Honda VTX 1300 Vs. Yamaha V Star 1300

• Table of Contents
• 1. Honda VTX 1300 Vs. Yamaha V Star 1300
• 2. Detailed Specs Comparison: Honda VTX 1300 Vs. Yamaha V Star 1300
• 3. Design: Honda VTX 1300 Vs. Yamaha V Star 1300
• 3.1 Design: Honda VTX 1300
• 3.2 Design: Yamaha V Star 1300
• 4. Engine and Performance: Honda VTX 1300 Vs. Yamaha V Star 1300
• 4.1 Engine and Performance: Honda VTX 1300
• 4.2 Engine and Performance: Yamaha V Star 1300
• 5. Comfort and Ergonomics: Honda VTX 1300 Vs. Yamaha V Star 1300
• 5.1 Comfort and Ergonomics: Honda VTX 1300
• 5.2 Comfort and Ergonomics: Yamaha V Star 1300
• 6. Pros and Cons: Honda VTX 1300 Vs. Yamaha V Star 1300
• 6.1 Pros and Cons: Honda VTX 1300
• 6.2 Pros and Cons: Yamaha V Star 1300
• 7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• 7.1 How Fast Does a Yamaha V Star 1300 Go?
• 7.2 Is a Yamaha V Star 1300 Reliable?
• 7.3 What are the Key Differences between the Honda VTX 1300 and the Yamaha V Star 1300?
• 8. Which is Better: the Honda VTX 1300 or the Yamaha V Star 1300?

1. Honda VTX 1300 Vs. Yamaha V Star 1300

“God didn’t create metal so that man could make paper clips!”

Giant motorcycle companies make sure that they use metal to produce something useful and exciting. Honda and Yamaha are two Japanese motorcycle manufacturers that made sure to use metal to produce reliable, top-quality, and affordable motorcycles with low failure rates. Honda and Yamaha produce all types of motorcycles with low, mid, and high-power ranges. Despite manufacturing cheaper motorbikes, both Honda and Yamaha do not compromise on the quality of their motorcycles’ looks and performance.

The Honda VTX 1300 and the Yamaha V Star 1300 (also known as Midnight Star) share similar looks and purposes. Both motorcycles offer comfortable cruising experiences and powerful performances at mid-range. Both motorcycles are capable of two-up riding, being fitted with powerful liquid-cooled engines, five-speed transmissions, and telescopic front forks. However, the major difference between the Honda VTX 1300 and the Yamaha V Star 1300 is their fuel delivery systems. The older Honda VTX 1300 was fitted with a single 38 mm constant velocity carburetor and a manual choke for cold starts. Meanwhile, the Yamaha V Star 1300’s engine was fitted to a fuel injection system with 40 mm dual bores. This article is a detailed comparison between the Honda VTX 1300 and the Yamaha V Star 1300.

