Honda VT 1300 CX: Easy Rider Feelings

What should a biker do who is interested in a great chopper motorcycle? Where can he find one? Many immediately think of Harley- Davidson, but not everyone is interested in this American cult. The Japanese, for their part, have made significant gains in choppers in recent years. At Honda, I came across a little gem that I want to introduce to you today.

Switzerland is not a country for extremists. Anyone who stands out here is all too likely to be eyed suspiciously or even warily. Anyone who likes it loud and flashy is definitely better off in the USA. In this respect, the VT 1300 CX from Honda offers advantages, because its look convinces young and old alike and its powerful but relatively moderate sound are better suited to living out easy rider feelings on Swiss roads without immediately being pigeonholed by outsiders as rockers.

Design is half the battle
Honda got it right from the start with the Fury and focused on top design. Design is half the battle in sales today. What use is a bike to the customer that is technically excellent but looks like crap? And the design of the VT 1300 CX Fury really appeals. A mighty, imposing V-engine "cam" with lots of chrome that glistens impressively in the sunshine stands for power, the stylishly joined dual exhaust pipe stands for elegance, and the free space between the engine and tank make the bike visually longer and emphasize the easyrider look. Here, not every inch is to be used up, after all, it's not about minimum air resistance and maximum power like a Supersportster, but here it's about lifestyle, enjoyment and a certain nonchalance as a way of life. Above the engine, the teardrop-shaped fuel tank runs downhill into the saddle, which snakes over the rear wheel in an S-curve, giving the exterior a certain dynamism. The long chromed suspension fork is finally what gives the bike its easy-rider look and also the corresponding riding feel. But even here, the extended suspension fork has turned out moderate and not extreme as you know it from American custom bikes. So you can still ride it in Switzerland. Especially in its maritime blue, the Honda is visually quite pleasing, here the Japanese show excellent taste, although the bike is also found in other colors such as black, purple or silver. Practically every detail has been tweaked, for example, even the tail light has received its very own design, like it or dislike it, but without a doubt it is a real one-of-a-kind. So it's not surprising that on your ride through the country you can always reap admiring glances from passers-by, people who look after you and the beautiful machine, fans who wave. The curves of the Fury please everyone and this is clearly communicated to the driver. With the Fury, the biker feels the same as with a beautiful woman at his side, one is always a welcome guest. Custom friends can of course still put one on it, for this Honda has already provided numerous accessories from the factory. The exhaust "Cobra Speedster Swept" pleases here quite particularly, because it gives a real heavy custom look and a correspondingly rocking sound. Of course, every owner is free to further individualize his bike at a specialized custom forge and thus add the personal touch.

Pleasant handling, perfect engine technology
The low seat height of about 68 cm is very accommodating especially smaller riders, who sit comfortably in the saddle with the Fury and have both feet firmly on the ground when standing. But it is short with the arm length at the handlebars on the outside during steering maneuvers, as larger riders then have no problems. The seat comfort is also very high on longer distances and ensures lasting fun on tours. Engine-wise but also in terms of handling, the Fury is not a fury, rather it can be led light as a feather.

