Honda VT1300CT Interstate Vs. Honda VTX1300

“I don’t really feel like going for a ride today, said no motorcycle rider ever.”

Honda is one of the most reliable Japanese motorcycle brands, which is why older Honda motorcycles are still popular and often seen on the road. Honda motorcycles are not only reliable, but also cheaper, innovative, stylish, and easier to maintain.

The Honda VT1300CT Interstate and the Honda VTX1300 are two classic cruisers suitable for long-distance rides due to having stock large windscreens and saddlebags. Not all Honda VTX1300 models come with standard luggage options and wind protection. Only the Honda VTX1300T is built for long-distance rides with a passenger backrest, small saddlebags, and a large windscreen. Both the Honda VT1300CT Interstate and the Honda VTX1300 are powered by a 1,312 cc 52° V-Twin engine. However, both motorcycles have unique designs and ergonomics.

The Honda VTX1300 lineup was discontinued and replaced by the Honda VT1300 lineup in 2009. The Honda VT1300CT was introduced in December 2009 at the Toronto Motorcycle Show. The Honda VT1300 lineup had an unusual design and frame geometry with a raked-out front end, updated brakes, powertrain, and suspension. The Honda VT1300’s carburetor was replaced with a Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) for better fuel delivery to the engine. The exhaust system and the camshaft profiles were also redesigned to provide better performance. This article is a detailed comparison between the Honda VT1300CT Interstate and the Honda VTX1300.

The Honda VT1300C lineup’s design was inspired by the Honda Zodia concept. The Honda VT1300CT Interstate had a unique design with an unusual frame geometry, a raked-out front end, and a streamlined fuel tank. The Honda VT1300CT Interstate was the first chopper-style motorbike Honda ever produced.

The Honda VT1300CT Interstate has a tall, extended front end with pulled-back handlebars. It has a streamlined body shape with a single-piece saddle capable of two-up riding and a dip in the rider’s seat with a low seat height. The gauges are mounted to a stretched and stylish fuel tank with a fuel capacity of 4.4 gal.

The Honda VT1300CT Interstate comes with a big round headlamp covered in a chrome nacelle. It is fitted with separate two-into-two chrome mufflers, forward-mounted floorboards, a large front fork-mounted windshield, and small saddlebags. The Honda VTX1300CT Interstate is an easily customizable motorcycle as the touring parts can be easily removed to give it a stripped-down cruiser look.

The Honda VTX1300 lineup has a classic cruiser design with a less-raked-out front end and a larger fuel tank. The Honda VTX1300T also comes with stock saddlebags, a passenger backrest, and a large tinted windscreen for a better touring experience. It has the conventional Honda cruiser design with a chrome finish, chopped front and rear fenders with an extended tail, and the Tourer signature on both sides of the front fender. The Honda VTX1300 also has pulled-back handlebars and a comfortable two-piece saddle capable of two-up riding. The gauges are mounted to the peanut-shaped fuel tank with a fuel capacity of 4.8 gal.

The Honda VT1300CT Interstate is powered by an 80 cu in liquid-cooled, 52 ° V-Twin engine capable of a horsepower of 74 hp at 5,000 rpm and a torque of 123 Nm at 3,000 rpm. The engine provides adequate power and smooth low-end torque delivery for daily commutes and cruising on open roads. The five-speed transmission coupled with a wet multi-disc clutch ensures easy gear shifts and clutch operation. The shaft drive gives this Honda model a cleaner look and is easy to maintain.

The Honda VT1300CT Interstate’s engine comes with dual counterbalancers to reduce vibrations. The Programmed Fuel-Injection (PGM-FI) provides optimum fuel delivery and fuel mileage of 46 mpg. The Honda VT1300CT Interstate is also fitted with reliable front and rear disc brakes, along with an optional ABS. The raked-out front end and narrow front tire ensure better linear performance.

The Honda VTX1300 is also equipped with an 80 cu in liquid-cooled, 52 ° V-Twin engine capable of a torque of 123 Nm at 3,000 rpm and a horsepower of 74 hp at 5,000 rpm. The Honda VTX1300 and the Honda VTX1800 have similar designs and bodywork. The Honda VTX1300 is a lighter version of the Honda VTX1800 with a smaller engine size. Due to being a lightweight motorcycle, the Honda VTX1300 is more nimble, agile, and easier to handle than the Honda VTX1800.  Unlike the Honda VTX1800, the Honda VTX1300 comes with a constant velocity carburetor that constantly delivers fuel to the engine. It also comes with a manual choke for cold starts. Being fitted with older technology, the Honda VTX1300’s engine can produce excess vibrations. The Honda VTX1300 also has a single-pin crankshaft, catalytic converters, and an air injection system for air-fuel mixture to regulate emissions.

The Honda VT1300CT Interstate is a comfortable dual-purpose bike with cruiser and tourer features. The Honda VT1300CT Interstate is 36 lbs lighter than the Honda VTX1300T, ensuring better handling when riding through traffic. The low-mounted, pulled-back handlebars are within comfortable reach of the rider, ensuring a relaxed riding position. The Honda VTX1300CT Interstate’s low seat height of 26.8 inches and forward-mounted floorboards make it suited for taller and shorter riders. It is a comfortable and versatile motorcycle suited for cruising, touring, daily commutes, and riding through traffic.

The Honda VTX1300 has comfortable ergonomics due to its ideal cruiser design. This classic cruiser has a low seat height of 27.5 inches and forward-mounted floorboards, ensuring adequate legroom for taller riders. Riders can comfortably rest their feet on the floorboards for a more relaxed cruising experience. The Honda VTX1300 is also fitted with low-mounted, swept-back handlebars that are slightly far from the rider’s reach, resulting in a slightly more aggressive riding style. For a more comfortable and relaxed back position, the stock handlebars can be replaced with swept-back, buckhorn handlebars.

The Honda VT1300CT Interstate is a more comfortable chopper-style cruiser than the Honda VTX1300. It weighs only 712 lbs and has a low seat height of 26.8 inches, making it an agile and nimble motorbike suitable for all riders. The handlebars position and forward-mounted floorboards result in a stretched riding position and adequate legroom. However, the Honda VT1300CT Interstate is slightly difficult to control at high speeds. Meanwhile, the Honda VTX1300 is also a comfortable cruiser with a low seat height and forward-mounted floorboards. However, the handlebars position results in a slightly forward riding position, which can be uncomfortable on continuous, long-distance rides.

The Honda Interstate VT1300T and the Honda VTX1300 are ideal motorbikes for cruising on open roads and daily commutes. Both lightweight motorcycles are agile, nimble, and stable while turning corners. Both motorcycles are powered by a 1,312 cc SOHC, 52 ° V-Twin engine capable of producing smooth low-end torque delivery. However, the Honda VT1300CT Interstate comes with a programmed fuel injection system, ensuring better fuel consumption and optimal fuel delivery to the engine.

The Honda VT1300CT Interstate and the Honda VTX1300 are built with different ergonomics. The Honda VT1300CT Interstate is more comfortable due to its relaxed riding ergonomics and back position. It is best suited for taller and shorter riders. The Honda VT1300CT Interstate is also a beginner-friendly motorcycle due to being lightweight and maneuverable.

Most motorcycle enthusiasts customize their motorcycles to make them better suited for long-distance rides. By installing a few aftermarket parts, including saddlebags, fairings, large windscreen, and backrests available at Viking Bags, your motorcycle can be transformed into an ideal tourer. Other aftermarket parts include handlebars, sissy bars, sissy bar bags, and crash bars.