2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight vs 2012 Honda VT1300CX

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight 2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight

Custom / cruiser

Engine
V2, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
45.0 km/h / 28.0 mph
Weight
573.0 pounds
2012 Honda VT1300CX 2012 Honda VT1300CX

Custom / cruiser

Engine
V2, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
610.7 pounds
Full Specifications
General
CommentsAmphibian.-
ColoursHard Candy Coloma Gold Flake, Ember Red Sunglo, Big Blue Pearl, Vivid BlackBlue, black
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)99 mm126 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)3.9 inches5.0 inches
Seat Height660 mm / 26.0 in.678 mm / 26.7 in.
Wheelbase1,519 mm / 59.8 in.1,805 mm / 71.1 in.
Height1,400 mm / 55.1 in.1,150 mm / 45.3 in.
Length2,250 mm / 88.6 in.2,575 mm / 101.4 in.
Width1,600 mm / 63.0 in.900 mm / 35.4 in.
Weights & Capacities
Oil Capacity (Quarts)0.17 quarts-
Oil Capacity (l)2.60 litres-
Dry Weight250.8 kg / 553.0 lbs303 kg / 668.0 lbs
Fuel Capacity7.95 litres / 2.10 gallons20.30 litres / 5.36 gallons
Wet Weight259.9 kg / 573.0 lbs277.0 kg / 610.7 lbs
Performance
Top Speed45.0 km/h / 28.0 mph-
Max Torque107.12 Nm (10.9 kgf-m or 79.0 ft.lbs) @ 4000107.00 Nm (10.9 kgf-m or 78.9 ft.lbs) @ 2250
Power-to-Weight Ratio-0.1881 HP/kg
Engine
Fuel ControlDouble Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)SOHC
Engine TypeV2, four-strokeV2, four-stroke
Bore x Stroke (in,)3.5 x 3.8 inches3.5 x 4.1 inches
Bore x Stroke (mm)88.9 x 96.8 mm89.5 x 104.3 mm
CO2113.7 CO114.4 CO
Displacement (cc)1201.25 cc1312.00 cc
Displacement (ci)73.30 cubic inches80.06 cubic inches
Engine DetailAir-cooled, Evolution®52° V-twin
Fuel SystemInjection. Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)Injection. PGM-FI with automatic enricher circuit
Compression Ratio9.7:19.2:1
Emissions-Meets current California Air Resources Board (CARB) and EPA standards.
Engine LubricationDry sump-
ExhaustE Type 9-
Fuel Consumption4.90 litres/100 km (20.4 km/l or 48.00 mpg)4.93 litres/100 km (20.3 km/l or 47.71 mpg)
Ignition-Digital with 3-dimensional mapping, 2 sparks per cylinder?
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System44
Drivetrain
ClutchMulti-plate with diaphragm spring in oil bathElectronic Dual Clutch
Final DriveBeltShaft drive (cardan)
Gearbox6-speed5-speed
Primary Drive57/38 ratioShaft
Chassis
Suspension - FrontIndependent coil springs and hydraulic dampers45mm telescopic fork with 130mm stroke and 102.4mm axle travel?
Suspension - RearIndependent coil springs and hydraulic dampersMonoshock with adjustable rebound damping and 35-position spring preload adjustability, 95mm axle travel?
Rake-25.0°
Trail107 mm / 4.2 in.101 mm / 4.0 in.
Wheel Travel - Front-119 mm / 4.7 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear-130 mm / 5.1 in.
Electrical Systems
Instrumentation4-inch Speedometer mounted low and integrated into handlebar clamp electronic speedometer with odometer, time-of-day clock on odometer, dual tripmeter, LED indicator lights-
Lighting systemHigh beam, neutral, low oil pressure, turn signals, engine diagnostics, low fuel warning, low battery, security system (optional)-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)-336 mm
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)-13.2 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)-296 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)-11.7 inches
Brakes - FrontSingle disc. Dual-pistonDouble disc. Twin-piston caliper
Brakes - RearSingle disc. Single-pistonSingle disc
RimsBlack, Laced SteelCast aluminium
Tyres - Front150/80-16120/70-ZR17
Tyres - Rear150/80-B16190/55-ZR17

Verdict

Winner on specs

2012 Honda VT1300CX

The 2012 Honda VT1300CX edges out the 2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight thanks to its dual front discs and greater ground clearance. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 660 mm vs 678 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.

2012 Honda VT1300CX - Advantages

  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.
  • More ground clearance: 126 mm vs 99 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.

2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight vs 2012 Honda VT1300CX - FAQs

Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight or the 2012 Honda VT1300CX?
The 2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight has the lower seat at 660 mm, making it more accessible. The 2012 Honda VT1300CX sits higher at 678 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight or the 2012 Honda VT1300CX?
Both are strong choices. The 2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight has the edge in lower seat height, while the 2012 Honda VT1300CX stands out for dual front discs and greater ground clearance. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.