There is no better value in used motorskoots than a used Japanese cruiser. You get twice the bike at 1/5 the price and 98% less headaches (see what i did there).
Completely agree especially when the major manufacturers have moved away from middleweight cruisers. I recently picked up a 07 Vulcan 900 in mint condition for $3000.00. It just needed a new set of tires and the brake fluid changed.
I have been buy slightly used, good condition Japanese crusiers since 2012, ride for a year or so and move onto another, probably 12 bikes in all. My main one though, I always have at least 2, is a Victory Cross Country. To date nothing more than normal maintenance and no break downs, and yes great prices on the used market.
I bought a 2004 VTX 1300 a month ago the same color with 19,120 miles on it. I haven’t been on a bike in 30 years and started watching your videos and practicing to make sure I don’t dump it. I have been riding it almost everyday to work. Thanks for your videos I believe they are a lifesaver. I have learned a lot.
good purchase, i have a 05-1300R, 27k miles, 1.5 yrs ago. good for us who just got back on the saddle. had been abt 40yrs for me, lol, from my dirt bike days. eventually i will get '15+ HD roadglide. ride safe, rubber-side down.
@@JohnSmith-cf4gn Last September I bought an 07 1300R Cabernet Red as a 3rd bike, as sometimes I like to ride around the country roads and state highways here in SW, Ohio on something lighter than my Victory Cross Country and Kingpin. Only 10 miles away for same 3200 price and less than 3k Miles. Put new tires on in the winter, and added a Stealth Fairing in Spring with a good audio system and find myself riding it a lot. I originally bought a new VTX 1300c in 2006, a brand new in crate 2004 for 7300 dollars and had it for 5 years and liked it a lot and knowlng they were more reliable than a Harley, and that they were US built in the same plant as my biggest client at Honda in Marysville, OH.
A realistic price and Honda reliability it's a win/win. They also sound good with a set of Vance and Hines pipes. I have a friend who has a VTX1800 and has ridden that bike from DC to Florida three times. I love the sound of his V&H pipes on the bike.
Just a few months ago I purchased an immaculate, garage kept, well maintained 2002 Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Classic, also completely chromed out with accessories. I didn’t have to do a thing to it. It’s a beautiful bike and I’m thoroughly enjoying it. It looks and runs like it just came out of the showroom.
I bought a brand new 2006 vtx 1300c in December of 2007. It had sat in the dealership showroom all of that time because nobody I guess wanted a black motorcycle. I was in between buying it, a 2007 or 2008 heritage or a dyna wide glyde. Back then you couldn't test ride the Harleys, but I rode the vtx and was pretty happy with it. I went back and looked at the Harleys again. I paid $8283.82 out the door with title and everything for the vtx because the dyna was $18000, and I couldn't figure out what I was getting for the extra $10,000. Now... I will admit, the Harley is for sure a better motorcycle, but not much better, and certainly not $10,000 better. I still have the vtx now.
Let me tell you why I bought a 24 year old Honda bagger. I went out to pick up a six-pack and instead came home with a 1998 Honda Gold Wing Valkyrie! And I've been riding onto Valhalla ever since.LoL In all seriousness a few years ago I got back into riding with the purchase of a used '98 Honda GL1500CT Valkyrie Tourer. This bike checked off all the boxes; style, performance and reliability. And being that it was derived from the Gen-4 Gold Wing 1500/6, I knew it to be a turn-key tourer. And the proof is in the pudding as I rode up to the Americade Rally racking up nearly a thousand trouble free miles. Included in our group of four riders was a buddy on his Honda VTX 1300. All and all it brings to my mid Honda's own ad slogan.....Follow the Leader He's on a Honda! Once again Jerry a thoughtful and informative video presentation; Keep 'em coming!
I rode one of these for another guy back from Ft. Mayers to Bradenton once. I liked the way it shifted compared to my old Harley Davidson motorcycles. It did feel different to ride to me than my Harley's.
