Honda VTX 1300C vs Kawasaki Vulcan 1500

• Table of Contents
• 1. HONDA VTX 1300C VS KAWASAKI VULCAN 1500
• 2. DETAILED SPECS COMPARISON: HONDA VTX 1300C VS KAWASAKI VULCAN 1500
• 3. SIMILARITIES & DIFFERENCES: HONDA VTX 1300C VS KAWASAKI VULCAN 1500
• 4. DESIGN: HONDA VTX 1300C VS KAWASAKI VULCAN 1500
• 4.1 Design: Honda VTX 1300C
• 4.2 Design: Kawasaki Vulcan 1500
• 5. ENGINE & PERFORMANCE: HONDA VTX 1300C VS KAWASAKI VULCAN 1500
• 5.1 Engine & Performance: Honda VTX 1300C
• 5.2 Engine & Performance: Kawasaki Vulcan 1500
• 6. COMFORT & ERGONOMICS: HONDA VTX 1300C VS KAWASAKI VULCAN 1500
• 6.1 Comfort & Ergonomics: Honda VTX 1300C
• 6.2 Comfort & Ergonomics: Kawasaki Vulcan 1500
• 7. TECHNOLOGY & FEATURES: HONDA VTX 1300C VS KAWASAKI VULCAN 1500
• 8. PROS & CONS: HONDA VTX 1300C VS KAWASAKI VULCAN 1500
• 8.1 Pros & Cons: Honda VTX 1300C
• 8.2 Pros & Cons: Kawasaki Vulcan 1500
• 9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• 9.1 What are the major differences between the Honda VTX 1300C and Kawasaki Vulcan 1500?
• 9.2 Is Honda VTX 1300C better than the Vulcan 1500?
• 9.3 When did the Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 and Honda VTX 1300C discontinue?
• 9.4 Which motorcycle is better for female riders Honda VTX 1300C or Kawasaki Vulcan 1500?
• 10. TAKEAWAY

1. HONDA VTX 1300C VS KAWASAKI VULCAN 1500

Both Kawasaki and Honda are the oldest Japanese motorcycle companies. Honda launched its first VTX model in 2001, the VTX 1800. This was the first motorcycle in the series, fitted with a 1,800 cc engine. Later in 2003, Honda launched the VTX 1300C with a smaller engine than its predecessor. Honda launched different variants of the VTX 1300C, including the VTX 1300C, VTX 1300C, VTX 1300R, and VTX 1300T. These were all launched on different continents, including Europe, America, and Australia; however, the VTX 1300T was only launched in America. The VTX 1300C series remained in production until 2008.

The KAWASAKI VULCAN 1500 was first launched in 1987 and earned the title of “King of Custom Cruiser Bikes” for its styling and power. The Vulcan 1500 remained in production until 2008. There have not been many changes made to this motorcycle as it has the same engine size as its predecessor. However, the latest model was given a few enhancements to improve its performance.

ALSO READ: HONDA VTX 1300S VS HARLEY DAVIDSON SPORTSTER 1200C

2. DETAILED SPECS COMPARISON: HONDA VTX 1300C VS KAWASAKI VULCAN 1500

	Honda	Kawasaki
BASIC INFORMATION
Year	2007	2008
Model	VTX 1300C	Vulcan 1500
Motorcycle Type	Cruiser	Cruiser
Base Price	$9,899	$9,699
Colors	Metallic Black, Metallic Silver, Candy red, and Pearl Yellow	Ebony, Two Tone: Candy Cardinal Red/Pearl Crystal White
ENGINE & SYSTEMS
Displacement	80 cu in (1,312 cc)	89.7 cu in (1,470 cc)
Engine Type	V-Twin	V-Twin
Cooling System	Liquid-cooled	Liquid-cooled
Compression Ratio	9.2:1	9.0:1
Stroke	104.3 mm (4.1 in)	90 mm (3.5 in)
Bore	89.5 mm (3.52 in)	102 mm (4.01 in)
Cylinders	Two	Two
Drive Train	Shaft	Shaft
Transmission	Five-Speed	Five-speed
Clutch	Wet, Multiple discs	Wet, Multi-plate
Starter	Electric	Electric
Exhaust	Two-into-Two	Two-into-Two
Fuel Delivery System	Single 38 mm constant-velocity carburetor	Digital Fuel Injection with dual 36 mm throttle body
PERFORMANCE & CAPACITY
Horsepower	74 hp @ 5,000 rpm	64 hp @ 4,700 rpm
Torque	90.7 ft-lbs (123 Nm) @ 3,000 rpm	82.6 ft-lbs (112 Nm) @ 3,000 rpm
Fuel Tank Capacity	4.8 gal (18 L)	5 gal (18.9 L)
Mileage	42 MPG (17.5 L)	42.8 MPG (18.2 L)
Oil Capacity	Four quarts (3.78 L)	Three quarts (2.9 L)
DIMENSIONS
Trail	140 mm (5.9 in)	177 mm (6.9 in)
Rake	32.4°	32°
Seat Height	695 mm (27.4 in)	696 mm (27.4 in)
Wheelbase	1,661 mm (65.4 in)	1,661 mm (65.4 in)
Weight	678 lbs (307.5 kg)	690 lbs (313 kg)
Ground Clearance	124.46 mm (4.9 in)	n/a
Length	2,598.42 mm (102.3 in)	2,504 mm (98.6 in)

