Honda VTX 1300 T Tourer: Specs, Background, Performance & More

Honda is well known for its remarkably reliable motorcycles. In the late 200s, it introduced a touring bike, the Honda VTX 1300 T, for bike enthusiasts who love to ride for hours. These high-performing yet simple models are ideal for long-distance riding (mostly on highways).

Equipped with must-have touring essentials and a large fuel tank, the Honda VTX 1300 Tourers boasts contemporary looks, a comfortable feel, and a fun-filled, adventurous touring experience. These low-maintenance touring bikes were made available at an affordable price range allowing everyone an opportunity to hop on and have fun. For this reason, the Honda VTX 1300 Tourer is a best seller even after its manufacturing has come to a halt. The used VTX 1300 Tourers are in high demand.

Want to buy one? Don’t rush. Read this article to gather all the necessary information about this motorcycle including its specifications, performance, and background, and then decide whether it will be worth your money!

One of the world’s largest motorcycle manufacturing companies, Honda, launched its V-twin lineup for the 2002 model year. The sturdy and muscular 1800 cc V-twin cruisers met great success and popularity. This inspired Honda to launch lighter versions of these motorcycles. As a result, the 1300 VTX series graced the retail floors in 2003. By 2005, the lineup saw three  different versions (S, C, and R) of these middleweight, low-displacement cruiser motorcycles. All of these cruisers thrived well in the market as they shared the same engineering concept. The only variation was found in the paintwork and style.

In 2008, Honda added a Tourer variant to the VTX family. The VTX Tourer came with cast wheels and was basically a VTX 1300 Retro bike equipped with three accessories at the factory: saddlebags holding 24 liters each, a windshield, and a passenger backrest. With the addition of the Tourer in 2008, the Honda’s VTX 1300 lineup saw a more compact two-into-two exhaust system. It was also expected that the fuel injection system would be used in the engine of newer models but the VTX 1300 Tourer’s motor still used a 38 mm CV carburetor. The engine configuration and cylinder capacity also remained the same throughout the production years.

The 2008 Honda VTX 1300 T models were minimalistic and classic in design. To match the theme, Honda introduced its 2008 Tourers in the following basic yet attractive colors:

• Black
• Metallic Silver
• Metallic Red

In 2009, Honda slightly changed the paintwork. In addition to black and metallic red, the cruisers featured the following colors:

• Dark Blue Metallic
• Titanium

Honda VTX 1300 Tourer is a simple, straightforward, and easy-to-handle cruiser designed specifically to provide speed and distance. At a first glance, the Honda VTX 1300 Tourer looks sleek and sophisticated with its re-designed two-into-two exhaust system and bullet-style mufflers. The massive tubular frame gives a lean shape to the bike. Moreover, the frame features shiny chrome accents which amplify the overall look.

As soon as the big 1312 cc V-twin engine fires up, you hear the deep throaty rumble of the two-into-two exhaust. The engine has a linear powerband and generates massive torque and horsepower at a low rpm. The 38mm CV carburetor offers a crisp throttle response at all speeds. When measured on a “traditional cruiser” scale, the VTX 1300 Tourer is quite modern with its single overhead cams and liquid cooling.

The VTX’s engineering team chose four-inch diameter pistons traveling through a cylinder stroke of 104.3 mm. This design resulted in a tall engine and an obnoxiously lofty seat height. To counter this flaw, the engineers created a dry-sump system that reduced the engine’s overall height. The screw and lock-nut valve adjusters also helped to decrease the engine height allowing it to sit low in the bike’s frame. For a well-kempt, uncluttered look the oil tank sits within the engine cases, hidden away from sight below the transmission output shaft.

The broad fuel tank is specially designed and houses all the necessary instruments. It constitutes a readable speedometer, odometer, indicator lights for turn signals, and a small collection of gauges.

At 27.4 inches, the VTX 1300 Tourer’s seat height is lower than other cruisers that offer less than half the displacement. The comfortable, low seat joins the fuel tank with beautiful rear fenders. The motorcycle comes with a pair of floorboards with a tapered design from front to back giving the rider ample room for feet making the ride more comfortable, stable, and less tiring. The wide handlebars allow formidable leverage, and when coupled with the low-seat height and floorboards, they allow a relaxed riding posture.

Tourer is long at a 65.7-inch wheelbase and heavy at 748 lbs. The 336 mm single front disc brake with a twin-piston caliper is enough to slow down in normal circumstances but in emergency cases, using the single-disc brake is essential for an immediate stop.

For unparalleled touring comfort, Honda has equipped this two-wheeler with popular add-ons. The accessories include a stylish custom windscreen, leather saddlebags with a 24-liter capacity, and a chrome backrest. The chic Tourer badging on the front fender adds a unique touch to the bike.

The Honda VTX 1300 Tourer can achieve a top speed of 113 mph. However, on highways, it is recommended you don’t push it beyond 70 mph for a smooth ride with fewer vibrations.

The bike offers an average mpg of 40 miles per gallon. Since the large tank has a fuel capacity of 4.8 gallons you can roughly get around 190 miles on a full tank. However, the mileage usually depends on individual riding style therefore exact figures are not known.

The Honda VTX 1300 T was available at a suggested base price of $9899 and was quite accessible to a larger audience. This retail price was for a brand new Tourer. Its production was discontinued in 2009, therefore you cannot buy a brand new bike. But you can always buy a used bike thanks to the ever-growing second-hand market.

There are many competitive deals out there waiting to be grabbed. Hence, you will definitely get your hands on a VTX 1300 Tourer that is just perfect for your needs.

The Honda VTX 1300 Tourer is a fun cruiser and is furnished with some much-needed accessories for touring comfort. However, much work can be done to make this bike more comfortable. This is because the built-in touring accessories have many flaws.

The permanently mounted saddlebags cannot be removed from the bike for convenient packing and unpacking sessions. The leather strap and buckle conceals do not feature any safety locks. This potentially means that you would have to stand guard over your luggage at all times. The mounting rivets sticking out inside the saddlebags tend to damage the stuff and the luggage space also leaves much to be desired.

But the good news is that these flaws have quick fixes in the form of VikingBags aftermarket motorcycle parts. You can add a pair of affordable and good-quality saddlebags to meet all your touring needs. These bags are great to carry your everyday essentials also. 

With VTX 1300 Tourer in your life, you are destined to make some beautiful memories on breathtaking roads and destinations. To capture the moments and panoramic views carry your camera and related gear in a spacious luggage bag without the fear of damaging them. Don’t forget the locks. Make sure your saddlebags have them.

Want to go for an exciting ride with your friend or a loved one? Simply add a passenger seat and sissy bars to make your VTX 1300 T a better pillion ride.  You can also tweak around with the Tourer’s low-lying rider’s seat. For a better comfort level replace with a detachable seat of your own choice because bike trips are nothing without comfort.