Below is the text of a press release received from Honda regarding the new VTX 1800:
How do you spell “Performance First”? Try V-T-X. The 2002
Honda VTX’s V-twin biceps deliver more displacement and performance than any
other V-twin custom and soon this extreme cruiser will be in Honda motorcycle
dealer showrooms throughout America.The world’s most powerful mass production V-twin cruiser – cranking out 106
fuel-injected horsepower and 120 pavement rippling lb/ft of torque – will be
arriving at Honda dealers in late March. This stunning motorcycle is as
beautiful to behold as it is powerful. With show-stopping street-rod styling, a
distinctive hooded headlight, beautiful cast aluminum wheels and a
dragster-style seat, the VTX is ready to rumble.As if the VTX’s rakish good looks and unparalleled power aren’t enough, check
out the VTX’s suggested retail price – just $12,499 for classic Black and
Metallic Silver; $12,799 for Illusion Red and Illusion Blue, which feature
Chromaflair brand light interference pigment.A complete line of bolt-on chrome and billet accessories and appearance items
will be released soon to let riders customize their VTX for a truly unique ride.For more information, be sure to visit Honda’s web site on March 1, 2001.
2002 HONDA VTX FEATURES AND BENEFITS
EXCLUSIVE VTX FEATURES
- All-new V-twin engine is a 1795cc liquid-cooled 52° design that dwarfs other production V-twin engines and hammers out immense power-106 bhp at 5000 rpm and 120 lb./ft. of torque at 3500 rpm.
- Advanced, high-pressure programmed fuel injection (PGM-FI) and electronic digital ignition maximize power output and offer immediate throttle response in any gear.
- High-performance suspension features a 45mm inverted front fork.
- Show-stopping street-rod styling with distinctive hooded headlight, beautiful cast aluminum wheels and a dragster-style seat.
- A complete line of bolt-on accessories and appearance items.
ENGINE
- New V-twin engine features 4-inch cylinder bores and the largest connecting rods and cylinders Honda has ever made.
- Offset dual-pin crankshaft with two primary-shaft-mounted balance weights allows a high-performance engine design while eliminating harsh engine vibration. The result: muscular power across a broad engine rpm-range for unequalled acceleration and roll-on performance.
- The 41.4-pound forged steel crankshaft uses bolted weights, reducing crankcase width nearly 2 inches and reducing crankshaft weight 8.8 pounds compared to a conventional one-piece design.
- The engine mounting system uses carefully matched engine hangers and rubber engine-mounts to eliminate unwanted vibration while preserving the powerful character of the VTX engine’s V-twin design.
- Three-valve cylinder head features two large, 36mm intake valves and a huge, 45mm exhaust valve to produce optimum flow for the air/fuel charge.
- Two iridium spark plugs per cylinder for efficient combustion at all engine speeds.
- Simple-to-service screw-and-locknut valve clearance adjusters.
- 4.5-liter airbox supplies a large volume of cool clean air to the engine.
- Two 42mm-diameter throttle bodies deliver air to two specially designed Denso® 50-psi high-pressure fuel injectors. Fuel is delivered through 12 nozzle orifices in each injector, producing an atomized fuel mixture that is highly combustible, for maximum efficiency and power.
- Electronic CPU provides individual, digital 3-D fuel injection and ignition maps for each cylinder, creating ideal fuel mixture and spark advance settings for superb rideability.
- CPU-controlled closed-loop emission control system utilizes an air injection system and three-way exhaust catalyzer to simultaneously reduce emissions of hydrocarbons (HC), carbon monoxide (CO), and nitrous oxides (NOx). California version meets the California Air Resources Board (CARB) 2004 emissions standard.
- A unique dry-sump oiling system utilizes a closed crankcase design and places the oil tank inside the gearbox case. The result is a freer-revving engine for improved power, and a lower engine height, allowing optimum rider ergonomics and a low, 27.3-inch seat height.
- Radiator with cooling fan maintains consistent engine temperature for optimum performance and long engine life.
- Maintenance-free automatic camshaft chain tensioners.
- Reliable electric-starter system.
- Handsome chromed two-into-one exhaust system produces a deep, exhaust note.
- Primary drive gear uses a cam-type damper to minimize powertrain lash.
- Sturdy eight-plate clutch with clutch-center damper assures smooth gear shifting.
- Five-speed transmission with carefully selected gear ratios for relaxed cruising and exciting roll-on performance.
- Shaft final-drive system provides smooth, low-maintenance operation.
- New driven flange design at the final drive gear eliminates final drive noise and wear and simplifies rear wheel installation.
CHASSIS/SUSPENSION
- Massive tubular steel frame contains the engine’s power and gives the VTX a long, low muscular stance.
- Large, 45mm inverted front fork provides 4.3 inches of plush yet responsive wheel travel.
- Dual chromed rear shocks have 3.9 inches of wheel travel and feature an advanced internal valve system for a comfortable ride.
