Yes or no: Honda does not currently manufacture a VTX motorcycle. The VTX line, which included the VTX1800 and VTX1300 cruisers, was discontinued in the late 2000s, and Honda has not rebooted the VTX badge since. This article explains the history and what Honda offers today in place of the VTX.
History and end of the VTX line
The VTX family was Honda’s line of large V-twin cruisers. The VTX1800 was introduced in the early 2000s as Honda’s flagship V-twin cruiser, followed by the broader VTX1300 lineup the next year. As emissions rules and market preferences evolved, Honda retired the VTX1800 models first, with production ending around 2008, and the VTX1300 models ending production around 2009. By the end of the 2000s, Honda had shifted its cruiser focus to other nameplates, such as the Shadow and Rebel lines, along with its touring motorcycles like the Gold Wing. The VTX badge has not been revived since.
Timeline of the VTX line
The following milestones capture the key points in the VTX line’s development and its eventual discontinuation.
- 2002: Honda introduces the VTX1800, its first high-displacement V-twin cruiser.
- 2003: The VTX1300 joins the lineup, offering a mid-displacement option.
- 2008: Production ends for the VTX1800 models (the 1800 line is retired).
- 2009: The VTX1300 models are discontinued; Honda retires the VTX badge from new motorcycles.
In summary, the VTX line existed from the early 2000s to the late 2000s, and there have been no new VTX motorcycles since the hiatus.
What Honda offers today in place of the VTX
With the VTX line discontinued, Honda has focused its cruiser and touring strategy on other nameplates that cover a range of riding styles, from entry-level to long-distance touring. Today’s Honda cruiser and touring lineup emphasizes the Rebel and Shadow families for smaller-mid displacement needs, along with the Gold Wing for high-mileage touring. The VTX badge itself is not used on current models, but Honda remains active in the cruiser market with alternative platforms that cater to different rider preferences and regional markets.
- Rebel family: entry-level, approachable cruisers with smaller displacement options for new or casual riders.
- Shadow lineup: mid-displacement cruisers with classic styling and accessible handling.
- Gold Wing and other touring bikes: large, feature-rich machines designed for long-distance comfort and performance.
In short, Honda does not produce a VTX today, but it continues to offer a broad range of cruiser and touring motorcycles through other model lines to fit various rider needs.
Summary
The VTX era is firmly in the past. Honda ended the VTX1800 earlier and the VTX1300 followed about a year later, with the entire VTX badge retired from new motorcycles. For buyers seeking Honda’s current cruiser options, the Rebel, Shadow, and Gold Wing families represent the contemporary lineup, while the VTX remains a notable piece of Honda’s motorcycle history and a familiar option in the used-bike market.