Excellent Choice. Aside from my Ultra Limited I have a 2007 VTX 1800T that I bought brand new in 2009 with zero miles on it! It sat in the Honda distribution warehouse in I believe Atlanta for 2 years without being shipped to a dealer. I got a hell of a deal on it. I currently have just under 105,000 miles on it and have NEVER had one problem with it. I absolutely love my VTX!!
I am riding a Honda Magna VF750C 97' Runs smooth, no problems at all. Also as you mentioned in the video my sickness is too spending thousands of dollars for aesthetics, but I love the bike and since I intend to keep it, and never sell it, I don't mind. Honda cruisers are the smoothest.
My first bike was also a 04 1300C with limby bars and progressive shocks. Back then Van & Hines started making these slip on's that at the time were a perfect fit for this model. Coupled with that carbureted note this generated, it was music to my ears. Ok, I've convinced myself to start the search for a replica of my old red Honda. LOL!!
A 20 year old motorcycle would be like a brand new bike to me. My newest bike is a 1992 Electra Glide Ultra Classic, next is a 1991 Springer Softtail, and last but not least is my pride and joy a 1978 flh bobber.
@Dave-sw2dm I'm 61 years old and have been riding most of my life, and when I was younger, the only time I didn't ride was when it was snowing or ice was on the ground. Now, most of my riding time is back and forth to work.
@@rjoetting7594 , how many miles a year do you ride? And how far from home have you ridden on the bikes you posted in the last year or two? I am curious because I like older bikes, but feel like I need a newer bike for touring.
Just bought a pristine 2006 Yamaha V Star 1100 Classic with 9,500 miles on it for 4k. Bought it so me and my sweetheart can ride 2 up. All of my other bikes are either solo seat or too high for her to be comfortable. Used Road Kings were just too expensive and it seems whenever I buy a used HD there is something that needs attention. Love this V Star. Great ride and already rigged up for 2 up touring.
I have a 2004 vtx 1300 c model and owned it for years, and it never has given me any issues, super reliable, and easy to maintain. I absolutely love it.
I was checking this awesome channel for those big bike riding tips, what a surprise to see a recent video of VTX. I bought mine 2 weeks ago. Here in my country they are much more expansive as reliability is valued more. With proper maintenance this will run forever.
I have a 2003 VTX 1800R. I bought it used, never had any issues with it, the rear brake fluid was completely empty, but I filled it and have never had any problems. Love it.
Yes the Honda vtxs are great. Bikes at good great prices. I've got an '04 1300s and an '02 1800c and love both of them. Inexpensive and easy to maintain
@MalibuGarage all the 1800 are fuel injected, 1300s are all carburators. Hard to decide which one is best , that's why I have 1 of each 🤣 Started with a 04 1300S, then a 02 1800c
@@mattcole2863 clutches wear out , but are pretty easy to do at least with a " c " model, others you'll have to take off the exhaust too, but not in mine
I just bought a canned out 07 RK hard bags, gonna paint Birch White. I paid $4400. She's a looker too, V&H rush takes, spoke wheels big white walls. Jeepin̈g it in 34610. Hope to see you around Jerry.
I'd buy that bike too, JP. I have a 2004 1100 Spirit but would parlay up to that bike in a minute. I just installed a new Commander III on the front. What a difference from what was on there before. Well worth the extra bucks.
Riding since the mid 70s and I've NEVER bought a bike new. My last new car was an 89. I'm riding an 18 year old Goldwing now and I'd take it to Death Valley and back tomorrow if I could cut out the time. Gotta admit Jerry that shaft is nice.
I love the looks of that bike. Shiny, light colored paint, lots of bright unpainted aluminum, and lots of CHROME. No black except what is supposed to be black. Frame, seat, tires, grips, hoses and cables. You can't buy a new bike like that anymore. They are all at least 90% black, mostly flat black. I wouldn't buy that particular bike for anything but local riding, because it has tube type tires. A flat with tube type tires requires a tow truck, plus tube type tires are a lot more likely to have a flat in the first place than tubeless tires. I once spent 5 days and over $1000 only 250 miles from home because of a flat tube type tire. My main bike is a 1989 H-D FXRS Low Rider. I also have a Honda Shadow 1100 Spirit, and a Kawasaki Vulcan 750.
