WOW I am hooked...

[NewValker]

Took the VTX for a spin today, it hadn't been run for 2 weeks and I made air deflectors for my feet and legs , so it's warmer to ride.  WOW what a difference, I thought it handled good when that's all I rode. Damn thing was all over my lane all day. Almost felt like a soft rear tire, but it wasn't. Both bikes are DS, a Hankook on the X and an Austone Taxi tire on the Valk. Night & day difference! Now I know why some ppl hate CT on bikes. And so much more input on curves than the Valk. 
Gonna lose the boards and H/T shifter over the winter, and pick-up a set of air wings, (anybody got some they wanna sell?) then it's get some more chrome!
I have to admit, I didn't realise how much better she handled than the X till today.
Happy, Happy, Happy...
Craig

[RainMaker]

Well, I'm happy you're happy, but I can't figure out anything else on your post. ???

[NewValker]

Guess all I meant was how great she handles compared to the VTX.
Craig

[Rams]

Guess all I meant was how great she handles compared to the VTX.
Craig

While the original post was just a bit  confusing, I thought that was what you meant.    I've never rode a VTX but will take your word on it.     What I do know is I love my Valkyrie and have yet to find any activity while riding it that I did not thoroughly enjoy.   

As you personalize your Valkyrie, you'll fall even deeper in love with her.    Honda and specifically Joe Boyd really knew what they were doing when creating our beloved bikes.    I'm glad you have found her, I sincerely doubt you'll ever find another bike as fulfilling as our Valkyrie.    Enjoy her while other's only wish they could own and ride a bike with that much class.

[Chrisj CMA]

A Honda dealer loaned us a newish VTX 1800 to ride for a couple hours to go to lunch when we had to get a rear tire on the road.  That was an expensive venture!  Anyways, the VTX rode like a tractor, pulled strong but just wanted to go straight ahead, I felt like it needed power steering or something, I guess if you never rode something that handled better then you wouldn't know how bad it was.  But being used to the Valkyrie, there was no comparison

[BobB]

I've had several people that have approached me eventuality ask how the Valk handles.  I'm sure it's because it looks so massive.  I've always answered "it's very predictable", and that has always satisfied the rider with any riding experience.  It seems we've all ridden bikes that have had handling quirks at one speed or another.  The only down side is the low speed handling that I attribute to the long wheelbase.  Backing the phat girl into a parking space between two other bikes can be a challenge.

[Pete]

I have ridden several of the VTX1800,s different  models and years. Some of them for quite  distance.

Fat front tire, slower turning, more stable on the rode.
Smaller front tire, quicker lighter steering, some what more responsive.

I did not like the engine characteristics on any of them. But that may just be me.
They also feel slow and under powered for there displacement to me.

I always like smooth and quiet (both mechanically and exhaust wise)
So have favored multi cylinder (4 and 6 cylinder) inlines and flat opposed over twins.

My friend that favors VTX1800's always keeps 2, 1 fat front tire and 1 smaller front tire and switches what he rides based on twisty verses regular highways.

[Gryphon Rider]

My friend that favors VTX1800's always keeps 2, 1 fat front tire and 1 smaller front tire and switches what he rides based on twisty verses regular highways.

I'd be interested in seeing his Continental kit! 

[Felonious Thump]

I agree that the Valkyrie handles better. Test road the Vtx1300 and Vtx1800 before I road my phat Gryl. Just love what I bought. My son who rides a super bike is looking at a 2001 now. Says he is tired of the rough ride and terrible riding position on his commute. Want to keep it just for track days, but loves the comfort of our gryl's. Says the Valkyrie still has more guts then can be used on any road.  That's what I told him, but kids don't listen.

[WNGD]

I have ridden several of the VTX1800,s different  models and years. Some of them for quite  distance.

Fat front tire, slower turning, more stable on the rode.
Smaller front tire, quicker lighter steering, some what more responsive.

I did not like the engine characteristics on any of them. But that may just be me.
They also feel slow and under powered for there displacement to me.

I always like smooth and quiet (both mechanically and exhaust wise)
So have favored multi cylinder (4 and 6 cylinder) inlines and flat opposed over twins.

My friend that favors VTX1800's always keeps 2, 1 fat front tire and 1 smaller front tire and switches what he rides based on twisty verses regular highways.

Lots to like about the Valk but `slow and under powered`for the VTX 1800 tells me you didn`t ride one for very long. You may not like  V-Twin or the exhaust note but they will still out-grunt almost any cruiser out there except the M109R or f6b

[NewValker]

yeah, I got back on the Valk today and now it feels like mine.
I had 10 years and 100k on the X. Everything was second nature.
Getting to feel that way with the Valk. 
WNGD, you on VTXOA also?
Ride Safe all,
Craig

[Pete]

I have ridden several of the VTX1800,s different  models and years. Some of them for quite  distance.

Fat front tire, slower turning, more stable on the rode.
Smaller front tire, quicker lighter steering, some what more responsive.

I did not like the engine characteristics on any of them. But that may just be me.
They also feel slow and under powered for there displacement to me.

I always like smooth and quiet (both mechanically and exhaust wise)
So have favored multi cylinder (4 and 6 cylinder) inlines and flat opposed over twins.

My friend that favors VTX1800's always keeps 2, 1 fat front tire and 1 smaller front tire and switches what he rides based on twisty verses regular highways.

Lots to like about the Valk but `slow and under powered`for the VTX 1800 tells me you didn`t ride one for very long. You may not like  V-Twin or the exhaust note but they will still out-grunt almost any cruiser out there except the M109R or f6b

The LAST ONE I was on was for 165 continuous miles! On mixed 2 lane and super slab is that enough to have an opinion?
Slow and under powered for its displacement, yeah I still stand by that. Again it is just an opinion.
Not a conviction of the bike.

For the record:
I do not like loud exhaust or vibration.
Stock VTX exhaust is fine.
Stock VTX vibration offends me -- on anything  -- just do not like it.

ALL personal opinions based on experience, your mileage and taste may differ.

Have fun and ride what you like  --- I do. 

[DLSSOJC]

I have owned both an 1800 VTX and a 1300 VTX. I bought them both new in 2002 and 2003. 1300 was more nimble than the 1800, but just a little underpowered for me. They are nice dependable bikes, but IMO don't compare to the ride and stability of the Valk. I would not consider owning one again, no offense to all you VTX owners.