Is there a big difference/

[Crusin]

I'm looking to buy a VTX and was wondering is there a big difference in the 1300 and the 1800 (desides the engine size)?

I'm new to riding and like to VTX and I don't want a crotch rocket or really small bike.

Thanks.

[blkxride]

The 1800's are pretty strong bikes and are stronger than the 1300's but the 1300 will certainly get you where you want to go and with some spirit. Both are really great bikes. After you've gotten some instructions, and taken the MSF course, I'd suggest that you try and get a test ride on both. They are very different due to engine configuration. The 1300 has a single pin crank and has a bit more vibration from that configuration. You may or may not like that atribute. It's a bit more Harley like in engine characture, but of course it's still a Honda!

[Wyandotte Kid]

Buy the biggest bike you can safely handle. It will safe you a bunch of money in the long run. Believe me, I know.

[rebls]

1800 fuel injected, 1300 carb

[VTXcitable Boy]

First time rider? It hurts like hell when you drop it. If you are lucky. My advice? get thee to an MSF course. Either bike you are starting big. That's O.K. if you are anal enough. You are most likely gonna drop it at least once. Just like the first bicycle.I personally like the 1300. Lower center of gravity. Good breaking, Goes real fast, just like the 1800. Not as quick as the 1800, but for a first Bike you won't know the difference. The 1800 has more muscle than the 1300, but doesn't handle as well for a novice. I wish the 1300 had F.I. The carb set up can be kited though, with paitience. Your choice. My advice? Ride them both. More than 2 miles. Goodluck and happy trails. Greg.....

[BadX]

I have a 1300 and have rode the 1800C and F. The 1800s have more power but to me lack what the 1300's have in handling. Both are great bikes with differant personalities. My 1300 is my first street bike and the first bike I have owned in over 20 years but I do not regret one day buying it. It's been a wonderful bike.

[Big-X]

Well I agree with the most, the 1300 is smaller, will handle better and is almost a perfect fitting bike. Stand it up and it is effortless, I almost bought one however...

I weigh 220 and she is around 160, she is tall and I wanted a bike that could carry us both without effort thru the mountians, I feel the 1800 would do it better.

So I bought the 1800 as my first bike, 5700 miles mostly city driving and no problems, we love it.

Try them both!

[Outlaw1800]

New rider, get yourself an 1100-used and put 5K+ miles on it before you trade it in on an X. Won't feel nearly as bad if you drop a used 1100 as you will a new X. If you don't drop it, more power to you. It will be worth more when you trade it in. JMHO.

[vtxrider]

My brother has an 1800R and I drove it before I bought my 1300, to me his bike is alot bigger and heavier and handles considerably different, so when I got mine I feel I can handle mine better than I could his and I agree only buy the biggest you can handle.

[PPERRONE]

My 1300C is also my first bike. I did ride both the 1800C and the H-D Night Train. The 1800 was not as comfortable, the NightTrain way to expensive. Love the bike I have and don't regret the purchase AT ALL...Just wish I'd started riding sooner.

[WoodBrother]

Bigger is better until you get into trouble. Since you are new to the sport, I suggest that you get some experince on a smaller bike 1st. I'm not trying to pop your bubble but I have been riding for 35 years and the 1800 (My favorite) is a lot of bike for a rookie. It would be very easy to get hurt on this bad boy.

[JohnNC]

This is my 5th bike and the biggest. Test drove a Harley Fat Boy, a tricked out Sportster 1200 and liked the VTX 1300 the best. If money was less of an object, the 1800 has more power if you need it, but, I'm telling ya, the 1300 has a really great RIDE, and in the end that's why I chose the 1300S. The best bike I've ridden. IMHO.

[mfmaloney]

Take the MSF classes first! Start used and with something you can handle. Both are large bikes. I rode in the '70s and started back again last year (at 47). I bought a 750 Shadow and put 8000 on it last year and 2000 this spring before buying my 1300. At 230 lbs, it is plenty of bike for local or long distance. I just finished 3600 miles over two weeks with no problems. 9300 miles since April 30 and loving it. Plenty of power and speed for highway runs - I did 670 miles the first day of my trip. Carried a large T-Bag on the back seat and it didn't feel top-heavy.

[FL_VTX_GA]

Sit on 'em for a while. Many men, (especially teenagers), find the saddle too wide on the 1800. Also, if you're not over 5'10" or so, the narrower seat of the 1300 makes it seem like the seat is lower when you stop. This doesn't seem to be an issue for women because of the different bone structure. It a woman is comfortable on a 1300 she'll probably also fit an 1800. Just don't ever let anyone tell you that the 1300 is a "girls" VTX.