The start button is pressed and the engine starts with a powerful but still moderate hum. Of course, the 1300 cc displacement is also to blame for this; an 1800 would be considerably louder. Straight ahead is the parade discipline for the flagship cruiser, which is a pleasure. As if pulled by a string, the Fury accelerates straight up without any problems, sometimes into the red zone of the permitted speed limit on the highway, showing a highly professional engine technology that doesn't make a fuss when power is called upon. Only from 120 km/h do low vibrations occur, other cruisers already shake much more vigorously before that. The speedometer ends at 180 km/h, so the Fury is not a speed machine, but as a cruiser bike it doesn't want to be. Freeway driving with an open helmet is no pleasure, but you have to grant it, it remains stable and calm even at higher speeds. The bike rides smoothly as if on rails, and the suspension easily absorbs bumps and knocks. The longer wheelbase (over 30 cm longer than average) and the larger turning circle (at 4.1 m around 25% larger than average) are noticeable. An Easy Rider should not and cannot be as maneuverable as an Enduro or a Sportster. But this does not really bother, but is simply a matter of practice. The joy of the Fury makes up for these initial difficulties. Once you get the hang of it, you'll enjoy the gentle swaying around corners, that's real cruiser feeling. In urban areas, however, multiple steering maneuvers may be necessary from time to time. The best thing to do with the Fury is to go on tour and conquer long stretches, cruise along the lake and discover the vastness with it. The pleasure is guaranteed. The powerful engine and the pleasant impressive sound give the rider the feeling of being the king of the road and many passers-by see it the same way. However, those who expect a heavy rocker sound and a brute drive will not be happy with the Fury. Everything is very civilized here. If you want more, you have to tune the bike - Honda helps with this from the ground up - or get advice and help from a specialized custom bike shop.

Honda fishes in the Harley waters
Honda is breaking new ground with the Honda VT 1300 CX Fury. The Japanese brand has had choppers in its range for decades, but never - as far as I can remember - choppers that could embody an easy rider feeling. Easy Rider is an American invention. The term goes back to the cult movie "Easy Rider" at the end of the 60s starring Peter Fonda and Dennis Hooper, who ride their converted Harley-Davidson choppers with greatly extended suspension forks and, with their hippie culture, come into serious conflict with the bourgeois America of the 60s. Easy Rider therefore also stands for rebellion against bourgeoisie and unlimited freedom for one's own personality. No one will be surprised that this theme is very strongly held by Americans. For most bikers, Harley stands for freedom and a corresponding range of choppers designed to convey this attitude to life. Especially with many brand-loyal bikers, Honda will have anything but an easy time winning them over, even with the conceptually and visually successful Fury. I think Honda will have to improve further if it really wants to win market share in this segment. The first throw is successful, but it's not yet a range and that's what's missing. Honda is not lacking in design and technology, but it lacks image, acceptance and credibility as an equal chopper supplier like the American brand, which today has an astonishing market share in Switzerland and that alone with choppers. Honda dealers and Honda itself must not be disappointed if sales are not yet where they would like them to be, but must continue to do so, and this is immediately followed by a wish that I would have. The Fury in this or similar look but with 1800 cc and much more powerful sound and thrust as an extension of the chopper range at Honda. Another advantage that would offer a larger chopper, would also be the fact that the bike tempomässig against the top would not immediately hit a limit. Even cruiser riders sometimes step on the gas, especially when they are on German highways. Who may call a Honda VT 1300 CX Fury his own, has the additional advantage of owning a bike that is not only beautiful, but also has a certain rarity value, Harley riders can no longer really claim this, unless they have afforded a Custommaschine from Fr. 100'000.00. Honda has done a great job with the Fury, now the Japanese manufacturer must decide whether to invest even more in this range.

Custom variants of the Fury
Anyone who wants to have his Fury restyled and provided with a rockier sound, can not avoid a Honda dealer or a special Customschmiede aufzususchen. Honda has a multi-page catalog ready for the Fury with a whole series of accessories that additionally individualize and "beautify" the bike - it's always a matter of taste. Whether grips, turn signals or various exhaust models, which also change the sound towards rocker, it has something for most. To celebrate this individualization, Honda has commissioned three top designers to conjure up a unique custom bike from the Fury. The result is the completely transformed Fury models "Furious" (light blue), "Slammer" (black) and "Switchblade" (purple), which you can see pictured here. Judge for yourself. One thing is for sure, the transformations are extreme! Of course, you don't have to keep it that extreme. At various Honda dealers you can find more moderate conversions, ask them directly. I have picked out some dealers from whom I know that they have already successfully carried out such conversions. Whatever you decide, if you choose the Fury, you are guaranteed to have fun, moderate or extreme, you decide.