Honda VTX1300S reviews

Well to start, I had my heart and mind set on a 2005 H-D Softail Deluxe. Due to delivery problems and lacking service during the sale I began to reasearch other companies. I walked into the the local Honda dealer here and there she was - the VTX 1300s in silver. I sat on the bike, got great service from the salesman, and the next day, I bought it. Little did I know the bike I was getting. It took a week for the rain to stop before I could really ride it, and I was nothing but impressed. I had some hesitation issues about mile 15, but I think it was me getting used to the gears and powerband of this fine machine. Once educated, she ran smooth, powerful and really comfortable. I realize that it is over half the price of the HD because of the chromed plastic vice actual chrome, but it is easy to accessorize and also very economical to customize, and not having to order parts through the dealership. Overall, I really love this bike, and after finding all the VTX rider groups and following, well I do not see myself parting with this bike ever! Show less

I Just got my 04 1300s. It only had 650 miles on the odometer. When I picked her up. I've put 300 miles on it in just a few days. What a great bike! If you're in the market for a bike, look no further. It's that good. Show less

Okay, I've been riding it for a while now (1 1/2 seasons) and I love the bike. Admittedly, I have only my Shadow Ace(750) to compare against but I love the way the 1300 digs so deep in the torque department and negates the necessity of downshifting at highway speeds in order to pass. I also love the almost fool-proof bottom end power when it comes to city traffic where one might be more likely to stall when leaving an intersection. It is very user friendly and an absolute pleasure to ride. Geared for inexperienced riders while being more than enough for those with a few miles under their belt as well. The 1300S also balances very well during low speed maneuvers and is a pleasure to idle through parking lots where one has to watch for pedestrians who happen to be watching your mount instead of where they are going. I had the windshield/light-bar ensemble installed on my bike and my only complaint with it so far is that the windshield does not provide adequate shelter from the wind. My 750 does a much better job in this department. If anyone has any ideas for correcting this problem I would like to hear from them. This is one semi-experienced rider who definately recomends the 1300 for those who are breaking into the big-bike category. Oh, in case you were wondering, I have elected not to try my bike for "top indicated speed" as I would prefer to have that fact remain a mystery, even to me. This really bothers my friends who really would like to know that little tidbit of information. Show less

I spent the whole morning looking at Harley's and being disgusted by the prices. That afternoon I went to my local Honda Dealer who's always sending flyers and coupons to my house for the last 3 years. I told them I was interested in buying a Fat Boy but it was way over priced. They showed me the VTX1800 and the VTX1300. I wasn't really impressed because they both looked big expensive and heavy. After I sat on the 1300 and balanced it became a little more interesting. After I heard the price I was floored. It was half what a new Fat Boy cost. Needless to say it didn't take long to complete the sale. It already had all the chrome and accessories I needed and lotts of power. Show less

I took my VTX from Michigan to Washington and back, what a blast! I am on my second rear tire, and the VTX is still running flawlessly. I can't wait to put another 15,000 miles on my VTX 1300. Show less

Great, though not perfect. What bike is? The VTX1300 is Honda's attempt to build a more vercitel motorcycle. Hence, it employs a single crankpin engine design which has inherently more vibration than a V-Twin with offset dual crankpins. They have taken steps to calm the vibrations and I personally find it very pleasant, soothing actually. Of course this same engine design philosophy generates a more pleasant (proper) exhaust note, especially when uncorked with pipes. Reliability has been stellar throughout 2 years and 11,300 kilometers. Balance is supreme and I find myself repeatedly stopping at stop signs (briefly) without putting a foot down. The floorboards allow about 10" of for/aft feet placement for a change of posture during distance riding. Stability with the Hondaline Windshield is stellar and trucks don't bother it on the freeway. Fuel economy is very good for a heavy weight cruiser, (I've averaged over 44 mpg U.S., 53 mpg Canadian, since new). The carburetion is spot on, at least on my particular bike. Downsides include an engine Clattering/Hammering noise under load (some say it is related to the single crankpin design, but I've never ridden a Harley so can't say for sure some front end dancing/wobbling when decelerating through 40 mph (it stops completely on mine if I pull in the clutch so I suspect it is some kind of sympathetic oscillation with the engine vibration) that varies from bike to bike; and the gearbox is noisy shifting from 1st-2nd or 2nd to 1st (it has straight cut gears like a race car so it is very robust). Many riders have swapped out the front springs with Progressive units. Would I buy another VTX 1300? In a heartbeat! Show less

My first Honda was a 1998 Spirit which I enjoyed very much, but my better half complained that it was uncomfortable on the back seat so to keep her happy I traded for a 1995 Goldwing which made her a lot happier. After two years on the Goldwing and my better half gave up interest riding and I missed a lighter ride, so I traded for the VTX1300S which I fell in love with after seeing it on the showroom floor. After 800 miles including a trip to Daytona Bike Week (all in one week) I'm totally satisfied with the 1300 S. Of course it's not as smooth on the highway but I had a lot more fun with its great handling and performance. I average 37-40 MPG on trips and about 32 MPG local riding. Would like to see less plastic and it would of been nice to have a tachometer. Show less

I have really enjoyed having this bike. It has plenty of power and despite its size (big), the bike handles very well. I have had it out on the highway a number of times and have been pleased. If I were to make any changes I would have liked to have tubeless tires (2005 VTX1300R) and would have been willing to pay a couple of hundred dollars more to have a little less plastic on the engine. Pretty minor gripes. Show less

I am a first time bike rider and I recently purchased the Honda VTX 1300S and I have to say it rides GREAT! I was very intimidated at first but once I got the nerve and started riding, it seemed to be smooth riding from there. I would definitely recommend this bike to anyone. Show less

This bike is awesome. It sticks to the corners very well. It has a lot of power and giddy-up. Cruises very good between 65 - 80 mph. After replacing the stock seat with a Mustang seat with driver backrest, I can ride for hours without discomfort. The stock seat was the only drawback to the VTX 1300 S for me. Show less