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2006 Honda VTX 1300 Overview
The 2006 Honda VTX 1300 is a custom / cruiser motorcycle built around 1312 cc of displacement. Under the tank sits a V2 engine running SOHC valve actuation, a compression ratio of 9.2:1. The bore and stroke measures 89.5 x 104.3 mm. From a practical standpoint, the 2006 VTX 1300 tips the scales at 290.8 kg, carries an 18.16-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 697 mm and spans a 1,637 mm wheelbase. Scroll down for the complete 2006 Honda VTX 1300 spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.
2006 Honda VTX 1300 compared with other bikes in the Custom / cruiser category
Here is how the 2006 Honda VTX 1300 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.
- Engine displacement of 1312 cc is larger than that of 866 of the other 1568 bikes in the Custom / cruiser category.
- Only 653 of the other 1315 bikes in the Custom / cruiser category have a taller seat height than the 697 mm of the VTX 1300.
- Narrowing the field to the 688 models within five model years of it, the engine displacement of 1312 cc is larger than that of 345 of the other 687.
Versus the 2004 model
Compared with the 2004 model, seat height was raised from 686 mm to 697 mm (+11 mm). Displacement is unchanged.
2006 VTX 1300 - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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Strong front braking: The single disc front brake gives excellent stopping power and responds well to aftermarket braided lines.
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Accessible seat height: At 697 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 18.16-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 final drive means no chain to clean, lube or adjust - meaningfully less routine maintenance than a chain-driven equivalent.
Considerations
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Carburetor fuelling: Carbureted engines need occasional jetting attention and can be reluctant in cold weather or at altitude compared to modern fuel-injected alternatives.
Wear Points & Servicing Notes
Carburetor maintenance
The VTX 1300 uses carburetion rather than fuel injection, which means jetting is altitude- and temperature-sensitive and benefits from a clean-and-rejet after extended storage or an exhaust change.
Valve clearance checks
SOHC valve actuation on the VTX 1300 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 single 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 VTX 1300 runs 41mm fork and Dual shocks with five-position spring-preload adjustability 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 290.8 kg, the VTX 1300 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.
VTX 1300 - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
When inspecting a used 2006 Honda VTX 1300 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 20 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 VTX 1300 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 VTX 1300's 1312 cc v2. 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.
Carburetor upkeep
Keep the carburetors clean and free of deposits. If the VTX 1300 has been stored, strip and clean the carb float bowls before attempting to start it. Pilot jets are the first to block and the last to be checked - always include them in any carb rebuild.
Valve clearance service
Check that valve clearances have been adjusted at the correct intervals on any used VTX 1300. 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.
2006 Honda VTX 1300 - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2006 Honda VTX 1300 have?
The 2006 Honda VTX 1300 uses a V2 engine with 1312 cc of displacement.
How much does the 2006 Honda VTX 1300 weigh?
The 2006 Honda VTX 1300 weighs 290.8 kg. This is the manufacturer's dry figure.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2006 Honda VTX 1300?
The 2006 Honda VTX 1300 has an 18.16-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 302-363 km between stops.
Is the 2006 Honda VTX 1300 suitable for shorter riders?
The 2006 Honda VTX 1300 has a seat height of 697 mm. This is a comfortable, accessible height for most riders.
What brakes does the 2006 Honda VTX 1300 have?
The 2006 Honda VTX 1300 uses single disc at the front and single disc at the rear.
What tyre sizes does the 2006 Honda VTX 1300 use?
The 2006 Honda VTX 1300 runs 110/90-M19 front and 170/80-M15 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.
What fuel system does the 2006 Honda VTX 1300 use?
The 2006 Honda VTX 1300 uses Carburettor. Single 38mm CV, providing precise fuelling across the rev range and reliable cold-start behaviour.
Honda VTX 1300 Spec Evolution
The Honda VTX 1300 was produced across 2 model years (2004-2006). 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 |
2004 |
2006 |
| Seat Height |
686 mm / 27.0 in. |
697 mm / 27.4 in. |
| Wheelbase |
1,662 mm / 65.5 in. |
1,637 mm / 64.5 in. |
| Suspension - Rear |
Dual shocks with five-position spring-preload adjustability. |
Dual shocks with five-position spring-preload adjustability |
| Colours |
Black, Metallic Silver, Pearl Orange, Candy Red |
Black, Candy Black Cherry, Candy Orange, Dark Gray Metallic |
Key Specifications
Weight
290.8 kg / 641.0 lbs
Fuel Capacity
18.16 litres / 4.80 gallons
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Full 2006 Honda VTX 1300 Specifications
Colours
Black, Candy Black Cherry, Candy Orange, Dark Gray Metallic
Seat Height
697 mm / 27.4 in.
Wheelbase
1,637 mm / 64.5 in.
Dry Weight
290.8 kg / 641.0 lbs
Fuel Capacity
18.16 litres / 4.80 gallons
Displacement (cc)
1312.00 cc
Displacement (ci)
80.06 cubic inches
Engine Type
V2
Fuel Control
SOHC
Stroke
4
Bore x Stroke (in,)
3.5 x 4.1 inches
Bore x Stroke (mm)
89.5 x 104.3 mm
Fuel System
Carburettor. Single 38mm CV
Compression Ratio
9.2:1
Ignition
Digital with three-dimensional mapping, two spark plugs per cylinder
Valve System
3
Final Drive
Shaft drive (cardan)
Gearbox
5-speed
Suspension - Front
41mm fork
Suspension - Rear
Dual shocks with five-position spring-preload adjustability
Rake
32.0°
Trail
149 mm / 5.9 in.
Wheel Travel - Front
130 mm / 5.1 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear
91 mm / 3.6 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
Single disc
Brakes - Rear
Single disc
Tyres - Front
110/90-M19
Tyres - Rear
170/80-M15
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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