Honda VTX (Retro 1300) reviews

Bought my bike used in 2009. Started out looking for an 1100 Shadow Spirit then found this huge bike. I thought it was too big for me but took it for a test drive and loved it. Bought it right then and there. Comfortable riding position and sleek looks. Lots of paint colors to choose from. Love everything about the bike but it only gets around 35 mpg, which is normal for aftermarket exhaust. I would recommend this bike to anyone who doesn't mind the lower mpgs. My friend bought a new Harley three times the price of my bike. Best of wishes and enjoy the open road! Show less

I bought it brand new in '07. It has been two years of nonstop riding; 16,000 miles, rain or shine. Never a problem! The wife also loves it! I could have bought two or three VTX for the price of one of some other brand. Show less

I was looking at (and test rode) two different bikes before I stumbled upon a 2003 VTX1800. Right away I knew that I would buy this bike. It puts you in a natural riding position and its handlebars are at a comfortable position. The only negative is the seat is a bit hard. It's not bad when you first get on the bike; it's only after you have been riding for an hour that it becomes uncomfortable. I plan on getting a Mustang seat for it which should make the ride much more comfortable.
The bike shifts great, has excellent pickup and rides real smooth (even at higher speeds).
I would highly recommend this bike to anyone who loves to ride! Show less

I've taken long trips through the mountains and across the prairies and this bike won't quit. The fuel injection allows this bike to scream down the road at any elevation. For the price and performance I don't know how I could ever match it again. This after 28,000 miles of every extreme condition and speed there is. Show less

I went to a local dealership bent on buying a Victory bike and they happened to have this 2003 VTX1800C sitting by the front door. I took the Victory for a test ride and came back thinking it was ok, but not great. Just for the heck of it, I decided to take the VTX for a ride. Let's just say I closed the deal as soon as I returned to the dealer. Looks, power, feel, balance; this bike has everything you could want. The only slight negative for me is the stock seat. Ok for shorter rides, but I will be upgrading soon to a Mustang, Corbin or some type of custom seat. Show less

I loved my beautiful black 2002 Shadow 750 Ace. I rode it for 5 years. It was my first bike at the age of 65 and I loved accessorizing. Most of my riding was for local commute. The bike was easy to handle and fuel efficient and never needed repair of any kind. When I moved to another town and had to take a longer distance commute, I realized the need for a more powerful and more stable ride for the freeway. Last year I considered other bikes but settled on the VTX after one sit at the dealer. It fit me perfectly. Then I searched around and found a used, very low mileage silver 2005 VTX 1300R in perfect condition and nicely accessorized. It's been a love fest ever since. The bike is everything all the other rave reviews claim. I still ride my 750 for local errands. At age 70 now I will keep riding both until strength and coordination give out. Show less

I've had my 1300C since May of 2006. I bought it new, even though it was the 2004 model. It is my first motorcycle, fresh out of the MSC. It seemed too large and powerful at first, but I have since learned to control it, love it, and push it to its limits. At my height and inseam, an 1800 might have been a better choice, but I adapted my 1300 for comfort and style instead. Overall, the 1300 can't be beat. Solid performance and great looks - just a great package. I have updated many parts to improve the ride quality and comfort, but even stock, the bike is great. I've done many short and long trips, two-up, with lots of luggage, and the VTX has always performed like a champ. I would recommend it to pretty much anyone looking for a metric cruiser. Show less

I've had my 1300R for a little over 2 years - great b-day present from my wife. Previously I owned an '83 Shadow 700 tariff-buster. After that Shadow I was a die-hard Honda Fan. This 1300R is everything I expected from Honda: reliable, easy ride and a nice aspect for us 6 feet & over folks. The tall windshield is a necessity for us on the highway. The worst possible thing I can say about it is the seat won't be very comfy on a longer haul for anyone larger than me. Show less

I bought my VTX 1800C used from my neighbor in Feb. 06, with 11,500 miles on the bike and have since added 7,000 miles on the fastest cruiser on two wheels. My VTX came with V&H long shots, Power Commander & Hyper Charger, and on top of all this it was dyno tuned to maximize this rocket of a motorcycle. It also came with a Corbin seat and Honda Line windshield. After my first year on the road with this bike, I have backed off a bit on the thottle and am now averaging about 35 mpg. I love the power & speed to pass anything in my way and look forward to the next ride everyday of the week. Show less

I've been riding for 20+ years and this past spring got onto a VTX1300C after riding all the competitors bikes in this class. The VTX put a smile on my face like my former '83 V65 used to. It's what I expect from a cruiser bike and unlike other reviews I've read feel there needs to be some little vibration if it's to be a true cruiser. If I wanted a perfect ride I'd look at the Wing. The vibration is minimal, power excellent and looks are head turning! One downfall is I feel the shifting could be quieter but it's still no different than any of the other bikes I test took for a test ride. My biggest gripe would have to be accessories costs greater than that of Harley! Show less