2003

There are V-twin cruisers. And there are performance bikes. And

until now, you had to choose between the two. But Honda’s family

of VTX performance cruisers has changed all that.

These are awesome V-twin cruisers with a difference. A big differ-

ence. Power. The kind of power you’ve come to expect from Honda,

along with the kind of reliability we’re famous for. They feature an

all-new series of V-twin engines, and the first time you twist the

throttle, there’ll be no mistaking them for traditional V-twin cruisers.

Last year we debuted the con-

cept with our new VTX1800C,

VTX1800R and VTX1800S. This

year we’re bringing performance to the 1300 class with the new

VTX1300S. Each VTX offers something special, and only you can

choose which one is perfect for you. But one thing’s for sure.

There’s no way you’re going to make a wrong choice, unless you

choose to ride something else.

THE NEW MEASURE OF PERFORMANCE: VTX

VTX1300S, VTX1800C, VTX1800R/S

Why should you Ride Red™? In a word, performance. You see at Honda, Performance First™

is a philosophy that is the very DNA of everything we do. And performance means more

than just power. Handling, dependability, the way your new VTX™ is built, how long it will

last, the attention to fit and finish—at Honda, we think all that and more are part of

your new motorcycle’s performance, and it shows. We strive for excellence—for

Performance First—in each and every one of those areas. It’s the philosophy we’ve

always had. It’s the philosophy that sets Honda apart. And it’s the most important

reason why you should Ride Red.

PERFORMANCE FIRST

VTX1800R, VTX1800C, VTX1300S

The first time you start one, you’ll swear it’s alive.

These are machines that transcend the word “motorcy-

cle.” Let’s talk about sheer size first. Forget about com-

paring them to anything else on two wheels—that’s

laughable. The VTX1800s’ exhaust valves are bigger

than a P-51 Mustang’s. Their crankshafts weigh more

than 40 pounds. Their displacement per cylinder is

greater than a 426 Hemi’s. Their wheel-bases are

longer than anything we’ve ever built.

These bikes are so awesome, we couldn’t build just one

model. So take your pick. The original VTX1800C has a

look all its own, with a two-into-one exhaust,

footpegs, bar-mounted instruments and trim styling.

Then there are the VTX1800S and VTX1800R with their

unique retro look. Floorboards with heel-and-toe

shifter. Two-into-two exhaust. Tank-mounted instru-

ments. Deep, valanced fenders. Bigger, wider fuel tank.

The major difference? The VTX1800R rolls

on custom cast wheels, and the VTX1800S

gets spoked wheels. And now we’re intro-

ducing the VTX1300S, with its wire

wheels, floorboards and tank-mounted

instruments. They’ve all got the kind of

power that you’ll swear leaves ripples in

hot asphalt.

The VTXs are bikes that belong on the

show circuit, but they’re right there in

your dealer’s showroom—or in your own

garage. Think you can handle being the

center of attention? Well, you’d better

get used to it.

HOW MUCH CAN YOU HANDLE?

VTX1800C

VTX1800C

There’s more to our line of VTX V-Twin Xtreme

performance cruisers than just power. A lot more. These

are the most extreme cruisers ever built. They’re probably

the world’s most extreme streetbikes, period. They’re

machines that have already rocked the motorcycling world

in a very big way.

But after the world got over the initial shock of their intro-

duction, riders everywhere discovered something. The VTXs

are truly great bikes. Not just powerful bikes. Not just cool-

looking bikes. But motorcycles that set new

standards for their class in every way.

They’re comfortable. They handle superbly.

They’re as much fun to ride across the country

as they are just cruising the boulevard. A VTX

won’t even breathe hard with a passenger.

The VTXs’ low seat heights, low centers of

gravity and huge amounts of torque make

them excel under just about every riding con-

dition imaginable. The idea behind them goes

back to our own Zodia, a stunning concept

cruiser that combined hot-rod power and ele-

mental styling in a way only one-off customs

had. The VTXs don’t just push the envelope of

custom styling and performance—they blow

the whole cruiser scene wide open.

