Part of Honda’s VTX series of cruiser bikes, the VTX 1800S is the most powerful variant, named after its 1795-cc engine displacement. (The number is rounded up to 1800). The 2006 Honda VTX 1800S is the fifth model year, retaining the features of the nameplate as a high-performance, sport-oriented cruiser.
The 2006 Honda VTX 1800S is split into three models: Spec 1, Spec 2 and Spec 3. The engine powering each 2006 Honda VTX 1800S is a four-stroke, liquid-cooled V-twin, with its two cylinders arranged in a “V” shape and each bearing three intake valves. It pumps out an impressive 106 horsepower at 5000 rpm and 120 lb-ft of torque at 3500 rpm. The engine’s bore and stroke is measured at 3.98 by 4.41 inches (101 by 112 millimeters), and its compression ratio is 9 to 1. A 42-millimeter carburetor from automotive components manufacturer DENSO blends air and fuel for the engine, and the bike has an electric ignition for conveniently starting the engine (as opposed to a kick starter). Each 2006 VTX 1800S comes with a five-speed manual to promote the sporty feel of driving the bike. For fuel, each bike has a gas tank that can hold up to 5.3 gallons (20 liters).
With a dry weight of 750 pounds (340.2 kilograms), the 2006 Honda VTX 1800S is rather heavy: the result of a steel frame. However, the frame is necessary for its sturdiness and strength. A kick stand is provided for parking the bike. On the 2006 VTX 1800S are a pair of aluminum wheels: 17-inch ones in the front and 15-inch ones at the back. The wheelbase is measured at 67.5 inches.
Available only in Metallic Silver, the 2006 Honda VTX 1800S provides a detachable two-piece vinyl seat for accommodating the driver and a passenger. Yamaha sets the height of the seat at a relatively low 27.4 inches. The digital instrumentation on the 2006 VTX 1800S comprises a trip odometer, speedometer, and temperature and fuel level warning indicators. A single halogen light--complete with a visor and mounting bar--joins the rearview mirrors flanking it in providing greater visibility to the rider.
For braking, the 2006 Honda VTX 1800S uses disc brakes: an 11.7-inch (296-millimeter) dual one in the front and a bigger, 12.5-inch (316-millimeter) single disc at the back. This layout is better than the front-disc/rear-drum brake set-up on some other motorcycles. For superior absorption of rough terrain, the VTX 1800S has a 1.8-inch (45-millimeter) inverted fork in the front and a twin-sided swing arm at the back.
At the time, the 2006 Honda VTX 1800S had the largest displacement V-twin engine in the motorcycle world. Add its power to its exciting yet comfortable driving feel--especially for long cruises--and it’s easy to see why the 2006 edition of Honda’s top VTX bike is worth every last cent.