Also Read: HONDA VTX 1300S VS HARLEY DAVIDSON SPORTSTER 1200C

2. Detailed Specs Comparison: Honda VTX 1300 Vs. Yamaha V Star 1300

2009 Honda VTX 1300		2015 Yamaha V Star 1300
Identification
Honda	Maker	Yamaha
VTX 1300	Model	V Star 1300
2009	Year Model	2017
Cruiser	Motorcycle Type	Custom / Cruiser
VTX1300R, VTX1300C, VTX1300T, VTX1300S	Model ID	XVS1300A
$9,999	Base Price	$11,290
Engine and Performance
1,312 cc	Displacement	1,304 cc
SOHC, 52 ° V-Twin	Engine Design and Type	SOHC, 60 ° V-Twin Engine with Ceramic Composite Cylinder Sleeves and Forged Pistons
Liquid-Cooled	Cooling System	Liquid-Cooled
Two	No. of Cylinders	Two
Three	Valves Per Cylinder	Four
74 hp at 5,000 rpm	Horsepower	72.5 hp
123 Nm at 3,000 rpm	Torque	110.9 Nm at 4,000 rpm
104.3 mm / 4.1 in	Stroke	83 mm / 3.27 in
89.5 mm / 3.52 in	Bore	100 mm / 3.94 in
Single 38 mm Constant Velocity Carburetor	Fuel Injection System	Fuel Injection System with 40 mm Dual Bores
9.2:1	Compression Ratio	9.5:1
Five-Speed	Transmission	Five-Speed
Shaft	Final Drive	Belt
Multiplate, Wet Clutch	Clutch	Multiplate, Wet Clutch
N/A	Fuel Economy	42 mpg
Chrome, Separate Dual Mufflers	Muffler	Single Chrome Muffler
Two-Into-Two Exhaust	Exhaust	Two-Into-One Exhaust
Steel, Double Cradle Frame	Frame	Steel, Double Cradle Frame
Electric	Starter	Electric
Wheels
Custom Cast Wheels	Wheels	Cast Seven-Spoke Aluminum Wheels
Braking
336 mm Single Disc with Dual-Piston Caliper	Front	298 mm Dual Hydraulic Discs
296 mm Single Disc with Single-Piston Caliper	Rear	298 mm Hydraulic Disc Single
No	ABS	No
Suspension
41 mm Telescopic Front Fork	Front	41 mm Telescopic Front Fork
Dual Shock Absorbers with Five-Position Spring-Preload Adjustability	Rear	Single Shock Absorber
5.1 in	Front Wheel Travel	5.3 in
VTX1300C: 3.6 in VTX1300R / VTX1300S: 3.7 in	Rear Wheel Travel	4.3 in
Dimensions and Weight
VTX1300R / VTX1300S: 149 mm / 5.9 in VTX1300T: 144 mm / 5.7 in	Trail	144.78 mm / 5.7 in
32.4°	Rake	32.7°
4.8 gal	Fuel Tank Capacity	4.9 gal
5.1 in / 130 mm	Ground Clearance	5.71 in / 145 mm
37.8 in / 960 mm	Width	39.4 in / 1000.76 mm
N/A	Height	45.1 in / 1145.54 mm
2576 mm / 101.4 in	Length	2489.2 mm / 98 in
VTX1300R / VTX1300S: 27.5 in VTX1300T: 27.4 in	Seat Height	27.2 in
VTX1300R / VTX1300S: 65.5 in VTX1300T: 65.7 in	Wheelbase	66.5 in
VTX1300C: 678 lbs / 307.5 kg VTX1300R: 710 lbs / 322 kg VTX1300T: 748 lbs / 339.3 kg	Wet Weight	668 lbs / 303 kg

3. Design: Honda VTX 1300 Vs. Yamaha V Star 1300

3.1 Design: Honda VTX 1300

The Honda VTX 1300 has multiple variants, including the VTX 1300R, VTX 1300C, VTX 1300T, and VTX 1300S. The Honda VTX 1300 could be customized with 30 different aftermarket parts. It comes with a blacked-out frame and a radiator behind the front wheel due to being fitted with a liquid-cooled system. The chrome parts include separate dual mufflers, an air filter, cylinder heads, a front fork, and a chrome-hooded headlight. The Honda VTX 1300’s broad fuel tank with mounted gauges has a fuel capacity of 4.8 gals. The Honda VTX 1300 also comes with semi-sweptback handlebars, a raked-out front end, and forward-mounted floorboards with a heel-and-toe shifter to give this motorbike a retro look. The Honda VTX 1300 is fitted with trimmed and balanced front and rear mudguards and custom cast wheels wrapped around a 140/80-17 front tire and a 170/80-15 rear tire for better traction. If you love touring, the Honda VTX 1300T comes with stock saddlebags, a large windscreen, and sissy bars for better touring performance.

3.2 Design: Yamaha V Star 1300

The Yamaha V Star 1300 is a powerful, bulky cruiser with retro yet modern looks with slightly sporty and light handling. It comes with a blacked-out frame, engine fins, and a radiator with lustrous chrome parts, including a two-into-one exhaust, cylinder heads, a headlight nacelle, and a front fork. With a wheelbase of 66.5 inches and a wet weight of 303 kg, it is a midsize cruiser with a streamlined design. The pulled-back handlebars are fitted with chrome side mirrors and gauges. The Yamaha V Star 1300 also comes with two-piece rider and passenger seats. The tuck and roll rider’s seat also provides lower-back support. The Yamaha V Star 1300 also comes with chopped and pointed front and rear fenders. It also has a modified triangular-shaped head and tail light. The Yamaha V Star 1300 is also available in a touring version with a large, stock windscreen, saddlebags, and a passenger backrest. The chopped front and rear fenders provide a view of the cast seven-spoke aluminum wheels.

