2012 Honda VT1300CX vs 2012 Triumph Thunderbird 1600

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
2012 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 2012 Triumph Thunderbird 1600

Custom / cruiser

Engine
Four stroke, parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Power
63 kW / 85.6 hp @ 4850 rpm
Top Speed
188.5 km/h / 117.1 mph
Weight
308 kg / 678 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year-2012
ColoursBlue, black-
Make Model-Triumph Thunderbird 1600
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)126 mm-
Ground Clearance (in.)5.0 inches-
Seat Height678 mm / 26.7 in.702 mm / 27.6 in
Wheelbase1,805 mm / 71.1 in.1641 mm / 64.6in
Height1,150 mm / 45.3 in.1216mm / 47.9 in
Length2,575 mm / 101.4 in.2350 mm / 92.5 in
Width900 mm / 35.4 in.947 mm / 37.2 in (Handlebars)
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight303 kg / 668.0 lbs308 kg / 678 lbs
Fuel Capacity20.30 litres / 5.36 gallons22 Litres / 5.8 US gal / 4.8 Imp gal
Oil Capacity-4.2 L / 1.1 US gal . 0.92 Imp gal
Wet Weight277.0 kg / 610.7 lbs-
Performance
Top Speed-188.5 km/h / 117.1 mph
Max Power-63 kW / 85.6 hp @ 4850 rpm
Max Torque107.00 Nm (10.9 kgf-m or 78.9 ft.lbs) @ 2250146 Nm / 14.89 kgf-m / 107.7 lb-ft @ 2750 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.1881 HP/kg-
Standing Start ¼ Mile-13.1 sec
Engine
CO2114.4 CO-
Bore x Stroke (in,)3.5 x 4.1 inches-
Fuel ControlSOHC-
Engine TypeV2, four-stroke-
Displacement (ci)80.06 cubic inches-
Displacement (cc)1312.00 cc-
Bore x Stroke (mm)89.5 x 104.3 mm-
Displacement-1597 cc / 97.5 cu in
Engine Detail52° V-twinFour stroke, parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Fuel SystemInjection. PGM-FI with automatic enricher circuit-
Bore x Stroke-103.8 x 94.3mm
Compression Ratio9.2:19.7:1
Cooling System-Liquid cooled
EmissionsMeets current California Air Resources Board (CARB) and EPA standards.-
Fuel Consumption4.93 litres/100 km (20.3 km/l or 47.71 mpg)7.0 L/100 km / 14.2 km/l / 33.4 US mpg / 40.1 Imp mpg
IgnitionDigital with 3-dimensional mapping, 2 sparks per cylinder?Digital, inductive type via electronic engine management
Lubrication-Wet sump
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System4-
Drivetrain
ClutchElectronic Dual Clutch-
Final DriveShaft drive (cardan)Toothed belt
Gear Ratios-1st 2.9875:1 / 2nd 1.958:1 / 3rd 1.536:1 / 4th 1.219:1 / 5th 1.029:1 / 6th 0.909:1
Gearbox5-speed-
Primary DriveShaft-
Transmission / Drive-6 Speed
Chassis
Suspension - Front45mm telescopic fork with 130mm stroke and 102.4mm axle travel?Showa 47 mm forks
Suspension - RearMonoshock with adjustable rebound damping and 35-position spring preload adjustability, 95mm axle travel?Showa chromed spring twin shocks with 5 position adjustable preload
Rake25.0°32°
Trail101 mm / 4.0 in.-
Wheel Travel - Front119 mm / 4.7 in.-
Wheel Travel - Rear130 mm / 5.1 in.-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)11.7 inches-
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)336 mm-
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)13.2 inches-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)296 mm-
Brakes - FrontDouble disc. Twin-piston caliper2 x 310 mm Discs, 4 piston calipers
Brakes - RearSingle discSingle 310 mm disc, 2 piston caliper
RimsCast aluminium-
Tyres - Front120/70-ZR17120/70 R19
Tyres - Rear190/55-ZR17200/50 R17

Verdict

Winner on specs

2012 Honda VT1300CX

The 2012 Honda VT1300CX edges out the 2012 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 thanks to its lower seat height and fuel injection. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2012 Honda VT1300CX - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 678 mm vs 702 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.

2012 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 - Advantages

  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.

2012 Honda VT1300CX vs 2012 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2012 Honda VT1300CX and 2012 Triumph Thunderbird 1600?
The 2012 Honda VT1300CX uses V2, four-stroke, while the 2012 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 is powered by Four stroke, parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder..
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2012 Honda VT1300CX or the 2012 Triumph Thunderbird 1600?
The 2012 Honda VT1300CX has the lower seat at 678 mm, making it more accessible. The 2012 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 sits higher at 702 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 2012 Triumph Thunderbird 1600?
Both are strong choices. The 2012 Honda VT1300CX has the edge in lower seat height and fuel injection, while the 2012 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 stands out for liquid cooling. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.