Honda VTX 1300 C - Specs, Background, Performance & More

Most people ride for speed, while others equate motorcycling to freedom. The adrenaline rush you get going on motorcycle rides makes them serious stress busters. These two-wheelers are also good for having fun and going on adventures.  Motorcycles are considered a passion among enthusiasts.

But the million-dollar question is: do all motorcycles manage to satisfy their riders’ needs and passions? Not all, but some motorcycle companies do conduct in-depth market research to find out what their customers want and deliver it through their bikes.

This is exactly what Honda did before introducing the popular VTX 1300 C lineup.

VTX stands for V-twin extreme. Honda released its 1300 VTX C lineup in 2004 to provide a greater selection of high horse-power cruisers.

Here is a bike profile to help you buy your cruiser motorcycle. Read on to find out a brief background, detailed specifications, and performance figures of the Honda VTX 1300 C series.

Honda launched the first member of its VTX series, the Honda VTX 1800 in 2001. The engine of this V-twin cruiser had the largest displacement in the world. These head-turning bikes marked a new era of motorcycle technology. However, Honda soon realized that their VTX 1800 bikes were too big and expensive for many riders. Therefore, in 2004, the motorcycle company introduced the VTX 1300 C bikes which were a downsized version of the VTX 1800. These middleweight cruisers were a great hit among bike enthusiasts and sold quickly.

The year 2009 was the final production year for the Honda VTX 1300 C bikes. In 2010, the company introduced the VT 1300 C Custom line to replace the VTX 1300 line. Throughout its production, the models featured a similar 1312 cc V-twin motor. The performance figures and design style also didn’t see many variations. The only distinction found between the 2004-2009 models is in their unique color scheme.

The 2004 model of the Honda VTX 1300 C came with cast-alloy wheels and drag-style handlebars. The bike lacked the floorboards and heel-and-toe shifters that its companion model, the VTX 1300 S had.

The 2004 Honda VTX 1300 was available in the following colors:

• Black
• Candy Red
• Pearl Orange
• Metallic Silver

The 2005 Honda VTX 1300 C models featured two new colors in addition to black and candy red:

• Bright Blue Metallic
• Titanium

The 2006 Honda VTX 1300 C was available in the following colors:

• Candy Black Cherry
• Dark Gray Metallic
• Candy Orange
• Classic Black

The 2007 Honda VTX 1300 C was available in the following colors:

• Pearl White
• Pearly Dark Blue
• Pearl Bright Green
• Dark Red
• Black

The 2008 Honda VTX 1300 C got a restyled two-into-two exhaust system with bullet-style mufflers for a timeless look. The chrome side covers and a range of new colors increased the demand for the 2008 model. The bike featured the following colors:

• Metallic Black
• Metallic Silver
• Pearl Yellow
• Candy Red

The 2009 Honda VTX 1300 C model stood out with its custom cast wheels covered in striped down fenders, one-piece seat, and the following exciting colors:

• Titanium
• Dark Blue Metallic
• Metallic Red
• Black

The Honda VTX 1300 C is a classic motorcycle that offers a perfect blend of traditional cruiser style and modern technology. The bike looks extremely stylish with its custom cast wheels that provide the VTX 1300 C with its performance-custom profile.

In the heart of the bike lies a 1312 cc V-twin engine that screams power and ensures an enjoyable riding experience. The 1312 cc engine delivers a strong low-end and mid-range torque with lots of power for relaxed cruising. With the extensive chrome finishing of the engine parts, including the cylinder head covers, valve inspection covers, airbox cover, left crankcase cover, clutch cover, and left-rear engine cover, the bike looks sophisticated and expensive beyond its actual price.

The thick 170/80-15 rear tire translates  VTX’s remarkable engine power with the ground and has exceptional traction. The dual exhaust with shorter pipes and minimalist design of the front and rear fenders complements the street rod styling of the cruiser. Artfully designed tank-mounted chrome housing features useful instruments that allow a safe riding experience. The bike features dual chromed rear shocks with a five-position preload adjustment feature and an advanced internal valve system for a comfortable ride.

The solo seat design and forward controls impart the “bobber-style” to this cruiser. The raked-out fork and titled handlebars add to its charm. The braking system lacks in terms of styling but owners seldom complain because it functions so well.