THE VTX1800 EXPERIENCE

VTX1800S

VTX1800R

Everyone knew it was bound to happen. Our VTX concept is

just too important to be limited to one or two bikes. So we’re

introducing the new VTX1300S.

Think power. Think comfort. Think style. Just think VTX with a new

1312cc 52-degree V-twin engine, specially tuned for low-end and

midrange torque, while also offering plenty of top-end punch.

And think about another look. The VTX1300S’s floorboards,

heel-and-toe shifter and spoked wheels send out a definite

style message, one we know you’re going to love. In fact,

just about everywhere you look, your eyes are going to dis-

cover a VTX difference. Two-into-two pipes that look as

good as they sound. A detachable passenger seat. Tank-

mounted instruments. Chrome, chrome and more chrome.

Like the VTX1800s, the new VTX1300 rolls out of our

plant in Marysville, Ohio, so it’s got cruising in its blood.

And we’ve got a whole catalog of accessories ready and

waiting for you, too—more than 30 to date.

And you know all those guys you see pulling their cruisers

around on trailers? You’re going to be riding every place they’re

driving. First of all, because your VTX1300S is so comfortable.

But also, because we’ve loaded it up with maintenance-free fea-

tures like shaft final drive, electronic ignition and automatic cam-

chain tensioners. Get cold where you ride? No worries—the

1300’s coolant-heated carburetor ensures smooth operation. So

take your pick: VTX1800C, VTX1800R, VTX1800S or VTX1300S.

They’re all about one thing. The thing we do best. Performance.

THE BEST NEWS YET

VTX1300S

VTX1300S

Crankshaft Using Honda’s off-

set dual-pin technology and unique

bolt-on counterweights—an engi-

neering first—the massive heart of

the VTX1800 weighs an astounding

41.4 pounds, yet it’s narrow enough

to make the engine compact.

Cylinder Never in our history

have we produced a cylinder with as

much volume as the VTX1800’s.

Featuring a 4.0-inch bore and using

a 4.4-inch stroke, a single VTX cylin-

der offers more displacement than

many four-cylinder motorcycles!

Primary-drive damper

A 1795cc engine has big power

pulses, and that’s why the VTX

features a unique primary-drive

damper. Utilizing a strong, simple

cam-type design, the damper

smoothes delivery from the

crankshaft to the clutch.

Make no mistake: Our new VTX models are more than just the most

impressive cruisers on the street; they’re also stunningly advanced

machines. From their three-valve heads featuring twin-plug igni-

tion to their dry-sump engine design, our VTX line offers technol-

ogy and durability other bikes can only dream about. To start with,

that piston you’re looking at from the VTX1800 is life-sized. For

some other examples of our VTXs’ smart design, check out the fea-

tures we’ve highlighted here.

Fuel injectors Each VTX1800

injector is located just upstream

from the intake valves, and each

features 12 nozzle openings to

instantly atomize the fuel mixture.

The result is smooth, instanta-

neous response at all throttle

openings and engine speeds.

BUILT TO LEAD

Throttle body With cylinders

as big as the VTX1800’s, fuel injec-

tion is the only way to go. The

engine features twin 42mm-diame-

ter throttle bodies that let the VTX

breathe. An electronic CPU provides

individual maps for each cylinder.

MECHANICAL FEATURES

How can you possibly improve the

world’s most incredible cruiser? The

VTX’s headlight nacelle is already a

head-turner, but wait until you see your

VTX with the color-matched Headlight

Cowl. Combined with the color-matched

Lower Cowl, the look is pure perform-

ance custom—and there’s nothing else

like it on two wheels.

Billet accessories are the ultimate—

machined from solid blocks of alu-

minum, then buffed, chromed and

polished to a mirror-like finish. We’re

just featuring three here: the Billet

Countershaft Cover Trim, Billet Swing-

arm Pivot Covers and Billet Upper

Countershaft Cover Trim.

