Honda VTX 1300C 2004

by Paula Higgins
(South Plainfield, NJ)

I absolutely love my 2004 Honda VTX1300C and I can't imagine riding any other bike. When I first got the VTX I was overwhelmed with the difference in power going from a 1985 Honda Shadow VT700. The VTX has incredible power so when you hit the throttle the bike eagerly responds. There is also a huge difference when you downshift such a big engine. After the first 30 miles on the VTX I felt as if I bit off more than I could chew. I stalled the bike on a steep incline driveway and it took me a very long time to get the bike started again and make it up the hill. By the time I got to the top I broke down and cried thinking that the bike was more than I could handle. That was three years ago. Since then I have ridden from NJ to Maine, Georgia, Canada (solo) and done a 3,000 mile trip around the Great Lakes in 10 days. The bike fits me like a glove. I feel as though I am a part of the bike because the seat is low and I am almost inside the bike instead of sitting on top of it like a horse. The bike is very responsive and you lean it just as much with your body as with your arms. I average 42 miles per gallon when obeying the speed limits and slightly less when I'm riding aggressively. The bike is water cooled as opposed to most Harley's which are air cooled so I never have to worry about my bike overheating. I bought the bike used in 2009 with less than 2,000 miles on it and paid just over $5,000.00. In three years I have put 22,000 miles on the bike with nothing more than oil changes and new tires (and many accessories). When I hear about people paying $30,000.00 for a Harley it just blows my mind. They can keep their payments and I will keep having fun!