Honda VTX 1300C reviews

After finishing the first full year of riding this Harley Slayer, a couple of obervations. 2 roadtrips of over 1500 miles a piece was time well spent. 1. Reliability: Whether an 8000 ft Idaho mountain pass or sea level on the Oregon coast highway, the carbureted 1300 performed flawlessly. No misses, no power loss nothing. No matter the temperature, 105 degrees or 5 degrees starts and runs smoothly everytime. 2. Comfort: The factory seat is torture in the first degree. I have NEVER ridden a more uncomfortable seat in 30 years of motorcycling. For less than $300, a seat from Ultimate will make you forget the factory seat ever existed. 3. Power: Add a K&N Air filter for better power. Even 2 up on the interstate the bike pulls strong through 5k RPM with 40+ mpg on the flats. Run with the 1500 Yama's and Kawa's all day. 4. Style Points: 100/100 Black and Chrome with factory Mag wheels. Show less

I'm just a fair-weather rider that puts very little miles/summer. I wish I had more chances to ride (if I had saddle bags, I would). My bike is customized quite a bit. I wanted to share it to show what can be done with a stock VTX. I can't compare it to stock as I have never ridden a stock VTX. But, I can say this bike has tons of torque and is a blast to ride. I have always leaned towards Honda for the quality and reliability. If you are considering a big cruiser, you owe it to yourself to test ride a VTX1800. Show less

I had never owned or even ridden a Honda before I bought my 2003 VTX1800C. It's the most amazing piece of machinery I've ever had the opportunity to own! I took two road trips on it this year - once to Tennessee and once to Georgia (from New Hampshire). I didn't have a single issue with it either trip - and Georgia was down and back in 7 days (with a two day sight seeing in the middle). I'm 46 and had no problem putting 700 miles on her in a day and still getting up ready to do it again the next day! I may buy other bikes, but I will NEVER sell this one!! Show less

I have riden all of my life and I love this bike. It is the perfect balance of power and size. Not to big, with good balance, and fast. Everyone needs something pretty to work on, thats why people buy Harley`s! VTX 1300c is a great American made bike. Show less

I bought my 2003 VTX 1800R right out of the box. My last M/C was a new 1979 Honda Gold Wing, a plain Jane, nothing on it and it was pure power. My VTX has never been to the shop for anything, I change the oil and it has not been in for the valve check, if it runs good, don't mess with it!It's a Honda, it will last forever, very low maintence. I had the Honda package added at sale, upgraded widshield w/large light kit, studded saddle bags, sissy bar w/pad. Just came back from a 400 mile trip to San Antonio Texas, beautiful ride, smooooooth running VTX with power to spare. The only thing I changed was the seat, put a complete Mustang w/backrest(studded)seat, it rides even easier now on longer trips. I was behind a Gold Wing at 80mph all the way home, not a problems 2 up on my VTX. A superior M/C that you will not want to trade in unless it's for another VTX. Show less

I went from a 500 MuZ to this 1300 and it's much more stable and a perfect ride. I went with the larger bike rather than the 1100 Sabre due to the salesman recommendation. The 1300 was less than the 2006 1100. Glad I made the choice for the larger bike. Plenty of aftermarket parts that look great. The bike does make an odd tapping/clicking noise as others have expressed on this website, but it's just a minor annoyance. Great power and I found the stock seat to be not too bad. I would definitely recommend this bike over the Harley Fat Boy to everyone. Show less

This bike is just fun to ride. It's comfortable and has more power than a sane person needs. It handles like a dream and is very forgiving. I've noticed the Harley guys look, but stay out of the way. I think they know. A friend of mine who owns both a Harley and a VTX 1800R, says there is no comparison. He rides the Harley for nostalgic reasons once in a while, but gets on the Honda when he wants to do some serious riding. Show less

Ever since the 2004 VTXC arrived on the show room floors over 2 years ago, I have dreamed of owning one. Ever since I sat on the bike, and put my feet flat on the floor, and after I could feel how comfortable I felt on the seat, I knew the bike was for me. I am a short guy, but big in stature. I like the fact that my bike is 1300 cc's of raw power. I bought the bike in Maryville Tennessee. They gave me a killer deal and great service. I rode the bike back to Orlando Florida where I am from. What a rush. The bike is totally bad!!! Performance and riding all in one!!! This bike moves, I even left those other riders with me (all riding Harleys) in my dust!!! Thanks Honda for making the best bike ever!!! Show less

AFTER 20 PLUS YEARS OF NOT RIDING, I PURCHASED A USED 1982 HONDA MAGNA AND PUT 10K PLUS MILES ON DURING THE FIRST YEAR OF OWNERSHIP. I DECIDED TO BUY A NEW MOTORCYCLE AND AFTER 6-9 MONTHS OF COMPARING ALL MAKES AND MODELS, I DECIDED ON A 2004 HONDA VTX 1300R. IT'S BEEN 2 YEARS AND 22K MILES LATER AND I COULDN'T BE MORE SATISIFIED. I've BEEN TO NORTH CAROLINA(745 MILES IN ONE DAY)AND AVERAGE 200-300 MILES ON MOST DAYS OFF. I've MADE NO SEAT CHANGE BUT DO HAVE A GEL PAD ON THE SEAT FOR THE LONG RIDES. I WOULD BUY THE SAME MOTORCYCLE AGAIN AND FROM THE SAME DEALER. I ONLY EXPECT ADDITIONAL SERVICE AND ACCESSORIES WITH THE NEW OWNER. THANKS AGAIN. Show less

Having put 30,000+ miles on different machines before this bike, I can tell you that this machine rocks! It loves the twisties and running flat out. I never get tired of riding it. Found it new in a lost crate at a local dealer and bought it in Apr '05. Only average about 500 mi/month on this one, but that's not by choice. Wife loves to get her butt on the back and fly through the back country with me. Did I mention it loves the turns? The usual Honda 2nd-gear-clunk, and a tad cold natured, but this thing runs and sounds oh-so good! Lot's of second looks and compliments on looks. Bought a low-rise sissy bar for my honey to keep her butt from flying off, other than that, ride it stock. 80mph+++ wind resistence is not bad at all -- much better that any ride I've had. The 1300c is all the power you need if you wanna stay alive. Awesome acceleration and crusing speed. Did I mention it love the turns? Ride one. You won't wanna get off. Even with the stock seat. Gotta say that even though I don't get much butt fatigue even after couple hundred miles, my honey goes a tad numb after an hour due to the rather limited passenger seat dimensions. Hey did I mention how it LOVES the curves? Show less