Honda VTX 1300c Reviews

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Honda VTX 1300c
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“not the best”

★★★☆☆

written by mikeparr on 13/04/2016

i have a 1300 and compaired to my other bikes I have owned by far not the best, its very noisy in the eng compartment not very smooth running and it needs a sixth gear for interstate travel backroads its fine but freeway no revs way to high oh and doint go to the vtx website and complain they will jump all over you

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“I LIKE MY VTX EXCEPT ”

★★★☆☆

written by 280MacLeod on 13/09/2015

I bought my 2006 vtx it with 5900 kms on it.. Its comfortable ride and overall I like the bike there is a few things that bother me about it however . Number 1 the clearance is very low . Lower then I would like it to be although that appeals to some people, it has caused me to rub my frame on the ground while going into parking lots and areas where the pavement is not totally level,, Number 2 it has no tachometer.. which means I have no idea what my rpms are revving at, and im always searching for another gear when im already in 5th.. it seems to rev quite high at 120 km ph.,,, Number 3 the speedometer is way off ,,like 10 kms off with stock tires,, Meaning when I think I'm doing the limit, My buddies are passing me wondering why I'm going so slow,, I don't like not knowing my speed ,, even if it is error on the safer side..This is a known issue apparently and there are companies that sell a corrector for the speedo Kind of dumb not to make an accurate speedo in my opinion. Stock seat was rather uncomfortable after a bit of riding,so I have a mustang seat on mine. Lots of chrome on this bike it looks great however many of the chrome parts are plastic and scratch very very easily leaving the chrome looking ugly,, I think for not too much extra Honda could have made these pieces metal ..and my last peve is that everything is very very compact and hard to work on .. a valve tappet adjustment requires fingers like pipe cleaners and its not a job for people who anger easily.. Not technically difficult but you cant get at anything with out taking the top of the bike apart its a pain to work on normally easy stuff..As well like removing a wheel or a tire due to the absence of a center stand and the fenders on mine are almost covering the whole tire .. you need a lift to get the rear off and im pretty sure the front as well , and the chrome pipes are right in the way.. almost everything on this bike is hard to get at with the exception of the air filter .. with all that bugs me about this bike the positive points are enough that I can get past them.. ride is smooth and handling is great for a bike that size and weight it runs like a top and sounds awesome and its a real head turner.. I think its a keeper but ill hate when I have issues to repair..

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Mstiggy's Comment

Written on: 19/09/2015

Thanks for great review, I was wondering about any issues with access for maintenance and you've cleared that up. Cheers :)

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“Poor Customer Service Response / 3 Defective Mirrors...”

★★★☆☆

written by on 01/06/2011

Just got off of the phone with customer service (6/01/11 @3:25p.m.)about assisting with the replacement of defective mirrors.....I have replaced the mirrors on my Honda VTX1300C twice. So there have been a total of three mirrors on the bike. It has been garaged since purchase (still looks new) and has approximately 2500 miles of use on the odometer. I have owned a Honda Civic recently and 2 ATV's (Foreman). Because of this recent communication with Honda, I will not recommend their products in the future and will not be purchasing anything from them. The Honda customer service agent did not seem willing to make things right with the consumer. He talked about getting an inspection from a Honda Dealer. I offer to mail the mirror and or pictures in a letter submitted to the corporate office in California. Poor customer service will get a company every time.........they lost at least one customer.

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“The Honda VTX 1300c is a bike that could have it all...”

★★★☆☆

written by on 17/05/2009

The Honda VTX 1300c is a bike that could have it all but... I believe that the engineers and designers at honda didn't think it through in a couple of areas. The brake pedal is much to short, and as of yet I cannot find any method of extending it. If you add a hypercharger it really becomes awkward.. So.. if braking is a factor in your purchase please consider. Also the installation of floorboards makes the controls basically unaccessable. So mine went back and stirrups were put in place, now I can shift. The nickel and dime mentality that was taken in regard to the plastic Vs metal covers was in my opinion just that. I would much rather pay more upfront and have the bike represent the quality that it otherwise exhibits. Almost there!!

