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

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2012 Honda VT1300CX 2012 Honda VT1300CX

Custom / cruiser

Engine
V2, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
610.7 pounds
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
Full Specifications
General
Comments-Amphibian.
ColoursBlue, blackHard Candy Coloma Gold Flake, Ember Red Sunglo, Big Blue Pearl, Vivid Black
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (in.)5.0 inches3.9 inches
Ground Clearance (mm)126 mm99 mm
Seat Height678 mm / 26.7 in.660 mm / 26.0 in.
Wheelbase1,805 mm / 71.1 in.1,519 mm / 59.8 in.
Height1,150 mm / 45.3 in.1,400 mm / 55.1 in.
Length2,575 mm / 101.4 in.2,250 mm / 88.6 in.
Width900 mm / 35.4 in.1,600 mm / 63.0 in.
Weights & Capacities
Oil Capacity (l)-2.60 litres
Oil Capacity (Quarts)-0.17 quarts
Dry Weight303 kg / 668.0 lbs250.8 kg / 553.0 lbs
Fuel Capacity20.30 litres / 5.36 gallons7.95 litres / 2.10 gallons
Wet Weight277.0 kg / 610.7 lbs259.9 kg / 573.0 lbs
Performance
Top Speed-45.0 km/h / 28.0 mph
Max Torque107.00 Nm (10.9 kgf-m or 78.9 ft.lbs) @ 2250107.12 Nm (10.9 kgf-m or 79.0 ft.lbs) @ 4000
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.1881 HP/kg-
Engine
CO2114.4 CO113.7 CO
Bore x Stroke (mm)89.5 x 104.3 mm88.9 x 96.8 mm
Displacement (ci)80.06 cubic inches73.30 cubic inches
Engine TypeV2, four-strokeV2, four-stroke
Fuel ControlSOHCDouble Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Displacement (cc)1312.00 cc1201.25 cc
Bore x Stroke (in,)3.5 x 4.1 inches3.5 x 3.8 inches
Engine Detail52° V-twinAir-cooled, Evolution®
Fuel SystemInjection. PGM-FI with automatic enricher circuitInjection. Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Compression Ratio9.2:19.7:1
EmissionsMeets current California Air Resources Board (CARB) and EPA standards.-
Engine Lubrication-Dry sump
Exhaust-E Type 9
Fuel Consumption4.93 litres/100 km (20.3 km/l or 47.71 mpg)4.90 litres/100 km (20.4 km/l or 48.00 mpg)
IgnitionDigital with 3-dimensional mapping, 2 sparks per cylinder?-
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System44
Drivetrain
ClutchElectronic Dual ClutchMulti-plate with diaphragm spring in oil bath
Final DriveShaft drive (cardan)Belt
Gearbox5-speed6-speed
Primary DriveShaft57/38 ratio
Chassis
Suspension - Front45mm telescopic fork with 130mm stroke and 102.4mm axle travel?Independent coil springs and hydraulic dampers
Suspension - RearMonoshock with adjustable rebound damping and 35-position spring preload adjustability, 95mm axle travel?Independent coil springs and hydraulic dampers
Rake25.0°-
Trail101 mm / 4.0 in.107 mm / 4.2 in.
Wheel Travel - Front119 mm / 4.7 in.-
Wheel Travel - Rear130 mm / 5.1 in.-
Electrical Systems
Instrumentation-4-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 system-High beam, neutral, low oil pressure, turn signals, engine diagnostics, low fuel warning, low battery, security system (optional)
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)13.2 inches-
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)336 mm-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)296 mm-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)11.7 inches-
Brakes - FrontDouble disc. Twin-piston caliperSingle disc. Dual-piston
Brakes - RearSingle discSingle disc. Single-piston
RimsCast aluminiumBlack, Laced Steel
Tyres - Front120/70-ZR17150/80-16
Tyres - Rear190/55-ZR17150/80-B16

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

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 - Advantages

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

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

Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2012 Honda VT1300CX or the 2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight?
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 2012 Honda VT1300CX or the 2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight?
Both are strong choices. The 2012 Honda VT1300CX has the edge in dual front discs and greater ground clearance, while the 2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight 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.