VTX trikes

[Lexi]

I am thinking about a VTX trike. Are they comfortable and powerful enough for long trips (400 to 600 miles per day)? Which conversion kit is favored by everyone? Will welcome any and all thoughts.

Thanks,

 

[Big_Steve]

I am thinking about a VTX trike. Are they comfortable and powerful enough for long trips (400 to 600 miles per day)? Which conversion kit is favored by everyone? Will welcome any and all thoughts.

Thanks,

1300 or 1800?

 

[Nana]

Lexi, we have some beautiful VTX trikes on here and the owners seem to universally love them! You might ask Juju, for instance, although there are several others who will happily reply to you also... I know she has taken extended trips on hers.

 

[Lexi]

Honda vtx 1800.

Nana, thanks for the info. I am fairly new. How do I contact Juju?

thanks,

 

[Nana]

Send her a personal message. Click on PRIVATE MESSAGE in the upper right corner of your screen, then find SEND MESSAGE on the left column and click on that. Fill in her name a brief subject and your question in the large box and send the note. She will reply to you.

 

[Chumbly]

I think a VTX 1800 is about as powerful as most any bike out there and I know from experience that it will go good all day in all traffic conditions. The fuel range is a little small, however. I feel there are too many variables involved to answer if it would be comfortable for you to ride all day. If you are of average size, have an aftermarket seat on the bike and pull back on the handlebars are comfortable, for example, the ride would likely be good enough. It's probably not as comfortable as a Goldwing though. The plus for me was being able to ride with my feet extended, while still on the controls... sitting on a Goldwing requires sitting in a more upright position with feet further back, (something I'm unable to do because of physical restrictions). Looks as well are "in the eye of the beholder"... something you will have to decide for youself. Sorry I'm not more of a help,... otherwise, good luck in your quest. Chumbly-

 

[Lexi]

Hey Chumbly, thanks for the input. I am tall and feel cramped on GW. I have seen a VTX and it appeared to allow one to stretch out the legs more. Appreciate your your thoughts. thanks

 

[Lexi]

What conversion kit do you have Chumbly and Big Steve?

 

[meredog]

I'm a bit biased but my 1800 is a lot of fun to ride---we rode from Michigan to Maggie Valley NC for last years trike ralley . We
rode several hundred miles while in MV and then rode to South Carolina to pick up a trailer and back to Michigan.

We plan on leaving Chicago in late spring and ride to California via Route 66 and will ride from Ca to Maggie Valley for next years rally
we are going to pull a "tent trailer" with no concern for power.

 

[charlie brown]

i have a trike that i am very happy with an never had a problem out of it, it has won a lot of bike show in the southeast area i mean best in show. you will like the ride & the power of the v t x 1800. they call me charlie brown.

 

[Big_Steve]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>Lexi</strong>
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<div class="message">What conversion kit do you have Chumbly and Big Steve?</div>

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</div>Mine is a 1300. It has a Motortrike kit. I've never ridden any other trike, so can't compare it to other kits. I have no complaints though.<br />
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I also have a 2 wheel Valkyrie. When I first looked at it and sat on it, I didn't think it would work the way the pegs are situated (just like a Gold Wing.) But a long test drive demonstrated to me that it was actually pretty comfortable. Although not as much as the floorboards on my VTX. If you haven't driven a Wing or Valk trike, you might want to try it.<br />
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The only beef I've ever seen from the 1800 guys here is MPG.

 

[meredog]

yea the mileage is bad (27-31) , but that is our contribution to our national economy.

 

[Smoken'JOE]

1800 here.............yep gas mileage sucks but the power is awesome. Roadsmith kit here.
First get rid of the stock seats............then Ultimate seats is the way to go.
http://www.ultimateseats.ca/vtx1800seats.html

 

[Big_Steve]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>meredog</strong>
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<div class="message">yea the mileage is bad (27-31) , but that is our contribution to our national economy.</div>

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</div>That's what I get on my 1300. I thought you guys were getting in the low 20's??

 

[meredog]

with baffles in 26-30 baffles out 33

 

[Smoken'JOE]

Haven't gotten over 22mpg for quite awhile. Once got 30, but that was all hyway at 70mph.

 

[Big_Steve]

Haven't gotten over 22mpg for quite awhile. Once got 30, but that was all hyway at 70mph.

