Honda Announces the Release of the New VTX 1800cc Large-displacement Custom Motorcycle

October 22, 2001, Japan

News Release

Tokyo, October 22, 2001 - Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced the release of the VTX, a powerfully styled large-displacement custom motorcycle equipped with a newly designed, water-cooled, 4-stroke 1800cc V2 engine that resonates power. The new model will go on sale October 23rd, 2001 through Honda's dealer network across Japan.

VTX

VTX

The VTX, to be produced at Honda of America Manufacturing (HAM), Honda's U.S. production center, will be our American flagship model for our custom bikes. The engine will be the world's largest-displacement V2 available in a production motorcycle. Besides displaying powerful output characteristics at all engine speeds, it also delivers a powerful driving feel with all the resonance of a V-twin engine. PGM-FI (Programmed Fuel Injection) is employed to boost combustion efficiency for superb throttle response.

In order to handle the powerful engine output, the chassis employs a highly rigid, mono-backbone, double-cradle design. The front suspension's inverted layout also provides superior rigidity. The bike is designed to facilitate maximum ease of control, with a relaxed riding position, wide pull-back handle, a low 695mm seating position that makes it easy for the rider to put his or her feet on the ground, and other features that put the emphasis on creating a comfortable ride.

The styling accentuates the large-displacement engine, creating the dignified, hefty feel that one would expect of our flagship American custom bike.

Main Features of the VTX

Powerful, large-displacement 1800cc V-twin engine delivers heart-pounding performance

At 1,794cc, the newly designed, water-cooled, 4-stroke 52° V-type 2-cylinder engine is the world's largest-displacement V-twin engine available in a production motorcycle. Its maximum power output of 75kW (102PS) delivers an ample feeling of power to spare.

To maximize the pleasing resonance of the large-displacement engine, the world's first-applied coupling balancer is combined with the phased crankshaft traditional in Honda's American custom bikes, to eliminate unwanted vibration.

The engine is designed to let the rider feel the V-twin's characteristic throb not only in the low-to-mid rpm range, but in the high range as well.

The fuel system employs Honda's newly developed PGM-FI (Programmed Fuel Injection), which supplies the engine with the optimum fuel-air mixture for all engine speeds and driving conditions, realizing superb throttle response. A three-valve head with two iridium plugs per cylinder combines outstanding aspirating efficiency with excellent ignition performance.

The two-in-one exhaust system comes equipped with a fat, low-constriction muffler, which produces a sound that is quiet, yet filled with the powerful resonance of the large-displacement engine.

The lubrication system employs a sealed dry sump with separate crankcase and transmission case, ensuring efficient lubrication and suppressing oil deterioration.

Powerful, chiseled styling with a touch of class

The bike's elegant, dignified styling displays the sort of class and power that one would expect in Honda's flagship American custom bike. The imposing engine is painted black, with chrome-plated air cleaner case cover, plug covers, and crankcase cover to highlight its functional beauty. The elegant, road-hugging, long-and-low design further increases the satisfaction of ownership.

Suspension and braking that support robust driving performance

The inverted front suspension delivers outstanding rigidity. Double disc brakes in the front and a single rear disc are linked using a combination brake system for enhanced, worry-free braking. When the rear brake foot pedal is depressed, the system distributes the force appropriately between the front and rear wheels, for easier-to-use, reliable braking.

Specifications (Please note that this information is only available in Japan)

Model Name VTX
Model Type Honda of America BC-SC46
L x W x H (m) 2.455 x 0.990 x 1.150
Wheelbase (m) 1.715
Ground Clearance (m) 0.130
Seat Height (m) 0.695
Vehicle Weight (kg) 343
Dry Weight (kg) 320
No. of riders 2
Turning Radius (m) 3.4
Engine Type SC46E (liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, OHC V2)
Engine Capacity (cm3) 1,794
Bore x Stroke (mm) 101.0 x 112.0
Compression Ratio 9.0 to 1
Maximum Power (kW[PS]/rpm) 75[102]/5,000
Maximum Torque (N·m[kg·m]/rpm)
159[16.2]/3,000(net)
Fuel Consumption (km/L) 23.0 (60km/h, low-elevation driving)
Fuel Supply PGM-FI (Programmed Fuel Injection)
Starting Self-starting type
Ignition Fully-transistorized battery ignition
Lubrication system Force-feed (dry sump)
Oil Capacity (L) 4.5
Fuel Tank Capacity (L) 17
Clutch Wet-type, Multi-plate diaphragm spring
Gearbox Constant mesh, 5-speed return
Gear Ratio 1st Gear 2.352
2nd Gear 1.333
3rd Gear 0.964
4th Gear 0.812
5th Gear 0.696
Differential (primary/secondary) 1.000 x 1.571/0.944 x 3.090
Caster angle (degrees)/Trail (mm) 32°00'/146
Tire Size Front 130/70R18 63H
Rear 180/70R16 77H
Braking System Front Hydraulic disk (double)
Rear Hydraulic disk
Suspension Front Telescopic
Rear Swing Arm
Frame Double-cradle type