Planning a trip? Now you can laugh at

cool weather. This Custom Windshield

will make things a whole lot more com-

fortable—and you’ve never experienced

a windshield that looks this cool too.

Finally, because it’s designed especially

to fit your VTX, you know installation is

going to be a snap.

A classic accessory combination with

unique VTX styling: The Deluxe Chrome

Rear Carrier lets you pack a gym bag |no

sweat, while the Deluxe Chrome

Backrest with Pad treats your passenger

like royalty. This combination just plain

makes sense if you’re serious about rid-

ing. Mounting brackets required. Billet

Backrest Trim also shown.

Motorcycles from the 1930s and 1940s

had plenty of eye-candy brightwork—

and so do we. When it comes to putting

the finishing touches on your new VTX,

it’s the little things that add up to making

a big statement. Things like the authentic

retro-styled Chrome Rear Fender Trim

and Rear Fender Guard Rail shown here.

Your VTX is really going to shine.

Retro-Styled means leather and

chrome—no two ways about it. And

for our VTX, we’ve combined the best

of both elements in our Studded

Leather Saddlebags. As a style highlight

alone they’re a solid home run, but they

also let you carry enough for an

overnight trip.

One of the keys to accessorizing a

motorcycle is balance; if you add some-

thing at the rear, you should think

about adding something to the front,

too. These two accessories—our VTX

Light Bar and Custom Windshield—really

change your VTX’s front-end style and

appearance, and make a big statement.

A little touch with a big visual impact.

Our Front Fender Trim just plain looks

right on your new VTX. Like every

Honda Genuine Accessory, it takes its

styling cues from all the other aspects of

the VTX’s design, so as soon as you bolt

it on, it looks fully integrated. And

that’s exactly the way it should be.

If you carry a passenger often or plan on

taking a trip on your VTX1300, these will

probably be some of the first accessories

on your list: our Chrome Backrest with Pad

(Tall) and Chrome Rear Carrier (Square-

Tube). Your passenger will love the back-

rest, and the carrier makes attaching an

overnight bag easier than you can imagine.

And, naturally, they both look great.

Got something extra to pack along?

You might as well do it in style. Check

out these Leather Saddlebags. They’re

going to fit your new VTX1300 perfectly,

and they’re going to look perfect, too.

Installation doesn’t take long, and the

more you use them, the better these

bags are going to look.

There’s no denying that cruisers and

leather trim just seem to go together—

it’s that Wild-West/modern-cowboy

thing. Well, here’s a styling touch that’s

right at home in both worlds: our

Leather Tank Belt (Studded). It fits right

in with our other leather accessories,

and with your VTX1300’s style.

Who doesn’t dream of taking off for a

week—or maybe just a weekend—on a

motorcycle trip? Savvy riders know one

accessory makes a big difference. That’s

why we offer our Custom Windshield,

shown here with our Chrome Light Bar

(Light Bar sold separately and required

for windshield installation). The two go

together perfectly, and they look great.

VTX1300SVTX1800R/SVTX1800CACCESSORIES

Log on to our website at honda.com for more informa-tion about Honda Genuine Accessories.

SPECIFICATIONS

Model

Engine

Valve train

Bore and stroke

Compression ratio

Carburetion

Ignition

Lubrication system

Exhaust system

Transmission

Final drive

Front suspension

Rear suspension

Front brakes

Rear brake

Front tire

Rear tire

Wheelbase

Seat height

Dry weight

Fuel capacity

Colors

Honda GenuineAccessories™

(Partial listing)

VTX1800CVTX1800R (cast wheel) VTX1800S (spoked wheel) VTX1300S type bias-ply)

