2010 Honda VT1300CX
 
 
Introduction
Choppers have existed on the fringes of the motorcycling
scene for decades. They are built and owned by a diverse
mix of riders who are united by a passion for the
machine itself and the emotions aroused by owning
and riding it. Like other genres of motorcycle, choppers
have evolved over the years.
Early, often crude home-built efforts have inspired
ever greater innovation and true choppers are now
something of an art form with highly desirable looks
and attitude. The Honda VT1300CX is a true original
in
the genre – a radical concept offered in a unique
package that’s accessible to nearly every rider.
The VT1300CX is visually daring and great fun to
ride, with a feel and sound that place the rider squarely
in
the chopper domain. It also delivers the same functionality,
quality and reliability you would expect from a Honda,
and at an affordable price.
Development concept
The process of designing a new motorcycle involves
many things. Precise calculations, measurements and
specifications must be determined and tried in various
combinations before the best result is achieved. At
Honda, these factors are also blended with an additional
element – a love for the machine.The new VT1300CX
is an example of what happens when our designers and
engineers are allowed to carry their
passion to the extreme. Stunningly creative and with
radical, head-turning looks, this motorcycle is a
milestone.The VT1300CX is the offspring of people
who get excited about creating new motorcycles; true
enthusiasts who understand what it means to get completely
involved with their creation. It captures the essence
of the chopper genre – a motorcycle that simply
feels right, looks right and sounds right when it’s
done well, rather than the result of a precise formula.
Their extensive experience in building motorcycles
of all types has allowed our engineers to incorporate
this
essence with the handling, functionality and ride
expected of a Honda.The creation of the VT1300CX posed
a considerable challenge. A delicate balance needed
to be found between the extended chopper look with
its stretched wheelbase and exaggerated steering rake
and the rideability expected from every Honda. The
design focus began with the high steering head and
open look in the front end, and radiated outward from
there. Extensive cooperation took place between the
styling team in the USA at Honda Research Americas
(HRA) and the Honda engineers in Japan. Original sketches
were refined many times. This is a machine that’s
designed and constructed for people who have always
longed for a chopper. Its classic profile and the
defiant attitude it expresses are instantly recognisable.
However, this chopper has a unique difference. It
taps directly into a lust for riding; and you can
simply ride and enjoy it without the costs, compromises
and headaches traditionally attached to chopper performance.
In other words, it’s a chopper that’s
100 per cent Honda.
Styling
For cruisers and choppers, style is king. The focus
of the VT1300CX is its raked-out chopper styling,
incorporating a visual balance of positive and negative
space between the airy front end and the more
substantial engine and rear end. Its high-mount steering
head gives the framea see-through, open-air look with
plenty of breathing room between the upper frame and
the front cylinder head. Its long, slim fuel
tank is perched up high, while its seat is ultra-low.
The fat 200mm rear tyre is paired with a slim 90mm
front wheel that’s wrapped in an attractively
closefitting
fender. A striking visual impact is created by the
multi-faceted nine-spoke front and seven-spoke rear
wheel design.
The condensed, hard-tail look of the rear end is
accentuated by the exaggerated rake and stretched
wheelbase which stretches a full 1,810mm between axles,
giving a soft ride as well as a characteristic look.
Clean lines and curves in every part of the bike
emphasise a Spartan return to basics. Equally important,
a close-up inspection of the VT1300CX reveals an attention
to detail which has been carried to the extreme.The
prominent chrome headlight accentuates the frame and
fork angles. Even the LED taillight
complements the shape of the rear fender, which also
lacks visible fender stays – all for the purpose
of
giving the reara simple and elegant shape. Smooth,
clean lines also define the swingarm and the driveshaft
on the left side. Clean-cut execution and careful
crafting create a chopper with the distinct air of
a full-on hand-built custom bike, but one that can
be owned and maintained for a fraction of the cost.
Colouring concept
The VT1300CX comes in two colours. A striking metallic
blue provides an eye-catching option for this
masterful V-twin, while the intense black accentuates
its extravagant styling.
Colours
- Graphite Black
- Glint Blue Wave Metallic
Engine
The engine is the soul of the VT1300CX. Fire it
up and waves of muscular V-twin power, sound and feel
flood the senses. Based on Honda’s proven and
muscular VTX1300 motor, it is a 1312cc liquid-cooled
52-degree V-twin with a single-pin crankshaft, dual
balancers and a new Programmed Fuel Injection system.
The engine is cooled by a compact radiator that’s
neatly concealed between the frame’s downtubes.
Maintaining the neat, uncluttered look, the top radiator
hose is hidden away beneath the front head cover.
A newly designed dual exhaust system and new camshafts
add to the creation of an engine that produces hugely
satisfying performance and awesome sound. The clean,
reliable, maintenance-free shaft drive means more
time spent on the road and less in the garage. It’s
all about the ride.
Chassis
The long, low VT1300CX chassis is lean and uncluttered.
Within the all-new high-tensile steel frame, each
separate element shares cascading effects with other
interrelated parts, resulting in a fluidity of design
that is remarkable even in the chopper field. The
slim and voluptuously styled fuel tank is perfectly
angled and balanced with the handlebar shape and size
and the stout 45mm fork handles suspension duties
with easy confidence. The distinctive alloy wheels
have a single, powerful 336mm front disc brake complemented
by a 296mm disc brake at the back. An advanced Antilock
Brake System is available as an option, providing
the ultimate in secure and confident braking. This
is the first time an ABS has been applied in our Custom
category and it has been specially tailored to fit
the minimalistic VT1300CX styling. Thus the system
modulator has been placed low down under the swingarm
and is invisible on the bike’s exterior. The
sleek lines of what appears to be a rigid hard-tail
rear end actually cloak an ingenious singleshock rear
suspension system with an aluminium swingarm, adjustable
rebound damping and 35- position spring preload adjustment.
This combination provides riding comfort that’s
far and above the norm for a chopper.
Optional equipment
Honda considersthe VT1300CX as a base for additional
customising by owners who want to add an
individual touch. A full line of accessories will
be available from Honda Access upon its release. These
include:
- A tubular chrome backrest and an optional stylish
backrest pad for pillion comfort.
- A wide, low boulevard screen with attractive
chrome stays for extra protection against the elements.
- A colour-matched front spoiler made from injectionmoulded
ABS material and styled for a sporty, custom appearance.
- A chrome-plated steel rear fender panel that
completes the solo seat look.
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