Honda VT1300CT Interstate ABS: Specs, Background, Performance & More

Diversity is Honda’s middle name. The company has produced numerous cruisers and each bike outshines its predecessor. We usually see stunning bikes that only have good style and lack performance. And then there are performance beasts whose mechanical looks repel bike enthusiasts.

Honda offers the perfect blend of style, comfort, and advanced engineering. This was evident in the Honda Interstate ABS that was launched back in 2009. Even today, the bike is considered the best cruiser to ever grace the retail floors.

Wondering what’s so special about the Honda Interstate ABS? Cruising, touring, daily riding, you name it and the Interstate ABS can do it.

Read this bike profile offering detailed information about Honda Interstate ABS’s background, features, and detailed specifications.

In January 2009, Honda introduced its chopper-style cruiser, the Fury VT1300CX. The bike met huge success after its release in 2010. Bike enthusiasts were satisfied by the excellent engineering in the Fury. They were looking for an economical cruiser with decent performance and Honda delivered precisely what they wanted.

Confident due to the praise and encouragement, Honda decided to introduce three different motorcycle variants based on Fury’s engineering concept and configuration. These were the Honda VT1300CR Stateline, the VT1300CS Sabre, and the VT1300CT Interstate, the latter a bagger touring bike that eventually was equipped with the anti-lock braking system.

In this article, we will focus on the production of the Honda VT1300CT Interstate. Though inspired by the Fury lineup, the Honda Interstate ABS received a brand new steel frame with downtubes and a steel sub-frame with a steel swingarm. The chopper style of the Interstate ABS is evident through its long and low profile, low-slung 26.8-inch seat height, 33-degree rake, and 70-inch wheelbase. The best thing about the Interstate ABS was that it had the look and power to take you around the city every day. Plus you can take this cruiser out for a motorcycle tour.

The Honda Interstate ABS received the same liquid-cooled 52° V-twin motor with a displacement of 1312 cc. The engine has three valves per cylinder, two for air intake and one for exhaust. The touring accessories of the Interstate ABS make it distinct from the Fury motorcycles, Stateline, and Sabre cruisers.

The Interstate ABS is equipped with a wide windshield, hard leather saddlebags, and stylish floorboards. Although Honda launched the Stateline, Sabre, and Interstate cruisers in the same year (2009), it refrained from adding the ABS to the Interstate, while the other two variants featured the ABS. This is because the addition of touring accessories increased the base price of the Interstate by $1,000 and Honda wanted the bike to be under $13,000. So the 2009 and 2010 models of the VT1300CT Interstate lacked an ABS. However, from 2011 and onward, cruisers were equipped with an ABS.

As mentioned above, the Honda VT1300CT Interstate didn’t have the ABS option during the first two years of production.

The optional ABS with a CBS braking system was first introduced in 2011. The 2011 models were available in two distinct colors:

• Dark Red Metallic
• Black

In 2012, Honda introduced two colors, dark red metallic and classic black for the non-ABS version of the Honda VT1300CT Interstate.

The VT1300CT Interstate with an optional ABS and CBS system was available only in black.

The 2013 Honda VT1300CT Interstate ABS was available in only one classic color scheme:

• Light Metallic Silver

The color scheme of the 2013 model was repeated for the 2014 Honda VT1300CT Interstate ABS cruiser:

• Light Silver Metallic

The 2015 model of the Honda VT1300CT Interstate ABS was only available in black.

The Honda Interstate ABS looks contemporary and sleek with its long steel frame, large 4.4-gallon fuel tank, and custom touring accessories. The lustrous deep black paint job common in most models adds a hint of mystery to the bike. The color-matched frame accentuates the custom style of the bike. The wide windscreen not only keeps the elements at bay but also adds to the “touring” look of the bike. The liberal use of chrome on the fork covers usually sizzles up the look of an otherwise ordinary-looking cruiser. Honda applied this technique aptly to give the simple Interstate ABS a sophisticated look.

