Growing Ut VTX Riders

[CBENZ]

Hey just wanted to acknowledge the Utah VTX Riders and introduce myself. My name is Chris Benson and I’m full time Utah Air National Guard right out at the airport. I ride 04 1300S, she’s my BnC (ball and chain). We have a lot of plans over the winter in customizing/accessorizing her. I’ll defiantly look for some advice and help here locally. I look forward to hopefully hooking up and doing some rides with fellow VTXers and whoever.

I look forward to interacting on this board with you.
CBENZ

[Drywallman]

Welcome to the board. I hope, in the future that we will all get together for a Xer ride or just a get to together. obviously weather is a big factor now. But, this is the time for Mods.

I will be attempting the progressive spring replacement Saturday I hope.
Again Welcome.
Drywallman

[ww1flyingace]

Welcome to the board. I hope, in the future that we will all get together for a Xer ride or just a get to together. obviously weather is a big factor now. But, this is the time for Mods.

I will be attempting the progressive spring replacement Saturday I hope.
Again Welcome.
Drywallman

Hey, would you mind an observer?

[Drywallman]

I look forward to the company. I was looking over Bare's write up on the replacement of the progressive fork springs and I have to get a special tool
http://www.drunkenmike.com/bareimg/VTX/tools/forktool.jpg
So I'll have to buy one or make one. Do you know anyone here in Salt Lake that may have one?

[Mountain Flier]

CBENZ, welcome to the board. We're starting to get to know each other in Utah. Should have a pretty good group together by the time the weather turns warm. Drywallman, I'm interested in watching your spring mod, too.

[Drywallman]

Mountain Flier says.

CBENZ, welcome to the board. We're starting to get to know each other in Utah. Should have a pretty good group together by the time the weather turns warm. Drywallman, I'm interested in watching your spring mod, too.

I will post again when I get the tool, then we can get together and have a little learning fun.

[Mountain Flier]

I just ordered german pete block off plates to do a desmog. Maybe we can get together for a "tech" session and help/watch each other with our projects.

[ww1flyingace]

Mountain Flier says.

CBENZ, welcome to the board. We're starting to get to know each other in Utah. Should have a pretty good group together by the time the weather turns warm. Drywallman, I'm interested in watching your spring mod, too.

I will post again when I get the tool, then we can get together and have a little learning fun.


If you want to order the actual tool from honda, Ill split the cost with you if I can use it when the time comes.

[Drywallman]

huvola,
Already ordered the tool. No need to spit the cost, you and any Xer here in the valley is welcome to use it. I will post when it comes in.

[gertilda]

I want to do the pair also This is mick I been real busy lately glad to be back I have a big garage and some tools if I can help anyone Company always helps a project

[Mountain Flier]

It looks like we're generating some interest in getting together for a tech session. With the way the weather is looking, we'll probably need some place that has a heat source. I've also ordered a set of 2-1 Roadhouse pipes that I'll need to install, also.

[Drywallman]

I'm all for a big heated garage. We need a weekend thats not snowing or raining. Lets keep a eye on the weather and the next good weekend lets get together.
Drywallman

[ILuv_UMan]

It looks like we're generating some interest in getting together for a tech session. With the way the weather is looking, we'll probably need some place that has a heat source. I've also ordered a set of 2-1 Roadhouse pipes that I'll need to install, also.

I have Roadhouse Shorty on my C. Love them. Were a breeze to install, and I'm somewhat mechanically challenged. Didn't know they made 2-1 Roadhouses for an R. Be interested in seeing/hearing them.

[doc_cj]

Thought I'd jump in her as well to say Howdy and introduce myself. My name is Carl Franklin, and I'm a fairly new VTX rider in southern Utah. I live in Cedar City, UT, and teach at Southern Utah University. I bought my '03 VTX (Illusion Blue) from Page Honda in Page Arizona back in late May of '04.

I took advantage of Honda's great rebate offer and added some bags, light bar, windshield, and some other goodies. I've since added some chrome and creature comforts.

I've taken my bike on two trips so far. First I went to Yellowstone by travelling up the eastern side of Idaho, crossing into the park, then back down the western side of Wyoming and back into Utah. It was a great trip that took about 7 days.

My second trip was to San Diego, CA, in early October. I went for an academic conference, and spent a couple extra days on the road. I got sandblasted around Barstow, but other than that the trip was fun.

I hope to take a few trips in the coming months, and look forward to hearing from those nearby.

[Drywallman]

First Welcome to the board doc_cj (Carl). Second I think you need to cut you Avatar size down a taste. I've been through Ceder City a couple of times on my way to L.V.. Both times it rained like all get out. Glad to have you with us, to bad your so far away. Here in Salt Lake we have a small group that gets together and rides and we're starting to have a Tech sessions which are fun for all.

