2012 Honda VT1300CX Specifications

Name: 2012 Honda VT1300CX
Brand: Honda

Custom / cruiser • Specs last verified 13 July 2026

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2012 Honda VT1300CX Overview

The 2012 Honda VT1300CX is a custom / cruiser motorcycle built around 1312 cc of displacement. Under the tank sits a V2, four-stroke engine running SOHC valve actuation, a compression ratio of 9.2:1. The bore and stroke measures 89.5 x 104.3 mm. 2012 Honda VT1300CX delivers 107 Nm @ 2250 of torque. From a practical standpoint, the 2012 VT1300CX tips the scales at 277 kg, carries a 20.30-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 678 mm and spans a 1,805 mm wheelbase. Scroll down for the complete 2012 Honda VT1300CX spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.

2012 Honda VT1300CX compared with other bikes in the Custom / cruiser category

Here is how the 2012 Honda VT1300CX stacks up against other bikes in the Custom / cruiser category in our database. Each model counts once, using the model year closest to this one, and the comparison covers up to 1569 models.

Seat height of 678 mm is lower than that of 899 of the other 1315 bikes in the Custom / cruiser category.
Only 677 of the other 1568 bikes in the Custom / cruiser category have a larger engine displacement than the 1312 cc of the VT1300CX.
Narrowing the field to the 678 models within five model years of it, the seat height of 678 mm is lower than that of 424 of the other 677.

Versus the 2011 model

Compared with the 2011 model, wet weight increased from 118.8 kg to 277 kg (+158.2 kg). Peak torque, displacement and seat height are unchanged.

2012 VT1300CX - Pros & Cons

Strengths

Fuel injection: The fuel injection system delivers crisp throttle response and reliable cold starts regardless of altitude or temperature.
Strong front braking: The double disc front brake gives excellent stopping power and responds well to aftermarket braided lines.
Accessible seat height: At 678 mm, the seat height is approachable for a wide range of rider heights and builds confidence in low-speed manoeuvring.
Large fuel range: The 20.30-litre tank is generously sized, translating to extended range between stops - ideal for touring or longer commutes.
Low-maintenance final drive: Shaft final drive means no chain to clean, lube or adjust - meaningfully less routine maintenance than a chain-driven equivalent.

Considerations

Age-related wear: As with any used VT1300CX, a thorough pre-purchase inspection covering consumables, service history and tyres is always recommended.

Wear Points & Servicing Notes

Fuelling & injector care

Fuelling comes from fuel injection. Systems like this are largely maintenance-free beyond keeping fuel quality decent and injectors clear - a fuel-system cleaner every service interval is cheap insurance.

Valve clearance checks

SOHC valve actuation on the VT1300CX means clearances should be checked at the manufacturer's specified interval - they can tighten as mileage accumulates, and a light top-end tick is usually the first sign.

Brake disc and pad wear

The double disc front brake gives strong, progressive stopping power. Disc thickness and pad depth are worth checking at every tyre change, since worn pads can score the disc surface.

Suspension condition on used examples

Up front, the VT1300CX runs 45mm telescopic fork with 130mm stroke and 102.4mm axle travel? and Monoshock with adjustable rebound damping and 35-position spring preload adjustability, 95mm axle travel? at the rear. On a used example, check fork seals for weeping oil and test the rear linkage for play - seals are a relatively cheap fix but useful when negotiating price.

Final drive maintenance

Final drive is by shaft - no chain or belt maintenance at all, though the drive-shaft oil should be changed on the manufacturer's interval.

Handling the weight at a standstill

At 277 kg, the VT1300CX is a substantial machine - low-speed manoeuvring in car parks takes more physical effort than on a lighter bike, though the weight disappears once rolling.

VT1300CX - Buying & Maintenance Guide

What to check before buying

When inspecting a used 2012 Honda VT1300CX with its 1312 cc custom / cruiser, start with the basics: check the service book for oil change frequency, inspect the drivetrain for wear, and look for oil seepage around the engine casings and rocker covers. This model runs shaft final drive, so ask for proof the shaft-drive gear oil has been changed on schedule - it's easy to overlook since there's no chain to draw attention to it. Now 14 years old, this custom / cruiser is as likely to show age-related wear (perished rubber, seized fasteners, degraded seals) as mileage-related wear. A cold start test is invaluable - a well-maintained VT1300CX should fire up cleanly and settle to a smooth idle within a few seconds.

Oil and filter changes

Regular oil changes are the single most important maintenance task for the VT1300CX's 1312 cc v2, four-stroke. Stick to the manufacturer's interval - typically every 6,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. With a 9.2:1 compression ratio, running the octane grade specified in the manual matters more than on a lower-compression engine. Always use the correct viscosity grade as specified in the owner's manual.

Fuel system care

The VT1300CX's fuel injection system is durable but benefits from quality fuel and the occasional use of a fuel-system cleaner additive. If the bike has been stored for more than three months, drain and replace the fuel to prevent varnish deposits in the injectors.

Valve clearance service

Check that valve clearances have been adjusted at the correct intervals on any used VT1300CX. A bike with clearances out of spec doesn't always feel obviously wrong - but tight clearances accelerate valve seat wear. Ask for service documentation proving it's been done.

