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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. That's roughly 23.6 kg lighter than the average custom / cruiser motorcycle in our database. Scroll down for the complete 2012 Honda VT1300CX spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.
2012 VT1300CX - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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🔧
Fuel injection: The fuel injection system delivers crisp throttle response and reliable cold starts regardless of altitude or temperature.
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📏
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.
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⛽
Large fuel range: The 20.30-litre tank is generously sized, translating to extended range between stops - ideal for touring or longer commutes.
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Low-maintenance final drive: Shaft drive (cardan) final drive means no chain to clean, lube or adjust - meaningfully less routine maintenance than a chain-driven equivalent.
Considerations
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ℹ️
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. Twin-piston caliper 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, start with the basics: check the service book for oil change frequency, inspect the chain and sprockets for wear, and look for oil seepage around the engine casings and rocker covers. 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 on any VT1300CX. Stick to the manufacturer's interval - typically every 6,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. 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 power does the 2012 Honda VT1300CX make?
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. 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 |
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118.8 kg / 262.0 lbs |
277.0 kg / 610.7 lbs |
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309.0 kg / 681.2 lbs |
309.0 kg / 681.2 lbs |
| Dry Weight |
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303 kg / 668.0 lbs |
303 kg / 668.0 lbs |
309 kg / 681.2 lbs |
- |
- |
| Engine Detail |
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- |
52° V-twin |
52° V-twin |
52° V-twin |
52° V-twin |
| Seat Height |
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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
Power
Not published by manufacturer
Torque
107.00 Nm (10.9 kgf-m or 78.9 ft.lbs) @ 2250
Top Speed
Not published by manufacturer
Weight
277.0 kg / 610.7 lbs
Fuel Capacity
20.30 litres / 5.36 gallons
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Full 2012 Honda VT1300CX Specifications
Ground Clearance (mm)
126 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)
5.0 inches
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
Fuel Control
SOHC
Engine Type
V2, four-stroke
Displacement (ci)
80.06 cubic inches
Displacement (cc)
1312.00 cc
CO2
114.4 CO
Bore x Stroke (mm)
89.5 x 104.3 mm
Bore x Stroke (in,)
3.5 x 4.1 inches
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.
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