Honda CTX1300c VS Harley Softail Standard

[Hammersfan]

I went through a similar dilema when I bought my bike recently. I was originally looking at Honda Shadow Spirit 750's , my buddy was telling get something bigger but after looking and sitting on some bigger bikes I just didn't feel comfortable with them and ended up getting a Suzuki M50, 805cc. I feel comfortable on this machine. I think it boils down to what your comfort level with the bike is. But if you get the big one, ride real careful !

[diggerv]

You will always come out ahead buying metric in terms of performance, reliability, and bang-for-the-buck. However, there must be something to be said for the Harley thing because there sure are a lot of them on the road!

Hondas are good bikes, no question about it. However... it appears that you can purchase a new Harley, say for $17000, ride it for ten years and sell it for $14000 or more.

Bottom line is... the best way to pick a bike is to pick one that fits your needs and personality and budgit. "Bang for the buck"... I don't believe you can beat the HD V-rod.

[MotoF150]

I think ur talking about the VTX 1300C right? $7899 is too much to pay, The Dealer here is selling new 06 VTX1300C for $6995, and the VTX1800C for $7995. If it was me I would buy the 1800, it has 10 times the power, plus fuel injection, these bikes have the exact same frame, just different engines, if you take both the 1300 and the 1800 for a test ride, you will see and feel a big difference. Go with the Honda VTX1800C

[King Frog]

You will always come out ahead buying metric in terms of performance, reliability, and bang-for-the-buck. However, there must be something to be said for the Harley thing because there sure are a lot of them on the road!

Hondas are good bikes, no question about it. However... it appears that you can purchase a new Harley, say for $17000, ride it for ten years and sell it for $14000 or more.

Bottom line is... the best way to pick a bike is to pick one that fits your needs and personality and budgit. "Bang for the buck"... I don't believe you can beat the HD V-rod.

IF you are prepared to spend $17000 on a new Harley...Would you buy that 10 year old HArley for $14000? I think not.
See the logic there?

I had a Harley . Been there done that. Was great fun and all that "respect" fomr the other HD owners was nice....for awhile. Till problems kept coming up. Dealer service was and still is EXPENSIVE. I had to babysit the bike constantly when parked outside anywhere. Things I did not have to deal with with the 1100 Shadow I replaced it with. (No one wants to steal a Shadow) lol

BTW I rode my USED Shadow for over a year and sold it losing only around $500. You can buy metrics right and not lose a lot. You cannot buy HD's right unless you find a naked three year old super glide used for $9000. Even then thats not exactly a HD looking bike. And those 2005s even on Ebay with reserves or $12k start prices have bidding stopped at around $9K

Buy the bigeest bike you feel comfortabele with. The Honda is great

DON"T buy a bike you will grow out of in 6 months. The "trade in" price is indeed TERRIBLE on ALL metrics and (even Harleys to a much lesser extent.

IF you want a 1300 BUY the 1300. IF you want the 1800 Buy and learn on it. You will have a longer learning curve thats all to get used to the bike.

[High_Side]

I can tell that I am going to have to start importing Honda VTXs. I am almost positive that you cannot pick up a VTX1300 for less than 12K Canadian. Our dollar is currently around $.90U.S.! There is an opportunity here...

[Hammersfan]

I can tell that I am going to have to start importing Honda VTXs. I am almost positive that you cannot pick up a VTX1300 for less than 12K Canadian. Our dollar is currently around $.90U.S.! There is an opportunity here...

You are right on about our prices, its incredible the price differance bewteen Canada and the States.

[OMJunk]

As far as the belt vs shaft drive thing. Take a good long look at an HD, about what is needed to change the belt. (I have heard dealer price of 4 to 500 dollars) So if you ever get into gravel and a rock gets in the sprocket, the belt can be destroyed in 1 mile.

[MajorGator]

You have to step lightly when giving opinions about metrics vs Harleys if you want to avoid a flaming war. Fact is, there's really only one reason to buy a Harley and that's if your sole purpose in life is to fit into the Harley cult crowd. You will always come out ahead buying metric in terms of performance, reliability, and bang-for-the-buck. However, there must be something to be said for the Harley thing because there sure are a lot of them on the road!

Gee, Grampi, wanting to fit in is the ONLY reason to buy a Harley?!? Can you get any more stereotypical than that?

Harleys are like Rolexes and Porsche 911s. They cost more than Hondas, Tag Heuer watches or Nissan 350Zs, and are not as efficient or dependable. For performance, reliability and bang-for-the-buck, there is no question whatsoever that the Honda, the 350Z and the Tag Heuer are the preferred choice.

But Harleys, Rolexes and Porsche 911s share a common characteristic: Both have a distinctive persona. There are Rolexes and other watches that attempt to look like them. There are 911s with their distinctive design, and there are the imitators, and there are Harley's, with their classic look and sound, and there are those who attempt to emulate them.

For all the logical reasons, the Honda is a GREAT choice. But to say the only reason H-D owners bought Harleys is to be accepted is characteristic of the arrogance many attribute to Harley owners.

[Hammersfan]

I sat on the new V-Star 1300 tonight. Great bike. Looks good , feels like it has fantastic balance and it has liquid cooling and fuel injection.

[Sabredude]

Motof150, What state are you in? I'm in Texas and the best price I can find on a new 1800 is no less than 13K. At those prices I'd consider trading in my 1100. Please provide us with the details, a website or dealer location.
Thanks