3. SIMILARITIES & DIFFERENCES: HONDA VTX 1300C VS KAWASAKI VULCAN 1500

Key Similarities	Key Differences
Both are equipped with a passenger seat	Both have differently styled headlight covers
Both have a single two-into-two exhaust system	The VTX 1300C has standard footrests, while the Vulcan 1900 has floorboards
Both have a five-speed transmission operating on a shaft drive	The VTX 1300C has a bit curved fuel tank, while the Vulcan 1500 has a standard-shaped fuel tank
Both are powered by a V-Twin engine	The Vulcan 1500 has full-sized fenders, while the VTX 1300C has chopped fenders
	The VTX 1300C has cast wheels, while the Vulcan 1500 has spoked wheels
	Both have differently styled tail lights
	The Vulcan 1500 has a bigger engine than the VTX 1300C
	The VTX 1300C’s passenger seat is attached to the rider’s seat, while the Vulcan 1500 has a separate rider and passenger seat

4. DESIGN: HONDA VTX 1300C VS KAWASAKI VULCAN 1500

4.1 Design: Honda VTX 1300C

The HONDA VTX 1300C is a classic-looking cruiser with a chrome finish on the HANDLEBARS, suspension, engine, and exhaust. Like other classic cruisers, the Honda VTX 1300C also has a speedometer on the fuel tank. Other than the overall design, the most noticeable thing about the VTX 1300C that makes it different from other cruisers is its headlight. The chopped fenders, fuel tank, and side panels are the only colored parts of the Honda VTX 1300C. The remaining parts, including the headlight, suspension, handlebars, engine, and exhaust, all are covered in chrome. At the front, it has a 41 mm telescopic fork with a wheel travel of 5.1 inches and a 10/90-19 M/C tire size. At the rear, it has dual shocks with five-point spring pre-load adjustability with a wheel travel of 5.1 inches and a 170/80-15 M/C tire.

4.2 Design: Kawasaki Vulcan 1500

The KAWASAKI VULCAN 1500 is a classic-looking cruiser with a round headlight with a built-in FAIRING. The full-sized fenders and old-school fuel tank are the only colored parts, while the remaining parts like the exhaust, engine, HANDLEBARS, suspensions, and rims are covered in chrome. Like many other classic cruisers, the Vulcan 1500 also has a speedometer on its fuel tank and dual classic-style exhaust pipes on one side. The Vulcan 1500 comes with only black side panels. At the front, it has a 41 mm cartridge fork with a wheel travel of 5.9 inches and a 130/90R-16 tire. At the rear, it has a dual air-assisted shock absorber with a four-way rebound damping adjustment with 3.9 inches of wheel travel and a 150/80R-16 tire.

5. ENGINE & PERFORMANCE: HONDA VTX 1300C VS KAWASAKI VULCAN 1500

5.1 Engine & Performance: Honda VTX 1300C

The Honda VTX 1300C is equipped with an 80 cubic inch (1,312 cc) liquid-cooled, V-Twin engine with a bore size of 89.5 mm (3.52 in) and a stroke size of 104.3 mm (4.1 in). This engine offers a horsepower of 74 hp @ 5,000 rpm and torque of 90.7 ft-lbs (123 Nm) @ 3,000 rpm. The VTX 1300C is fitted with a fuel tank capacity of 4.8 gals (18 L) and equipped with a single 38 mm constant-velocity carburetor capable of delivering 42 MPG of fuel mileage. It also has a five-speed transmission system that works on a shaft drive train.

5.2 Engine & Performance: Kawasaki Vulcan 1500

The Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 is equipped with an 89.7 cubic inch (1,470 cc) liquid-cooled, V-Twin engine with a bore size of 102 mm (4.01 in) and a stroke size of 90 mm (3.5 in). This engine offers a horsepower of 64 hp @ 4,700 rpm and torque of 82.6 ft-lbs (112 Nm) @ 3,000 rpm. The VTX 1300C has a fuel tank capacity of 5 gals (18.9 L), equipped with a digital fuel injection and a dual 36 mm throttle body capable of delivering 42.8 MPG of fuel mileage.

