1800 vs 1300

[astros50]

Hello All! Im new here and I am looking for a bit of help selecting my VTX. My background is that I had a Yamaha Virago 500 as a kid. It was a great first timer bike. I had it for about 2 years. Fast foreward about 18 years when I had the priveledge of driving a Harley Road King 8 hours a day as a traffic cop. Opportunity knocked after doing that for two years so I gave up Motorcycle patrol.

Now after about 4 months off of the bike, its killin' me. I have to get a motorcycle and Honda VTX is what Ive chosen. I cant decide between 1800 and 1300. I am interested in any thoughts on the subject.

I loved the Road King, but Im not going to pay that kind of money for a motorcycle. I dont want to slam Harley, but I wasnt terribly impressed with the power. I have read posts that say the thing handles like a log wagon, of which I would disagree. I could make that big old Harley do things you wouldnt believe. And as hard as I rode the thing, maintenance problems were minimal.

I plan on test driving both, but I have to wait for a little while. As soon as I ride, I know that I will have to buy...and Im not quite ready financially for another month. My wife and are are not....ehem what you would call petite, so I am curious if the 1300 would be enough to haul our big butts around.

All reviews I have read say that the 1300 is a much better handeling bike than the 1800. But, as Ive said the Road King isnt supposed to be a sport bike either. So that doesnt scare me. I would prefer to spend a bit less money for the 13.

I would love to hear anyone who has thoughts on this topic, especially anyone who has experience riding both. And anyone who can compare either VTX to a Road King would be greatly appreciated.

[Clint]

Welcome!

With your experience, and with your size(s), I'd say you're going to want the 1800. I've ridden the 1300 with my wife. We weight about 315 together. It was a bit sluggish.

That being said, If I was forced to ride a cruiser, I'd want a lighter, more nimble bike. IIRC, the weight difference is quite a bit. It's probably going to take a test ride to clear that up for you.

[robertc729]

[astros50]

Thanks Red and Robert. I am extremely pleased to be here. What a wonderful forum. It seems difficult for me to tear myself away from the computer once I get started in here. I got a chuckle out of a few "speeding ticket" posts. Those always seem to be a bit spirited.

RowdyRed,
I think you are right. I am just looking for somebody to talk me out of the 1800. I dont want to spend the extra money. I can by the 1300 brand new for the same price as a slightly used 1800. Ive got this thing about new which is about all that has me leaning toward the 1300. My eyes arent sharp enough to see the difference between the two.

Have you ever ridden a Road King? If so, how did it compare to the 1300? I had a chance to ride a buddies Shadow Sabre 1100 for a very short time and I was shocked at how much more oompf it had than the old Hog. But I realize the Sabre was newer and weighed 1/4 to 1/3 less.

[robertc729]

Originally Posted by astros50

I am just looking for somebody to talk me out of the 1800. I dont want to spend the extra money.

Don't get the 1800. There I did my part

[Cajundude]

Astro.... Depends on what you're finally looking for but here's my 2 cents....BTW - ride a 1300C.

First - check out the VTXOA.com site and read up on the opinions - but keep in mind they're much like A$$holes, everybody has one....;o) You'll find the bikes do have distinct differences in handling, power and ride comfort (highway speeds mainly). Myself I chose the 1300 due to a lower leg/ankle injury that couldn't handle the top heavy weight of the 1800. Granted, you gain FI and a handful more of aftermarket parts with the 1800, I find the 1300 is more nimble, (may just be rider styles/talent), and does a fine job 2-up or with gear. My lady and I both ride 1300c models, with her's being more customized (RC Component rims, intake, massive rejets in the carb etc etc etc....). I go 255 right now and had all of our gear on my bike for a 1600 miler and had no issues with power (do have HK's 2-1 Sideburner and K&N filter to help it breath). Do yourself a favor and either find a 'ride day' or go to Eagle Riders and rent both for extended test rides (around the parking lot doesn't do either justice). BTW - you'll find a difference in the C/R/S models in the way each rides/handles on top of the whole 1300 vs 1800 discussion!

Good luck,
C'Dude

BTW - here's a pix of our return leg with me loaded down....

[Prisoners]

I rented an '07 Road King last summer for a weekend, rode it about 450 miles in all sorts of conditions including a slow parade route. ( I attended Rolling Thunder in DC). For my size (5-10", 175lbs) I felt a little uncomfortable on such a heavy bike. It was fantastic on the highway but a little bulky in slow traffic. Of course you jave much more experience than I on it.
I bought a 1300S afterwards because the overall feel was better for me and it was 1/2 the price. Not quite as strong on the highway and lacking the 6th gear is a downer, but around town it's much more agile. Again with your history that might not be an issue. Water cooling is great during summer heat though, no scorching waves burning your legs like on the HD. The 1800 felt much heavier than it actually is, but I'm not very big so the 1300 was a better fit for me. I have about 2K on my bike now and would have much more but Chicago weather has been rough over the past 8 months.

[BudTheGrey]

Not meaning to muddy the water, but the Star Motorcycles (Yamaha) VStar 1300 is definitely worth a look.