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I think I can explain it.
First of all, I like to travel on motorcycles. A lot of the motorcycle mags
say that a ZX-9R makes a good sport-touring mount, and I must point out that I've never been on one, but I can't imagine that
bike allowing me to do the 12+ hour days in the saddle that I do on the VX. On the other hand, on the ZX you can get
there faster ;-) The VX has the upright ergos, decent range, and an engine that wants to run all day. Plus shaft
drive that gets maintenance every time you change the rear tire and that's all.
Probably the centerpiece of the
motorcycle is the engine. Yes, it does have less than half the horsepower of a ZX-9, and a lot less torque too.
Somehow when they designed the bike, they put a lot of midrange power right where you want it for street riding at more sane
speeds. I've owned older "big bikes", for example a 81 XS1100 and an 85 Suzuki Madura 1200, and the VX gives the impression
of being in a similar league with these bikes on the road. Plus, there's just something about the feel and ridability
of an understressed V-twin. On paper, the VX is roughly the performance equivalent of an old Norton Commando.
But it sure works well, just ask the guy on the new Bandit 1200S who I pushed all the way through Deal's Gap.
Handling.
The bike doesn't handle all that well in it's stock condition. The front springs are soft, the steering geometry is
a little off, the forks flex a little, the rear shocks aren't all that great, and the bike comes with bias ply tires.
Once you have corrected all of these conditions like I have, the bike handles as well as you can expect a shaftie to handle.
I never notice shaft-drive effect on this bike. I HAVE noticed it on others. Cartridge emulators for the front
forks are the next modification I have on my list. I don't even know what else I can do after that.
Finally,
there's the looks department. Something about the narrowness of the bike, the V motor, and the flow of the gas tank
and tailsection really grabs me. This is subjective, naturally. But one thing I've noticed is that after
a few years on the road, very few VX's look alike. It's really just a great starting point.
The last thing
that made me buy one is the online support that comes with the bike. There is a listserve I belong to for the owners
of the VX800. These guys and gals have been there and back with their VX's, and are really happy to help with advice
and information. I wouldn't have brought my bike to the level I have without these folks.
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