Honda VTX 1300S vs Harley Davidson Sportster 1200C

HARLEY DAVIDSON is an American motorcycle company founded in 1903. Over the years, Harley has made many remarkable motorcycles that have appeared in multiple motorcycle races. In 1957, Harley Davidson launched its first motorcycle in the Sportster series, the Harley Davidson XL. This model shared several similarities with the KH model. From 1957 to 1985, Harley Davidson continued to launch the XL with 883 cc and 1000 cc engines. In 1988, Harley replaced the Sportster’s 1000 cc engine with a 1200 cc engine. In 1996, Harley launched the HARLEY SPORTSTER 1200C (Custom) and the 1200S (Sports). The Sportster 1200 Custom is currently still in production.

HONDA is a Japanese motorcycle company, famous for its overall reliable motorcycles. The HONDA VT is an engine installed in many Honda models. The “VT” in the name means V-Twin and the “X” stands for “Extreme.” The HONDA VTX SERIES was first launched in 2001, with the HONDA VTX 1800 being the first model of the VTX series built with an 1800 cc engine. The HONDA VTX 1300 was launched in 2003 and remained in production until 2009. During this period, Honda launched four different variants: the VTX 1300S, VTX 1300C, VTX 1300R, and VTX 1300T. All of these models were launched in Europe, America, and Australia, except the VTX 1300T which was only launched in the U.S. The VTX 1300S was first launched in 2003 and remained in production until 2007.

The  Honda VTX 1300S is a traditional-looking cruiser that has its speedometer mounted on the fuel tank. Its fenders and fuel tank are colored, while the rest of the motorcycle is painted with chrome. The Honda VTX 1300S has wide handlebars positioned slightly below the shoulders of an average rider. It has floorboards towards the front along both sides of the motorcycle, ensuring a relaxed experience on long rides. The Honda VTX has a 41 mm front fork with a wheel travel of 5.1 inches. Towards the front is a single disc brake with a tire size of 140/90-17 M/C. Towards the rear, the VTX has 94 mm dual shocks with a wheel travel of 3.5 inches. It has a single 396 mm disc brake towards the rear with a tire size of 170//80-15 M/C. The Honda VTX 1300S comes in five different colors, including dark red, pearl white, pearl dark blue, pearl bright green, and black. 

The HARLEY DAVIDSON SPORTSTER 1200C is a traditional-looking cruiser motorcycle that kept many of its predecessors’ characteristics. Its speedometer is attached to the HANDLEBAR like most cruisers. The Sportster 1200C’s fenders and fuel tank are colored. The side panels and seat are both matt black. Its V-Twin engine, engine’s side panels, and exhaust are covered in chrome. The Sportster 1200C has footrests similar to those of other Harley models. Its handlebars are positioned below the shoulders of most riders. It has a 39 mm front fork with a wheel travel of 5.6 inches. It has a single front disc brake with a tire size of 130/90B16 73H. At the rear, the SPORTSTER 1200C has dual pre-load adjustable shocks with a wheel travel of 2.1 inches. It has a single disc brake at the rear with a tire size of 150/80B16 77H. The Sportster 1200C arrives in three colors: midnight blue, river rock gray, and billiard red.

The Honda VTX 1300S has a 1,312-cc four-stroke liquid-cooled V-twin engine capable of peak torque of 123 Nm at 3,000 rpm. It has a large stroke size of 104.3 mm (4.1 in) which helps it achieve a maximum horsepower of 74.8 hp. The Honda VTX 1300S has a five-speed transmission system and uses a shaft drive train requiring little maintenance. The VTX 1300S can travel at a top speed of 113 mph (182 km/h). 

The SPORTSTER 1200C has a 1,202-cc air four-stroke air-cooled V-Twin engine capable of peak torque of 96 Nm at 3,500 rpm and a maximum horsepower of 68 hp. The Sportster 1200C has a five-speed manual transmission system and a belt drive train. The Sportster 1200C can reach a top speed of 118 mph (189.9 km/h).

The Honda VTX 1300S has a seat height of 27 inches which makes it easy for short riders to ride, and its long length and floorboards make it suitable for taller riders as well. It contains two seats, one for the rider and one for the passenger, with the rider’s seat being wide enough for larger riders as well. There is no SISSY BAR, SADDLEBAGS, and other LUGGAGE attached to the Honda VTX 1300S. The rake angle of and HANDLEBAR positioned below shoulder height ensure good ergonomics. However, the handlebars are wider than traditional cruisers. With a wet weight of 320 kg, the Honda VTX 1300S is a heavyweight cruiser that can be difficult for new riders to handle. This motorcycle has a width of 37.8 inches which appears bulky but the frame and body have an aerodynamic design that provides stability and more speed.  

The Harley Davidson Sportster 1200C has a seat height of 28.5 inches, making it suitable to ride for both short and tall riders. It contains two comfortable seats, one for the rider and one for the passenger. This motorcycle does not have a SISSY BAR installed, but it can be easily bought as an aftermarket part. The rake angle of and handlebars positioned below shoulder-height ensure a comfortable riding position. With an overall weight of 268 kg, the Sportster 1200C is a midweight CRUISER with good stability even when riding over 100 mph. The Sportster 120C’s frame is neither too bulky nor sleek, with the frame and riding position designed in such a way that it travels fast and offers comfort as well.

The HONDA VTX 1300S is a reliable cruiser that provides an overall good user experience, comfort, ergonomics, riding experience, and price.

The HONDA VTX operates on a shaft drive train, the drive train that requires the least amount of maintenance. Shaft drive trains require their fluids to be replaced after at least 6,000 miles. They do not have to be repeatedly tightened over time like with the chain drive and have considerable longevity if the fluid is replaced on time. Overall the Honda VTX 1300 can last over 75,000-80,000 km depending upon how the owner keeps maintenance of the motorcycle.

The Sportster 1200C can be a bit difficult for beginners to handle because it is a midweight bike with a large engine, is highly responsive, and has a top speed of 110 mph.

The HONDA VTX 1300S is a discontinued model in the VTX series, but it is still available on the used motorcycle market. As it is not available in new condition, the rider can only buy a second-hand Honda VTX 1300S therefore, it is cheaper than the Sportster 1200S as Sportster 1200C is still in production. Secondly, most motorcycle riders in the U.S. prefer the American Harley to the Japanese Honda. However, many riders still prefer the Honda VTX 1300S over the Harley SPORTSTER 1200C because of its better engine performance, bigger size, and improved comfort on longer rides.

Although the Harley Davidson Sportster 1200C has a comfortable riding position and produces high torque, the Honda VTX 1300S has a better overall riding position and ergonomics. The Honda VTX 1300S is better for long country rides because of its power output and more comfortable riding position.

Both the Honda VTX 1300S and the Harley Davidson Sportster 1200C have their pros and cons. From a general perspective, both motorcycles have traditional cruiser looks and generate loud, rumbling sounds. However, in terms of price and riding position, the VTX 1300S is The better option. However, because of the VTX 1300S’ bigger size and heavier weight, it is not comfortable for all riders, which is why many riders prefer the Harley Davidson Sportster 1200C instead. The Sportster 1200C’s engine is not as powerful as the VTX 1300S, but it is the right size for all riders and is beginner-friendly.

By having a look at the specs of both motorcycles Honda VTX 1300S surely take points and in terms of easy-to-ride for all type of riders the Harley Davidson Sportster 1200C has its pros. Choosing between these two masterpieces is entirely up to the riders. Both perform really well depending on how the rider wants to use them.