2006 Honda VTX 1300 vs 2004 BMW R 1200 C Classic
Full specifications comparison •
2 motorcycles
Full Specifications
Differs
Same
| General |
| Colours | Black, Candy Black Cherry, Candy Orange, Dark Gray Metallic | - |
| Dimensions |
| Seat Height | 697 mm / 27.4 in. | 740 mm / 29.1 in. |
| Wheelbase | 1,637 mm / 64.5 in. | 1,650 mm / 65.0 in. |
| Height | - | 1,130 mm / 44.5 in. |
| Length | - | 2,340 mm / 92.1 in. |
| Width | - | 1,050 mm / 41.3 in. |
| Weights & Capacities |
| Dry Weight | 290.8 kg / 641.0 lbs | 238 kg / 524.7 lbs |
| Fuel Capacity | 18.16 litres / 4.80 gallons | 17.50 litres / 4.62 gallons |
| Wet Weight | - | 258.0 kg / 568.8 lbs |
| Performance |
| Top Speed | - | 168.0 km/h / 104.4 mph |
| Max Torque | - | 98.00 |
| Power-to-Weight Ratio | - | 0.2563 HP/kg |
| Engine |
| Stroke | 4 | 4 |
| Bore x Stroke (in,) | 3.5 x 4.1 inches | 4.0 x 2.9 inches |
| Bore x Stroke (mm) | 89.5 x 104.3 mm | 101.0 x 73.0 mm |
| Fuel Control | SOHC | SOHC |
| Engine Type | V2 | Two cylinder boxer |
| Displacement (ci) | 80.06 cubic inches | 71.39 cubic inches |
| Displacement (cc) | 1312.00 cc | 1170.00 cc |
| Fuel System | Carburettor. Single 38mm CV | Injection |
| Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Reserve | - | 4.00 litres / 1.06 gallons |
| Ignition | Digital with three-dimensional mapping, two spark plugs per cylinder | - |
| Valve System | 3 | 4 |
| Drivetrain |
| Final Drive | Shaft drive (cardan) | Shaft drive (cardan) |
| Gearbox | 5-speed | 5-speed |
| Chassis |
| Frame Type | - | Three-section composite frame consisting of front and rear section, load bearing engine. |
| Suspension - Front | 41mm fork | BMW Motorrad Telelever; stanchion diameter 35 mm, central strut |
| Suspension - Rear | Dual shocks with five-position spring-preload adjustability | Die-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 handwheel |
| Rake | 32.0° | 27.2° |
| Trail | 149 mm / 5.9 in. | - |
| Wheel Travel - Front | 130 mm / 5.1 in. | 144 mm / 5.7 in. |
| Wheel Travel - Rear | 91 mm / 3.6 in. | 100 mm / 3.9 in. |
| Wheels & Brakes |
| Brakes - Front Diameter (in.) | 13.2 inches | 12.0 inches |
| Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.) | 11.7 inches | 11.2 inches |
| Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm) | 296 mm | 285 mm |
| Brakes - Front Diameter (mm) | 336 mm | 305 mm |
| Brakes - Front | Single disc | Double disc |
| Brakes - Rear | Single disc | Single disc |
| Tyres - Front | 110/90-M19 | 100/90-ZR18 |
| Tyres - Rear | 170/80-M15 | 170/80-ZR15 |
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
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 - 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 vs 2004 BMW R 1200 C Classic - FAQs
What are the engine differences between the 2006 Honda VTX 1300 and 2004 BMW R 1200 C Classic?
The 2006 Honda VTX 1300 uses V2, while the 2004 BMW R 1200 C Classic is powered by Two cylinder boxer.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2006 Honda VTX 1300 or the 2004 BMW R 1200 C Classic?
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 2006 Honda VTX 1300 or the 2004 BMW R 1200 C Classic?
Both are strong choices. The 2006 Honda VTX 1300 has the edge in lower seat height, while the 2004 BMW R 1200 C Classic stands out for fuel injection and dual front discs. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.