2003 BMW R 1200C vs 2006 Honda VTX 1300

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2003 BMW R 1200C 2003 BMW R 1200C

Custom / cruiser

Engine
Two cylinder boxer
Power
44.5 kW / 61 hp @ 5000 rpm
Top Speed
178.1 km/h / 110.7 mph
Weight
255 kg / 565 lbs
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
Year2002 - 03-
Colours-Black, Candy Black Cherry, Candy Orange, Dark Gray Metallic
Make ModelBMW R 1200C-
Dimensions
Seat Height740 mm / 29.1 in697 mm / 27.4 in.
Wheelbase1650 mm / 64.9 in1,637 mm / 64.5 in.
Ground Clearance172 mm / 6.77 in-
Height1130 mm / 44.4 in-
Length2340 mm / 92.1 in-
Width1050 mm / 44.3 in-
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight236 kg / 520.3 lbs290.8 kg / 641.0 lbs
Fuel Capacity17.5 Litres / 4.5 gal18.16 litres / 4.80 gallons
Wet Weight255 kg / 565 lbs-
Performance
Top Speed178.1 km/h / 110.7 mph-
Braking (100 km/h - 0)40.1 m / 131.6 ft-
Braking (60 km/h - 0)13.2 m / 43.3 ft-
Max Power44.5 kW / 61 hp @ 5000 rpm-
Max Torque98 Nm / 10.0 kgf-m / 72.27 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm-
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.14 hp/kg / 6.92 kg/hp-
Standing Start ¼ Mile13.8 sec / 151.5 km/h / 94.1 mph-
Engine
Bore x Stroke (mm)-89.5 x 104.3 mm
Displacement (ci)-80.06 cubic inches
Displacement (cc)-1312.00 cc
Fuel Control-SOHC
Engine TypeTwo cylinder boxerV2
Bore x Stroke (in,)-3.5 x 4.1 inches
Stroke44
Displacement1170 cc / 71.4 cu in.-
Engine DetailFour stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, 4 valves per cylinder-
Fuel System-Carburettor. Single 38mm CV
Bore x Stroke101 x 73mm-
Compression Ratio10.0:19.2:1
Cooling SystemAir/Oil cooled-
Fuel Consumption5.9 L/100 km / 17.0 km/l / 40 US mpg-
Fuel InductionBosch Motronic MA 2.4 Fuel injection-
Fuel Reserve4.00 litres / 1.06 gallons-
IgnitionDigital CDI Bosch Electronic Digital with three-dimensional mapping, two spark plugs per cylinder
LubricationWet sump-
StarterElectric-
Valve System43
EV Specifics
Battery CapacityBMW Mareg, 19.5 Amp/h low maintenance-
Drivetrain
ClutchDry, single plate, hydraulic operated-
Final DriveShaftShaft drive (cardan)
Gear Ratios1st 2.045 / 2nd 1.600 / 3rd 1.267 / 4th 1.038 / 5th 0.800:1-
Gearbox-5-speed
Transmission / Drive5 Speed -
Chassis
Frame TypeThree section composite frame consisting of front & rear section, load bearing engine-
Suspension - FrontMotorrad Telelever, stanchion ∅35mm, central strut 41mm fork
Suspension - RearDie cast aluminium single sided swinging arm with BMW Motorrad Monolever, WAD strut (travel related damping), spring preload adjustable to continuously variable levels by means of hydraulic handwheel.Dual shocks with five-position spring-preload adjustability
Rake-32.0°
Trail86 mm / 3.4 in149 mm / 5.9 in.
Wheel Travel - Front145 mm / 5.7 in130 mm / 5.1 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear110 mm / 4.3 in91 mm / 3.6 in.
Electrical Systems
Charging System14 V 50 Amp Alternator (700 W) -
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)-11.7 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)-13.2 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)-336 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)-296 mm
Brakes - Front2 x ∅305mm discs, 4 piston calipersSingle disc
Brakes - RearSingle ∅285mm disc, 2 piston caliperSingle disc
Tyres - Front100/90-18110/90-M19
Tyres - Rear170/80-15170/80-M15
Wheels - Front2.50 x 18 cross spoke -
Wheels - Rear4.00 x 15 cross spoke-

Verdict

Winner on specs

2003 BMW R 1200C

The 2003 BMW R 1200C 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

2003 BMW R 1200C - 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: 110 mm vs 91 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 145 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.

2003 BMW R 1200C vs 2006 Honda VTX 1300 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2003 BMW R 1200C and 2006 Honda VTX 1300?
The 2003 BMW R 1200C uses Two cylinder boxer, while the 2006 Honda VTX 1300 is powered by V2.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2003 BMW R 1200C or the 2006 Honda VTX 1300?
The 2006 Honda VTX 1300 has the lower seat at 697 mm, making it more accessible. The 2003 BMW R 1200C 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 2003 BMW R 1200C or the 2006 Honda VTX 1300?
Both are strong choices. The 2003 BMW R 1200C 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.