Vulcan 1600 Classic vs Honda VTX 1300C

[daniel472001]

This is my first post. I have been reading posts hear for a couple of months and find this site very helpful. Since last fall, I have been looking and reading about cruisers. It seems like the more popular cruisers here are the 900, 2000 and Nomad. At first I wanted the 900LT, but I think that I have narrowed my preferences down to the Vulcan 1600 Classic and the VTX 1300C since they are about the amount of money that I have to spend. I would like to know which bike overall handles the best for use in both city and highway cruising. Is there a substantial advantage for the fuel injected Vulcan over the carburetored VTX? I assume that accessories are easily obtainable for both bikes. This will be my first bike in 10 years. I was riding a smaller 400cc metric. Now, I will be riding with my wife with a combined weight of about 450 pounds in case that makes a difference. I am 6' 1" and 300#. I figured that the Vulcan 1600 was a bigger bike and could better handle the total weight. My main concerns are engine/transmission reliability, handling, comfort and performance. Please offer any comments or suggestions. Thanks for your help.

[VN2000Blue]

The 1600 has it all over the 1300 ....opinions may vary

[airchuk]

I had two VTX1300's - an R and an S model.

If you have a toolbox and LOVE to fix things, the VTX is for you.

I traded my one 1300 for the 1800 Neo (nice bike).
The other 1300 I traded for the 1600 Classic (great bike).

The 1600 Classic is so much nicer than the VTX1300. The VTX rattles, needs valve adjustments, has led dash lights that will blind you. I made several mods to the lighting system with added relays and snipped wires to make it like my Kawasaki. There is the steering stem bearing issue. I replaced weak fork springs with Progressives. The carburetur is a headache to get rejetted.

The Kawasaki is only 8 pounds heavier than the 1300. The Kawasaki has -
1552 cc
hydraulic lifters
fuel injected
dual front disk brakes
hydraulic clutch
adjustable clutch and brake levers
digital clock
fuel guage and low fuel light
self cancelling turn signals
and more and more and more

Don't buy the VTX. I'd never go back to a 1300.

[SilverEagle]

I cannot answer for a VTX1300, but I've had my 1600 for just a little over a year now.......and for the money it is an awsome bike. Initial tests have complaided about output power, but there is nothing a little fuel management and intake/exhaust cannot work cannot cure. Personally I do not complain as my 1600 is still stock.......riding two up is a breeze. Very good suspension, buttloads of torque. Oh and the engine will not have to be touched much other than fluid replacements as recommended by MOM.

[Plato]

I don't have any Honda experience, so I'll defer to others on that side. But I did shop hard for the 1600 Classic as it was the bike I went into the dealership intending to buy a couple years ago. The thing is -if you are really honest with yourself about what you will do with or to the bike, you may discover that the 1600 Nomad is what you should really be getting.

I only throw this in becuase you sound like you'll be doing 2 up cruises and I bet you will dress up that 1600 Classic with many of the accessories that come stock on the Nomad. Once you admit this to yourself the Nomad is the ONLY choice.

Trust me you are gonna want:

Engine guards -Nomad's got em front and back (at some point you will need em).
Windshield -Nomad's got a great looking shield from the factory.
Lowers -Nomad has em, well at least the mounts...
Sissy Bar -Nomad has one, with servicable grab rails.
Hardbags -Nomad's got em -well matched, huge, and locable.

Now go out and price that stuff if added to a Classic -you'll see the Nomad is the best buy, and the accessories packaged with the Nomad from the factory look better. I frequently get the story from Classic owners who point out they can remove their (soft) saddle bags to get that really "cool" bike look -yet I never see their bike without the bags Same can be said for folks who ride with a large windshield -they rarely want to go back to that "cool" bike look

Now I'm not trying to disrespect the Classics out there, but I am trying to get this prospective buyer to make a good decision. And since he must take the Mrs opinion and riding pleasure into account -he should look long and hard at the Nomad

And I love another opportunity to post pics

[Alf]

+1 what Plato say's. I have been looking at moving up and priced the 1600 classic fully dressed like the Nomad and found it quite a bit cheaper to just go with the Nomad.

[nomidlname]

I have no experience with Honda so I cannot comment on that but... I'm around 300+# and riding 2 up with my wife is a breeze on my 1600. I can hit 95 mph in a blink before I see any drop off in acceleration.

Plato is right though... I was very very new when I bought my motorcycle and didn't do a lot of research. I have basically added all the things to my bike that the nomad already had and it cost me A LOT more than just buying the Nomad. It is a damn nice bike. Something to consider.

One of the nicer things for me is the Fuel injection.. it makes a huge differance imo. I ride with a couple carborated buddies that have to let there bikes warm up for what seems like forever... and starting them when its cold seems to be a challange sometimes too. My 1600 wth FI starts in one press of the starter everytime and is ready to ride immediatly. I still let it warm up for a couple minutes but my buddies are still on their chokes well into the ride when its really cold outside. Not a big deal to be sure but it is kinda nice to know no matter the weather or how long you have let your bike warm up you have the power available to you all the time.

[mac72]

I have the 2004 1600 Classic, 6000 miles later I still love it. Have done several long rides 2 up and it does great. No issues yet, yes I have added a windshield, bags and some other stuff. I havn't hit the price of a nomad yet.

[jiffyjam]

Originally Posted by daniel472001

This is my first post. I have been reading posts hear for a couple of months and find this site very helpful. Since last fall, I have been looking and reading about cruisers. It seems like the more popular cruisers here are the 900, 2000 and Nomad. At first I wanted the 900LT, but I think that I have narrowed my preferences down to the Vulcan 1600 Classic and the VTX 1300C since they are about the amount of money that I have to spend. I would like to know which bike overall handles the best for use in both city and highway cruising. Is there a substantial advantage for the fuel injected Vulcan over the carburetored VTX? I assume that accessories are easily obtainable for both bikes. This will be my first bike in 10 years. I was riding a smaller 400cc metric. Now, I will be riding with my wife with a combined weight of about 450 pounds in case that makes a difference. I am 6' 1" and 300#. I figured that the Vulcan 1600 was a bigger bike and could better handle the total weight. My main concerns are engine/transmission reliability, handling, comfort and performance. Please offer any comments or suggestions. Thanks for your help.

Honda will not even give you FI with that bike, and the ones I have cranked did rattle a lot. Kawi is the way to go. Yamahas new 1300 might be worth a look.

[sebastian1000]

What about the VTX 1800?

[mrider]

Hey Plato,
And a nice bike you have too. Agree with what you said. Does the small mirrors on your bike work ok? might have to get me some.

[Cruising]

I have a 05 1600 classic with about 5000 miles and love this machine!! No problems at all....great looking, plenty of power, sounds good (nice rumble) i've added a few things...switch blade deflector windshield, iso grips, iso passanger pegs, and a chrome radiator cover!! Looks really sweet! Two up - no problem..... didn't want saddle bags though! I like the looks without...oh..I did also add a luggage rake with a roll bag on it for my small stuff! Take one for a ride....you'll be impressed!!

Jim

[OldStreak]

I been down this road as well and I'd like to add that while the perspective on the Nomad is great he also wants a bike thats city friendly and easy to handle. Can that be said of the Nomad?
Or is it strictly a hiway cruiser?

[airchuk]

I've got about 4000 miles on the VTX1800. I really like it. Heavy at first, but you get used to it quickly. Physically it's about the same size as my 1600 Classic. Handles nice - fuel injected - dual front disk brakes - hydraulic clutch. The only thing is I still have to adjust the valves. The 1800 is STILL not as nice as a Kawasaki, but a pretty decent bike. You twist the throttle on an 1800, the accelleration is impressive.