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“Sold my superglide last year 'cause I was out of work....”

★★★★☆

written by on 30/07/2008

Sold my superglide last year 'cause I was out of work. Wanted to ride but not enough money for an HD. I've had Honda's in the past and loved them, so figured I try it again.
Kind of dissappointed about no tach and no fuel gauge. My Superglide had both and write where you could see them. Position of the footpegs, for me at least, were uncomfortable. You can't believe how small the brake pedal is (1300c). The T-Bars look nice, but to me are kinda wide.
I know, just little stuff, but I thought I would have to buy more things to make the bike the way I wanted it like I did with my Harley. Guess I'm just gettin' old!

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“This is my first bike and seems to be everything I was...”

★★★★☆

written by samiam1958 on 20/03/2007

This is my first bike and seems to be everything I was looking for without the cost of the over priced FatBoy. I'm teaching myself to ride and have been riding the bike in a empty trucking depot getting use to the operation of the bike, So far the only two things I've noticed after practicing stop and go I changed my stop and go from first to second gear and after stopping the gear would go to neutral, but would not go into first with out going to second and back to first. Don't know if its normal, remember this is my first bike, also I appear to have a loud gear shift sound from first to second. don't know what it sounds like from 2nd to 3rd I have not advanced to that point, but I can say the bike has more than enough power and I'm looking for a long term owner of the VTX. Please post any feedback, thank you.

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1300Cc's Response to samiam1958's Review

Written on: 11/08/2007

1st to 2nd gear change noise this loud is not normal for most bikes but seems to be for the VTX. When down shifting to 1st at a stop try easing the clutch out slightly it will go. I have owned many bikes but the VTX is my first cruiser and have the same issue. At 600 mile check, if its still a problem, I will ask dealer to adjust clutch for this problem. Must be a large span for gearbox between second - neutral - first.

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Fthomas's Response to samiam1958's Review

Written on: 22/08/2007

Good review. Great to hear from an inexperiened rider since that's what I am. Thank you.

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“Honda knows there is a problem in this Honda VTX and...”

★★★☆☆

written by 2wheelin on 14/06/2006

Honda knows there is a problem in this Honda VTX and choose not to correct it. Pulls to the right, wears tires on the left, developed a wobble at 13,000 miles, Honda will not correct problem, there is a design flaw in this bike that Honda will not correct. All that I have seen pull and have uneven tire wear. Most seem to wobble after around 12000 miles.

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“The Honda VTX 1300c is a great looking motorcycle that...”

★★★☆☆

written by SoonerDog. on 03/08/2003

The Honda VTX 1300c is a great looking motorcycle that will run with the Big Boys whether your route leads up & down the boulevards or out into the wide open spaces. But, while it will get you where you want to go with style and decent handling, you'll probably be glad to get off once you arrive.

The VTX 1300-C is just not very comfortable. Beyond an hour or so, vibration and poor seating begin to take their toll on a rider. While aftermarket products such as custom seats, highway pegs/floorboards and better handlebar grips would undoubtedly help, it's a shame that a bike of type isn't a bit more 'rider friendly' from the outset!

The VTX 1300 also has some annoying little quirks that, while not initially apparent, begin to make themselves known once the 'new bike thrill' starts to fade. These include a bothersome lean to the left (apparently due to excessive weight on the right side of the bike) as one motors down the road. There is also an annoying gear box 'clunk' when shifting from 1st to 2nd & back; excessive drivetrain lash when throttling up or letting off the gas and a little too much 'bounce' in the front suspension to suit my tastes.

It's safe to say I was disappointed with my 1300-C. Being priced from $600 to $1200 less than bikes in the 1500/1600 cc range, it initially seemed to be a great value. However, once I had ridden it for several hundred miles and compared it to the bikes some of my friends were riding, it became clear that the old adage, "you get what you pay for" applied here.

