Honda VTX 1800C vs Yamaha Star Raider

In 2001, Honda launched the VTX series, with the VTX 1800 being the first motorcycle in the series. At the time, the VTX 1800 had the largest engine ever produced by any motorcycle company. Being the successor of the VT1100, the VTX 1800 soon grew in popularity. Built with an 1800 cc engine capable of delivering a horsepower of 90 hp and a torque of 98.9 ft-lbs. Over the years, the VTX 1800 has undergone many improvements, with only its engine remaining the same. The VTX 1800 also had multiple variants, including a custom and a touring model.

In 1994, Yamaha launched the Star series. The YAMAHA STAR RAIDER was first launched in 2006 with a 1,854 cc engine. Over time, the Star Raider underwent improvements to its performance and overall design.

The HONDA VTX 1800C has a wide front with a 45 mm inverted fork capable of wheel travel of 130 mm and a wide 130/70 R18 tire. The chopped fenders, fuel tank, and side panels are the colored parts of the motorcycle. The remaining parts, like the suspensions, HANDLEBARS, side mirrors, engine, and exhaust, are covered in chrome. At the rear, it has five-position preload-adjustable dual shocks capable of wheel travel of 100 mm and a wide 180/70 R16 tire. The VTX 1800C has a fuel tank with an analog speedometer. The VTX 1800C’s headlight with a cap makes it unique among other cruisers. It has 296 mm front dual disc brakes and a 316 mm rear single disc brake.

The YAMAHA STAR RAIDER has a sleek and wide fuel tank with an analog speedometer and a round headlight without a fairing or a cap. The only colored parts are the chopped fenders, fuel tank, and side panels, while the engine, suspensions, HANDLEBARS, and dual exhausts are covered in chrome. The Star Raider stands out among other cruisers due to its 120/70-21 front tire and its uniquely designed dual exhaust. At the front, it has a 46 mm telescopic fork with 320 mm of wheel travel. At the rear, it has an adjustable mono-shock with 88.9 mm of wheel travel. It has dual 298 mm disc brakes at the front and a single 310 mm disc brake at the rear.

The Honda VTX 1800C has 108.5 cu in (1,795 cc) 52°V-Twin engine with three valves per cylinder, a bore size of 101 mm, and a stroke size of 112 mm. It is capable of a horsepower of 107 hp @ 5,000 rpm and a torque of 120.2 ft-lbs (163 Nm) @ 3,000 rpm. This engine has a five-speed transmission system that operates on a shaft drive train. The VTX 1800C is fitted with a fuel tank with a capacity of 4.3 gal (15.5 L), equipped with a programmable fuel injection system with a fuel mileage of 38 MPG (16.15 km/l).

The Yamaha Star Raider has 113 cu in (1,854 cc) air-cooled, V-Twin engine with four valves per cylinder, a bore size of 100 mm, and a stroke size of 118 mm. It is capable of a horsepower of 100 hp @ 4,250 rpm and a torque of 123 ft-lbs (167.8 Nm) @ 2,500 rpm. This engine has a five-speed transmission system operated on a belt drive train. The Star Raider is fitted with a fuel tank with a capacity of 4.2 gal (15.9 L) and equipped with an electronic control unit with a fuel mileage of 42 MPG (17.8 km/l).

The Honda VTX 1800C is a traditional-style cruiser with a classic upright riding position, a low seat height of 708 mm (27.9 in), and a wheelbase of 1,717 mm (67.6 in). The VTX 1800C has wide handlebars with a trail size of 152 mm (5.7 in) and a rake angle of 32.4°with forward-mounted footrests. The VTX 1800C is a heavyweight motorcycle with an overall weight of 714 lbs (319.7 kg) which makes it unsuitable for beginners. It has soft seat cushions for both the rider and passenger to ensure better comfort. The heavy overall weight, wide tires, and wide handlebars make this vehicle a bit difficult to maneuver but offer better comfort on longer rides.

The Yamaha Star Raider offers an upright riding position, a seat height of 695.96 mm (27.4 in), and a wheelbase of 1,800.86 mm (70.9 in). The Star Raider has a wide handlebar with forward-mounted footrests that provide a relaxing riding position. The Star Raider is a heavyweight motorcycle with a wet weight of 734 lbs (332.9 kg), fitted with a slim and long rider’s seat and a small passenger seat. The Star Raider is also fitted with crash bars at the front to better protect the rider’s legs.

The major difference between the Honda VTX 1800C and the Yamaha Star Raider is their overall designs and looks. The Star Raider has a rear mono-shock, while the VTX 1800C has rear dual shocks. Moreover, the VTX 1800C has wider front and rear tires than the Star Raider. The Star Raider has a two-into-two exhaust system, while the VTX 1800C has a two-into-one exhaust system. The VTX 1800C has a shaft drive train system, while the Star Raider has a belt drive train. In terms of performance, the VTX 1800C can deliver slightly more horsepower than the Star Raider, while the Star Raider can deliver more torque than the VTX 1800C.

Both motorcycles have versatility, being suited for daily commutes and long-distance trips. However, they differ slightly when it comes to their engines, horsepower, and torque. Both are comfortable and reliable if going on longer rides. With the VTX 1800C being discontinued in 2009 and the Star Raider being discontinued in 2018, both are only available used. Usually, the used Yamaha Star Raider models are in better condition.

In 2003, the Honda VTX 1800 was replaced by the VTX 1300. The VTX 1800 and the VTX 1300 remained in production until 2008. The Yamaha Star Raider was discontinued in 2017.

Both motorcycles are best suited for experienced female riders. Both have a low seat height and curved handlebars that provide comfortable handling and riding positions for the female rider. However, due to both motorcycles being large and heavyweight, they are not good options for novice female riders.

The Honda VTX 1800C and the Yamaha Star Raider are classic cruisers that do not come with pre-installed SADDLEBAGS, SISSY BARS, or LARGE FAIRINGS. Both motorcycles are fitted with powerful and reliable engines which may be too much for beginner riders to handle. Like other cruisers, both do not come with traction control, ABS, cruise control, etc. However, they do provide comfortable long rides for all riders. The VTX 1800C does have a slightly smaller engine than the Star Raider. Because of the differences in the bore and stroke sizes, the VTX 1800C can deliver more horsepower, while the Star Raider can produce slightly more torque. As a result, the VTX 1800C has a higher top speed than the Star Raider.