- The VTX’s braking system features two three-piston front calipers and a single two-piston rear caliper. Application of the front brake lever activates the two outer pistons of the front calipers. Application of the rear brake pedal activates the two pistons of the rear caliper and the center pistons of the front calipers only. When only the rear brake pedal is used, an inline pressure valve delivers proportioned application of the front caliper center pistons.
- Beautiful, satin-finish cast aluminum wheels.
- Wide, low, 130/70R-18 radial front tire enhances street-rod styling and delivers superb handling.
- Aggressive 180/70R-16 radial rear tire puts the VTX engine’s awesome power to the ground and provides exceptional traction.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
- Illusion Red and Illusion Blue paint with ChromaFlair®† brand light pigment alters hue as lighting conditions change.
- Dragster-style seat boasts a low, 27.3-inch seat height for confidence during low-speed maneuvers.
- Chopped front and rear steel fenders complement the VTX’s street rod styling.
- Large, handsomely finished 4.5-gallon gas tank with aviation-style fuel cap offers extended cruising range.
- Tank-mounted chrome nacelle houses the fuel cap, tripmeter/odometer reset and indicator/warning lights for the turn signals, high beam, neutral indicator, low fuel level, oil pressure, coolant temperature and fuel injection.
- Extensive chrome finishing of engine parts includes cylinder head covers, valve inspection covers, spark plug covers, airbox cover, left crankcase cover, clutch cover and left-rear engine cover.
- Silver-finish on crankcases and cylinders with milled fin edges complete the custom street-rod look.
- Distinctive, chrome hooded headlight housing features a powerful, 55W/60W halogen bulb with a computer-designed multi-reflector for superb lighting in all conditions.
- Large speedometer with easy-to-read numerals.
- Semi-swept handlebar design provides a comfortable, upright riding position.
- Comfortably padded large-diameter handgrips with polished aluminum handlebar switch-housings and triple-clamp assembly.
- Reliable 300-watt alternator.
- Durable, maintenance-free 20-amp-hour battery.
- Maintenance-free, hydraulic clutch.
- Handlebar switches and controls use internationally approved ISO graphic symbols.
- Convenient push-to-cancel turn-signal switch.
- Transferable one-year, unlimited-mileage limited warranty.
- Assembled in Marysville, Ohio.
- Ownership includes one-year complimentary Membership in the Honda Rider’s Club of America. Benefits include discounts, travel benefits, roadside assistance and much more. For HRCA® details, call 1-800-847-HRCA.
AVAILABLE ACCESSORIES
- Touring accessories include: Custom Windshield, Leather Hard-Shell Saddlebags, Saddlebag Mounting Brackets.
- Chrome accessories include: Lightbar, Floorboards, Backrest with Pad (also available in tall and low styles), Deluxe Backrest with Pad, Rear Carrier, Deluxe Rear Carrier, Backrest/Rear Carrier Mounting Brackets, Deluxe Backrest/Rear Carrier Mounting Brackets, Deluxe Backrest Trim, Rear Fender Panel, Swingarm Cover, Driveshaft Cover.
- Billet accessories include: Passenger Floorboards, Backrest Trim, Master Cylinder Cap, Front Caliper Cap Set, Rear Caliper Cap, Oil Dipstick, Spark Plug Covers, Driveshaft Bolt Covers, Timing and Crankshaft Cover, Clutch Cover, Countershaft Cover Trim, Upper Countershaft Cover Trim, Swingarm Pivot Cover Set.
- Additional accessories include: Headlight Cowl, Lower Cowl, Motorcycle Cover.
(Accessory availability and specifications subject to change without notice.)
† The ChromaFlair® trademark is a federally registered trademark owned by FLEX Products Inc., and is used by permission.SPECIFICATIONS
Model: VTX1800C Engine Type: 1795cc liquid-cooled 52-degree V-twin Bore and Stroke: 101.0mm x 112.0mm Compression Ratio: 9.0:1 Valve Train: SOHC; three valves per cylinder Carburetion: PGM-FI with automatic choke Ignition: Solid-state digital, two spark plugs per cylinder Transmission: Five-speed Final Drive: Shaft Suspension Front: 45mm inverted fork; 4.3 inches axle travel Rear: Dual shocks with five-position spring preload adjustability; 3.9 inches travel Brakes Front: Dual 296mm disc with LBS three-piston calipers Rear: Single 316mm disc with LBS two-piston caliper Tires Front: 130/70R-18 radial Rear: 180/70R-16 radial Wheelbase: 67.5 inches Rake (Caster Angle): 32.0° Trail: 146mm (5.8 inches) Seat Height: 27.3 inches Dry Weight: 705 pounds Fuel Capacity: 4.5 gallons Colors: Illusion Red, Illusion Blue, Metallic Silver, Black
California version differs slightly due to emissions equipment.