I guess you need to paint yours yellow :yes:

 

[Chumbly]

Mine is a Motor Trike conversion as well. Need more leg room?... add some foreward controls... no problemo. My biggest problems are finding a "good" seat and "yes" I already have the "Ultimate Big boy" (I'm big<img src="images/smilies/grin.gif" border="0" alt="" title="big grin" class="inlineimg" />), but I also have back and knee problems. I'm thinking about the "Russell Day-Long" and would appreciate any input on that, that anone may have. The second problem is finding a decent foot rest... especially for the left leg...again because of my problems. If it wasn't for those two, I'd feel free to ride across the country and have in the past.. (although not without pain because of my two problems). As far as gas mileage goes, don't know my exact milage, but my idiot light now comes on (indicating low gas, not that I'm an idiot<img src="images/smilies/grin.gif" border="0" alt="" title="big grin" class="inlineimg" />) only about 25 kilometers (15 miles) sooner, so I asume it's not that bad... and thats riding two up.

Used to get about 42 mpg on two wheels. Chumbly-<img src="images/smilies/cool.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Cool" class="inlineimg" />

 

[ejjr]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>Big_Steve</strong>
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<div class="message">That's what I get on my 1300. I thought you guys were getting in the low 20's??</div>

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</div>When I went to stock Harley mufflers (Dyna Glide) I went from 33 - 36MPG to 40 MPG on my 1300. The 1300 has plenty of power as well. If I go 75 to 80 MPH on the highway I'm back down around 33MPG.

 

[acetrike]

For a VTX on long trips.. I recommend the 1800 for sure.. Then a nice aftermarket seat works well.. Some guys like the Mustang touring seats.. As to suspension, for the best ride go with a conversion that offers independent suspension.. That will have you bouncing around less and much more confortable. For independent I think your two options are Champion and Trike Shop Roadsmith.. Both are great kits. As to the gas mileage issue on the VTX1800.. It's possible that a Power Commander fuel controller could be installed and setup for maximum fuel efficiency at highway cruising speed..

This may bump you up a few mpg's for those long highway runs.. The alternative is going with the 1300, but you will be down on power.. And remember, that you will never be able to get everything you want in any one trike, so compromise is the answer! Good luck ....

 

[BoomBoom61]

Hi I have a VTX1800 with a champion trike kit...I love the VTX and I can stretch out on it..I have engine guards that fold out and can put my legs in 3 different positions..I went to Tennessee from Michigan and had it packed to the max..trunk, sissy bar and luggage rack..even had 3 leathers spiderwebbed to the pack..cruised right along with 2 Boss Hoss trikes..I have been to TN several times with this trike and when I take a ride usually ride 200 miles at a time.I average 30-32 mpg and I am no lightweight..she flies along..my boyfriend borrowed her when we got to Tn as his Boss broke down..when we got to the Boss Hoss rally they provide a big garage to park your bikes ..so there she sits proudly with about 100 Boss Hoss' and no one says a word as I ride her their's are trailer queens..Hahah..Boom

 

[sporter]

New to the forum and no Trike yet but trying to learn. Why did another thread indicate "no reverse" for the VTX?

 

[Nana]

Hey sporter.....welcome to TrikeTalk! Glad you found us. You can get a lot of information here to help you with your choice of a trike.

 

[Chumbly]

Why did another thread indicate "no reverse" for the VTX?

Because as far as I know, nobody makes one. They got 'em for 'Wings and Harleys, but not the mighty "X". Guess the trike builders figured that they are light enough to push around or if you owned one, (and not one of the other more expensive bikes), that you wouldn't afford to buy a reverse... I dunno. Sometimes it seems to me that as far as the trike builders are concerned, the VTX is just a second thought. It could also be because the other two can get reverse from the factory, but that's not the case with the "X". Chumbly-:no:

 

[Juju]

I think it's wild the way the VTX models seem to accommodate a wide range of rider sizes. I'm barely 5'2" (on a good day, first thing in the morning), and I'm as comfy as I can be on my VTX 1300. And yet, I know taller folks--quite a bit taller--who feel good on the VTX also--able to stretch out, relax, enjoy long rides--just like me. Cool!

 

[sporter]

So, is the Goldwing the only Honda with reverse?

 

[meredog]

Because as far as I know, nobody makes one. They got 'em for 'Wings and Harleys, but not the mighty "X". Guess the trike builders figured that they are light enough to push around or if you owned one, (and not one of the other more expensive bikes), that you wouldn't afford to buy a reverse... I dunno. Sometimes it seems to me that as far as the trike builders are concerned, the VTX is just a second thought. It could also be because the other two can get reverse from the factory, but that's not the case with the "X". Chumbly-:no:

i think it may be more in the numbers there are a lot of gold wing and harleys witch may make it economically feasable to devlelop a system because of the numbers of units they can sell----
i have never been burdened manually backing my vtx--easier to back than a two wheeler that you have to balance when backing

 

[Big_Steve]

Flintstones reverse for the VTX..........

 

[meredog]

Flintstones reverse for the VTX..........

looks like they used a back tire on the front (mounted backwords)

 

[Gorilla]

New to the forum and no Trike yet but trying to learn. Why did another thread indicate "no reverse" for the VTX?

Welcome aboard glad you found us.