Honda has obviously elected to take some shortcuts with the 1300 VTX in order to keep the price down. Compared to a Kawasaki Mean Streak (a similarly styled bike), the Honda might cost a few hundred less, but comes up short in several respects. The Mean Streak boasts fuel injection, air-adjustable rear suspension, dual front discs, auto-off turn signals, imverted front forks, tank-mounted ignition switch & several other advanced features not found on the Honda. Furthermore, the Kawasaki motor is not only stronger power-wise, but much smoother & more responsive, as well.

The Bottom Line here is that, while the Honda VTX 1300 is a good choice for around-town cruising or short haul commuting, it isn't a very good road bike in stock form, nor is it as good a value as it first appears to be.

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Sarge7's Response to 121321_SoonerDog.'s Review

Written on: 13/10/2003

Apparently this person is a kawasaki sales represenative. I have no respect for his review.
<br>
<br>I am extremely happy with my 1300VTXc. I got it almost two weeks ago and it makes me feel like I did when i was only 6 yrs old on Christmas morning.

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Edlipa's Response to 121321_SoonerDog.'s Review

Written on: 30/12/2008

I have a 2005 vtx 1300 r , has only 4900 miles on it. I have only 1st and 2nd, cannot get any other gears. Has been pampered since new. Don't know what to do. Suggestions?

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356101_S A Kruz's Response to 121321_SoonerDog.'s Review

Written on: 01/04/2008

This bike makes way too much mechanical noise for my taste, sounds like a threshing machine at idle, can hear it over the Cobra exhaust...very annoying. Otherwise a decent enough bike.

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Crylo's Response to 121321_SoonerDog.'s Review

Written on: 06/07/2004

Well, I have only owned my VTX-1300 Retro for about 4 days now and I love it. I have noticed the clunk between 1st & 2nd gears. However, I have owned at least a dozen bikes in my lifetime and I think they all did it. I have found that if I accelerate a little harder right before shifting it lightens the clunk. I will have to say that I get a lot of comments over my "Retro". Every time I right it somewhere people are eyeing it. I originally wanted a Kawasaki Nomad 1500 but Kawasaki didn't feel like financing me and Honda did, so I bought a Honda. The bike does have its quirks, but I am satisfied. Of course, I only have 500 miles on it so far. That may change, but for now I think that I made a good choice.

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Gladiator77's Response to 121321_SoonerDog.'s Review

Written on: 08/05/2004

I bought my VTX 1300C 2 weeks ago. Its my first bike after years of riding ATV's. So far, I love it. I know its a big bike to get as a first, but I am 6'2", 250lbs, hockey player. If I started out smaller and lighter, I would be longing for the 1300C within a week. So I am glad I made this choice. I tried out several bikes and the 1300C seems to fit big guys with a long arm reach rather well. I can see if you are a smaller guy and have to lean forward being a pain in the butt, but everything seems fine as far as fit...even the seat. But that depends on the rider. I have noticed that "clunk" between 1st and 2nd gear that did scare me until I read it here that everyone has that noise. Reminded me too much of the old ATV clunking. I also had to tighten the hose clamps for the coolant at the bottom of the bike. Found it leaking one day. But I guess that is someone elses slip up when putting them on the hose.
<br>Overall, I am satisfied. I look forward to the long trips to see how the bike upholds itself in the comfort department. I know already that it can fly at topend. This bike tempts the rider to keep accelerating.

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152281_Gangi129's Response to 121321_SoonerDog.'s Review

Written on: 20/04/2004

The reviewer has hit on several good points. The bike does leave out several of the qualities that others in it's size come standard with, such as fuel injection.Yet as was said by someone," you can't have it all. " I'm only concerned with the mechanical problems, such as the shifting from 1st to 2nd and back down.The speedometer case does rattle (they used rubber washers to correct mine). The bike has a very good look to it with some pretty good torque, though I would prefer it had more horsepower and a bit more torque. I would have incorporated a speedometer, tach, and fuel gauge all in one and definitely it should be fuel injected. As for things such as the seat or handlebars, you won't find any bike where that is all just right unless you have the bike built for you. All in all it's a very good bike. Lastly has anyone else noticed that the speedometer is off by 5mph all the way up. This calculates incorrect mileage for your bike.

