If you started out riding motorcycles on a small bike, like a Honda 250 Rebel, and then graduated up to a Honda Shadow 750 or Yamaha V-Star 650, you may be thinking it’s time to move up to a bigger cruiser, perhaps a 1300cc motorcycle. Both Honda and Yamaha carry motorcycles in the 1300cc range and here are some things to consider when you are ready to make your move.
- Price – MSRP for the 2012 V-Star 1300 is at $10,990; the Honda VTX 1300 Stateline starts at $12,150.
- Engine – The Yamaha V-Star 1300 has a 1304cc cubic-inch V-Twin engine with four valves per cylinder and a 9.5:1 compression ratio; the Honda VTX1300 Stateline is also an 80 cubic inch V-twin but has only 3 valves per cylinder and a lower 9.2:1 compression ratio.
- Final Drive – Yamaha has a final belt drive compared to the Honda, which has a shaft drive. Some people think the belt drive has a better cruiser look.
- Fenders – Real steel fenders can be found on the Yamaha, while the Honda has plastic fenders.
- Front Suspension – The Honda only has 4 inches of wheel travel; the Yamaha has a 5.3-inch wheel travel. The longer wheel travel can soak up more of the bumps.
- Front Brake – For better stopping power, the Yamaha has dual, hydraulic 298mm, disc brakes; the Honda has a single front disc brake.
- Fuel Capacity – 4.9 gallons for the Yamaha compared to 4.4 gallons for the Honda.
Visiting your local Honda or Yamaha Dealer is a great place to start when looking for that perfect 1300cc motorcycle
The feel and comfort of the motorcycle make all the difference in the world. Saving a few dollars is always good, but leaving that motorcycle sit in the garage because it wasn’t exactly what you wanted, will cost you in the long run.