[chazb458]

I like the wider seat of the 1800 but the bike just feels too big for me, but it's a great looking model. Maybe after 50k miles or so I'll be ready for something bigger than the 1300r. I just hope they don't make a "VTX" that's any smaller. I like that they are only larger models.

I think I've healed enough from surgery to jump back on. It's been hard getting in the car with these gas prices. I am so glad I opted for the VTX over the 81' Vette I was looking at.

[FL_VTX_GA]

I never saw "VTX" and "small" used in the same sentence before. You can bet that there'll never be a "small" VTX.

[Tommy Kelly]

I rode a 1800 before I bought my 1300 I liked the1300a lot more it has all the power anyone should ever need. I hadn't owned a bike for 30 years the last bike I had was a Yamaha 650 a big bike 30 yrs ago. they were strong in lower gears but had no power without gearing down. My 1300 will pass a car super quick in high gear. normaly will go from 65 to 85 passing a car in 5th just twist and go. with my wife & I combined weight around 425 lbs

[mustangman]

I've own both. The 1300 C was my first bike too. I loved it. Plenty of power, even two up (I'm 250 lbs and the Mrs. is about 190.) The styling, reliabilty and gas mileage are unbeatable. After an accident where my truck beat up the bike - long story - I got the 1800.
Powerful is an understatement. Love the linked brakes and fuel injection for the upcoming cold days. Gas mileage isn't as good (about 38-42 compared to 46-50 with the 1300). Beats putting gas in the F-150 though.

[sugyrbabe]

I am new to riding, bought my first bike vtx 1300 in Dec and completed training course in Jan. I did not ride my vtx until after the training course and I have dropped it twice, but not since Feb. I am handling it well now, but in hindsight I would have started out smaller and used so that my X would not be hurt in my learning process.

[HeadGuess]

New rider, get yourself an 1100-used and put 5K+ miles on it before you trade it in on an X. Won't feel nearly as bad if you drop a used 1100 as you will a new X. If you don't drop it, more power to you. It will be worth more when you trade it in. JMHO.

I think Outlaw is right on the money. Follow this advice and you wont be sorry.:choppersm

[Shutterbug]

Yup, go with Outlaw's recommendation. I have a 1300C, but my first bike was a Kawa 125 cc, then a 175cc, 400cc, Honda 900custom, V65 Magna 1100, suzuki m50 800cc (a big mistake), and finally my 1300C, which is my favorite bike of all, followed by the V65 Magna. I kept my bikes in excellent condition, all garage kept, and rarely lost money on a sale of one of my bikes.
I'm not saying to start on a 125cc, but something used, at least 750cc. You'll be glad you did. Remember the saying, there are only 2 types of bikers. Those that have gone down and those that are going down.

[mark]

I'd have to agree with the majority here, if your new to riding I would start out smaller. My first bike was a 450 Rebel, had the thing for almost 5 years and took it everywhere. However even with a small bike like this I managed to drop it once and layed it down in a curve another time. I am not blaming the bike - I was just inexperienced to riding! I cut my teeth on it and than when I got my X I felt really confident.
Best of luck

[whitedime]

I never saw "VTX" and "small" used in the same sentence before. You can bet that there'll never be a "small" VTX.

yea everyone compliments my bike on how "big" it is, i have a 1300

[big_dude]

You really should go with a cheap,smaller bike till you get some miles under your belt.Dropping a bike sucks but we have all done it.Then go to a VTX.Both are great bikes.I've rode both but I like my 1300C the best.You can't go wrong either way.

[dirtdobber]

I never suggest anyone getting their first bike to get a new bike. That is just not a good idea. You will forget the sidestand , get into a tight turning around etc. The msf is a must. Ride a small used bike this summber and next year you might be ready for the 1300. I will question a 1800 so quick. Many have said the 1300 handles better than a 1800 not for me they don't. I have a 1300 retro and a 1800 c that has been converted to a interstate/touring bike. I ride both a lot. This year since feb. I have added 8,000 miles to my 1800 and around 6,500 on my 1300. If you set up the 1800 with good shocks, seating with good reach bars it will no doubt out handle the 1300. it steers quicker/easier., the linked brakes will stop you with more control than that of a 1300. Don't get me wrong I love my 1300 otherwise I would get rid of it. I do like my 1800 a little more. It takes a lot of miles to really get to know a 1800 and find that it does handle better than a 1300. The weight did bother me at first but now I only notice it untll I let the clutch out. i think the 1800 is a great buy and a great bike. There are times i just want to be on the 1300 instead of the 1800. Good luck with your choice and ride safe with what ever you get.
http://bigbikeriders.com/photopost/data/500/4458IMG_0911.jpg
http://bigbikeriders.com/photopost/data/500/4458Image1-34_edited-1.jpg:choppersm :patriot: