Cruisers

2008Honda VTX1300C Classic

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The 2008 Honda VTX1300C Classic is a cruiser built for riders seeking classic styling with modern reliability. Its 1312cc V-twin engine delivers smooth, low-end torque ideal for relaxed highway cruising, while the shaft drive and liquid cooling ensure dependable, low-maintenance performance. Best known for its authentic vintage aesthetic combined with Honda's legendary durability.

Capacity: 1312.0 ccm
Engine: V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 5-speed
Dry weight: 307.5 kg
Seat height: 697 mm
Power: 63.0 HP (46.3 kW)

⇄ Compare with another bike ＋ Add to garage All model years ⚠ Recalls listed (1)

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail5%

Cornering35%

City riding45%

Daily riding60%

Touring60%

Two-up60%

Track10%

Best for: Built for relaxed boulevard cruising and highway touring in a classic V-twin custom style rather than outright performance.
Built for: A big-torque, shaft-driven American-style cruiser with classic styling, a thumping 1312cc V-twin, and unhurried, stable road manners.
Not ideal for: Not for riders seeking sharp cornering agility, off-road capability, or high-speed sport performance.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 697mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2008 Honda VTX1300C Classic, with a cramped knee angle of around 75 degrees and an upright riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 750 mm or under — Short Kings →

Find bikes that fit your height →

Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 1312.0 ccm
Power: 63.0 HP (46.3 kW)
Engine type: V-Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.2049 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 89.5 x 104.3 mm
Compression: 9.2:1
Cooling system: Liquid
Fuel system: Carburettor
Ignition: Digital with three-dimensional mapping, two spark plugs per cylinder
Valves per cylinder: 3
Torque: Not on record - add it

Transmission

Gearbox: 5-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Shaft

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1662 mm
Seat height: 697 mm
Dry weight: 307.5 kg
Fuel capacity: 18.20 litres

Chassis & suspension

Front suspension: 41mm fork
Rear suspension: Rear: Dual shocks with five-position spring-preload adjustability
Front wheel travel: 130 mm
Rear wheel travel: 91 mm
Rake (fork angle): 32.0°
Trail: 149 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Single disc
Front brakes diameter: 336 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc
Rear brakes diameter: 296 mm
Front tyre: 110/90-M19
Rear tyre: 170/80-M15

Other

Color options: Metallic Black, Metallic Silver, Candy Red, Pearl Yellow

Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

Safety Recalls

⚠ 1 recall may apply

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERYMar 2008 · 08V141000

HONDA IS RECALLING 38,934 MY 2006-2007 VT600 AND MY 2007-2008 VT750 AND VTX1300 MOTORCYCLES. THE MOTORCYCLES MAY HAVE AN IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED FUEL CONTROL VALVE DIAPHRAGM AND THE FUEL VALVE MAY DRIP FUEL.

Risk: IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, DRIPPING FUEL POSES THE RISK OF FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL CONTROL VALVE DIAPHRAGM ASSEMBLY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 22, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-866-784-1870.

These recalls cover some 2008 bikes of this model. Whether one applies to a specific bike, and whether the repair has already been done, depends on its VIN — check your VIN with NHTSA or ask a dealer.

Source: NHTSA. View all Honda recalls →