Again Welcome.
Drywallman

[Wilsondude]

Thought I'd jump in to also say hello. Kevin Baker ('03 1800 C) has a son, Jason, on the basketball team at Southern Utah. I also spent two years there myself playing basketball for Stan Jack. My wife, Jo'D, and I loved it there. I got my bachelor's degree there, and have been teaching high school ever since (25 yrs.). I have a lot of fond memories of Cedar. I'm sure we could make it down your way in the spring - Zion, Bryce Canyon, etc. We'll talk! Welcome.

[doc_cj]

Thanks for the two replies, and I think I've got the Avatar now pointing to a smaller size of picture. Anyway ... this is my second year in Cedar and 2nd year at SUU. I love the area, the people, and the school. It's a great university with lots to offer people, and it has a wonderful reputation across the state and region.

It's good to see so many with VTXs around the state. I'm fairly new back to riding after a 20+ year hiatus, so I wasn't sure what to expect. On my trip through Yellowstone it seems like everyone was driving a Harley. I found that everywhere I went my VTX really stuck out in the crowd. It got great comments, and I'm really glad I got it.

I'm a bit surprised I got to ride as deep into the winter as I have so far. In fact I rode my bike to work a couple days last week, and it will get back into the 40s again I'll do so later.

[kxb44]

As Wilsondude mentioned, my son Jason plays b-ball for SUU I'm headed to Cedar today to watch the T-birds take on Idaho State. Wish I was riding but the current weather conditions would make that less than wise. I rode down about month ago and spent the day riding with the wife through Zions. I'm planning on renting a bike for Jason this spring and riding to the Grand Canyon. You and any other Xers are more than welcome to tag along.

[doc_cj]

For Kevin: I'm headed out the door to watch #12 play tonight as well. Should be a good game. I met your son a few weeks ago, he's a great kid. I'm sure you're really proud of him. Maybe he'll have another 34 point game tonight.

Mountain Flier: Keep us posted on your pipe installation. I went over to Roadhouse last night to look at pipes as well. I was surprised that they audio clips of the bikes with their pipes on them. The VTX's sounded pretty darn good, but I'd be curious how much louder they are than the stock pipes.

I wouldn't mind adding a bit more thump, but I don't want that loud "hurt your ears" sound. According to the Roadhouse site you can add on their pipes without having to make any tuning changes, so keep us up to date on how that goes.

[kxb44]

We will be at the west end close to the floor near the visitors bench. I'll be in a grey and red shirt and a black hat with an X on it. My wife will be the much younger looking woman who will seem embarrased to be with me.

[ILuv_UMan]

For Kevin: I'm headed out the door to watch #12 play tonight as well. Should be a good game. I met your son a few weeks ago, he's a great kid. I'm sure you're really proud of him. Maybe he'll have another 34 point game tonight.

Mountain Flier: Keep us posted on your pipe installation. I went over to Roadhouse last night to look at pipes as well. I was surprised that they audio clips of the bikes with their pipes on them. The VTX's sounded pretty darn good, but I'd be curious how much louder they are than the stock pipes.

I wouldn't mind adding a bit more thump, but I don't want that loud "hurt your ears" sound. According to the Roadhouse site you can add on their pipes without having to make any tuning changes, so keep us up to date on how that goes.

I have the Roadhouse Shorty (C Model, thus 2:1 pipe) and love the sound. When you whip the wick, it certainly gets people's attention. When you want to tip toe out of your neighborhood at 6:00 A.M. in the morning, you just don't give it much that much throttle. Still has a nice rumble on low throttle, but no window breaking. You'll notice an improvement in power too, and took all of 45 minutes to install. And I am far from a wrenching expert.

[doc_cj]

I have the Roadhouse Shorty (C Model, thus 2:1 pipe) and love the sound. When you whip the wick, it certainly gets people's attention. When you want to tip toe out of your neighborhood at 6:00 A.M. in the morning, you just don't give it much that much throttle. Still has a nice rumble on low throttle, but no window breaking. You'll notice an improvement in power too, and took all of 45 minutes to install. And I am far from a wrenching expert.


That's about what I'd go for as far as loud pipes. For two years the guy down the street had the loudest dang Harley, and he wanted everyone to know every time he started it. That gives us all a bad name. My neighbors called the cops more than once on this guy for sitting in his garage and revving his bike.

Plus I'm not convinced that I want to hear pipes that loud on a 1200 mile trip. A nice rumble, a little extra harumph when I nail it, and a nice tone while I'm cruising ... that's my style.

I also appreciate the insight on the wrenching part. I'm okay, but I have trouble with patience. When I put on my chrome radiator cover I had to take a short break to keep from getting too frustated, so pipes are something I have to strongly look into.

[LadyAce]

I just discovered this forum. My husband and I both ride 1800 c's, mine is a trike, and we live in St. George, actually Washington.
It is even a little cold down here right now but I am sure it will warm back up to riding weather before long.
My husband is Onfyr and has had his bike since 2002 and I am LadyAce, used to ride an 1100 Ace, and have had mine about a year. We ride with our son who rides a 99 Aero and our son-in-law who rides an 1100 Ace. We are always up for a ride anywhere so if any of you come down this way be sure and give us a shout.

