Motorcycle Honda VTX 1300: specifications and reviews

Who would have thought that a motorcycle with a 1.3-liter motor could be a little-cubed. Nevertheless, in a family consisting of two choppers, the Honda VTX 1300 is considered the youngest model. Compared with the 1.8-liter prototype, it is lighter, cheaper, and, of course, calmer on the road. At one time, the VTX 1800 surprised motorists. It was a perfectly balanced motorcycle with an excellent motor, which was temperamentally out of class. Therefore, when the 1.3-liter version appeared, many were skeptical about it and called it "stripped down." Let's find out what is remarkable about this motorcycle and why it can not get out of the shadow of the older model.

Appearance

Motorcycles are very similar in appearance. If you go into details, you can note the difference in the configuration of the wings and the fact that the appearance was influenced by American trends in motorcycle construction of the 50's. The older model has more dragster's outlines, and the younger one - the classic chopper ones. But in general, the difference is insignificant. And inexperienced motorcyclists, it may not be noticeable at all. Probably, it was for the cars to be distinguished from each other that designers rid the Honda VTX 1300 from the huge muffler, which was allocated 1.8-liter version.

Devices

Here, too, everything is reminiscent of the origin of the model. The panel, located on the gas tank, corresponds to all canons. The backlight works well. And in the dark, all the instruments are perfectly readable. The lack of a tachometer is obviously due to the peculiarities of the style. However, he still did not interfere with anyone.

But the main miscalculation is the lack of a fuel gauge. Although the model is designed for long trips on country roads. I'm glad that the carburetor power system allows you to manually switch to a reserve. The overheating of the motor is indicated by a large light bulb. However, in order to bring the motorcycle to this state it is necessary to try hard. Impressive fins of the radiator of the cooling system do their job perfectly.

To look at the speedometer to find out the speed is quite difficult. To do this, you need to show true flexibility, agility and courage. The main thing is not to forget to follow at this moment for the road.

Finish and weight

As for the chopper, the furnishings are rather poor. Some shiny items are made of plastic instead of metal. But on the other hand, the motorcycle weighs more than 300 kilograms. And the excess iron to him is clearly inappropriate. Such impressive weight reminds of itself during parking. Roll the motorcycle by hand on a flat area is hard. And if after a rash parking you need to go back and down the hill, it is better, probably, to wait until the neighboring vehicles are removed and you can leave without rolling. In general, the bike is heavy. And in case of illiterate parking, it can bring serious problems.

On road

Maneuverability of the Honda VTX 1300 at low speed does not please at all again because of the weight. Spanking it on traffic jams is not a pleasant experience. And given the fact that it has an immodest width, driving through the downtrodden city in time is almost like a car. A serious problem in this regard is the "horned" steering wheel. We must try not to tear down the rear-view mirrors.

However, arranging high-speed races in the city stream is an un-business. In the city the device assumes imposing measured driving. At the same time, as well as a real chopper, on the highway he perfectly keeps the straight. He very confidently rushes forward. And, it seems that no one from the course will not be beat. A solid appearance allows you to use the road respect. On this motorcycle do not have to "ask" to miss. Drivers of the cars themselves move to the side.

Technical specs Honda VTX 1300

This is where the main difference between the Honda VTX 1300 and its older brother lies. Borrowing all the external distinctive features of the family, the bike lost its main. Removing 500 cubic centimeters from the engine, the designers turned the device with a bright original character into a lack of individuality motorcycle, which was, is and will be a lot.

It seems that it seems that enough for a chopper 75 horsepower. But if you remember the "senior" VTX, who left black marks on the asphalt after a sharp start, accelerated to 100 km / h in 3.8 seconds and literally "flew" from his hands, everything falls into place. Starting at the traffic light in the mirrors you can see not the points, but the big cars. And some of them even manage to ride level with the bike. When overtaking, the confidence that was with the older model was lost.

The disadvantage of 30 Nm is also very noticeable. In general, traction is sufficient, but when a passenger is sitting behind or the road passes into a prolonged climb, the dynamics are not as desired. It is difficult to start in the second gear: the motor jerks. And as a result, stalls. A flexible transmission, on which one could travel all the way, is also not there, so we constantly have to work with the box.

Everything is relative

In principle, all of the above is valid only if you compare the bike with its prototype. After all, if you do not take into account the version of the Honda VTX, the 1300 bike looks quite worthy on the market. In its price and volume category, it is one of the best in terms of dynamics. It can accelerate to 200 km / h. This for choppers is a cosmic indicator. Of course, the true biker will not accelerate the car to such speeds, because it will be extremely difficult to stay in the saddle.

