[luker]

Hi all,
I'll pose this same question in the 1800 forum.
I'm riding a Suzuki 800 now... way too small (I'm 6'1" 200lbs). I bought it as my first bike and it has served the purpose. I'm having a hell of a time trying to guess what my future riding style will be. I know I enjoy cruising, but the idea of some light touring with my wife sounds awfully inviting. I'm sure the 1300 will satisfy my cruising needs, but will I regret not going up to the 1800. On the other hand, is the 1800 too big for an intown cruiser. Don't wanna start a war here, just asking for your opinions.
Russ

[Price]

the 1300 will be just fine. im 6'5 210lbs and it works out for me perfectly. great cruising speed of around 75-80. im very happy with my 2005 1300C

[epiphysis]

6'3, 220 here.....no issues with the 1300...great ride, very comfortable, even with the wife on board, and she's a big girl!!

[Blue Goose]

I find the 1800 way too top heavy but I'm a twig at 5'11 175 compared to you guys so maybe that is why



2T2

[jdt3]

The 1300 has plenty and will work just fine ,see if you can test ride one of each and see how they feel,only you will know then which is right for you, get the f if you go 1800 thats the one I have my eye on next.

[Scotrod]

hmmm, well hopefully someone who has had both will comment,

I can't say I remember any one who has first had a 13 and then an 18 and then regretted getting the 18,,,,,

HP/torque is addictive. Not truly 'necessary', but addictive.

[Scar]

You are gonna have to make a decision -- Both bikes will perform the "tasks" that you have stated.. Both bikes are totally different bikes in handling and "power" -- Plus each bike "sounds" totally different... with the 1300 you get the single pin crank sound... with the 1800 you get considerably more "power" and a heavier road bike if you plan on doing much long distance work... (the 1300 handles better in the hills).

Totally different bikes -- I know people that have owned both... the opinions are too varied for any one individual to make a buying decision... you are just gonna have to bite the bullet and go check them out.

[djhandya]

My riding buddy just upgraded from Suzuki 800 to a 1300 and he very happy. He saids the power difference is incredible

[jagarcia]

That's a great-looking Harley you have there, dj!

Hey, the 1300 will be great for you, but I'm sure you'd be happy with the 1800.

And if touring is a serious consideration, then think about a Wing; they are really nice bikes!

[Matejj]

I'm a big guy and i live in a hilly part of Pennsylvania...this bike has never lacked for power and has done everything I ever asked of it...It's a fun bike that I think sits right on the cusp of being too big....Maybe someday I will outgrow it...but not yet...Hell, If I had to choose a big bike I would choose a Suzuki C109T.....over the vtx 1800 anyway...

[Caius]

I pretty much bought my '05 VTX 1300C because I couldn't find an 1800 for sale in my area. After riding it for 5 months now I don't think I'd want to upgrade. I love it.

[sandan]

I chose the 1300 this month (6 days till she is all mine), both bikes would be excellent tools.
However the 1300 is lighter, more old school, more suited to the home mechanic, single crankpin, not a great deal slower and still enough torque with less tyre wear.

However if money is no option and running costs don’t matter then more torque and speed is always more attractive but it is once you start running it from month to month that the overall cost of ownership might matter.


I don’t know if the 1800 will cost much more to run, other owners will be able to share MPG, tyre mileage servicing etc but more ponies always usually means more money.


I had ZZR 1400 were reasonable use of right hand saw a tyre wear in less than 2000 miles and 600 of them were running in, thats kind of what I am getting at on the total cost of ownership.

Good luck and at least you cannot make a mistake as both are great bikes it is just a case of what is right for you.

DJ i like the look of your bike great paint scheme.

[AZVTX'er]

As one who has had both bikes, I'd say the 13 is a fantastic bike. I upgraded to an 18 after 2 years because I ran out of throttle on the 2nd week of ownership (it took me the rest of 2 years to admit it). Many folks may not have that problem but I have a need for speed. Absolutely love my 18 and she's not at all hard to handle. Feels like the same bike to me but I'm 6'3 and 300ish

[tiger-88]

Suzuki C109T are fast & look good but have not seen many cruzing on long rides and I hear there not staying together very good ! I also see 1300 riders going to 1800 but no 1800er going down to 1300 !
ride on !!!!!!!!!!!

[swaltman]

Luker, Are you my long lost twin? You are in the exact same boat I was in until yesterday. I too am 6'1" about 215 lbs. and had an 04 suzuki 800 Intruder and didnt know which way to go. Everyone kept telling me to at least sit on the 1800 so I did, I found it to be very heavy, much more than the 1300 so I bought a 1300 instead. I generally ride solo and my wife may at times go for a quick ride so I stayed with the 1300. I didnt need the extra power or weight. Many bought a 1300 and later wished they got an 1800, I personally dont think I will have that problem, only put 70 miles on my 1300 yesterday and I love it, much better than my Intruder 800. Also, I originally wanted a C model and later decided on an R model, I am very glad I did for the follwoing reasons:
1) Floorboards are all that, getting used to heel to toe shifter...footpegs on 800 were way to far back and sucked
2) I dont see many around my area so its kind of unique for me...
3) someone told me the fenders were ugly, I like style and being different so I had to have the R now
4) Got a 2007 VTX 1300R for $8750 Out the door w/ 5 year warranty...(extra 48 month is at least $500)
Its your decision and only you know what you want or need so Good luck

[need2cruz]

I went from a 2006 Shadow 750 Aero to a VTX1300s. 6' 240lbs. Big power difference but the main difference is size, the vtx is heavier but feels more right... good bike, glad i got it over the 1800. the extra power isn't worth the extra $ for insurance

[crazyman]

I sat on both the 1300 and the 1800. As for "fit" the 13 did it for me. I didn't like the feel of the 1800.