ILLUSION BLUE

URANIUM

COLOR OPTIONS

BLACK

VTX1800C

VTX1300S

CANDY RED CANDYORANGE

ILLUSION BLUE

METALLICSILVER

BLACKCANDY RED CANDYORANGE

ILLUSION BLUE

BLACKCANDY RED PEARLORANGE

VTX1800R, VTX1800S

VTX1800C

1795cc liquid-cooled 52° V-twin

SOHC; three valves per cylinder (two 36mm intakevalves and one 45mm exhaust valve)

4.0 x 4.4 inches (101.0 x 112.0mm)

9.0:1

PGM fuel injection with automatic choke

Solid-state digital; two spark plugs per cylinder

Closed-crankcase dry-sump with remote oil tank insidetransmission gearcase

Two-into-one

Five-speed

Shaft

45mm inverted fork

Dual shocks with five-position spring-preloadadjustability

Dual discs with three-piston calipers

Single disc with two-piston caliper

130/70R-18 tubeless radial

180/70R-16 tubeless radial

67.5 inches

27.3 inches

705 pounds

4.5 gallons

Illusion Blue; Candy Red; Candy Orange; Uranium; Black

Deluxe chrome backrest with pad, deluxe chrome back-rest trim with emblem, deluxe chrome rear carrier, cus-tom windshield, headlight cowl (color-matched), lowercowl (color-matched), chrome rear fender panel,chrome billet timing/crankshaft cover set, chrome billetclutch cover, cycle cover

VTX1800R (VTX1800S)

1795cc liquid-cooled 52° V-twin

SOHC; three valves per cylinder (two 36mm intakevalves and one 45mm exhaust valve)

4.0 x 4.4 inches (101.0 x 112.0mm)

9.0:1

PGM fuel injection with automatic choke

Solid-state digital; two spark plugs per cylinder

Closed-crankcase dry-sump with remote oil tank insidetransmission gearcase

Two-into-two

Five-speed

Shaft

45mm inverted fork

Dual shocks with five-position spring-preloadadjustability

Dual discs with three-piston calipers

Single disc with two-piston caliper

VTX1800R:150/80R-17 tubeless radial (VTX1800S:150/80-17 tube-type bias-ply)

VTX1800R:180/70R-16 tubeless radial (VTX1800S:170/80-15 tube-type bias-ply)

67.5 inches

27.3 inches

739 pounds

5.3 gallons

Illusion Blue; Candy Red; Candy Orange; Metallic Silver; Black

Chrome front fender guard rail, chrome radiator guard,deluxe chrome backrest with pad, deluxe chrome rearcarrier, leather tank belt (studded or plain), leather tour-ing bag (studded, fringed or plain), billet timing andcrankshaft cover set, billet clutch cover, billet spark plugcover trim, cycle cover

VTX1300S

1312cc liquid-cooled 52° V-twin

SOHC; three valves per cylinder (two 31mm intake valves and one 40mm exhaust valve)

3.5 x 4.1 inches (89.5 x 104.3mm)

9.2:1

38mm CV

Solid-state digital; two spark plugs per cylinder

Closed-crankcase dry-sump with remote oil tank inside transmission gearcase

Two-into-two

Five-speed

Shaft

41mm fork

Dual shocks with five-position spring-preload adjustability

Single disc with twin-piston caliper

Single disc with single-piston caliper

140/80-17 tube-type bias-ply

170/80-15 tube-type bias-ply

65.7 inches

27.0 inches

661 pounds

4.8 gallons

Illusion Blue; Candy Red; Pearl Orange; Black

Deluxe chrome backrest with pad, deluxe chrome rear carri-er, leather saddlebag (plain), leather touring bag (fringed),chrome front fender ornament, custom windshield, chromelight bar, chrome solo rider rear carrier, chrome billet mastercylinder cap, chrome billet license plate frame, cycle cover

VTX1800C

RETRO-STYLED VTX1800S RETRO-STYLED VTX1300S

RETRO-STYLED VTX1800R

Illusion Blue and Uranium feature ChromaFlair� brand light-interference pigment thatchanges hue as the light plays over it.

