Honda VTX (Retro 1300) reviews

This is sort of my first bike. I had a Rebel 250 about five years ago, but to me that doesn't count. My wife slammed the Rebel after I had it a month, so my time on it was limited. The amount of confidence I had after my first ride was unbelievable! It is very balanced, very smooth and has plenty of power! My only complaint echos many others. I dislike the "cold-bloodedness" of the bike and I wouldn't mind a fuel gauge. However, this is a "Retro" bike and I suppose a fuel gauge wouldn't be very "retro." I am not the first owner of the bike and I've only had it a week, but I've already put 500 miles on it and I love it. I went into the search process looking for a Harley, anything from Sporty to Fat Boy. But I came across this beauty and I was ultra impressed by the price. Once I took the first ride, I was hooked. Show less

I have a 2006 that I bought a few months ago. My wife and I are in love. I have added a Batwing fairing with stereo, Cobra accessories and saddle bags. Show less

I bought this bike yesterday and love it. I rode it home in a 40 mph. cross wind and it stayed glued to the road. My last bike that I loved was a 2000 Honda Shadow 1100, but this beast is a dream come true. When I decided it was time for an new bike, I expected to get the VTX1300 but stumbled across the 1800 for about the same price, and got the bike I really wanted. Crack the throttle on this bike and you better have a good grip. If you don't think the front tire will not lift off the ground, hit a dip at full throttle from a start. This bike is a beast and if you are going to have a passenger, put a back rest on it, she will slip off if you don't. This bike will put a smile on your face and keep it there. I expect to ride this bike for years, and yes I will compare it to Harleys. No, the resale isn't as good, but then again the bike is about 1/3 the price to begin with. So get over the HD name and buy what rides good. I will take a water-cooled bike over an oil-cooled bike any day. Yes, I did make that choice when I bought my Shadow, it came down between that or an XL1200. I chose the Honda. Show less

I love this bike. I can't stay off it. Every chance I get, I go for a ride. I can't complain about anything on this bike. If anyone does, they don't know how great this bike is and compared to Harley as much of it is made in the USA. Show less

This is an excellent ride especially when you hit the highway. It's better than any other Harley or Kawasaki I have ridden. Show less

Wow where to start? Raw power. I call mine The Beast! I bought mine used with 8,000 miles. The only upgrade added was the seats. I have short legs, my inseam is 28 inches to give you an idea. I have no problem at stops, both feet flat on the ground. I receive compliments/stares every ride. Handles like a dream. Show less

Typical Honda-top notch fit and finish, rock solid handling, smooth fueling and good looks. It's also easy to work on doing self-maintenance activities like crank case oil and the final drive. I wanted a V-twin for the type of power delivery it gives. This machine gives you plenty of power delivery; more than you'll ever need legally. As I left the dealer on my first ride I couldn't believe how it pulled in every gear. Comfort is a bit down for me just because of the forward location of the floor boards rather than directly under me. I plan to cut off the heel shift peg so I can use the entire floor board on that side. The seat is a little thin but for around 100 mile ride it's no problem. It would lean over farther if the floor boards didn't scrape. Handling in the canyons around here is superb. At speed, 110mph, it's rock solid. I don't have that many miles but no problems at all. Bought it last November as a left over new bike; great deal and big bang for the buck. Show less

I have enjoyed getting back into the bike riding world since the gas prices did what they did in '07 and '08. Even with some relief at the pump, I still wouldn't give away my VTX 1300. It is a real pleasure to ride and very reliable. It has plenty of power for me to move ahead of anyone I need to and do it with class. Many people remark what a real looker it is. Show less

I purchased this bike on 7/25/09. This was the first time I have ever rode a motorcycle. It handles very well, it is comfortable and easy to manuever. I would recommend this bike to any one who is thinking about purchasing a bike, but thinks it is too complicated to ride. Show less

I got my first street bike when I was 17 (Suzuki VZ800) traded up to a vtx1300c5 in April 2006. Was able to get a pretty good deal on a leftover model. First year I put on about 12,000 miles. Did an, give or take, extended break in period, waited until about 4,000 miles to start adding parts and getting on it. Throughout the time I had the machine, it performed flawlessly. I was 17/18 when I got it, and just traded it in this past weekend, now 21. This bike was by no means treated well. I would constantly hit 60-65 in second gear, revving that 80ci to 5,000+. Always racing import cars light to light. The bike never left me stranded and couldn't have bought a better bike. I just traded to a 2003 Harley FLSTF(Fatboy) and must say the Honda will be greatly missed, but it's always been a dream of mine to own a Harley so no better time than the present. Nothing ever failed on the bike, quality and workmanship is top. If you're looking for a machine in this class, I would highly recommend a 1300, as of 09 Honda doesn't currently offer the 1800 now that the US plant is closed, and operations are shifting back to Japan. Being my size (5'7' 150lbs) a new seat should have been in the works, but after a few months you get used to it. The pullback risers brought the bars back perfectly for me. If you would a loud and quality(subjective to each) the HK sideburners are great. As far as the tach, I never liked to rev a motor without knowing, not a necessity, but if you beat on it as much as I did, sure was nice. The Honda would definitely beat out my almost stock Harley, Honda motor turned quicker. Show less