As for power / ride, etc., the 1300 is great for cruising and some long rides. I say some because riding the freeway is not an easy ride. The 1300 winds up high to maintain 70+ mph. Vibrates a lot and makes it a harsh ride. I've ridden Valks and the bigger Roadstars that felt smooth and solid at 80+ mph. That's really the only drawback for the 1300 IMO.

I have my eye on a 'larger' bike as my next one. Something that can handle short cruises and long hauls easily. Just my opinion.

[Osidevtx]

Never had a 1300, but I do have to say the 1800 seems definately enough.

[Matejj]

Originally Posted by tiger-88 Suzuki C109T are fast & look good but have not seen many cruzing on long rides and I hear there not staying together very good ! I also see 1300 riders going to 1800 but no 1800er going down to 1300 ! ride on !!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks for busting up my dream man...lol.......I had no idea...

But do love that big stock rear tire...and that huge couch seat....It's an impressive machine...

[sunrutea]

I posted on the other board as well but let me add here that my insurance is 450.00 a year full coverage with gap. Yes I go through some has but like to ride the 1800 kinda hard I do not find it too heavy at all, u turns are no problem and it is very responsive. Turns are no issue, getting around in the city is great. Give them both a ride. U wanted a 1300r but as luck had it I got my 1800 for a lot less used. I would reccommend checking craigs list before you buy a new one. I saved more than 5k and they hold up very well.

[Osidevtx]

Originally Posted by sunrutea I wanted a 1300r but as luck had it I got my 1800 for a lot less used. I would recommend checking craigs list before you buy a new one. I saved more than 5k and they hold up very well.

+1! I got my 1800 from craigs list for $6000. It had 1583 miles on it.

[AZVTX'er]

Actually, my insurance went down from the 1300 for some reason. $250 a year full coverage for my 1800.

Originally Posted by need2cruz I went from a 2006 Shadow 750 Aero to a VTX1300s. 6' 240lbs. Big power difference but the main difference is size, the vtx is heavier but feels more right... good bike, glad i got it over the 1800. the extra power isn't worth the extra $ for insurance

[Bono]

Originally Posted by sunrutea I posted on the other board as well but let me add here that my insurance is 450.00 a year full coverage with gap. Yes I go through some has but like to ride the 1800 kinda hard I do not find it too heavy at all, u turns are no problem and it is very responsive. Turns are no issue, getting around in the city is great. Give them both a ride. U wanted a 1300r but as luck had it I got my 1800 for a lot less used. I would reccommend checking craigs list before you buy a new one. I saved more than 5k and they hold up very well.

ride both and decide on your own. We all have different feeling for a bike!

[06orange1300C]

I'm in the, "if you have to ask..." crowd. I figure you have enough general riding experience to want the power...if you have to ask if 1300 is enough...might as well be sure it is by adding a 500CC booster to it and be certain!

That said, I love my 1300. In the right gear, she can pull way harder than I have straight-away to allow. I can turn her locked out dragging a peg full of sparks with no trouble...but AZVTX'er is the one I would listen to on this one as he really spent time with the 1300 and has moved up with plenty of time for regrets and has none.

[largenote]

I traded a suzuki 800 volusai for an 1800c this summer. I am only 5'4" and it took some time getting used to the extra weight, but no problem now. i had wanted the 1300, but there are some great deals on leftover 2006 and 07 1800s and i couldn't pass it up.

[doug48317]

I'm 6'1 and 250lbs, and with my wife on with me (140lbs, shhh) the 1300C has plenty of power. I used to be a crotch rocket kinda rider but have no regrets on the 1300 (except the stock seat, gonna ask for ideas on which one of those is best next)

[rutman]

i had a suzuki 800 and sold it and bought a new 07S in april this year. i love this bike, it has plenty of power for 2 up riding, handles good also, tons of accesorys, i hope my X last forever.

[sunrutea]

As bono says ride both as everyone is different. Just don't go in with your mind made up that one is too big or one is too small. Ride the 1300 first like everyone else says. As another wise soul on here states "get what you want first or pay for it twice, and that sucks". Very true words so give each bike an equal shot then go with your instincts. Don't second guess yourself. You will drive yourself mad. And don't forget craigs list!!!

[riki]

I'm a little over 6'2" around 250 and my wife, well I'm not saying, but the 1300 will get you where you want to go and cruise all day. I imagine either bike you get, you'll be satisfied.

[gsboriqua]

If I were to do it all over again, I would have bought an 1800, or better yet a V Star......