When you choose a new Honda VTX, you’ve done more than just pick a

great way to enjoy life on two wheels. You’ve become a member of the

Honda family. And that means your fun is just beginning. Elsewhere on

this page, we’ve listed some of the programs available to you as a Honda

owner, each one designed to help you enjoy your new Honda as much as

possible. Just ask your Honda Dealer for more details. And welcome to

the Honda family—we look forward to riding with you.

At Honda, we also believe in performance and leadership, and

that’s why we’re taking a leadership position when it comes to the envi-

ronment. We continue to develop low-emission technologies for our cur-

rent and future motorcycles, ATVs, scooters and personal watercraft. The

49-state version of the VTX1800 exceeds stringent 2004 CARB emissions,

while the California-spec VTX1800 and other models in our line exceed

even the 2008 CARB requirements years ahead of schedule. And that’s

the kind of performance everybody can appreciate.

Riding a motorcycle is an exercise in responsibility—to yourself, to others,

to the environment and to the sport. So remember, wear a helmet, eye

protection and protective clothing whenever you ride. Never ride under

the influence of drugs or alcohol, and never use the street as a racetrack.

Inspect your VTX before riding, read your owner’s manual, and see your

local Honda Dealer concerning reimbursement through the Honda Rider’s

Club of America™for Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) rider training.‡‡

Always obey local laws, use common sense, and respect the rights of oth-

ers when you ride. Make sure you have a proper license when riding on

public roads, and never modify your motorcycle’s exhaust system.

PROGRAMS THAT PERFORM WHAT’S IN A NAME?

BE A RESPONSIBLE RIDER

honda.com

You chose your new Honda VTX because it has so many great features. But

there’s more—a lot more. Like all of the programs available to you as a

Honda owner. Take the Honda Protection Plans, for example.* They let you

extend virtually all of your Honda’s great warranty coverage. Then there’s the

Honda Rider’s Club of America.™** Open to all Honda owners,† the benefits

alone make it a bargain. Just call 1-800-847-HRCA.® Interested in customizing

your VTX? Make sure you check out our selection of Honda Genuine

Accessories. Time for service? Be sure to ask for Pro Honda™ Oils and

Chemicals. And if you’re looking for a way to pay for your new Honda VTX,

we’ve got two great suggestions. First, ask about the American Honda

Finance Corporation.†† If you’re a qualified buyer, your dealer can set every-

thing up for you right in the showroom. Another easy way is to put it on the

Honda Card™ revolving charge card.‡ You can use the Honda Card to purchase

Honda parts and Honda Genuine Accessories too. And be sure to ask your

Honda Dealer about MSF rider training, because sooner or later, Stupid

hurts.® Hey, we think your VTX is the most incredible cruiser in the world. And

we think you deserve the best programs and support to go with it.

Specifications, programs and availability subject to change without notice. See your Honda Dealer for details on all pro-grams. All specifications in this brochure—including colors, warranty terms, HRCA, etc.—apply only to models sold andregistered in the United States. *The Honda Protection Plans are administered by the American Honda Service ContractCorporation in the state of Florida. **One-year complimentary membership for new, unregistered motorcycles purchasedfrom participating dealers. †Excludes personal watercraft (PWC). ††Financing available on approved credit by AHFC.‡Financing available to qualified customers subject to credit approval from Conseco Bank, Inc., on the Honda Card programat participating dealers. ‡‡Maximum reimbursement $75. California versions may differ slightly due to emissions equip-ment. Rearview mirrors are standard equipment on all Honda Streetbikes. Ride Red,™ Performance First,™ VTX,™ HondaGenuine Accessories,™ Honda Rider’s Club of America,™ HRCA,® Pro Honda,™ Honda Card™ and Stupid hurts™ are trademarksof Honda Motor Co., Ltd. The ChromaFlair trademark is a federally registered trademark owned by FLEX Products, Inc., andis used by permission. ©2002 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (7/02) Printed in the U.S.A. A1741