written by jerryprague on 31/10/2017
I had a VTX 1300 for two years and loved what it could do. It was, as all Honda vehicles, solid as a rock. Very well balanced. Never had a problem with it. I customized it, and rode it all over Europe. Even rode it in Ukraine which had the most nightmarish roads you could imagine and it handled it like a trooper. Just sold it as I wanted something very quiet, light, and economical as I just retired and it was just more bike than I needed. I got a Honda scooter, SH300i, and I am very happy with it. I am a Honda man until the day I die, they just go and go
written by aliensurfa on 26/10/2015
I've only owned my VTX for a month but already done over 1000km (600ml) I bought it hoping for a comfortable cruiser for my 50km highway commute to work. I've had a few bikes recently that were not enough of this, too much of that...bit like Goldilocks. But finally, Halleluja, I think I've found my perfect bike. It's heavy, sure but that translates to confidence on the highway as trucks pass the other way and you're not blown around by their turbulence. The engine is a slow revving powerhouse of torque. Not fast but when you need to pass, just roll on and they are behind you. No need to change down. The seat and ride position suit me well at 6'1" and aging hip and knee problems are not a concern. It's armchair comfy for me and I feel it's size and weight give it a road presence that feels confident and capable. The bike feels planted and surefooted. The engine is a lovely thing that throbs at lower speeds and hums in a harmonious way at highway speeds. Its a gem. Fuel consumption is remarkably good....at legal speeds about 20km/L or 5L/100km (About 50ml/gal) but despite having only one carb, if you ride harder the fuel consumption rises sharply. Looks wise, I think it has pleasing lines that inspires me to keep it looking sharp. In short, it's the best bike I've owned in years and I have owned a few. Changed bikes three times in the last twelve months due to being unhappy with them...Mine has low KMs and is standard pretty much but I am wondering if I would change anything, it's got everything I want right the way it is....but could be louder....hehe.
written by on 27/04/2013
I bought this bike used. I installed Samson Canons exhaust and did not need to re-jet the carburetor. Went from too quiet to perfect. Throttle response is unbelievable excellent. Less then a mile you can turn the choke off when cold. I have never used the choke out completely and have recently been starting without the choke as I found out it is not needed. Motor has a lot of torque, high gear ratio, no problem riding 30 mph in 5th gear, it is a lot faster then I thought it would be. Bike has some weight, but very easy to manage. It has an excellent riding position, heal-toe shifter with floor board. I can only compare this to a lot of different Harley-Davidson's I have driven and would compare this to the Fat Boy with 1450cc motor. The VTX feels faster and sounds pretty close. More wind turbulence on the VTX (you will need a windshield, good goggles or helmet with a shield). This bike should easily 100,000 miles without any problem. A couple times I took-off hard & the rear wheel will break loose some times so you need to watch the type of road surface. I could only imagine how the VTX 1800 would be like. I am not sure I would recommend this size bike to a 1st time rider unless the person was very large in size.
written by linuxyeti on 05/05/2009
Have had my Honda VTX1300 bike now for 3 years, it was 2 years old when I got it with only 1500 miles on the clock, now upto 13,000 miles and counting. Love it, can't fault it, can, and do regulary ride all day on it, furthest I've ridden in 1 day is just over 500 miles !!. Only problem is I'm some of the chrome is starting to bubble, but then I'm not a fair weather rider !!
Yes it's a heavy bike, but not really noticeable when riding it, I made the jump from a Jinlun JL-250 to this, ahh, why do things by half, granted it does have the turning circle of a super tanker, but again, soon get used to it.
It does get lot's of attention, and there's lot's of chrome to keep clean !!
written by on 26/03/2009
I buy this Honda VTX1300 in 2008 . Before i have shadow aero. The feeling to ride is great. i love the engine performance, but it is a little bit heavy.
written by on 15/01/2009
Overall the Honda VTX1300 is a beautiful bike, looks good sounds good, handles well, reliable, not bad on juice, a nice change from the Suzuki which I owned for 5 years. I would recommend this bike to anyone who can handle a big bike, its heavy. I am 6ft 1in and some cruisers feel cramped, not this one, plenty of leg room and ample room for a pillion, the Suzuki was poor in this respect. I recommend a wind shield especially if you live in northern europe, I also added a sissy bar, gives the bike a nice finish. Brakes are beautifully balanced and very effective without that mad bite that can lock up a front wheel in the wet. Not sure I like all the attention that this bike draws but hey, how bad?
written by on 08/12/2008
I have owned my Honda VTX1300s for a little over 2 years now and find it a very good cruiser. Very comfortable riding position for both rider and pillion. One problem I did discover was when the time came to change tyres! The front tyre size is a bit of an odd-ball size, and the rear tyre runs very close to the exhaust mounting bolts, so even if you do buy the recommended size rear tyre but in an alternative make, be careful it does not rub on those bolts! The speedo unit does rattle quite a bit but a nice pair of slash cut pipes sorted that out for me! All in all a good reliable bike with stunning looks and a pleasure to ride.
written by GUSBAIN on 01/09/2008
Bought it used it is very fast and smooth. Its has power. I think that the bike is fast and smooth but needs to be better on gas . connering needs to be better so that the floorboards dont touch.
written by kerryexile on 06/05/2008
The Honda VTX1300 is amazing. I decided not to go for the 1800 version so that I have a chance of keeping my license! I LOVE this bike to bits. It had some pinking/spluttering problems which seem to have been associated with a dirty air filter and gunk buildup inside the filter housing. If a reverse gear could be fitted it would make the bike perfect.
written by graybarnes on 22/02/2008
I upgraded from a Honda 750 C6 Shadow to this beast and I love it! All the looks and handling of it's baby sister but wooah! For a V twin, I was surprised at the smooth power and gear-shiftless overtaking it is capable of. Biggest drawback of owning one? Where ever you park you are inundated by misty eyed ex bikers wanting to know all about it and telling you about their old rides. I'm actually thinking about printing fliers with all the details on!
Ride safe.
Written on: 25/10/2008
I found this review helpful because made the comparison between a Shadow and the VTX, they are totally different bikes to ride, my 750 Shadow ACE (2004) was harder to ride than my VTX 1300S, since the latter has a lower centre of gravity, will sweep round those bends, but watch out for the sharp ones...
written by on 30/01/2008
I have owned a 2004 Honda VTX1300 Retro for 18 months now. Ultra reliable, smooth, quick (for a cruiser) but handling compromised by wide low floorboards that ground out too easily. Will ride all day at 80mph and with a decent screen this is quite possible. A good-looking tourer (but be prepared for lots of polishing to keep it that way!).
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Daisparks's Response to kerryexile's Review
Written on: 25/10/2008
I found this review helpful because I'm on my 2nd VTX1300S (thats another story), agree on the cornering bit, can take you by surprise as the bike bottoms out.