Cruisers

2008Honda VTX1300R Retro

32 fields on record

The 2008 Honda VTX1300R is a retro cruiser built for riders seeking classic styling with modern reliability. Its liquid-cooled 1312cc V-twin engine delivers smooth, manageable power suited to leisurely highway cruising and around-town riding. Known for its authentic vintage aesthetics combined with shaft drive simplicity and low maintenance, it appeals to cruiser enthusiasts valuing comfort and timeless design.

Capacity: 1312.0 ccm
Engine: V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 5-speed
Dry weight: 322.1 kg
Seat height: 695 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%

Cornering30%

City riding40%

Daily riding55%

Touring65%

Two-up60%

Track5%

Best for: Built for relaxed boulevard cruising and highway miles rather than performance riding.
Built for: A classic American-style V-twin cruiser that rewards a laid-back, torque-driven riding style with shaft-drive reliability.
Not ideal for: Not a good fit for riders wanting sharp cornering agility, off-road capability, or outright acceleration.

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

Will it fit you?

Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to us

Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 695mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2008 Honda VTX1300R Retro, 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: 0.1956 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: 1669 mm
Seat height: 695 mm
Dry weight: 322.1 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: 94 mm
Rake (fork angle): 32.0°
Trail: 144 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Single disc
Front brakes diameter: 336 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc
Rear brakes diameter: 296 mm
Front tyre: 140/80-17
Rear tyre: 170/80-15

Other

Color options: Black, Pearl White, Dark Blue Metallic

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 →