I'm still riding my 2002 VTX1800c that I was riding when you had a VTX a couple decades ago. I think I'm remembering that correctly. Back in the "ride like a pro" on vcr tape days.
Yes. You are correct. The cover showed me making a u-turn within 2 parking spaces (18ft) on the VTX 1800. Everyone wanted to know how I did that on such a big bike. That cover photo is what made me famous.
@@motorman857 Watching that really improved my riding. I would go to empty parking lots and practice for a few min. when out for my "mental therapy" rides. That could be the reason I'm still riding that bike 24 years later, it still runs great and starts right up.
“iF It’S nOt HoG DaVidSoN iT aiNt A rEal biKe”… had a Harley rider ask me while I was on my Vulcan what’s wrong with buying American? I say nothing if you’re willing to pay 10 grand more for a logo.
Got mine 5 yrs ago no trouble with it. Last June took mine form central FL to grand rapids Michigan was a good ride all it need it was gas and new tires when I got up there
The VTX 1300 is an excellent bike. and I like how its shaft drive too. For the money & condition you can't go wrong for that price. Honda were smart to make them. I almost bought one recently, but ended up get a 2007 Yamaha XVS1100 as it was in mint condition & low klms.
Just bought a 2006 VTX 1300C with less than 3k miles on it. I just started riding last year at the age of 45. Started with a triumph speedmaster and moved up to the 1300. Simple bike but I love it. It should last me forever
When I started back riding at 45 I went to Texas and bought a 2005 in 2007 it was a 1300 vtx it only had 700 miles on it I gave 5500 for it great bike I rode it for two years but I didn’t like the feeling getting in to shape Conners at all I took it to North Carolina from Louisiana many times to ride with my dad he had a Honda 750 then I got a valkare interstate big definites loved that bike but now I’m 58 and I ride nothing but my ultra class and I now live in North Carolina and I miss my dad so much I just ride those mountains alone but I love your videos keep up the good work ❤
great segment Jerry. I think that was a nice grab. I have a 2006 Yami Road Star that i bought new. It was rock solid. i used it for a daily commuter on the interstate, 105 miles round trip. After i bought my Harleys i held on to it but it sat a lot. it only has 32000 miles on it. It starts right up but the choke has to be out for it to run and it wants to quit when you try to increase throttle. Pretty much a carb adjustment/rebuild I'm sure. My 2013 Ultra, which i love, is getting too heavy and i'm thinking about getting rid of that and maybe getting a Heritage Classic but those are still pretty hefty at 700+ pounds. My dilemma is do i put some money into the Yami and sell the Ultra or sell them both and go for a Heritage or something even lighter. I don't think I'll be going on many long trips any more so i don't need all the extra space and weight of the Ultra. Decisions, decisions.....lol.
I also had the 1800 all it really needed was a 6th gear the 1800’s were fuel injection instead of the carburetor on the 1300 , that’s a good bike for your class and drop guards should be available for your bike
I had a VTX 1300R identical to that one! I traded it for the CTX1300 which is an amazing bike as well, but I do miss the classic cruiser style on that bike! I have four Honda's and absolutely love them all!
great bikes. new rider, on a 05-1300R for 1.5yrs now and love it. making my way to a used HD RG. but she will do for now. also, not a pro but valves sound like they need adjusting per the idle and some loose bearing sounds while in gear. might be nothing. thanks for your videos !!
I bought a 2003 VTX 1800S before my Ultra. 16K on it and I still love that bike. Plenty of power and much lighter than the Ultra. I need to free up some room so it will have to go soon. :(
I just bought a 2005 VTX 1300s and it was stored for 13 years until I bought it. Took it home and all I did was: -new battery -remove and replace fuel -check spark plugs (ok) -a good wash -Turn the switch on and I … Got a 12000 miles bike, I’m so happy!!!!