4. Engine and Performance: Honda VTX 1300 Vs. Yamaha V Star 1300

4.1 Engine and Performance: Honda VTX 1300

The Honda VTX 1300 is powered by a 1,312 cc liquid-cooled, SOHC, 52 ° V-Twin engine capable of a torque of 123 Nm at 3,000 rpm and a horsepower of 74 hp at 5,000 rpm. The 52° V-Twin engine provides smooth low- and mid-range torque with adequate horsepower to ensure relaxed cruising. The engine has a single-pin crankshaft to emphasize the V-Twin Extreme’s (VTX) look. The engine’s vibrations are reduced due to the dual counterbalancers.

Being an older model, the Honda VTX 1300 comes with a single 38 mm constant velocity carburetor, ensuring crisp throttle response at all gear levels. The separate dual exhaust pipes create a soul-satisfying exhaust note. The Honda VTX 1300 has a five-speed transmission and a wet, sturdy clutch which ensures quiet and smooth gear shifts.

The Honda VTX1300 shares a close resemblance with the Honda VTX 1800. However, due to being fitted with a smaller engine size, it has better agility, handling, and cornering capability. Despite being fitted with dual counterbalancers, the Honda VTX1300’s engine still produces excess vibrations and the fuel tank-mounted gauge cluster starts to rattle at high speeds.

The Honda VTX 1300’s 336 mm single front disc and 296 mm rear disc does not ensure reliable braking. It is also fitted with a 41 mm telescopic front fork and preload-adjustable rear dual shocks that provide adequate wheel travel for a comfortable cruising experience.

4.2 Engine and Performance: Yamaha V Star 1300

The Yamaha V Star 1300 is fitted with a 1,304 cc liquid-cooled, 60 ° V-Twin engine with ceramic composite cylinder sleeves and forged pistons capable of a horsepower of 72.5 hp and a torque of 110.9 Nm at 4,000 rpm. It lacks the sixth gear for better touring performance. However, the Yamaha V Star 1300 is equipped with a fuel injection system with 40 mm dual bores that ensures better fuel mileage and engine performance. The liquid-cooled engine keeps the engine cool and helps reduce engine noise for a smoother riding experience.

The Yamaha V Star 1300 has a steel, double cradle frame, with 48% of its overall body weight shifting towards the front tire for better handling and maneuverability while turning corners. It has a low center of gravity due to its short stroke, but its 60 ° engine design offers more responsive handling. The Yamaha C Star 1300 also comes with twin counterbalancers that reduce engine vibrations and improve comfortability.

The Yamaha C Star 1300 come with 298 mm dual front hydraulic discs and a single 298 mm rear hydraulic disc for reliable braking. It is also fitted with a 41 mm telescopic front fork and a single rear shock to give it a cleaner look. The front telescopic fork has a wheel travel of 5.3 inches, while the rear single shock has a wheel travel of 4.3 inches for a comfortable riding experience on paved and uneven roads.

5. Comfort and Ergonomics: Honda VTX 1300 Vs. Yamaha V Star 1300

5.1 Comfort and Ergonomics: Honda VTX 1300

Photo Credit: @pinterest

The Honda VTX 1300 is a comfortable motorcycle suited for highway cruising. It is fitted with forward-mounted floorboards that provide adequate legroom for taller riders. The Honda VTX 1300 has a low seat height of 27.5 inches. However, the rider has to sit slightly forward to grab the low-mounted, less swept-back handlebars, making it slightly uncomfortable to ride on continuous, long-distance rides. The Honda VTX1300 is an ideal cruiser for taller riders due to its adequate legroom. The handlebar position, low seat height, and forward-mounted floorboards result in a slightly slouched riding position.

The Honda VTX1300’s riding position can be more comfortable by replacing its stock handlebars with pulled-back buckhorn handlebars with tall risers.

