2009 Honda VTX1300 Preview

Introduction

As we already gotten used to, Honda is here to offer the pleasure of riding under a variety of forms represented by the 2009 VTX1300C, VTX1300R and VTX1300T models, the corresponsive characteristic words for each one of these being street-rod, classic and touring.

Although 2009 brings only a range of new colors for each model individually and the engine is the consecrated 1312cc, liquid-cooled, 52-degree V-Twin, the market can’t get enough of these models and neither do we.

2009 Honda VTX1300C

The 2009 Honda VTX1300C is more of a boulevard cruising motorcycle as it features, footpegs, two-into-two, bullet-style mufflers, custom cast wheels (19-inch up front) and bobbed fenders, making it easy to distinguish and damn attractive as well. Chrome is of the essence on this model.

With its deeply valanced fenders, pullback handlebars as well as floorboards and heel-toe shifter for greater long haul comfort, the 2009 Honda VTX1300R stands as an incursion in the classic days of motorcycling where chrome and impeccable looks were as important as acceleration and comfort.

As for the 2009 Honda VTX1300T, this is simply a retro model fitted with windscreen, saddlebags and passenger backrest.

History

Entering the new millennium, Honda found itself indeed recognized also as a cruiser motorcycle manufacturer, but their most representative model was the middleweight Shadow. They had to get seriously into business with the cruiser lineup and they had to do it fast. The results soon came in the form of the VTX1800 (2002) and the VTX1300 (2003). This last is also the model that concerns us.

Back in 2003, there would have only been the Honda VTX1300S or “R” in today’s terms. This was powered by the now beloved 1312cc V-Twin engine developing 74 hp at 5,000 rpm and 123 Nm at 3,000 rpm. There was a disc brake for each wheel and a shaft drive for the rear one. Four colors were available: Black, Illusion Blue, Pearl Orange and Candy Red.

2003 Honda VTX1300S

The Honda VTX1300S carried on for 2004 and the colors available were Candy Red, Pearl Dark Blue, Metallic Silver and Black, but an entirely new addition to the lineup was the VTX1300C. This performance-custom was inspired on the VTX1800C and was fitted with stylish cast wheels, cut down fenders and shorter dual exhaust while taking over the engine from the “S” model. The colors available for the new addition were Candy Red, Pearl Orange, Metallic Silver and Black.

By 2005 three models formed the VTX1300 lineup, the R, S and C. The most notable difference between the latest model (the retro one) and the S was the presence of retro-style cast wheels on the first and standard spoked wheels on the second. The all-new 2005 Honda VTX1300R was available either in Candy Red, Magenta Metallic, Metallic Silver or classic Black while on the 2005 Honda VTX1300S Candy Red and classic Black colors were joined by Magenta Metallic and Metallic Silver. The custom model simply carried on being produced with no technical changes, but featuring Bright Blue Metallic and Titanium paintjobs.

In 2006, Honda kept the same formula for the VTX1300 lineup, but did add some new colors: Bright Blue Metallic, Metallic Silver and Candy Black Cherry joining classic Black on the R/S models and Candy Black Cherry, Dark Grey Metallic and Candy Orange joining classic Black on the C.

For the VTX1300R and S, 2007 brought Metallic Blue, Dark Red Metallic, Titanium and Black while the 2007 VTX1300C saw Dark Red, Pearl White, Pearl Dark Blue, Pearl Bright Green and Black.

Honda ended production of the S model starting 2008 and oriented on improving the R & C models. They got restyled two-into-two exhaust system with bullet-style mufflers for a classic, custom look, stylish chrome side covers as well as new ranges of colors. Black, Pearl White, Metallic Blue were for the R model and Metallic Black, Metallic Silver, Candy Red, and Pearl Yellow for the S one.

2008’s big addition was the Honda VTX1300T. This was yet another proper Honda way of exploiting the great V-Twin engine which didn’t brought any change. Features such as the stylish custom windscreen, 24-liter capacity leather saddlebags, chrome backrest and stylish chrome side covers as well as the Black, Metallic Silver, and Metallic Red color schemes make sure that the Touring model stands out from the crowd.

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