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Upgrading to VTX1300

7.9K views 28 replies 13 participants last post by  Harryc  
#1 · (Edited)
Hey guys,
I wanted to know what your thoughts were..
When I purchased my 2002 Shadow Spirit 750, I didn't think my family would like to ride with me has much. I was wrong.. Every time I go around my bike, my daughter wants to ride with me and if its a short ride my wife wants to go. She thinks the seats are too small and will not go more than a 30 mins ride.

I love my Shadow 750 but wish it had more power at times. I do not like to go fast but rather take on the scenery as I ride. I was thinking about upgrading the seat to a Mustang seat

Anyways, I was offered to upgrade to a 2003 VTX 1300 for my 2002 Shadow and some extra cash out of pocket.

I am debating to keeping the Shadow and using some money to do upgrades like the seats ... OR should I go with the VTX1300 which has 24k miles and unknown history. It is at a bike shop and they have added a new battery, New front tire, readjusted the carb and changed out the spark plugs. Other than that the bike is stock.
This is the same shop I purchased my Shadow from and they have excellent rating, but concerns me that there is not history on the bike.
They also had a 2002 Sabre 1100 that was just sold, but but had a chance to sit on it. But I felt like it was too tall.
I am short, so I was on my toes to when touching the ground. On the 1300, my foot was flat and it felt more comfortable.

Would the VTX1300 be worth the jump?
 
#4 ·
I've got the 1800 version. They're a good machine as is pretty much anything Honda. It's made to sit low on purpose. That's a good thing for folks who need a lower seating arrangement. The 1300 is really a large bike. Plenty of engine for two-up riding. Plenty of good aftermarket seats made if you decide to go that way. Do a search and look for VTXOA. Owners association. It's all the answers to all the questions you will have about the bike. Congratulations on the upgrade.
 
#10 ·
I'm sure the VTX is a fine ride....I came within a day of buying an 05 with 5K on the clock about 4 years ago.

Got me a used VStar 1300 instead. Might want to check them out....a little lighter/little less top heavy, can carry more weight, FI, belt drive.....just sayin';)

The seat is lower too.....that seems like something that might catch your interest under the circumstances. Good luck in your search either way.
 
#11 ·
I'm sure the VTX is a fine ride....I came within a day of buying an 05 with 5K on the clock about 4 years ago.

Got me a used VStar 1300 instead. Might want to check them out....a little lighter/little less top heavy, can carry more weight, FI, belt drive.....just sayin';)

The seat is lower too.....that seems like something that might catch your interest under the circumstances. Good luck in your search either way.
+1.
 
#14 ·
I've been on a VTX 1800 for a little less than a year. Heavy, yes. It's a monster. At 1.8 liter, it's the same engine as my Miata but it's squeezed into two cylinders. I haven't noticed any top heavy tendencies, just heavy. I've ridden a GL1200 for several years and the VTX has a much lower seating position which is refreshing. There was a learning curve. I'd been riding 300 Lb. British bikes and the 1200 standard. Those two compared to riding the VTX is a completely different animal. Once I got used to it, I love it. When I work on the wife's Shadow 750 and take it for a test ride, it feels very small in comparison. When I ride my British bike, same thing but it's dangerous because the pedals are opposite. After about six months on the VTX I'm a big fan of the bike.
 
#18 ·
You will love the 1300, two things with the VTX. One is it being a 2003 it has a fuel pump which are known to be problematic and the fix is to simply remove it as following years are all gravity feed. Second is the neck bearings and there is tons of info on the net about changing them. 35 dollars and an afternoon are you are good to go. Other than those two cheep fixes the VTX is a great bike and there are many guys out there with 100k plus.
 
#21 · (Edited)
Thanks everyone for all the feedback!
The shop had a Sabre, 1100 shadow and a 1300. I was told that the Sabre was sold and someone we out test riding the 1100.
Long story short... I ended up getting the 1300.

https://app.box.com/VTX1300
Image


I tossed the bags over the seat to see what it looks like.
(The picture isn't showing.. As soon as I figure it out, I'll repost it)


It is a lot smoother than the 750 Spirit, but it seems like the 750 had more torque.
I get a little sputter in 2nd rolling off and then rolling back on. The shop said they adjusted the carbs just before I bought it, but they can readjust if it keeps doing it.

Thanks again!
 
#22 ·
Having moved from the VLX 600 to the 1100 Sabre, I suggest jumping on the deal on the 1300. I hear the two are comparable in performance. One being heavier with a single-pin crank while the other is lighter with a dual-pin crank.

I moved up and don't regret it for a minute. It's zippy for my light weight and size (5'7" and 175 lbs) and I love it on road trips to Mississippi and back. From what I've heard about the 1300s, they're even more comfortable on the highway! Sounds like it'd be worth the extra grand or so to get it.
 
#28 ·
Thanks guys.. I really like the color as well. But the pics really do not show it's true color. It's called Illusion Blue / Pearl Chromium Purple
sometimes appears royal purple, violet, dark blue or deep sky blue and in the shadows, it can appear black.
I guess Honda only made a couple years in this color. So, I hear that it is really hard to get fairings and hard bags to color match or it can be real expensive to get painted

Anyways - Here are a few more pics.
This one is from the shade side
https://app.box.com/s/9khhd4r7c9afq210oblmww66y5yjnzxj

These were taken at the bike shop
https://app.box.com/s/rkz2u4a0vq736urbppkgc80ukk9sg7e4
https://app.box.com/s/glowqqe7er0ut4w9vzvw92f1d8i8kgch