6. COMFORT & ERGONOMICS: HONDA VTX 1300C VS KAWASAKI VULCAN 1500 

6.1 Comfort & Ergonomics: Honda VTX 1300C

Photo Credit: @motorcyclecruiser

The Honda VTX 1300C is a classic cruiser with a low seat height of 27.4 inches with forward-mounted footrests. It has wide and slightly bent handlebars that provide a straight seating position for the rider. It has a length of 2,598.42 mm (102.3 in), a wheelbase of 1,661 mm (65.4 in) with a ground clearance of 124.46 mm (4.9 in). The VTX 1300C is a heavyweight cruiser motorcycle with a weight of 678 lbs (307.5 kg), a trail size of 140 mm (5.9 in), and a rake angle of 32.4°.

6.2 Comfort & Ergonomics: Kawasaki Vulcan 1500

Photo Credit: @seller4ukuk

The Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 is a classic cruiser with a low seat height of 27.4 inches. It has wide, swept-back handlebars and forward-mounted floorboards which provide a comfortable seating position. The Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 has a length of 2,504 mm (98.6 in) and a wheelbase of 1,661 mm (65.4 in). The VTX 1500 is a heavyweight cruiser with a weight of 690 lbs (313 kg), a trail size of 177 mm (6.9 in), and a rake angle of 32°.

 

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7. TECHNOLOGY & FEATURES: HONDA VTX 1300C VS KAWASAKI VULCAN 1500

FEATURES	HONDA VTX 1300C	KAWASAKI VULCAN 1500
ABS	No	No
Gauges	Fuel Tank-mounted	Fuel Tank-mounted
Clock	X	X
Engine Kill Switch	✔	✔
Speedometer	✔	✔
Odometer	✔	✔
Tachometer	✔	✔
Gear Indicator	X	X
Fuel Gauge	X	X
Fuel Warning Indicator	X	X
Cruise Control	X	X
Low Oil Indicator	X	X
Slip & Assist Clutch	X	X
Speakers	X	X
Bluetooth	X	X
USB Connection	X	X

8. PROS & CONS: HONDA VTX 1300C VS KAWASAKI VULCAN 1500

8.1 Pros & Cons: Honda VTX 1300C

HONDA VTX 1300C PROS	HONDA VTX 1300C CONS
Suitable for all riders	No LUGGAGE space
Great sound	No safety features
Easy to handle	No ABS
Easy to maintain	Lower ground clearance
Cheap price	Available in used condition
Good braking
Comfortable seating
Good power output delivery

8.2 Pros & Cons: Kawasaki Vulcan 1500

KAWASAKI VULCAN 1500 PROS	KAWASAKI VULCAN 1500 CONS
Large engine size	Fuel capacity is slightly bit lower than fuel mileage
Great sound	Stiff suspensions
Reliable engine	Not available new
Comfortable seat	No ABS
Good power delivery at lower rpm	No luggage space
Cheap price
Suitable for all riders

9. FAQ

9.1 What are the major differences between the Honda VTX 1300C and the Kawasaki Vulcan 1500?

Both motorcycles have different designs and features when it comes to their headlights, fenders, fuel tanks, and seats. The Vulcan 1500 has pre-installed floorboards, while the VTX 1300C has standard footrests. The VTX 1300C has a slightly smaller engine than the Vulcan 1500. However, the VTX 1300C is capable of producing more horsepower and torque than the Vulcan 1500. Both were discontinued by their companies before 2009, therefore their prices can vary depending on the condition of the motorcycles.

9.2 Is the Honda VTX 1300C better than the Vulcan 1500?

Both share many similarities in terms of dimensions and riding position. Overall, both are great cruisers. Although the Honda VTX 1300C can produce more horsepower and torque than the Vulcan 1500, they both perform more or less the same with different looks and sounds.

ALSO READ: BEST HARD SADDLEBAGS FOR CRUISER MOTORCYCLES

9.3 When were the Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 and the Honda VTX 1300C discontinued?

The Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 was discontinued in 2009 before being replaced by the Vulcan 1600. The Vulcan series is still in production with newer designs, better performance, and new technologies. On the other hand, the VTX series was discontinued by Honda in 2008 and no new VTX models have been released ever since.

9.4 Which motorcycle is better for female riders: the Honda VTX 1300C or the Kawasaki Vulcan 1500?

Both motorcycles have low seat heights and overall comfortable ergonomics. Although they both have large engines capable of generating a lot of horsepower and torque, they both are easy to ride and handle by female riders. 

10. TAKEAWAY

The Honda VTX 1300C and the Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 are the oldest motorcycles of their respective companies that were released in the 1980s. Until the day they were discontinued, both earned reputations as the most reliable and comfortable cruisers on the market. Both are classic motorcycles that do not have any extra features that most modern cruisers have, including traction control, riding modes, ABS, cruise control, etc. Both are basic cruiser motorcycles that do not come with pre-installed SADDLEBAGS, CRASH BARS, SISSY BARS, or other LUGGAGE BAGS.

Photo Credit: @bike-parts-honda ,  @motorcycle