Kawasaki has the fuel guage, self cancelling turn signals, adjustable clutch and brake levers etc.

[jiffyjam]

Originally Posted by Cruising

I have a 05 1600 classic with about 5000 miles and love this machine!! No problems at all....great looking, plenty of power, sounds good (nice rumble) i've added a few things...switch blade deflector windshield, iso grips, iso passanger pegs, and a chrome radiator cover!! Looks really sweet! Two up - no problem..... didn't want saddle bags though! I like the looks without...oh..I did also add a luggage rake with a roll bag on it for my small stuff! Take one for a ride....you'll be impressed!!

Jim

True, my 06 has over 11,000 in under a year w/o a single hitch.

[ImpactG]

Originally Posted by airchuk

I've got about 4000 miles on the VTX1800. I really like it. Heavy at first, but you get used to it quickly. Physically it's about the same size as my 1600 Classic. Handles nice - fuel injected - dual front disk brakes - hydraulic clutch. The only thing is I still have to adjust the valves. The 1800 is STILL not as nice as a Kawasaki, but a pretty decent bike. You twist the throttle on an 1800, the accelleration is impressive.

Kawasaki has the fuel guage, self cancelling turn signals, adjustable clutch and brake levers etc.

Seems to me that the answer is right here! Airchuk rides both and, personally, I'll go with the opinion of someone who has a real world answer. "Still not as nice as a Kawi"... and they kinda' sound funny.

[Ryguy]

Originally Posted by OldStreak

I been down this road as well and I'd like to add that while the perspective on the Nomad is great he also wants a bike thats city friendly and easy to handle. Can that be said of the Nomad?
Or is it strictly a hiway cruiser?

The nomad is just as limber and easy to handle in town as my old 92 1500 and my small 750 virago was. The nomad is as light and easy to throw around as a feather. But this is comming from a guy that is 6' 7" tall and 270 pounds.

[Wild Rice]

I bought a new '05' 1600 Classic leftover last April. I put almost 11,000 miles on it by mid December. No problemos... nada... nothing. 600 mile checkup.. and then just oil changes (synthetics after 4000 miles). I added windshield, lowers, isogrips, throttle boss, crash bars,saddle bags, sissy bar, luggage rack and two luggage bags (medium and large, depending on need).

Presuming the 1600 Nomad is same basic bike as the Classic, what you're getting, as mentioned above, is fully modified bike, and exhaust pipes on both sides. (I'll be changing out the pipes this spring). It's not a matter of choice. Do you want to do your own mods... or get one fully loaded out of the box? As far as the bike is concerned... BUY ONE.. either the Classic or Nad. You won't regret it.

[pitchinguy]

I've put 15K on my 05 1600 classic with zero, zip, nada problems! I've done all the factory maintenance & that's it. Switched over to synthetic fluids at 1500 mi.

You won't go wrong with the nad or the classic! I personally like the sportier look of the classic. No bags for me. A Nelson Rigg sissy bar bag hauls all I need. Your 450lb of 2 up won't tax her at all under a hundred mph. She's not a sportie but she'll do zero to stupid real quick with both of you on her back & you ain't gonna beat the fuel injection, period!! You might find more frills or spend more money, but you won't find a better or more dependable cruiser!








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[Eagle]

The 1800 VTX, 1600 Kaw Classic or Nomad, the C109 Suzuki, are better comparisons in bikes. I don't think the 1300 VTX is easier to handle then the 1600 Classic, and I think the Classic & Nomad have less maintenance items, better suspension with the air shocks, and you'll like having more power in the hills and mountains. I have had no issues with the 1600 Classic in handling at all.. once I got rid of the friggin Bridgestones it even improved about 4 fold in the curves.

Handling is more an issue with "balance" , then anything else. I think Suzuki is making a serious challenge to other bikes in the lower center of gravtiy on large bikes with the C109 and M109.