5.2 Comfort and Ergonomics: Yamaha V Star 1300

Photo Credit: @totalmotorcycle

The Yamaha V Star 1300 is a classic midsize cruiser ideal for cruising on open roads and riding through traffic. It ensures comfortable riding ergonomics for average and taller riders due to being fitted with forward-mounted floorboards. The Yamaha V Star 1300 has a seat height of 27.2 inches. However, due to its chopper-style front end, longer wheelbase, and handlebars position, it has slightly sportier ergonomics. A shorter rider has to sit in a slightly aggressive riding position to reach the handlebars. Meanwhile, the Yamaha V Star 1300 ensures an upright back position for taller or average riders. For a more comfortable touring experience, the Yamaha V Star 1300 can be fitted with pulled-back handlebars, a large windshield, saddlebags, and a backrest.

6. Pros and Cons: Honda VTX 1300 Vs. Yamaha V Star 1300

6.1 Pros and Cons: Honda VTX 1300

Honda VTX 1300 Pros	Honda VTX 1300 Cons
Classic cruiser	No ABS
Comfortable	Single front disc brake
Good for taller riders	Fuel tank-mounted gauges cluster starts to rattle at high speeds
Easily customizable	Old technology
Aftermarket parts are easily available	No fuel injection system
Good handling	Faulty speedometer
Easily maneuverable	Engine produces excess vibrations
Agile
Good throttle response

6.2 Pros and Cons: Yamaha V Star 1300

Yamaha V Star 1300 Pros	Yamaha V Star 1300 Cons
Classic yet modern look	No ABS
Streamlined design	Slightly aggressive riding style
Minimalist design	Faulty speedometer
Customizable	Rear wheel makes clunky noise
Fuel-injected system	Not ideal for shorter riders
Good handling
Longer wheel travel suspensions
Raked-out front end
High ground clearance
Low center of gravity

7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

7.1 How Fast Does a Yamaha V Star 1300 Go?

A Yamaha V Star 1300 is a lightweight cruiser with smooth low-end torque and mid-range power. It has a good throttle response and can attain a top speed of 126 mph. The Yamaha V Star 1300 Tourer can jump from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 sec and travel a quarter mile in 13.5 sec.

7.2 Is the Yamaha V Star 1300 Reliable?

The Yamaha V Star 1300 is known for being reliable with its top-quality parts and high-performance engine. If you are looking for a motorbike with mid-range power, smooth low-end torque, and comfortable ergonomics suited for cruising and daily commutes, then the Yamaha V Star 1300 is the ideal choice.

7.3 What are the Key Differences between the Honda VTX 1300 and the Yamaha V Star 1300?

Key Differences between the Honda VTX 1300 and the Yamaha V Star 1300
Honda VTX 1300	Yamaha V Star 1300
Separate two-into-two dual chrome mufflers	Two-into-one chrome muffler
52 ° V-Twin engine	60 ° V-Twin engine
Three valves per cylinder	Four valves per cylinder
Uses constant velocity carburetors for fuel delivery to the engine	Comes with a fuel injection system
Shaft drive	Belt drive
Custom cast Wheels	Cast seven-spoke aluminum wheels
Single front disc brake	Dual discs front brake
Dual rear shock absorbers	Rear mono-shock absorber
Shorter rear wheel travel	Longer rear wheel travel
Low ground clearance	High ground clearance

8. Which is Better: the Honda VTX 1300 or the Yamaha V Star 1300?

The Honda VTX 1300 and the Yamaha V Star 1300 are retro-style, midsize cruisers with a slightly sportier stance. Both motorcycles are popular among custom builders due to being easy to customize. Both motorcycles produce adequate power and torque for comfortable cruising and daily commutes. However, being an older model, the Honda VTX 1300 is fitted with a carburetor to deliver fuel to the engine. Meanwhile, the Yamaha V Star 1300 has a fuel injection system for optimum fuel consumption. It also has dual front disc brakes for reliable braking and suspensions with longer wheel travel that ensure comfortable rides. The Yamaha V Star 1300 provides a smooth ride quality due to its effective twin counterbalancers and short-stroke engine design which help reduce engine vibrations. Overall, the Yamaha V Star 1300 is better than the Honda VTX 1300 due to being more advanced.

Photo Credit: @nyhondayamaha , @motorcycle