford an extra $1k... 
So, I started with a pristine, but stripped down Valkyrie standard.

As I was adding my expenses on the new VTX, I thought I'd do the same w/-the Valk and I was shocked by the runnin' total...
But then, consider that I purchased two shields. One is a top of the Honda line ($525). The second is a new Batwing ($505).

I also bought three seats; and purchased three sets of Saddlebags (hard and soft)... on and on... Add to that, the bunch of Valk-bling still in boxes...

It's definitely addictive and at times senseless!

So here I seat with three low-mile-machines. Yet, since April I have clocked only 2.3K miles, shared amongst all three.
Moreover, in January 2011, I had a new engine installed on my refurbished '66 Bronco. Yesterday, I finally reached the first 600 miles
on the new engine!   

As of late, the newest generation in the family keeps roaming around my garage checkin' things out; figuring out how long before I kick the bucket!
I heard that they are arguing 'bout who's getting the Valk over the Bronco... etc. 

"If only they would all just leave me alone with my old cars and my motorcycles, I would be content to let life, and the world pass me by"

[bg]

Slick......i too have an 03 1800 and the same color.
the chrome side covers is why i thought it was a 1300..

[BIG--T]

Slick......i too have an 03 1800 and the same color.
the chrome side covers is why i thought it was a 1300..

You can always tell by the spark plug covers, the 1800 is 2 pc. and 1300 is 1 pc.

Paxton I have an 03 R and she feels the opposite to me. The X feels heavier to me and the Valk more nimble and a lower center of gravity. Yes they are two different monsters but sweet in there own way. Yeah I am constantly downshifting on the X and very seldom with the 'caddy'. The X is a torque monster tho- 125 ft lbs @ 3500 rpm! when I'm running say 70 mph, I can just roll on in 5th at WOT and pull away from anything fast except for a couple like the R3 and I very seldom see them!  Congrats!

[DarkMeister]

She's a beauty, Pax. Love the color. That and all the fine-detail blingerizationalizing. 

[Gear Jammer]

ONe of the best lookin' VTX's I've seen.  good job

[Flask]

Went back thru some of my Pic's to find what I think is one of the best looking VTX I have seen.
Saw this at Leesburg Bike Fest in Florida last year.

[ricoman]

Slick......i too have an 03 1800 and the same color.
the chrome side covers is why i thought it was a 1300..

You can always tell by the spark plug covers, the 1800 is 2 pc. and 1300 is 1 pc.

Paxton I have an 03 R and she feels the opposite to me. The X feels heavier to me and the Valk more nimble and a lower center of gravity. Yes they are two different monsters but sweet in there own way. Yeah I am constantly downshifting on the X and very seldom with the 'caddy'. The X is a torque monster tho- 125 ft lbs @ 3500 rpm! when I'm running say 70 mph, I can just roll on in 5th at WOT and pull away from anything fast except for a couple like the R3 and I very seldom see them!  Congrats!

you can also tell by the two brake lines to the front calipers
1800's have linked brakes (front/rear), 1300's do not

[BIG--T]

Slick......i too have an 03 1800 and the same color.
the chrome side covers is why i thought it was a 1300..

You can always tell by the spark plug covers, the 1800 is 2 pc. and 1300 is 1 pc.

Paxton I have an 03 R and she feels the opposite to me. The X feels heavier to me and the Valk more nimble and a lower center of gravity. Yes they are two different monsters but sweet in there own way. Yeah I am constantly downshifting on the X and very seldom with the 'caddy'. The X is a torque monster tho- 125 ft lbs @ 3500 rpm! when I'm running say 70 mph, I can just roll on in 5th at WOT and pull away from anything fast except for a couple like the R3 and I very seldom see them!  Congrats!

you can also tell by the two brake lines to the front calipers
1800's have linked brakes (front/rear), 1300's do not

Yep I forgot about that but if you're that close you can tell by the engine!

[Paxton]

Big-T;
I like my new-to-me VTX. However, your Black one looks fantastic... And like with Valkyries, the Black ones are always faster!

SISSY BAR BRACKETS...
I don't have the side brackets or hardware that yours have for the sissy bar. I always ride Solo and don't use the Sissy,
but I have an extra "Cruise Bar " that would go on those brackets... We'll see...

TAIL-LIGHT BLING...
Hard to see, but it looks as if you have some bling over the Tail light. I've been looking for a chrome piece to frame the lens and
I think yours is it. Please post a picture and/or let me know where can I find that piece.

HWY PEGS LOCATION...
The VTX came with the adapter to mount the hwy pegs right off the floor boards. There weren't any pegs.
Subsequently, I retrofitted ISO adjustable pegs. Well, the set-up looks great, but resting my feet on the pegs is awkward,
at least for me... they stick out too far.  ???

So, I am thinking 'bout removing them and use RIVCO adjustable "legs," which clamp nicely to the frame-down tube, next to the VIN sticker.

Any thoughts or pictures any one?

[jarid]

I traded my 03 1800 R for a 98 tourer, in my case the valk is the nimble one bye a long shot.congrats, great looking bike!
I love my valk!

[BIG--T]

Big-T;
I like my new-to-me VTX. However, your Black one looks fantastic... And like with Valkyries, the Black ones are always faster!

SISSY BAR BRACKETS...
I don't have the side brackets or hardware that yours have for the sissy bar. I always ride Solo and don't use the Sissy,
but I have an extra "Cruise Bar " that would go on those brackets... We'll see...

TAIL-LIGHT BLING...
Hard to see, but it looks as if you have some bling over the Tail light. I've been looking for a chrome piece to frame the lens and
I think yours is it. Please post a picture and/or let me know where can I find that piece.

HWY PEGS LOCATION...
The VTX came with the adapter to mount the hwy pegs right off the floor boards. There weren't any pegs.
Subsequently, I retrofitted ISO adjustable pegs. Well, the set-up looks great, but resting my feet on the pegs is awkward,
at least for me... they stick out too far.  ???

So, I am thinking 'bout removing them and use RIVCO adjustable "legs," which clamp nicely to the frame-down tube, next to the VIN sticker.

Any thoughts or pictures any one?

Paxton you got a beautiful X with a lot of bling too! I need the final cover..and it never ends!  I had to have the sissy bar and Ultimate seats or my wife would have a fit!! Lol . Man you got good eyes to see the bling on the light! You can buy the bling kit for it. I noticed someone put chrome on the 3 grooves on the front and rear fenders. I just went to Autozone and bought 1/4" chrome molding and come out a lot cheaper!