VTX1300 review
Honda out-retros Harley, but irons out character in the process
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54 years 9 months
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 |
| Seats | 0 |
| Seat Height (mm) | 686 |
| Suspension Front | Front 41mm telescopic fork, 130mm axle travel |
| Suspension Rear | Rear Dual conventional dampers, 94mm axle travel |
| Adjustability Rear | 5-step adjustable spring preload |
| Wheels Made Of | Steel rim/wire spoke |
| Tyres Front | 140/80-17M/C 69H |
| Tyres Rear | 170/80-15M/C 77H |
| Brakes Front | Front 336 x 6mm hydraulic disc with dual-piston callliper |
| Brakes Rear | Rear 296 x 6mm hydraulic disc with single-piston calliper |
| Tank Capacity (litres) | 18 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 1669 |
| Ground Clearance (mm) | 130 |
| Trail (mm) | 144 |
| Chassis | Double-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 Gear | SOHC |
| Compression Ratio | 9.2 |
| Ignition | Digital transistorised with electronic advance; tw |
| Cooling | Liquid cooled |
| Fuel Delivery | 38mm CV-type carburettor |
| Stroke Type | Four Stroke |
| Drive | Shaft |
