I found a neat bike for sale locally. A Honda VTX 1300 in Matte Uranium Green, which is one of my favorite Honda colors. I’ve read the 1800 engines were EFI and had better hp/torque but at the cost of MPGs. I already have a VERY fast and thirsty R1 so I’m not too focused on performance. Even though it’s carbed I kinda like it. This VTX looks like it would be fun for more laid back relaxing rides in the country. I wonder if I would prefer the torque of a 1800 version?

A friend of mine had the 1300... great cruiser, heavy as heck, though. Good grief!

Been in the motorcycle industry for much of my life, not a big VTX fan, and I've personally sold them for many years. If you'd like a nice cruiser that turns and stops well, look for a used Yamaha Warrior. Plenty of power, very reliable, and good looking as well.

I logged a lot of hours on my cousins 1300 and it's "ok"

The 1800 might be better, but there really isn't anything that stood out about the bike.

As for reliability he never had a problem with it for 4 years.


This is coming from a sport bike guy so take it with a grain of salt.

I like the 1800 but thought the engine sounded like crap with any aftermarket exhaust, 1300 was a nice solid ride.

started out on a Honda vtx and crashed it..then got a Suzuki bandit 1200s and last bike was a Kawasaki ZX7R...

I don't know much about Honda VTX's but just looking at footage placement in your picture it appears that it would be extremely uncomfortable.

My last carbureted Honda was a bitch to start when cold and was choked to death with emissions crap. Maybe that will not apply to this bike. YMMV.

I have an 1800 that I bought new (as a closeout from '02) in '04. It's got about 25,000 miles on it. It's on it's third set of tires. I have ridden a lot of different cruisers, and haven't found one that I like better. I guess that's why I haven't replaced it. It's got plenty of power, it handles well for it's size, and most of all it fits me right. The only problem I have had with it in the time I have owned it was a thermostat that caused it to overheat once coming back from the mountains. It is heavy as hell, and I noticed this the other day when I pulled it out backwards after not having ridden it in a while. Somebody above said the one in the picture looked uncomfortable from the placement of the pegs. Mine is comfortable in that regard, but it has floorboards.

27 inch seat height, 678–748 lb weight differential (probably due to bags, engine size etc) it's a mid weight cruiser, similar in size to the HD Heritage Softail.

While it's heavier than a sport bike, it's not near the 900+ pounds of my Road Glide Ultra and as in many things heavy is relative, to me, it's a light bike.

The pegs are forward and IMO that is a comfortable position, being taller I don't care for the Gold Wing, Sport bike tucked foot position.

1300 is the smaller of the two, about 56 HP/70 TQ so it's not going to be the rocket you're used to, but it will be a nice cruiser for back road and day runs. HD's twin cam 88 from 99 was 1450 cc and was adequate, however if you could get one in the 1800 you'd probably be happier, considering your sport bike background.

Fugly.

A riding buddy had one. The only complaint was uneven wear on the front tire.

I'd also take a look at anything in the Yamaha 1300 line. Avoid the 1100's at all costs. The newer 950 generation of bikes are actually really well sorted out, especially for what they can be bought for.

I have the Honda VTX 1800 and it is a beast. It rides very smooth and never had any problems. I'm sure the same can be said for its little brother.

quote:

Originally posted by Fla. Jim:

quote:

Originally posted by Fla. Jim:
I like Honda cruisers and from what I have read the 1300VTX is a good one. I just prefer a flat 6 vs another V-Twinkie.

That Valkerie is fantastic!

I bought a new 1800F in 2005 and love it!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: jrfixer,

Vtxoa is a great forum to read, learn and get custom made parts for both the 13 & 1800.
I loved my 1300. Not as top hvy as the 1800 imo.
I had a R. I really liked the retro look. About 110 was as fast as I ever got her. The interstate trucks didn't blow me around too bad either.

I don't think you can go wrong with any Honda motorcycle so if you like it buy it.

I like this green VTX. I also found a Yamaha Warrior 1700. It looks damn interesting, better hp and torque, larger displacement and oil cooled vs water cooled. The bigger Yamaha also costs about 1k less.