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.

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.

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.

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.

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.