Honda 1800 vs 1300

My 1100 is in the shop AGAIN! Been blowing the 30 amp fuse. At least it's doing it at the dealer this time also. Not sure when I'll get the bike back...it's always 4 days or so...

Anyway, while it's there and since I'm loosing a lot of confidence in my bike (for long trips and such), I thought I'd consider an upgrade. I sat on some 1300s and 1800s. The 1300 was nice and low to the ground and felt a lot like my 1100. The 1800 was noticably heavier.

Question is for those that have ridden on both. What are the major differences between these two bikes around town and on the highway? I use my bike to run errands, but also take it on long rides. I'm concerned that the 1800 will be TOO big for the streets and the 1300 will be on the small side for long distance riding (like my 1100 is).

AND if you have ridden an 1100, how much more power does the 1300 have over the 1100?

1300 is the way to go in my book!

There will be a difference between the two rides, I just like the lightness feel of the 1300 better. I have ridden the 750's, 1800's, and 1100's before the 1300. It just a whole different bike, it' s like comparing brands of bikes. You will either like it or you wont!


.......................bobby


.

I think you will find out that the 1300 has a great long distance almost touring ride, the first thing i had to do for the (more then 2 hour ride) longer rides was to get a mustang seat , the stock seat was worse then my roping saddle . A windshield makes a long ride easier as well.
OR get a gold wing for distance and keep your 1100 for local rides.
good luck
Horse

i was very dissapointed in the performace of my 1300 when i first got it. but after some breathing inprovments it has become a very satisfaying ride. IMO the main difference between the 1300 and 1800 besides price is the carb verses the fuel injection. both bikes will handle well after geting use to them in all situtations. Me, i love to tinker so the carb on the 1300 was the way to go for me. ole school!

Steve-O wrote:I'm concerned that the 1800 will be TOO big for the streets and the 1300 will be on the small side for long distance riding.

I can assure you that the 1300 can handle long distance.

9/9/06 -Iron Butt Association Saddle Sore Ride - 1,025 miles in 17 hours

6/6/08 to 6/13/08 - Ohio, Canada, Mexico, & back to Ohio - 4,066 miles

Yeah, it can handle it.

other than the fuel injection vs carb and the better mileage of the 1300 vs power of 1800, take both out for a test ride and decide which you like better. No one else can make that decision for you!

Another question: There is a spec 2 and a spec 3 1800. What's the difference there?

Honda site has a package 1 and a package 2 listed for most of the 1800s. What's this?

I'm fixin to go to Al Lambs tomorrow and test ride both of them.....probably the 1300c and 1800F riight now with touring accessories....

but who knows, they may actually FIX my 1100.......

don't let em know your test riding new bikes while they have yours in the shop... might be a way to make yours not get fixed so well, or as quick!

Anyway, the specs are nothing more than bling packages, I can't remember exactly which has which, but I think the spec 3 has crome fork covers, 2 and 3 I think have black engines with silver fins, shinier rims, and some other little stuff...

hope that helps...

If you test ride both, start out on the 1800 (I like the F), ride it a bit and then ride the 1300. The 1300 is a great bike but after riding the 18, you will have made your decision. Especially if you ride distance or in packs. The 1300 has the power to maneuver and get around traffic, but the 1800 does it in half the time.

Oh, and there’s that feeling of having your head torn off when you twister hard….. I hate that.

Don't forget the NEO. It has that beautiful rear fender that most of the X'ers who want a big rear fender try to copy.

I have a 1300 once we changed to an Ultimate Seat it is great for long trips and around town. Love this motorcycle.

Edgerider wrote:If you test ride both, start out on the 1800 (I like the F), ride it a bit and then ride the 1300. The 1300 is a great bike but after riding the 18, you will have made your decision. Especially if you ride distance or in packs. The 1300 has the power to maneuver and get around traffic, but the 1800 does it in half the time.

Oh, and there’s that feeling of having your head torn off when you twister hard….. I hate that.

I have an F and love it. The 1800 requires a little more work to ride at slower speeds but on the open road it is apples to oranges. Never regretted buying the 1800. Both bikes are awsome and you can find some real deals on them both. The fuel injection is the cats A$$ on the 1800. JMO..

Moon

Steve-O,

My question is, "you're not going to be NEW are you?" or are you Snake bit? by the 1100...


Just curious...

Oh and I've ridden the 1100, the 1300 and the 1800.....

I prefer the 1800 but as others have said... it' going to be your decision.

Test ride them both....

I'd prefer the Fuel Injection myself but last just another opinion...


Have fun and let's talk or have lunch..

David W.