As always, the center of attention is the 1312 cc engine that releases low-end and mid-range torque for daily urban rides. But that’s not all. The SOHC liquid-cooled motor with a five-speed transmission and final drive shaft is responsible for an efficient and powerful long-distance cruising experience. For the Interstate ABS, Honda adopted a high-performance programmed fuel injection system for a controlled supply of both air and fuel to the engine. This system ensures effective fuel combustion and an exceptional fuel economy of 47 mpg. Moreover, the PGM-FI allows the bike to fire up without delay, even in cold temperatures.

For enhanced rideability, the Honda Interstate ABS features a 41mm front fork and a single rear shock. The front and rear suspension offer four and 3.9 inches of wheel travel respectively. The 33° rake and 4.6 inches trail allow for effortless steering and turning.

The Interstate ABS features a 336 mm single disc front brake with a twin-piston caliper and a 296 mm single rear disc with a single-piston caliper. The powerful brakes coupled with the optional ABS system offer quick stops for a safer ride.

The wide handlebars, low-seat, and full-size floorboards offer a naturally relaxed seating position. The features make this cruiser a comfortable ride for taller riders as well. To let you ride in style on highways, Honda has installed hardcover saddlebags on the Interstate ABS. So pack up and get ready to explore uncharted roads on this stunning cruiser!

The company has estimated that the Honda Interstate ABS has an estimated fuel economy of 47 miles per gallon (mpg). However, these numbers are not fixed and depend on the rider’s riding style, plus the frequency and quality of maintenance work done on the bike. External factors such as road conditions, natural elements, tire pressure, and add-ons installed may also affect the fuel economy of the bike.

The Honda VT1300CT Interstate ABS is powered by a 1312 cc motor that produces a peak torque of 107 Nm at 2250 rpm and can generate a horsepower of 57.8 hp. Having a curb weight of 728 lbs, this middleweight cruiser is easy to handle especially with its 27-inch low seat height that allows flat-footing at signals and parking spots. The bike produces vibrations at high speeds but this just adds to the overall cruiser experience. The throttle response of the bike is crisp, gear shifts are smooth, and immense stopping power makes this bike a winner.

The Honda Interstate ABS is capable of hitting a top speed of 100.5 mph and has an acceleration rate of 5.97 seconds.

The Interstate ABS is equipped with leather saddlebags to carry luggage, wide floorboards for comfortable foot positioning and long-distance riding comfort, and a wide windshield for wind protection. Moreover, the large fuel tank can hold about 4.4 gallons of fuel to allow long-distance travel. And it is add-on friendly which means you can add custom aftermarket parts and accessories to enhance the touring comfort of the bike. All things considered, it can be safely said that the Honda Interstate ABS is an excellent tourer.

The Honda Interstate is a great bike with useful features at a competitive price. Unfortunately, Honda stopped the production of the VT1300CT Interstate ABS in 2015. If you want to buy the bike, then used markets are your best bet.

The Interstate ABS is a super cool bike designed for the long haul. It delivers in terms of power and can also be outfitted with touring “goodies” like floorboards and saddlebags. But even this bike is not entirely perfect. You may need to add aftermarket parts to enhance your level of comfort and the look of your ride.

First things first, the 22-liter leather saddlebags are not even big enough to carry your helmet, let alone other large items. You would have to add new Honda saddlebags to be able to carry your luggage if you plan to go on a long vacation with your motorcycle.

Inviting someone to your motorcycle road adventure? Prepare your bike first. Use aftermarket parts to provide passenger comfort on your bike so that your partner doesn’t regret saying yes to tagging along.

Make your road or camping trip relaxing by adding new seats and backrests to your amazing tourer. Once that is off the checklist, find reliable sissy bars to provide back comfort to the passenger.

To upgrade your bike, you can always add aesthetic accessories such as luggage racks, fairings, crash bars, and handlebars.

This might seem a lot of work and expense, but you can always look for these accessories on sale. Premium brands like VikingBags put their high-quality items on sale now and then to help you find the best deals from the comfort of your home. Enjoy the customizing experience and travel in style!