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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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°.

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°.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.