Brakes

For some reason, removing 20 horsepower capacity, the designers decided to brake and brake. The combined system was replaced by a separate one. And in front, they took one disc. All this negatively affected the braking distance. With such characteristics it is difficult to stop suddenly if necessary. It is necessary literally to beat on a pedal of a back brake and with all fingers to compress the lever forward. By the way, this pedal is located outside the comfort zone of the foot. So start to stop a heavy motorcycle you need prematurely. Of course, you can get used to all this.

Management Features

Observance of canons of style negatively affects management. However, compared with other choppers, the device is quite manageable. In a turn, when a heavy motorcycle bends, it goes like on rails, which brings a great pleasure to the biker. Driving on winding country roads would be a continuous ecstasy, if not one nuance - even in a modest turn there is a risk of catching the step. And on the high lying police bike and does not cling to the bottom. The element of choppers is long direct distances. Therefore, in principle, the fact that it clings to the corners, you can forgive the Japanese designers. Well, the lower bottom, apparently, due to the design features.

Suspension

Thanks to the massive frame of tubular steel, the motorcycle has a long classic landing. The large front fork has a stroke of 130 mm and a good reaction. Rear chrome shock absorbers received a stroke of 41 mm. They include a system of internal valves, which increases the comfort of the trip. Nevertheless, the landing remains harsh.

Suspension allows, without reducing speed, to overcome small pits. The main thing is not to get carried away and watch that big ones do not appear after the small ones. After all, then a soft front fork can easily give a breakdown. But the rear suspension is much harder to force to work for the entire course. In general, a good detail, as for a chopper.

Honda VTX 1300: reviews

As expected, the bike received conflicting reviews from the owners. Let's start with the design. A stylish and elegant bike is capable of attracting looks. This he owes to the deep wings, wide steering wheel and massive cover of the clutch basket. By and large, tuning Honda VTX 1300 is not needed at all. He can only harm the classic image of a motorcycle.

Now a little about landing. So, it is quite low, which allows, first, to sit behind the wheel of small people, and secondly, confidently control the bike with your feet. But the "broad shoulders" of a motorcycle can be a real problem for those who want to outwit the urban traffic flow. The seats are large, but not particularly comfortable. Therefore, after long trips, many complain of fatigue. Mirrors are also not entirely successful and sometimes the review is clearly not enough.

It's time to discuss the views on the power plant. The engine, according to the owners, justifies expectations. For its volume, it well disperses the bike and steadily keeps the revs. The checkpoint functions quite clearly, without jerks. Of course, when compared with the older model, this motorcycle has a weak character. But the one who buys it, initially it should understand. After all, the device is designed for a less dynamic and more economical ride.

Because of the long base, and rather rigid frame, the manner of riding a bike is very specific, but it's a matter of habit. And the large wheels help the suspension to deal with small irregularities. For the level of lighting, the motorcycle clearly receives the highest score - the headlights clearly focus the beam and shine well. Brakes, although they are inferior to their older brother, but in comparison with other "classmates" cope with their task quite normal.

Among the obvious mistakes of the Japanese company, the owners note the dashboard located on the gas tank, with its uncomfortable fine speedometer. Well and the fact of absence of the gauge of a low level of fuel in a tank and at all causes indignation. Users assure: there is a bike in the motorcycle, with which it is easier to reconcile than to fight - at the speed of 40-50 km / h the steering wheel beats. But since the speed is not very "running", it usually closes the eyes.

Those who decided to go on a long journey, it's not out of place to buy some accessories for the Honda VTX 1300. It's about the windshield and the arches behind the back. You need to be prepared for the fact that such useful improvements can negatively affect the elegance of the bike. As the reviews show, the bike is quite reliable in operation. Among the breakages is all. As a rule, nothing critical. In any case, you can purchase spare parts. "Honda" offers a fairly high-quality product, so you can trust the bike. It is recommended to prepare the car prematurely for the season, then not to spend precious warm days in the garage. Changing the spare parts (Honda), having checked all the liquids, you can be sure that the season will pass without unpleasant surprises.

Conclusion

Today we got acquainted with the motorcycle Honda VTX 1300. Fuel consumption (about 7 liters), interesting design, good driving qualities - these are the main advantages of the model. Picky bikers will say that she is inferior to her older brother. But this is understandable. After all, initially the motorcycle was positioned as a light version with all the ensuing consequences. Nevertheless, in comparison with competitors, it looks more than worthy. The price of such an "iron horse" in the secondary market has long been at a high level and ranges from 300 to 400 thousand rubles, depending on the state and year of production.