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Tbgtom's Response to 121321_SoonerDog.'s Review

Written on: 22/01/2004

This reviewer is right on target. Although he also left out the fact that the instrument panel and exaust also vibrate and make noise. Ending up stuffing a sponge under the tank gauage package just to quiet it down (which actually worked).

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Paul K's Response to 121321_SoonerDog.'s Review

Written on: 12/01/2004

I have a 1300 VTX R and I truely love it. The only thing I am going to change is the seat. Other than that I have absolutely no complaints. Go buy a Honda at a wonderful price and be happy.

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Robert White's Response to 121321_SoonerDog.'s Review

Written on: 12/01/2004

I Bought my VTX 1300C in June of 2003.I love this bike, it handles great, it has good throttle responce.I't was a little uncomfortable on long rides, a set of hiway bars fixed that(I'm 6'2")
<br>I replaced the exhuast with a set of Cobra Low Boy Staggerd. This fixed the weigh problem on the right side of the bike.(the Stock Exhuast is real heavy)Now it sounds as good as it looks, And handles even better.

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R Radosti's Response to 121321_SoonerDog.'s Review

Written on: 06/01/2004

I have to say that I agree with Soonerdog to a point. It's true about the shift noise from 1st to 2nd, and back. Something that sounds that bad has to be doing some kind of damage over a period of time. I also noticed the lean to one side and glad to know it's a common problem, not only to my bike. I plan to eventually do something to get the handlebars positioned closer to me so I won't have to lean forward for long distances. It is tough on the back. I could have bought a Shadow but wanted more power so I took what was available without going to the heavier 1800. I'm happy with the choice I made with the 1300C. None of them are going to be perfect for each individual but Honda is the best choice. Its dependable and reliable. I live in New Orleans and it gets hot. A bike that's only air cooled is not the best choice down here, especially in heavy traffic. So you have to weigh everything out when buying a motorcycle and I'm satisfied. The price was right and I'll put the few extras on it and have the perfect bike for me.

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Malenurse's Response to 121321_SoonerDog.'s Review

Written on: 14/11/2003

He is right I have the exact same complaits with the bike. The bike should track a straight line if you take your hands off the handlebars. I called honda and all they said was they don't recommend doing that. If all these custom bike can make a bike track straight why can't Honda. I think Honda's overall quaility is down with everthing they make now.

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Bahls2Tw's Response to 121321_SoonerDog.'s Review

Written on: 31/10/2003

I've had my 03"VTX 1300 Retro" for about 1 yr.
<br>I've been to "Vegas", "Longbeach","Julian",the "Rincon Run", up and down the "So Cal coast"... I don't know what this guy is talking about! My bike is sweet,all the fellas want to be on my bike...(and all the ladies)Get yourself a "VTX" and get a girl and go ride...

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Philb81B's Response to 121321_SoonerDog.'s Review

Written on: 31/10/2003

I think this guy fell and bumped his head. I have had my 1300s retro for 5 months, and I could'nt be happier with it. Myself and wife have made several long trips on it and have enjoyed every mile. Bottom line "Stuiped people should'nt breath"

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Blkvtxrider's Response to 121321_SoonerDog.'s Review

Written on: 17/10/2003

Soonerdog doesn't know what he's talking about. I've got over 3000 miles now on my VTX C and it just keeps getting more fun to ride. Great for two up riding and the ride is smooth both solo and two up and the power there when you need it.
<br>It will be Honda's top seller before all said and done.

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Asked by coachron12837 on 5th June 2014 Report this content
I own a 2007 Honda vtx 1300c. It has about 4500 miles on it. I recently changed the plugs, put carburetor cleaner through it, changed the oil and am burning high test. It seems to be running a little rough. Does anyone have any suggestions?

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Answers (1)
Report this content tc40 Written on: 05/06/2014
Hi the VTX 1300 normally runs fine and with no issues, does the bike have any mods ie Different exhaust to standard, K and N air filter is the bike the fuel injected model? any of these can make a difference, in the meantime try some supper unleaded fuel, maybe a treat to some redex avoid cheap supermarket fuel and give it a good blast to clear the system.
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