Honda VTX 1300T
MSRP: $11,299
Caretaker: Zimmerman
Measurements:5'10"/220 LBs/32" Inseam
Odometer: 2086
Miles since last issue: 1013
!@#$%^&** It's been six weeks since I wrote the last update and during that time it's rained for at least some portion of nearly every single day. The end result being that I've put a measly 1013 miles on the VTX and the majority of those were accrued riding to and from Americade. During the few nice days that we had, I did manage to put on some miles; unfortunately, those were on test bikes other than the VTX.
Running up to Americade exposed the VTX's only serious fault- when pushed hard I was lucky to get 150 miles the tank. Granted that's somewhere between 40-45 miles to the gallon at speeds that average around 80 mph, and I do fill up as soon as the bike goes on reserve, I've pushed out of gas bikes before and it's not much fun, but that being said I feel like I just get into a groove and then it's time for fuel. I suspect that the Ultimate seat I've got on there has something to do with that, but the VTX does have some long legs, and it'd be nice to use them.
With the bike sitting you'd think I'd at least get some accessories bolted on to it, I've got a great set of Motosens gauges sitting on the shelf that are just begging to be installed but as yet I just haven't got them on. I promise to have them in place by the next issue though, and to do a full write up on installing and wiring them.
It's not as if I haven't done anything though. Prior to Americade, I changed the oil and filter, (using full synthetic Penn Grade 1 Oil) and made sure the bike was in perfect fettle. I could have save my energy though once I got past the oil change, and adjusted the tire pressure, there wasn't a whole lot more to do, but it is a Honda so I'd have been extremely surprised if that hadn't been the case.
On a downside during the trip to Americade the saddlebag, snaps on one side decided to pull out of the bags. It's no big thing and I'm sure if it happened to you it'd be covered under warranty, but it doesn't say much for the quality of the bags, or at least the snaps.
In the mean time, it's still raining, and more is predicated so whether I'll be putting any more miles on the VTX in the very near future is doubtful. As soon as the weather changes and it always has before, I'll try to make up for lost time. I wonder if Honda makes Arks? - MZ