2006 Honda VTX 1300 vs 2004 BMW R 1200CL vs 2004 BMW R 1200CL

Full specifications comparison • 3 motorcycles

Comparing 3 motorcycles
2006 Honda VTX 1300 2006 Honda VTX 1300

Custom / cruiser

Engine
V2
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
641.0 pounds
2004 BMW R 1200CL 2004 BMW R 1200CL

Custom / cruiser

Engine
Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke
Power
44.5 kW / 61 hp @ 5000 rpm
Top Speed
165.0 km/h
Weight
308 kg / 679 lbs
2004 BMW R 1200CL 2004 BMW R 1200CL

Touring

Engine
Two cylinder boxer
Power
44.5 kW / 61 hp @ 5000 rpm
Top Speed
164.8 km/h / 102.4 mph
Weight
308 kg / 679 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year-2004
ColoursBlack, Candy Black Cherry, Candy Orange, Dark Gray MetallicSilver, Blue, Brown
Make Model-BMW R 1200CL
Dimensions
Seat Height697 mm / 27.4 in.745 mm / 29.3 in
Wheelbase1,637 mm / 64.5 in.1641 mm / 64.6 in
Height-1435 mm / 56.1 in
Length-2415 mm / 95.0 in
Width-1075 mm / 42.3 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight290.8 kg / 641.0 lbs289 kg / 637.1 lbs
Fuel Capacity18.16 litres / 4.80 gallons17.5 Litres / 4.5 gal
Wet Weight-308 kg / 679 lbs
Performance
Top Speed-164.8 km/h / 102.4 mph
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-0.1981 HP/kg
Standing Start ¼ Mile-14.7 sec
Engine
Engine TypeV2Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke
Stroke44
Bore x Stroke (in,)3.5 x 4.1 inches-
Bore x Stroke (mm)89.5 x 104.3 mm-
Fuel ControlSOHCSOHC
Displacement (cc)1312.00 cc-
CO2-118.3 CO
Displacement (ci)80.06 cubic inches-
Displacement-1170 cc / 71.4 cu in.
Engine Detail-Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel SystemCarburettor. Single 38mm CVInjection
Bore x Stroke-101 x 73mm
Compression Ratio9.2:110.0:1
Cooling System-Air/Oil cooled
Fuel Consumption-5.1 L/100 km / 19.8 km/l / 46.5 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-speed5-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 - Front Diameter (in.)13.2 inches12.0 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)336 mm305 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)11.7 inches11.2 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)296 mm285 mm
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, 5-spoke alloy
Wheels - Rear-4.00 x 15, 5-spoke alloy

Verdict

Winner on specs

2004 BMW R 1200CL

The 2004 BMW R 1200CL 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 745 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.

2004 BMW R 1200CL - 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 2004 BMW R 1200CL - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2006 Honda VTX 1300 and 2004 BMW R 1200CL?
The 2006 Honda VTX 1300 uses V2, while the 2004 BMW R 1200CL is powered by Two cylinder boxer.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2006 Honda VTX 1300 or the 2004 BMW R 1200CL?
The 2006 Honda VTX 1300 has the lower seat at 697 mm, making it more accessible. The 2004 BMW R 1200CL sits higher at 745 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 1200CL?
Both are strong choices. The 2006 Honda VTX 1300 has the edge in lower seat height, while the 2004 BMW R 1200CL 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.