2004 BMW R 1200 C Classic vs 2006 Honda VTX 1300

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2004 BMW R 1200 C Classic 2004 BMW R 1200 C Classic

Custom / cruiser

Engine
Two cylinder boxer
Power
N/A
Top Speed
168.0 km/h / 104.4 mph
Weight
568.8 pounds
2006 Honda VTX 1300 2006 Honda VTX 1300

Custom / cruiser

Engine
V2
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
641.0 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Colours-Black, Candy Black Cherry, Candy Orange, Dark Gray Metallic
Dimensions
Seat Height740 mm / 29.1 in.697 mm / 27.4 in.
Wheelbase1,650 mm / 65.0 in.1,637 mm / 64.5 in.
Height1,130 mm / 44.5 in.-
Length2,340 mm / 92.1 in.-
Width1,050 mm / 41.3 in.-
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight238 kg / 524.7 lbs290.8 kg / 641.0 lbs
Fuel Capacity17.50 litres / 4.62 gallons18.16 litres / 4.80 gallons
Wet Weight258.0 kg / 568.8 lbs-
Performance
Top Speed168.0 km/h / 104.4 mph-
Max Torque98.00-
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.2563 HP/kg-
Engine
Fuel ControlSOHCSOHC
Engine TypeTwo cylinder boxerV2
Displacement (ci)71.39 cubic inches80.06 cubic inches
Bore x Stroke (in,)4.0 x 2.9 inches3.5 x 4.1 inches
Bore x Stroke (mm)101.0 x 73.0 mm89.5 x 104.3 mm
Displacement (cc)1170.00 cc1312.00 cc
Stroke44
Fuel SystemInjectionCarburettor. Single 38mm CV
Compression Ratio10.0:19.2:1
Fuel Reserve4.00 litres / 1.06 gallons-
Ignition-Digital with three-dimensional mapping, two spark plugs per cylinder
Valve System43
Drivetrain
Final DriveShaft drive (cardan)Shaft drive (cardan)
Gearbox5-speed5-speed
Chassis
Frame TypeThree-section composite frame consisting of front and rear section, load bearing engine.-
Suspension - FrontBMW Motorrad Telelever; stanchion diameter 35 mm, central strut41mm fork
Suspension - RearDie-cast steel single-sided swinging arm with BMW Motorrad Monolever; WAD strut (travel-related damping), spring pre-load adjustable to continuously variable levels by means of hydraulic handwheelDual shocks with five-position spring-preload adjustability
Rake27.2°32.0°
Trail-149 mm / 5.9 in.
Wheel Travel - Front144 mm / 5.7 in.130 mm / 5.1 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear100 mm / 3.9 in.91 mm / 3.6 in.
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)285 mm296 mm
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)12.0 inches13.2 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)305 mm336 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)11.2 inches11.7 inches
Brakes - FrontDouble discSingle disc
Brakes - RearSingle discSingle disc
Tyres - Front100/90-ZR18110/90-M19
Tyres - Rear170/80-ZR15170/80-M15

Verdict

Winner on specs

2004 BMW R 1200 C Classic

The 2004 BMW R 1200 C Classic edges out the 2006 Honda VTX 1300 thanks to its fuel injection, dual front discs, higher rear wheel travel and higher front wheel travel. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2004 BMW R 1200 C Classic - Advantages

  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.
  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.
  • More rear wheel travel: 100 mm vs 91 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 144 mm vs 130 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2006 Honda VTX 1300 - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 697 mm vs 740 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.

2004 BMW R 1200 C Classic vs 2006 Honda VTX 1300 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2004 BMW R 1200 C Classic and 2006 Honda VTX 1300?
The 2004 BMW R 1200 C Classic uses Two cylinder boxer, while the 2006 Honda VTX 1300 is powered by V2.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2004 BMW R 1200 C Classic or the 2006 Honda VTX 1300?
The 2006 Honda VTX 1300 has the lower seat at 697 mm, making it more accessible. The 2004 BMW R 1200 C Classic sits higher at 740 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2004 BMW R 1200 C Classic or the 2006 Honda VTX 1300?
Both are strong choices. The 2004 BMW R 1200 C Classic has the edge in fuel injection and dual front discs, while the 2006 Honda VTX 1300 stands out for lower seat height. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.