The Honda VTX both 1300 & 1800 are great 👍🏼 bikes!!! Dependable, & with just some proper maintenance Honda will last longer than their owners. I bought a Honda Fury out of the showroom just a few months ago, only 7 miles on the odometer. I love it!!! You got a great 👍🏼 bike, great 👍🏼 price!
You can save alot of money owning one of these older Hondas they are pretty reliable and easy to work on as far as maintenance or spend alot of money on a newer Harley trying to keep up with the Joneses.
Got a 2004 Vtx 1800, very fast, like new, 30,000 miles, runs circles around my HD Ultra Classic. Love the HD , though. Found it: 08 HD , 34,000 miles, looks great , runs great( with just a bit of fuel work), $500.00. Guy just wanted it gone. What a deal!
What do you think about a Honda shadows aero? This is my first ever bike. It’s a 750. I wanted a Harley so bad for my first motorcycle sad truth is I couldn’t afford it. I just couldn’t. The shadow I bought is a 2008 18,000 miles on it just a little over It has Harley look is why I chose it. I’m still practicing the friction zone, and throttle control. I have been pretty discouraged, but I’m not gonna give up. I want this more than anything because I have laid the bike down three times. I’ve got a pretty significant burn on my leg because I was stupid enough to get on the bike without researching it first, and not knowing how to pick one up, if you fall over. I have learned with your help of course lol that its not just me, every rider has to start at the bottom. I’m not giving up though under any circumstances.
You can't go wrong with a Honda. Your 750 is a good mid-size cruiser, but it sounds like you need to sign up for the basic rider's course to understand the basics of riding. Please understand that riding a motorcycle is a serious business, you've gotta have skills and confidence and constant training for many years of riding.
I sold used motorcycles for around 4 years and in that time we had 3 of those on the lot. We had nothing but trouble with them. Imo they are poorly made and after my experience with them on the lot, I would never own one. On the good side, all the plastic everything that's on the bike it does make it lighter and it does have low seat height, if I remember correctly. The VTX 1300's we had we could never sell. We even had a Honda mechanic come to the lot one day and bought a non-Honda bike. He told me he would never own a Honda motorcycle. To me that speaks volumes. I know that a lot of people have been conditioned to believe that all Hondas are super reliable but I can assure you, that's just not the case. As someone who also owned one and sold them too for a few years, I feel like I can speak from experience.
Dang, I have had 2 Honda vtxs' for years, and Honda car, and log splitter, lawn mower, and pressure washer. They are all super reliable. I must have gotten some lemons.
I worked with a guy that had one of these Hondas. Nice power but I found its handling wanting. Kept wanting to go straight. My Suzuki C50 had only 805cc but handled much much better. My 08 electraglide handled more like the C50. I sold the C50 and bought the Harley.
I had the '06 model and I did a lot of work to it to make it fit me and my touring needs. I let it go after 7 years because I felt it was long in the tooth and I wanted a motorcycle that had eFi, shaft driven, fuel gauge and clock, at least. I settled on a Honda Goldwing and there are times, that I still miss my VTX, especially when doing slow speed maneuvers.
If you spend the time to practice the 3 techniques I teach, the Wing can run circles around the VTX. That's due to the 40 degree lean angle of the Wing vs the 24 degree lean angle of the VTX.
@@motorman857 that's true, Jerry. The Goldwing has a lot of torque on the first gear and like someone in another video said, "it's possible, but different" because of the design of the bike.
@@motorman857 yes, 2nd gear in motion makes the Goldwing easy to ride. If the VTX 1300S(R) was eFi, I would have kept it. Having the VTX 1300S as a loan bike for students is a good choice.
Those roadsters always look SUPER comfy, Harleys and so on, it's like sitting in an arm chair 😅😊 And get out of here Jerry, you didn't buy that for your classes, you bought it so you could ride it, be honest 🙃😆😝😜
More HP then a HD ..beast..nice to see you riding different bikes What year and model is that..do you find the 1800 vtx to be top heavy? Never rode one yet.. I think the main reason why you don’t see big cruisers being sold is All the old guys are old and crippled and nobody’s riding them now. The young guys don’t want those bikes..