VTX1300C or VTX1800C Which one is better??

[M109R]

Went to the local dealership to look at the Star Roadliner, Warrior, VMax and M109R. The M109R really grabbed my attention hands down. Love the smooth modern looks, the fat tire, and the pipes & chrome.

Downside I heard was that it was really touchy in 1st and 2nd gear making riding in traffic a major pain.

Dealer has a 3yr warranty and all scheduled maintenance for 3yrs for $1,599. Is that a deal if I plan to ride 6-10K per year? Heard the 500 mile maintenance was $400.

[ZooTech]

The M109R really grabbed my attention hands down. Love the smooth modern looks, the fat tire, and the pipes & chrome. Downside I heard was that it was really touchy in 1st and 2nd gear making riding in traffic a major pain.

Well, it's a monster of an engine. I haven't actually ridden one, but so far the only real negative I can see from sitting on one is the clutch. The lever has to be one of the hardest I've had the displeasure of pulling. I get stuck in a lot of stop and go, so I'd have one Popeye arm in no time riding that thing!

Dealer has a 3yr warranty and all scheduled maintenance for 3yrs for $1,599. Is that a deal if I plan to ride 6-10K per year? Heard the 500 mile maintenance was $400.

Hell no! My dad kept refusing the warranty and service contract on his bike and finally ended up getting four additional years on the warranty WITH full service for $600.00. Now THAT was worth every penny. Sixteen hundred dollars, one the other hand, is highway robbery. The service on the M109R should be a cake walk to do yourself.

[MrGompers]

I'd agree with Zoo. 1600$ for a warranty no matter how much maintenace it includes is a flat out joke.

[MotoF150]

I took a test ride on both the VTX1300 and the VTX1800C's and its a big, like night and day difference in power and acceleration, the 1800 is WAYYYYYYY faster!! and the bikes feel the same, same weight, same handling. I would compare the 1300 to have the same power and engine feel as the Honda 1100 Shadow and the 1800 as a Honda CBR1000 crotch rocket, go with the 1800, its the best buy out there, what other 1800cc bike can you buy for $7995?

[BilltheDiver]

I rode a VTX1300c for 2 years and 18K, then sold it and now ride a VTX1800N. The 2 models are completely different bikes with different characteristics. Both are great bikes in their own right. The 1300 has more than enough power for most and handles well. The 1800 has signifgantly more power and rides much better. The 1800 does not handle tight turns as easily, but you get used to it really quick. I just rode the Dragon's tail a couple of weeks ago with no problem. What it lacks in the tight turns it makes up for in stability at higher speeds. It also has great brakes. It all depends on what you are looking for.

[Martilyo]

I own a VTX 1300C with 5,000 miles in 6 months (I ride every day). The 1300 and 1800 are two entirely different bikes. I would suggest waiting another week or so when the 2007s come out. Hopefully Honda has added EFI to the 1300, which is the only thing missing in my opinion.
The 1300 handles better, weighs less, has a bigger fuel tank and gets much better gas mileage. I would not give up my 1300 for an 1800. The 1800 may be fast, but for me it's too heavy and bulky.

[dablade]

If you want a fast, head turning cruiser, you might want to consider a used low mileage Honda Valkyrie. Great bike, but heavy, and carbureted.
I had a 2005 VTX 1300 R, and enjoyed it, but traded up to a Gold Wing. Although the Wing is a heavy pig in parking maneuvers, the handling is much better than the 1300 VTX. The fuel injection on the 1800 Gold Wing is great on cold days and in high altitudes, and it is plenty fast enough.
I was disappointed in Honda for not putting turn signal cancellation on their VTX. I also had trouble seeing the speedo with a full face helmet on without moving my head down (enough where I finally bought an open face helmet). The tank mounted speedo was out of my peripheral vision.
Needless to say, my wife was also happier with the transition. (back seat rider most of the time).
Or you could buy one of each.
(the bikes. My wife is not for sale)

[Sev]

This is just an opinion mind you, but I think that not having self cancelling turn signals is a good thing.

[Big B]

This is just an opinion mind you, but I think that not having self cancelling turn signals is a good thing.

+1

if i ever had self cancelling turn signals, the first thing i would do is find a way to defeat them