Offering a trio of motorcycles representing distinctly different ways to enjoy touring, Honda is a
leader in long-distance motorcycling. The Gold Wing serves as ambassador for the
luxury category, the ST1300 represents the more sport-oriented contingent and
the VTX1800T is a great machine for the bagger clan. The only similarities among
the three machines—other than Honda logos—are shaft drive, windshield,
five-speed transmission, and liquid cooling. Otherwise, the three are wholly
unique vehicles, designed and engineered for different approaches to different
types of roadways, and each is tailored for a specific riding preference.
Clearly each of these highly targeted bikes excel in their own type of riding
environment. But, because most owners encounter a mix of roads and riding, we
were curious how each bike would perform on roads not necessarily its forté.
 Three Japanese cousins with a common purpose
enjoy America’s open highways together. (Click image to enlarge)
For a repeatable test route that contained an exhaustive mix of
road types we turned to the expertise of Mad Maps (www.madmaps.com). For those of you
not familiar with this convenient, almost essential accessory to riding and trip planning, Mad Maps was founded in 1997 with the goal of helping
to usher the willing adventurer into the great American elsewhere. The Mad
Mappers have painstakingly researched countless miles of freeways, byways and
back roads to chart scenic and entertaining routes, complete with directions,
roadside attractions, speed limits, plus detailed information on such varied
topics as fuel availability and frequency of law enforcement patrols.  Much of our testing was on "Get Outta Town" Los Angeles Mad
Map’s Padres National Forest route. The 250-mile loop takes us from the
Robb Report
MotorCycling offices in Malibu, into the
Santa Monica Mountains, through Santa Paula—the self-described Citrus Capital of
the World—to Ojai for food and gas, followed by a romp through the winding roads
of the Los Padres National Forest. The route then snakes through Lockwood
Valley, landscape transforming into desert on the crossing to Lake Hughes,
before dropping down high-speed sweepers into Castaic, ending with a final blast
of Interstate back to home base. (Click image to enlarge)
 Check your expectations at the door when riding
these three machines. Surprises abound. (Click image to enlarge)
The three Hondas represent vastly different engine
configurations that complement each machine’s individual purpose. The Gold Wing,
the class-leading freeway flyer, is graced with its signature 1832cc opposed
flat-six powerplant, that delivers exceptional smoothness regardless of load,
speed, or duration of ride. The ST (sport touring) is powered by a sophisticated
1261cc longitudinally mounted, 90-degree V-4, capable of executing cross-country
hauls as well as respectable performance on narrow, twisting mountain passes.
Maintaining the status quo of the cruiser set, the VTX is appropriately
emboldened with a stalwart 1795cc V-twin, possessing enough of the essential
throaty growl to earn it respect in mixed company.
The gentle Pacific Coast Highway allows one to acclimate to the
bikes before turning onto the infamously tight Decker Road for passage through
the Santa Monica Mountains. As expected, the sporty ST1300 gobbled up the twists
and turns with aplomb, its comparative light weight and agility inviting a
spirited ride. However, contrary to what we had anticipated, both the Gold Wing
(despite its bulk) and the VTX (with its limited-clearance floorboards) handled
the canyon pass with surprising ease. This was the first pleasant revelation of
our outings. Expectations were that the ST would shine in the twisties while the
other two would languish far behind, struggling with the tight switchbacks and
tiring the riders with excessive manhandling. Not so. Both the Wing and the VTX
carry their weight low in the chassis and proved to be exceedingly manageable at
lower speeds and in tight turns, whether under acceleration for the ascent into
the mountains, or on the brakes descending the other side.
 RIDING STYLE | Helmet: Icon Mainframe Hooligan
Black Chrome; Jacket: Firstgear Honcho; Gloves: Firstgear Roadmaster; Pants:
Firstgear Mesh Tex 2.0; Boots: Red Wing 968. (Click image to enlarge)
A quick blast on the freeway, the Gold Wing’s time-honored
domain, reminds why this machine has been its class leader going on three
decades. With a superlative combination of muscle, perfect balance, and
unequaled comfort, the Gold Wing has set the bar exceedingly high. Naturally,
with cruise control, GPS, and a stereo, the bike effortlessly devours highway
miles. Fairing and windscreen design provides excellent protection, forming a
safe little cocoon in the cockpit where there is virtually no turbulence. In
fact, airflow is so minimal you will find yourself wishing for some on hot days.
Our Wing was equipped with adjustable fairing and windshield deflectors to
remedy this. Curiously, for a full-tilt luxury machine, the windshield is
manually, rather than electrically adjustable.
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