2006 Honda VTX 1300 vs 2003 BMW R 1200C

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2006 Honda VTX 1300 2006 Honda VTX 1300

Custom / cruiser

Engine
V2
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
641.0 pounds
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
Full Specifications
General
Year-2002 - 03
ColoursBlack, Candy Black Cherry, Candy Orange, Dark Gray Metallic-
Make Model-BMW R 1200C
Dimensions
Seat Height697 mm / 27.4 in.740 mm / 29.1 in
Wheelbase1,637 mm / 64.5 in.1650 mm / 64.9 in
Ground Clearance-172 mm / 6.77 in
Height-1130 mm / 44.4 in
Length-2340 mm / 92.1 in
Width-1050 mm / 44.3 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight290.8 kg / 641.0 lbs236 kg / 520.3 lbs
Fuel Capacity18.16 litres / 4.80 gallons17.5 Litres / 4.5 gal
Wet Weight-255 kg / 565 lbs
Performance
Top Speed-178.1 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 Power-44.5 kW / 61 hp @ 5000 rpm
Max Torque-98 Nm / 10.0 kgf-m / 72.27 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio-0.14 hp/kg / 6.92 kg/hp
Standing Start ¼ Mile-13.8 sec / 151.5 km/h / 94.1 mph
Engine
Stroke44
Fuel ControlSOHC-
Engine TypeV2Two cylinder boxer
Displacement (ci)80.06 cubic inches-
Bore x Stroke (in,)3.5 x 4.1 inches-
Bore x Stroke (mm)89.5 x 104.3 mm-
Displacement (cc)1312.00 cc-
Displacement-1170 cc / 71.4 cu in.
Engine Detail-Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel SystemCarburettor. Single 38mm CV-
Bore x Stroke-101 x 73mm
Compression Ratio9.2:110.0:1
Cooling System-Air/Oil cooled
Fuel Consumption-5.9 L/100 km / 17.0 km/l / 40 US mpg
Fuel Induction-Bosch Motronic MA 2.4 Fuel injection
Fuel Reserve-4.00 litres / 1.06 gallons
IgnitionDigital with three-dimensional mapping, two spark plugs per cylinderDigital CDI Bosch Electronic
Lubrication-Wet sump
Starter-Electric
Valve System34
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity-BMW Mareg, 19.5 Amp/h low maintenance
Drivetrain
Clutch-Dry, single plate, hydraulic operated
Final DriveShaft drive (cardan)Shaft
Gear Ratios-1st 2.045 / 2nd 1.600 / 3rd 1.267 / 4th 1.038 / 5th 0.800:1
Gearbox5-speed-
Transmission / Drive-5 Speed
Chassis
Frame Type-Three section composite frame consisting of front & rear section, load bearing engine
Suspension - Front41mm forkMotorrad Telelever, stanchion ∅35mm, central strut
Suspension - RearDual shocks with five-position spring-preload adjustabilityDie 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.
Rake32.0°-
Trail149 mm / 5.9 in.86 mm / 3.4 in
Wheel Travel - Front130 mm / 5.1 in.145 mm / 5.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear91 mm / 3.6 in.110 mm / 4.3 in
Electrical Systems
Charging System-14 V 50 Amp Alternator (700 W)
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)296 mm-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)11.7 inches-
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)336 mm-
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)13.2 inches-
Brakes - FrontSingle disc2 x ∅305mm discs, 4 piston calipers
Brakes - RearSingle discSingle ∅285mm disc, 2 piston caliper
Tyres - Front110/90-M19100/90-18
Tyres - Rear170/80-M15170/80-15
Wheels - Front-2.50 x 18 cross spoke
Wheels - Rear-4.00 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

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 - 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 vs 2003 BMW R 1200C - FAQs

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