bought the wrong bike

[nem8178]

I bought the bike brand new on 6/1/07 as a left over. I got a good deal on the bike which is why I went with the custom instead of the retro, but I didn't realize the riding position was different. I never even sat on the bike. I saw the color and fell in love with it. I like the orange a lot and hope to find a used retro with the same paint job. I am willing to lose a few hundred on the bike. Keep in mind that if you buy new it will run you between $10,300 and $10,600 (that's fees and bags, not taxes, at the asking price of $9599) for this bike, which will come with saddlebags, real leather saddleman bags with quick release latches to access bags and they also release from bike with zipper. Also comes with covers to protect from elements. $8500 saves you at least three hundred dollars and that's only if find the same deal I did which was $7595 on left over models from last year. After taxes, fees, bags, I'm into the bike for $8900. I've put 300 miles on it.

[mscales]

Instead of selling the bike just change the fit. I added "C" pegs to my R/S and raised the bars. Sits more like a C then a R/S with the looks to boot. You can change the riding posistion pretty cheap.

[nem8178]

I'm getting encouraged with the research I'm doing. I just want to make sure I buy the right product, I know what I want the end result to be I'm just not sure how to go about achieving my goal w/o spending a lot of money. I've been checking out **************, if you know of any good sits please pass them along.

[mscales]

What? Not sure what you are wanting to do. If you like the looks of the C then you can change your sitting posistion for not much money or effort unless you buy expensive parts that is. It really all depends on what you want. If you want a R then you would need to change fenders. I might be able to get you a set of R fenders and tank but they are red. OUt here you can still buy 2005 and lots of 2006s at pretty good prices so if you dont want to loseany money then just change the feel of your bike.

[nem8178]

I guess this site edits out names of websites, how ghetto. I mentioned how I was looking at products at xchopper and if you knew of any other places online to look for good deals. I am just now finding out that the tanks are different, I'm guessing that the "C" is bit more leaner. My biggest concerns with this model is the reach to the grips and how uncomfortable the ride becomes after only riding for a short time. The seat is a piece of crap as well and I'm very suprised at Honda for not having come up with something better over the years, the vtx came out in '02 and they can't come up with a more comfortable design? This was supposed to be my dream bike, the last one that I bought and the one to invest in customizing, but so far all I have is regrets that I didn't get a retro. The fenders are growing on me but I still prefer the retro style and I would have wanted a fatter tank as well. I could change the riding position fairly cheaply but that doesn't change the fact that I would be happier with an "R".

[Betty Boop]

I guess this site edits out names of websites, how ghetto. I mentioned how I was looking at products at xchopper and if you knew of any other places online to look for good deals. I am just now finding out that the tanks are different, I'm guessing that the "C" is bit more leaner. My biggest concerns with this model is the reach to the grips and how uncomfortable the ride becomes after only riding for a short time. The seat is a piece of crap as well and I'm very suprised at Honda for not having come up with something better over the years, the vtx came out in '02 and they can't come up with a more comfortable design? This was supposed to be my dream bike, the last one that I bought and the one to invest in customizing, but so far all I have is regrets that I didn't get a retro. The fenders are growing on me but I still prefer the retro style and I would have wanted a fatter tank as well. I could change the riding position fairly cheaply but that doesn't change the fact that I would be happier with an "R".

You can do so much with the C...There are several options for the reach, bars...kewl metal risers....CP punisher bars...15 inches of pull back...will much improve reach...I have them...add floor boards...I did but recently took them off and sold them...I like the pegs better..as for the seat..if you like the look...send it to bad X for the seat mod..he can lower you and add memory foam...for alot less than a new seat...but if you'd like a diff style...most seem to like the Mustang..honestly I've done so much to my C it would take me all night to tell ya...have a look in my gallery you'll get the idea....good places to shop on line....cruiser customizing....xtreme revelution...hdl...lots and lots...just type in vtx 1300 accessories in the web browser and you'll find lots...but these all have good prices and helpful people...Feel free to ask any questions...I'd hate for you to dislike the your C...mine rides like a dream...punisher bars..lowered with progressive shocks...seat modded by me..just too much to list...check out my gallery...I'll be glad to help in any way !! Betty Boop :)

[Big-X]

I guess this site edits out names of websites, how ghetto.

No, we just edit the name of that one since he could not stop spamming our forum, so yes that site is edited out. Anyway he is just a middle man that charges you and ships stuff from Viking anyway so just visit Viking and order direct.

