The Honda VTX series of cruiser motorcycle was inspired by the Zodia, a Honda concept motorcycle, when it was presented at the 1995 Tokyo Motor Show. The VTX 1800 itself wasn’t introduced until 2002, when it arrived on the motorcycle scene boasting the largest displacement production V-twin engine ever – even bigger than a car’s. Honda says the VTX represents the merger of a big engine with traditional styling. The Japanese manufacturer introduced the VTX 1800 Tourer in 2007. In 2008, the Tourer came in two models: Spec 1 and Spec 2. Both motorcycles are made at Honda’s factory, which also produces the Gold Wing, in Marysville, Ohio. Both models feature a 1795 cc V-twin, four-stroke engine. This is a pretty big engine, but then the 2008 VTX 1800 Tourer is a pretty big bike. It weighs in at 800 pounds, and that’s before gasoline, oil, and other engine fluids are added. The size pretty much establishes The VTX 1800 Tourer as a motorcycle for experienced riders only.
Both the 2008 VTX 1800 Tourer Spec 1 and Spec 2 come with 24-liter leather saddlebags and detachable passenger backrests. The frame and engine basics are the same on both models, which differ in exterior characteristics, such as paint. The Spec 2 also has more chrome parts than its Spec 1 sibling. They also differ on the handlebars; the Spec 1 has cast aluminum risers, while the Spec 2 has chrome-plated aluminum handlebar mounts. Clutch and brake levers on the Spec 1 have a smooth, cast-aluminum finish, while on the Spec 2, the finish is highly polished aluminum. While official gas mileage estimates are not available, owners report getting between 40 and 45 mph when riding the speed limit on freeways.