Cruisers

2012Honda VTX1300C

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The 2012 Honda VTX1300C is a cruiser designed for riders seeking accessible mid-size performance with classic styling. Its 1300cc engine delivers reliable power with a low 27.5-inch seat height and manageable 678-pound weight, making it ideal for both experienced cruiser enthusiasts and taller beginners. Known for its comfortable ergonomics and straightforward handling, it excels as an everyday cruiser for highway and casual riding.

Capacity: 1312.0 ccm
Engine: V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 5-speed
Dry weight: 290.8 kg
Seat height: 699 mm
Power: 63.0 HP (46.3 kW)

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What’s new for the 2012 Honda VTX1300C

vs the 2011

Spec	2011	2012
Rear suspension	Rear: Dual shocks with five-position spring-preload adjustability	Dual shocks with five-position spring-preload adjustability
Front brakes	Double disc	Single disc. Twin-piston caliper
Rear brakes	Single disc	Single disc. Twin-piston caliper

Other years 2005 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail5%

Cornering35%

City riding45%

Daily riding60%

Touring62%

Two-up65%

Track10%

Best for: Built for relaxed boulevard cruising and easy highway miles rather than outright speed or sport riding.
Built for: A classic big-inch V-twin cruiser character with a torquey, low-revving powerplant and shaft-drive simplicity favoring laid-back, steady riding over aggressive performance.
Not ideal for: Not suited 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 699mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2012 Honda VTX1300C, 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: 0.2166 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 89.5 x 104.3 mm
Compression: 9.2:1
Cooling system: Liquid
Fuel system: Carburettor
Starting: Electric
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: 1664 mm
Seat height: 699 mm
Dry weight: 290.8 kg
Wet weight: 307.5 kg
Fuel capacity: 18.20 litres

Chassis & suspension

Front suspension: 41mm fork
Rear suspension: 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. Twin-piston caliper
Front brakes diameter: 336 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc. Twin-piston caliper
Rear brakes diameter: 296 mm
Front tyre: 110/90-M19
Rear tyre: 170/80-M15

Other

Color options: Dark Blue Metallic, Metallic Red, Black, Titanium

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

What changed, year to year

Differences highlighted

Specification	2005	2008	2009	2011	2012
Capacity	1312 cc	1312 cc	1312 cc	1312 cc	1312 cc
Dry weight	291 kg	291 kg	291 kg	291 kg	291 kg
Seat height	686 mm	697 mm	697 mm	699 mm	699 mm
Fuel capacity	18.2 L	18.2 L	18.2 L	18.2 L	18.2 L