Honda VTX1300 review

Honda out-retros Harley, but irons out character in the process
Retro styling
Asthmatic engine

Chrome, chrome, and even more chrome adorn the VTX1300.

Successfully aping the Harley’s of the 1950’s, the VTX1300 relies upon its looks and the fact that the 1312cc motor is as reliable as strawberries and rain during Wimbledon fortnight. Often ignored for the larger 1800cc version, the 1300 handles better, weighs less and provides slightly more ground clearance. Plus at only £7849 it is £2500 cheaper.

Being shaft driven it is also maintenance free, always a nice bonus. Only downside is that it does everything almost too easily that it rids the bike of some of that adrenalin buzz.

Chrome, chrome, and even more chrome adorn the VTX1300.

Successfully aping the Harley’s of the 1950’s, the VTX1300 relies upon its looks and the fact that the 1312cc motor is as reliable as strawberries and rain during Wimbledon fortnight. Often ignored for the larger 1800cc version, the 1300 handles better, weighs less and provides slightly more ground clearance. Plus at only £7849 it is £2500 cheaper.

Being shaft driven it is also maintenance free, always a nice bonus. Only downside is that it does everything almost too easily that it rids the bike of some of that adrenalin buzz.

Length (mm)2575
Width (mm)960
Height (mm)1125
Dryweight (kg)300
Seats0
Seat Height (mm)686
Suspension FrontFront 41mm telescopic fork, 130mm axle travel
Suspension RearRear Dual conventional dampers, 94mm axle travel
Adjustability Rear5-step adjustable spring preload
Wheels Made OfSteel rim/wire spoke
Tyres Front140/80-17M/C 69H
Tyres Rear170/80-15M/C 77H
Brakes FrontFront 336 x 6mm hydraulic disc with dual-piston callliper
Brakes RearRear 296 x 6mm hydraulic disc with single-piston calliper
Tank Capacity (litres)18
Wheelbase (mm)1669
Ground Clearance (mm)130
Trail (mm)144
ChassisDouble-cradle; steel tube
Cubic Capacity (cc)1312
Max Power (bhp)74
Max Power Peak (rpm)5000
Torque (ft/lb)91
Torque Peak (rpm)3000
Bore (mm)89.5
Stroke (mm)104.3
Valve GearSOHC
Compression Ratio9.2
IgnitionDigital transistorised with electronic advance; tw
CoolingLiquid cooled
Fuel Delivery38mm CV-type carburettor
Stroke TypeFour Stroke
DriveShaft