In our today’s article, we are going to cover the comparison review of 2023 Honda VTX 1300C vs 2023 Kawasaki Vulcan 1500. The two oldest Japanese motorcycle firms are Kawasaki and Honda. Honda introduced its first VTX model, the VTX 1800, in 2001. With a 1,800cc engine, it was the first bike in the line-up. Honda introduced the VTX 1300C in 2003 with a smaller engine than its predecessor.
The VTX 1300C, VTX 1300C, VTX 1300R, and VTX 1300T are some of the variants of the VTX 1300C released by Honda. The VTX 1300T was only launched in the US, although the others were all found on other continents, including Europe, the US, and Australia. As of 2008, the VTX 1300C series was being produced.
With its 1987 launch, the Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 quickly became the “King of Custom Cruiser Bikes” for its robust design and performance. As of 2008, the Vulcan 1500 was still in production. Few changes have been made to this motorbike as its engine is the same size as its predecessor. However, the most recent model has undergone a few improvements to enhance its functionality.
2023 Honda VTX 1300C vs 2023 Kawasaki Vulcan 1500– Features Comparison
Design
Chrome coating on the handlebars, suspension, engine, and exhaust gives the Honda VTX 1300C a vintage cruiser look. Like other vintage cruisers, the Honda VTX 1300C has a speedometer on the fuel tank. The VTX 1300C stands out from other cruisers mainly thanks to its headlamps, which add to its general style.
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The Honda VTX 1300C has only colored side panels, a fuel tank, and chopped fenders. The rest of the components, including the headlamps, suspension, handlebars, engine, and exhaust, are all chrome-plated. Its 41mm telescopic fork up front has 5.1 inches of wheel travel and 10/90-19 M/C tire size. It features dual rear shocks, five-point spring preload adjustment, 5.1 inches of wheel travel, and 170/80-15 M/C tires.
A traditional-looking cruiser with round headlights and integrated fairing is the Kawasaki Vulcan 1500. The only colorful components are full-size fenders and a vintage gasoline tank. All other components, including the exhaust, engine, handlebars, suspension, and wheels, are chrome-plated. Like many other classic cruisers, the Vulcan 1500 sports dual old-style exhaust pipes on one side and a speedometer on its fuel tank.
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The only side panels available for the Vulcan 1500 are black. It sports 130/90R-16 tires up front and a 41mm cartridge fork up front with 5.9 inches of wheel travel. With 3.9 inches of wheel travel and 150/80R-16 tires at the rear, it sports dual air-assisted shock absorbers with four-way rebound damping adjustment.
Engine & Performance
An 80 cubic inch (1,312 cc), liquid-cooled, V-Twin engine with a bore size of 89.5 mm (3.52 in) and a stroke size of 104.3 mm (4.1 in) powers the Honda VTX 1300C. This engine produces 74 hp at 5,000 rpm and 90.7 ft-lbs (123 Nm) of torque at 3,000 rpm. The 4.8 gal (18 L) gasoline tank on the VTX 1300C has a 38 mm constant speed carburetor that delivers 42 MPG fuel mileage. Additionally, it includes a shaft-driven five-speed gearbox system.
An 89.7 cubic inch (1,470cc), liquid-cooled, V-Twin engine with a bore size of 102 mm (4.01 in) and a stroke size of 90 mm (3.5 in) powers the Kawasaki Vulcan 1500. This engine produces 64 hp at 4,700 rpm and 82.6 ft-lbs (112 Nm) of torque at 3,000 rpm. The VTX 1300C has a dual 36 mm throttle body, a five gal (18.9 L) gasoline tank, and a 42.8 MPG fuel economy rating. It also has a computerized fuel injection system.
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Comfort & Ergonomics
A traditional cruiser is the Honda VTX 1300C, which has forward-mounted footrests and a low seat height of 27.4 inches. Its wide, slightly curved handlebars give the rider an upright seated posture. It measures 2,598.42 mm (102.3 in) in length, 1,661 mm (65.4 in) in wheelbase, and 124.46 mm (4.9 in) in ground clearance. With a weight of 678 lb (307.5 kg), a trial size of 140 mm (5.9 in), and a rack angle of 32.4°, the VTX 1300C is a heavyweight cruiser bike.
A traditional cruiser with a low seat height of 27.4 inches is the Kawasaki Vulcan 1500. Its forward-mounted floorboards and wide, tapered handlebars create a comfortable seating position. The Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 measures 2,504 mm (98.6 in) in length and 1,661 mm (65.4 in) in width. With a weight of 690 lb (313 kg), a trial size of 177 mm (6.9 in), and a rack angle of 32°, the VTX 1500 is a heavyweight cruiser.
FAQ
What are the significant differences between the 2023 Honda VTX 1300C vs 2023 Kawasaki Vulcan 1500?
Each motorcycle has a unique design and features regarding its headlights, fenders, fuel tank, and seats. The VTX 1300C has regular footrests, while the Vulcan 1500 has pre-installed floorboards. Compared to the Vulcan 1500, the VTX 1300C has a slightly smaller engine. The VTX 1300C, however, can produce more power and torque than the Vulcan 1500. Both motorcycles were retired by their respective brands before 2009, so the cost will depend on how well they are maintained.
2023 Honda VTX 1300C vs 2023 Kawasaki Vulcan 1500, which one is better?
In terms of size and riding position, the two have numerous similarities. Both are generally excellent cruisers. Although the Vulcan 1500 and Honda VTX 1300C look and sound different, they drive almost identically despite having more horsepower and torque.
2023 Honda VTX 1300C vs 2023 Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 – Specifications Comparison
| Specs \ Bikes | 2023 Honda VTX 1300C | 2023 Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 |
|---|
Engine and Systems
| Displacement | 80 cu in (1,312 cc) | 89.7 cu in (1,470 cc) |
| Engine Type | V-Twin | V-Twin |
| Cooling System | Liquid-cooled | Liquid-cooled |
| Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Stroke | 104.3 mm (4.1 in) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Bore | 89.5 mm (3.52 in) | 102 mm (4.01 in) |
| Cylinders | Two | Two |
| Drive Train | Shaft | Shaft |
| Transmission | Five-Speed | Five-Speed |
| Clutch | Wet, Multiple discs | Wet, Multi-plate |
| Starter | Electric | Electric |
| Exhaust | Two-into-Two | Two-into-Two |
| Fuel Delivery System | Single 38 mm constant-velocity carburetor | Digital Fuel Injection including dual 36mm throttle body |
Performance and Capacity
| Horsepower | 74 hp @ 5,000 rpm | 64 hp @ 4,700 rpm |
| Torque | 90.7 ft-lbs (123 Nm) @ 3,000 rpm | 82.6 ft-lbs (112 Nm) @ 3,000 rpm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 4.8 gal (18 L) | Five gal (18.9 L) |
| Mileage | 42 MPG (17.5 L) | 42.8 MPG (18.2 L) |
| Oil Capacity | Four quarts (3.78 L) | Three quarts (2.9 L) |
Dimensions
| Trail | 140 mm (5.9 in) | 177 mm (6.9 in) |
| Rake | 32.4° | 32° |
| Seat Height | 695 mm (27.4 in) | 696 mm (27.4 in) |
| Wheelbase | 1,661 mm (65.4 in) | 1,661 mm (65.4 in) |
| Weight | 678 lbs (307.5 kg) | 690 lbs (313 kg) |
| Ground Clearance | 124.46 mm (4.9 in) | n/a |
| Length | 2,598.42 mm (102.3 in) | 2,504 mm (98.6 in) |