2012 Honda VT1300CX - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 2012 Honda VT1300CX have?

The 2012 Honda VT1300CX uses a V2, four-stroke engine with 1312 cc of displacement.

How much does the 2012 Honda VT1300CX weigh?

The 2012 Honda VT1300CX weighs 277 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.

How much torque does the 2012 Honda VT1300CX produce?

The 2012 Honda VT1300CX produces 107 Nm @ 2250 of torque.

What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2012 Honda VT1300CX?

The 2012 Honda VT1300CX has a 20.30-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 338-406 km between stops.

Is the 2012 Honda VT1300CX suitable for shorter riders?

The 2012 Honda VT1300CX has a seat height of 678 mm. This is a comfortable, accessible height for most riders.

What brakes does the 2012 Honda VT1300CX have?

The 2012 Honda VT1300CX uses double disc with twin-piston caliper at the front and single disc at the rear.

What tyre sizes does the 2012 Honda VT1300CX use?

The 2012 Honda VT1300CX runs 120/70-ZR17 front and 190/55-ZR17 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.

Honda VT1300CX Spec Evolution

The Honda VT1300CX was produced across 6 model years (2010-2019). The table below highlights the key specifications that changed across the production run - useful whether you are comparing years or tracking down a specific variant.

Specification	2010	2011	2012	2016	2018	2019
Wet Weight	-	118.8 kg / 262.0 lbs	277.0 kg / 610.7 lbs	-	309.0 kg / 681.2 lbs	309.0 kg / 681.2 lbs
Dry Weight	-	303 kg / 668.0 lbs	303 kg / 668.0 lbs	309 kg / 681.2 lbs	-	-
Engine Detail	-	-	52° V-twin	52° V-twin	52° V-twin	52° V-twin
Seat Height	-	678 mm / 26.7 in.	678 mm / 26.7 in.	678 mm / 26.7 in.	680 mm / 26.8 in.	685 mm / 27.0 in.
Fuel Capacity	-	20.30 litres / 5.36 gallons	20.30 litres / 5.36 gallons	20.30 litres / 5.36 gallons	12.80 litres / 3.38 gallons	12.80 litres / 3.38 US gallons
Oil Capacity (Quarts)	-	-	-	0.28 quarts	0.28 quarts	4.54 US quarts
Ground Clearance (mm)	-	126 mm	126 mm	126 mm	126 mm	125 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)	-	5.0 inches	5.0 inches	5.0 inches	5.0 inches	4.9 inches

Key Specifications

Engine

V2, four-stroke

Power

Not recorded

Torque

107.00 Nm (10.9 kgf-m or 78.9 ft.lbs) @ 2250

Top Speed

Not recorded

Weight

277.0 kg / 610.7 lbs

Fuel Capacity

20.30 litres / 5.36 gallons

Full 2012 Honda VT1300CX Specifications

Colours Blue, black

Ground Clearance (in.) 5.0 inches

Ground Clearance (mm) 126 mm

Seat Height 678 mm / 26.7 in.

Wheelbase 1,805 mm / 71.1 in.

Height 1,150 mm / 45.3 in.

Length 2,575 mm / 101.4 in.

Width 900 mm / 35.4 in.

Dry Weight 303 kg / 668.0 lbs

Fuel Capacity 20.30 litres / 5.36 gallons

Wet Weight 277.0 kg / 610.7 lbs

Max Torque 107.00 Nm (10.9 kgf-m or 78.9 ft.lbs) @ 2250

Power-to-Weight Ratio 0.1881 HP/kg

CO2 114.4 CO

Displacement (cc) 1312.00 cc

Displacement (ci) 80.06 cubic inches

Engine Type V2, four-stroke

Fuel Control SOHC

Bore x Stroke (in,) 3.5 x 4.1 inches

Bore x Stroke (mm) 89.5 x 104.3 mm

Engine Detail 52° V-twin

Fuel System Injection. PGM-FI with automatic enricher circuit

Compression Ratio 9.2:1

Emissions Meets current California Air Resources Board (CARB) and EPA standards.

Fuel Consumption 4.93 litres/100 km (20.3 km/l or 47.71 mpg)

Ignition Digital with 3-dimensional mapping, 2 sparks per cylinder?

Starter Electric

Valve System 4

Clutch Electronic Dual Clutch

Final Drive Shaft drive (cardan)

Gearbox 5-speed

Primary Drive Shaft

Suspension - Front 45mm telescopic fork with 130mm stroke and 102.4mm axle travel?

Suspension - Rear Monoshock with adjustable rebound damping and 35-position spring preload adjustability, 95mm axle travel?

Rake 25.0°

Trail 101 mm / 4.0 in.

Wheel Travel - Front 119 mm / 4.7 in.

Wheel Travel - Rear 130 mm / 5.1 in.

Brakes - Front Diameter (in.) 13.2 inches

Brakes - Front Diameter (mm) 336 mm

Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.) 11.7 inches

Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm) 296 mm

Brakes - Front Double disc. Twin-piston caliper

Brakes - Rear Single disc

Rims Cast aluminium

Tyres - Front 120/70-ZR17

Tyres - Rear 190/55-ZR17

Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis. Spot an error? Let us know.