• 1312 cc Engine

The 1312 cc engine generates enough power and a soul-satisfying rumble that is the essence of every bike ride.

• Shaft Final-Drive

The shaft final drive system provides an effortless, low-maintenance operation.

• Clutch

The durable wet clutch system utilizes a rubber damper to allow smooth gear transitions.

• Tubular Steel Frame

The huge tubular steel frame contains engine power, giving a sleek and low stance to VTX 1300 C.

• Cam-chain Tensioners

The cam-chain tensioners are automatic and low-maintenance.

• Superb Lighting

The chrome-hooded headlight housing contains a powerful, 55/60 W halogen bulb with a computer-designed multi-reflector for improved visibility in all weather conditions.

• 4.8 Gallon Fuel Tank

The 4.8-gallon fuel tank increases the cruising and touring range.

• Driven-flange Design

The driven-flange design at the final-drive gear eliminates final-drive noise and wear. It also makes rear wheel installation easy.

• Handlebar & Hand Grips

The handlebar design greatly improves the ergonomics of the bike as it facilitates a comfortable, upright riding posture. The padded, large-diameter handgrips with polished aluminum handlebar switch housings and triple clamp assembly add to the aesthetic and comfort of the bike.

• Rear Shocks

The dual chromed rear shocks with an adjustable preload allow a comfortable riding experience at long distances.

• Dry-sump Oil System

The bike features a unique dry-sump oil system that utilizes a closed crankcase design. Due to this design, the oil tank is enclosed in the gearbox case. With this design feature in place, the engine revs freely and generates more power. The engine height is also lowered significantly which allows better riding ergonomics when paired with a low 27-inch seat.

The Honda VTX 1300 C boasts a reliable and low-maintenance engine. The VX engine is a 1312 cc liquid-cooled 52° V-twin and is shorter and lighter than its 1800 cc counterparts. Its overhead cam cylinder heads have a screw-type valve adjustment and two plugs per cylinder for higher combustion efficiency. The VTX 1300 C engine has a single crankpin that is responsible for the engine’s deep rumble. To reduce the harsh engine vibration, a pair of two-axis primary counterbalancers are installed. The engine mounting systems are also designed to reduce unwanted vibrations and retain the pulse of the engine.

To produce optimum flow for the incoming air/fuel charge, the three-valve cylinder head features 31 mm intake valves and a big 40 mm exhaust valve. The coolant-heated carburetor ensures smooth cold-weather operation and enhances rideability. Unlike the VTX 1800s, none of the VTX 1300 C models are fuel injected. They feature a single 38 mm constant-velocity carburetor that provides a crisp throttle response at all speeds.

For optimum engine performance and a longer life span, it is important to maintain the engine temperature. To meet this requirement, the cruiser exhibits a radiator with cooling fans.

The Honda VTX 1300 C bikes come with a front disc brake that features a twin-piston caliper with a stainless steel rotor having a large diameter of 336 mm. The rear braking comes with a single-piston caliper and a 296 mm stainless steel rotor setup. The brakes provide ample stopping power. The efficient braking system makes this vehicle safe to ride at high speeds.

The rider can push this bike at a top speed of 113 mph based on maximum rpm.

The Honda VTX 1300 C is considerably heavy at 689 lbs as it is equipped with a 4.8-gallon fuel tank, but it is still lighter and more agile than other cruisers.

More than a decade ago, Honda discontinued the production of VTX 1300 C cruisers in 2009. Though this model has some user-friendly features and adequate performance numbers, you may feel that there is much room for improvement when compared with the latest cruisers featuring similar specifications.

Whether you want to renew your already owned VTX 1300 C or you want to buy a used bike and customize it according to your tastes, there are different aftermarket parts available to help you upgrade your ride.

The VTX 1300 C comes with a solo seat, but you can add a passenger seat and sissy bars to make it comfortable for pillion riding. Though a VTX 1300 is inherently a cruiser and not a touring bike,  a few add-ons like a windshield, highway pegs, and a more comfortable seat can help you convert this everyday cruiser into a touring bike.

Want to carry stuff along to change your bike tour into a camping trip? With the VTX 1300, almost anything is possible. Simply add a pair of premium-quality saddlebags or any other kind of luggage bag and you are all set to travel more than 500 miles on your Honda VTX 1300 C.