Honda VTX 1300 R Retro: Specs, Background, Performance & More

For many people, a motorcycle is a viable source of transportation, while others use it to explore new roads and destinations. There is another group of people that likes to do both. To fulfill both purposes, it is important to invest in the right bike.

When we think of a bike that is a perfect blend of everyday commuter and tourer, the first name that comes to mind is Honda. The Honda motorcycles perform exceptionally well in an urban setting and can be tweaked into a tourer with the help of a few add-ons. Honda’s affordable VTX 1300 Retro lineup was made to do just that.

Here is an article dedicated to the Honda VTX 1300 Retro series. Read on to find out its detailed specs, background, performance, and more.

Back in 2001, Honda introduced its gigantic V-twin cruisers, featuring the largest displacement of 1795 ccs. The muscular cruisers were called VTX 1800s and were an instant hit. Honda then went on to manufacture a range of lightweight, less intimidating motorcycles, the VTX 1300 series with a smaller displacement of 1312 cc. The first of these bikes was the Honda VTX 1300 S model. These bikes were introduced in 2002 and were discontinued after 2007. In 2004, bike enthusiasts got their hands on an equally stunning Honda VTX 1300 C cruiser. The very next year, another model, the Honda VTX 1300 R, joined the VTX 1300 family. The Honda VTX 1300 R models were sold between 2005 and 2009. These bikes were one of the most popular entry-level cruisers because they were lightweight and easy to handle. As a result, the VTX 1300 Retro did extremely well on the retail floors.

Over the years, the Honda VTX series saw no changes in the engine. The main difference between the Honda 1300 VTX S and Honda VTX 1300 R is that the VTX S featured spoked wheels whereas the VTX R had retro-style cast wheels.

If we compare the different models of the Honda VTX 1300 Retro, the only significant change was in the paintwork.

Here is a brief overview of all the varying color options introduced by Honda in its VTX 1300 Retro lineup.

The 2005 Honda VTX 1300 R models came with tubeless tires and featured the following unique colors in its first year:

• Black
• Candy Red
• Magenta Metallic
• Metallic Silver

The 2006 Honda VTX 1300 R didn’t see many changes in the engine and framework. The designers only tweaked the paintwork and introduced the following colors:

• Candy Black Cherry
• Bright Blue Metallic
• Metallic Silver
• Black

For the 2007 VTX 1300 R models Honda kept the black color scheme but also introduced new colors including:

• Metallic Blue
• Dark Red Metallic 
• Titanium

The 2008 Honda VTX 1300 R models were quite the head-turners with their plush seat and forward foot controls. The chrome side covers and a selection of classic colors made them a perennial favorite. The bike was available in the following colors:

• Black
• Metallic Blue
• Pearl White

In 2009 Honda launched a timeless color palette to go with the shiny chrome side covers. These VTX 1300 bikes met the individual design preferences of all riders.

• Dark Blue Metallic
• Metallic Silver
• Metallic Black

Honda’s VTX retro cruisers are reliable machines with plenty of V-twin torque and distinctive styling. The letter ‘R’ in the VTX 1300 R stands for retro, and the bike lives up to its name. First launched in 2005, the bike’s demand and popularity grew every year even though it was discontinued more than a decade ago.

It has a profound old-school appeal to it that looks classy and cool at the same time.

With its deeply valanced front and rear fenders, contemporary chrome-hooded headlight, and minimalistic tank-mounted instruments, the bike offers everything a rider could want in terms of looks. The semi-swept handlebars and floorboards with a heel-and-toe shifter impart a retro feel to the cruiser. This is why no other cruiser can compete with the Honda VTX 1300 R.

The stylish retro-style cast wheels are lightweight, tubeless tires that require low maintenance. The VTX’s shiny wheels provide greater stability at high speeds and since they are lightweight, they help with the overall handling of the bike.

The bike owes its all-consuming presence to the high-performance 1312 cc engine that generates ample power and low-end torque for relaxed cruising. The engine also features a single-pin crankshaft that accentuates the engine’s character. The bike also features a dry-sump oil system that uses a closed crankcase design. The unique design improves the engine’s revving power and lower engine height which positively impacts a rider’s posture. Thanks to the dual-axis primary counterbalancers, the bike does not produce teeth-chattering vibrations.

For better riding ergonomics, the bike possesses a firmly padded saddle with a low 27-inch seat height. The handlebar also contributes to the comfort of the bike as it encourages an upright riding posture. The bike also features an electric speedometer with easy-to-read numerals. The speedometer uses an electronic transmission speed sensor which eliminates the need for a speedometer cable mounted at the front wheel. This change in design allows a comfortable riding experience and gives your bike a tidy look.

Even as a brand new product, the bike was competitively priced and within the purchase range of most riders. Fortunately, finding a well-maintained second-hand retro at an affordable price is quite easy because of the growing second-hand market.

The VTX 1300 Retro is a middleweight cruiser weighing approximately 710 lbs. Its moderate weight, 65.7-inch wide wheelbase, and 32° fork angle (rake) enhance the stability of the motorcycle at high speeds and sharp corners. The large rake angle also reduces the amount of effort needed to steer.

All Honda VTX 1300 R models came with a shaft-final drive system and a five-speed constant mesh transmission. A large 41 mm telescopic front fork provides 5.1 inches of clearance for the wheels to travel. The dual chrome rear shocks with five-way spring preload adjustment provide 3.6 inches of clearance for the wheels to travel. The rear suspension also features an advanced internal valve system for a smooth and comfortable ride.

The VTX 1300 Retro features a battery-powered transistorized ignition. The electronic control unit (ECU) provides 3-D ignition maps for each cylinder. The engine is switched on with an electric starter. The 1312 cc liquid-cooled V-twin motor generates strong torque at low rpm to both start and accelerate. Its single-pin crankshaft produces a pronounced rumble that is essential for a complete riding experience.

The bike also features a single 38 mm constant-velocity carburetor that offers a crisp throttle response at any speed.

The bike has a single front disc brake with a two-piston caliper and a rear disc brake with a single-piston caliper. The weight of the cruiser is perfectly balanced,  allowing the rider to safely hit the highway speed.

The Honda VTX 1300 R has a decent top speed of 113 mph.

The VTX 1300 boasts a double-cradle steel frame. The bike has an overall length of 101.4 inches.

The Honda VTX 1300 Retro is equipped with a 4.8-gallon fuel tank and weighs approximately 710 lbs.

The Honda VTX 1300 R can last for more than 75,000 miles approximately. However, the longevity of the bike depends on how much a rider cares for it.

The Honda VTX 1300 R is known for its long life span. It is a stunning high-performance, low-maintenance bike that makes it difficult for owners to part with it. The only problem is that it looks a bit outdated compared to the latest cruisers which are not only more advanced in technology but also offer greater riding comfort and a more affluent style.

If you don’t want to switch because of deep affection for your bike but are looking for an enhanced riding comfort or renewed appeal, then you can always customize your bike using  aftermarket parts.

Nothing beats the comfort level that installing a sissy bar can add to your bike. You will never have to suffer those nasty back pains on your daily commute.

With sissy bars onboard, you can also go for that camping trip that you always wanted to do but couldn’t due to inadequate riding comfort. If you decide to make that camping trip, then don't forget to mount a luggage bag to carry your supplies.

This bag will come in handy even after you return from your trip. You can carry your belongings in this bag or replace it with a saddlebag for a more chic look.