HONDA VTX1800R (2001-2002) Specs, Performance & Photos

The 2002 VTX lineup included three models, the Classic VTX1800C and two retro-styled cruisers, such as the VTX1800S with wire-spoked wheels and the VTX1800R with cast aluminum wheels.

The 2002 Honda VTX1800R was a cruiser-styled motorcycle part of the VTX series, inspired by the Zodia Concept introduced at the 1995 Tokyo Motor Show and powered by a large V-twin powerplant.

When the VTX1800 was first released in 2000, it was the first cruiser that packed the largest production V-twin engine in the world. The title lasted until 2004, when Kawasaki launched the Vulcan 2000, with a larger 2053cc V-twin engine.

Honda updated the link braking feature on the VTX series, removing the usual hand and foot lever capabilities. When the hand brake lever was applied, it operated two-thirds of the front caliper. In contrast, the foot lever operated the other third of the front brake and all 100 percent of the rear brake.

The VTX1800R packed the same suspension as its twin brother, with a 45 mm inverted telescopic fork on the front, while the rear was handled by a five-way spring preload adjustable shock absorber.

Also, the braking system was shared with its siblings, carrying two 296 mm discs and three-piston calipers on the front wheel and a three-piston caliper, engaging a 316 mm disc on the rear wheel.

The 2002 VTX1800R packed the same 1,795cc liquid-cooled V-twin fuel-injected engine in the power department, delivering 107 hp at 5,000 rpm and 163 Nm (120 lb-ft) at 3,000 rpm.