[LadyAce]

doc cj, I have the roadhouse shorty on my x and I love the sound. My husband has Vance and Hines on his and he admits my bike sounds better, a deeper rumble. You are welcome to listen to them anytime just let me know.
Val
antikldy@infowest.com

[ILuv_UMan]

doc cj, I have the roadhouse shorty on my x and I love the sound. My husband has Vance and Hines on his and he admits my bike sounds better, a deeper rumble. You are welcome to listen to them anytime just let me know.
Val
antikldy@infowest.com

I had a guy in Salt Lake with Vance and Hines want to trade me. I said, nope. :roll:

Sure get lots of comments, especially from non Honda bikers, who say, WOW, that is one big pipe. I always say, you need a big pipe with two 900cc pistons throbbing away. :)

[Joker]

For those interested myself and another x'er from 2002 first model days have done a number of mods and would love getting together.
just a few mods
polished and chromed forks, new springs in forks, shortened rear shocks, modified turn signals brackets, load stabilizers, new jets (1300 model) FI dyna kit on the 1800, new fenders, re wiring, modified brake caliper, stainless steel braided brake, and throttle cables, customized side mount brackets (several designs) , hyperchargers, pipes (modifed cut down and modifed baffles) WHEW well that was last winter, this winter we expect more stuff.

[Drywallman]

Joker,
That sounds like a whole lot of fun. I plan on doing the gear change to 1300 final drive for better top end and more fuel mileage. We've already had one tech session locally install fork springs where I was the recipient of the work.

A couple of other riders have mods planned as soon as there parts get in. I've done the Desmog and now I'm going to put in the block off plates in a few days. Another rider needs to do his valves for his 8000 mile checks.

We will be busy I'm sure also.

Drywallman

[Mountain Flier]

I'd like to get together to do a desmog and block off plates on my 1800R. Let me know when you guys are getting together again. Also, I'm still waiting for my Roadhouse pipes to be delivered.

[Drywallman]

I'd like to get together to do a desmog and block off plates on my 1800R. Let me know when you guys are getting together again. Also, I'm still waiting for my Roadhouse pipes to be delivered.
What kind of fuel manager do you have or do you have one? Did you ever get you pipes on 2 in 1 roadhouse? If your garage has heat I will help with your desmog and block out plates, I guess I would help even if it didn't. Besides I want to see you lowers in person.
Drywallman

[Mountain Flier]

What kind of fuel manager do you have or do you have one? Did you ever get you pipes on 2 in 1 roadhouse? If your garage has heat I will help with your desmog and block out plates, I guess I would help even if it didn't. Besides I want to see you lowers in person.
Drywallman

I don't have a fuel manager. I orderded the 2-1 roadhouse pipes. My garage will be heated just as soon as I buy a propane heater at Home Depot (this week). I'd love the help and would like to meet other VTX riders around the valley. I'll be back in town for the weekend. BTW, the lowers work very well.

[Joker]

Love to get together, hopefully after the holidays, my weekends are fairly crazy until after jan. then I start tearing down my valk to paint and working on the front forks of the vtx, keep in touch

[Wilsondude]

Sorry to butt in on your fun, but, hey DrywallMan, when are you gonna stop with all the additions? I mean, how much is there left for you to do?
You're amazing, man! :P

[Drywallman]

Mark, when does your springs get in? Lets get them installed.
Drywallman

[Wilsondude]

Both mine and Kevin's clutch springs are here, and we're waiting for the Progressives. I'll let you know when they're here.

[Drywallman]

Sounds good. ILoveUman says it's going to be in the 50's this weekend. Thats just crazy.
Drywallman

[ILuv_UMan]

Hey guys, what springs you putting in? I might order some clutch springs too, even though my clutch seems fine. Where's the best place to order them HDL?

Yup, 50s this weekend. http://www.weather.com/activities/recre ... ocid=84119 (http://www.weather.com/activities/recreation/golf/weather/weekend.html?locid=84119)

Might need to get out my short sleeve shirts and half helmet out of storage.

In fact it might be so nice, we should probably go for a ride instead of working on bikes. What do you all think? :) :) :)

Can do my 8k valve check at 16k miles. :shock:

[doc_cj]

Okay, gang, who can say that it has not been a fantastic weekend. Down here in the south we hit mid-50s at 6000 feet!!! What a ride. I drove over to Newcastle on Saturday then a quick trip to Parowan on Sunday afternoon. Hope you guys had as much fun.

While I'm on here, I'm just curious as to how many of you have changed the electronics for the VTX 1800? The dealer I bought my bike from said that you can get rid of some that low-end "hitch" with a new module. Comments?

Also, while I was thinking about it, is there a motorcycle show up north in the spring that's pretty good? It might be fun to ride to SLC for the right show. Otherwise, it might be a good deal to have a Spring Fling down here in Cedar or the St George area. What do you guys think?

[Joker]

Spring fling may be fun, there was a group I belong to that runs thru you neck of the woods every year for the vegas bike fest in the fall. love to come that way early , Although St George or mesguite might be a tad funner to end up in.