It appears you jumped too soon in buying your bike and now are having issues, I highly suggest you taking a moment and seing what options are avalable before jumping again. Have you checked with the dealer about changing the bike to another model and loosing a few bucks?

There are tons of options out there that would be cheaper than selling anf buying a new bike. As for other sites....

http://www.ridevmc.com/index.asp

http://www.xtremerevolution.com/

http://www.cruisercustomizing.com/

[mshefke]

I agree with what everyone on this thread has been saying. I was in your same situation when I got my C. Kind of wished I got the R as well. But 2 years later and lots of modifications along the way to making my bike MY bike, I realized that even if I bought the R, I still would have spent money fixing it up. The stock seat is a piece of crap on any of the models. I replaced my stock with a Mustang seat and it totally changed the seating position. It put me farther back in the seat in an almost reclined position. It didn't help the problem with the soreness I got in my shoulders from the bars being too far up, so I got the risers from scootworks and now no pain at all and I'm comfortable riding all day. If you want floorboards for your bike, you can get come Cobra's that would work just fine for you (just ask BB). All of those items would totally change your riding position and make you 110% more comfortable and cost you probably under $1000 (probably what you would lose selling the bike and getting another one).

At the end of the day, it is your decision. About the only thing that wouldn't be so easy to swap out would be the fenders and gas tank, but even if you chose to go that route, I'm sure the fine folks on this site would be happy to give you the assistance you need (as noted by Mscales).

Good luck in your decision.

[AZVTX'er]

mshefke, don't feel bad. It was a coin flip for me that day at the dealership. I liked stuff about both bikes. Heads Retro, tails C........it happened to be a heads. (True story)

[doc_63]

I almost bought a C also. Until I sat on both, then no comparison in my opinion. However, with all of the options available, if I had a C right now I would just customize it to fit me and enjoy the hell out of it. Good luck either way.

[ddugan]

Options abound, like tins, and seat mods...you'll customize either way, that is unless you just want to option out similar to Big X's response...go back to the dealer and swap out...and get it over with...you do have options...I would like to have both models, love the R I have, but would like a C to chop and make it into a full custom with a fatty, great option for a shorter ride and look...again, you have options...you can always ask to trade on the boards.

[Steve H.]

You have to realize all bikes are just a foundation to build on. There is not a bike out there with a comfortable stock seat. Thats why the seat manufactures are very busy, badx, mustang, ultimate, etc. The Handle bars grips are the same.

I dont know about everyone else but personalizing is half the fun, for me its alot fun. Like to ride but love to accessorize.

There are a lot of option so get discourage, instead of loosing couple of hundred dollars, use that money to improve your comfort and style. Have fun and enjoy it.

[Dapper]

I agree with what most people say, the bike you purchased was made for everyone but no one in particular. Once you do a little modification to change the look, the position, the sound etc etc the bike becomes YOU Changing to look more like an R is easy and you can always find tins from people contemplating the same thing you are thinking about. Most importantly take your time and have fun with YOUR creation. Look at Ebay for parts like tins or OEM seats then talk to Allen about modding the OEM seat. Different bars or maybe just a riser extension may melt you butter. Floor boards add to a nice cruzer kind of ride and are exceptional on long distances. First and foremost you have the best possible platform to start with, the VTX!

[toasted_3111979]

A few mods here and there and you should be fine.

I commute on my C model. About 300 a week and 160 miles at a time aren't uncommon.

Look at all of ours and you get the idea. No two are alike, may be the same stock bike but after a time everyone changes something. :coffee:

[jdt3]

mshefke, don't feel bad. It was a coin flip for me that day at the dealership. I liked stuff about both bikes. Heads Retro, tails C........it happened to be a heads. (True story)
Same thing here could not make my mind up on c or r found a deal in local paper called about it the guy said it was a c went to look at it it was a s said to my self its now or never get it and make it what you want ,no regrets love my bike.

[Dapper]

I just found a seat option for the C I did not see in the past on ebay,

Honda VTX1300 VTX 1300 C Mustang Seat 75651


Kind of looks similar to what is available on the R

[alan]

theres so many options availible to you you can make it you own without spending to much loot :o).

[RidinAgain]

I hear ya about the stock position of the handlebars causing discomfort after an hour or so. You may want to try scootworks.com and look under the handlebars section for risers ($80) for the 1300C. I put a pair on, took less than 1 hour and helped alot. If that isn't enough pullback for ya, you would need to go the custom handlebar route ($250 or so).