2010-2013 Honda Fury VT1300CX Buyers Guide | when launched, arguably the best Harley-Davidson clone.
Highlights
- Harley clone cruiser
- Reliable like all Hondas
- Big torquey engine
At a glance
Owners' reliability rating: | |
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Power: | 57 bhp |
Seat height: | Low (26.7 in / 678 mm) |
Weight: | High (668 lbs / 303 kg) |
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesAs Japanese customs go, the Honda Fury (codenamed VT1300CX) is arguably the best Harley-Davidson clone to date. Its looks are radical for a Japanese custom, majoring more on a raked-out chopper design than a straightforward custom or cruiser, and Honda America’s design team should be applauded for this.
Now add an engine that is typical Honda – perfect fuelling, gearbox and gutsy, complete with fuss-free shaft drive – and Honda has a recipe for success. Or has it? Unfortunately the Fury also comes with the usual Japanese smattering of cheapness in the shape of chromed plastic everywhere. From rocker cover tops to drive cases, all plastic. It’s the detailing that knocks points off the Fury’s score.
There's a great online community for this bike. Once you've read this review and our owners' reviews, why not check out the Honda Fury Forum? Or to find out more see our comparison test where we pit the Honda Fury against Harley-Davidson's Rocker C.
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineIt’s hard to believe a bike with a 1805mm wheelbase, 21in front wheel and a kerb weight figure to keep the Goodyear airship anchored could be anything but stable, but that is the Fury. With its plush suspension the Fury soaks up the biggest lumps and bumps, but also takes away any feedback from either tyre.
Not that big lean angle is possible due to insufficient ground clearance. Feet forward ride position isn’t as painful as it looks, in fact it’s quite pleasant because the seat is padded and supportive and the high bars and headlight keep a fair amount of windblast off the rider.
Engine
Next up: ReliabilityWater-cooled but you’d be hard pushed to notice at first – the radiator lives between the front, lower frame rails. For a large capacity (1312cc) 52° V-twin it is exceptionally smooth through its short rev range even with its claimed torque of 89ftlb whirling its way through the shaft drive. Typically Japanese with its smooth gearbox, owners report more about the enjoyment of the ride and the bike, over, if any, at all engine issues.
Coupled with perfect electronics and fuelling, this includes a light action throttle) and you have a 303kg bike with a long wheelbase that is actually manageable and a doddle to ride.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueReliability is never going to be an issue on the Honda – every mechanical is tried and tested from being used on other models, or derivative of. Quality is arguable in the sense the paint and coatings are fine, but it’s the amount of cheap chromed plastic and lack of polished metals that cheapen it ie painted wheels and sidestand. And why only a piddly 12.8lt fuel tank?
Second hand owners report typical battery issues due to the bikes age, it is nothing to worry about but something to account for if buying a used example. A good replacement strong cranking battery should get the bike starting nicely again.
- Get the cruiser look! with MCN's latest kit recommendations.
Our Honda Fury owners' reviews show mainly positive remarks, with one owner stating the bike had too much plastic and another saying it needed more power. Other than that, it's a pretty decent score.
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentAt £12,071 the Fury was pitched well under the list price of top flight Harley customs, and made for value for money. However, it wasn’t a Harley and you have to question the £12k price for a Japanese replica.
If Honda could guarantee a long model life with all the back up of owners groups, lifestyle and full accessory brochure then second-hand prices will remain high rather than drop like every other Japanese machine.
Equipment
Nothing fancy here. Unless you count the deep blue paint, fancy fat-bars or shaft drive unit. The bike doesn’t even come with the bellypan (£395, ouch!) cowling, fly screen (£275, double ouch!) or pillion back support – all optional extras. Shaft drive is good. Erm, the chromed parts are shiny… On the plus side, there is little to go wrong or worry about. Just pick which open road to cruise and set off, or more likely pick the next fuel or coffee stop.
Specs |
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Engine size | 1312cc |
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Engine type | Liquid-cooled, SOHC, 4v four-stroke 52° V-twin. Five gears |
Frame type | Tubular steel double cradle. Steel swingarm incorporating shaft drive |
Fuel capacity | 12.8 litres |
Seat height | 678mm |
Bike weight | 303kg |
Front suspension | Non-adjustable |
Rear suspension | Adjustable for preload and rebound damping |
Front brake | 336mm disc with 2-piston caliper |
Rear brake | 296mm disc with single-piston caliper |
Front tyre size | 120/70 x 17 |
Rear tyre size | 180/55 x 19 |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
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Average fuel consumption | 43 mpg |
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Annual road tax | £117 |
Annual service cost | - |
New price | - |
Used price | - |
Insurance group |
15 of 17 How much to insure? |
Warranty term | Two year unlimited mileage |
Top speed & performance |
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Max power | 57 bhp |
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Max torque | 89.3 ft-lb |
Top speed | 110 mph |
1/4 mile acceleration | - |
Tank range | 122 miles |
Model history & versions
Model history
- 2010: VT1300CX Fury released.
- 2013: bike goes off sale.
Other versions
None
Owners' reviews for the HONDA VT1300CX FURY (2010 - 2013)
4 owners have reviewed their HONDA VT1300CX FURY (2010 - 2013) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.
Review your HONDA VT1300CX FURY (2010 - 2013)
Summary of owners' reviews |
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Overall rating: | |
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Ride quality & brakes: | |
Engine: | |
Reliability & build quality: | |
Value vs rivals: | |
Equipment: |
Year: 2012
quick and loud, tremendous quality overall, low maintenance and easy to customize
Buying experience: private
Version: CX1300
Year: 2010
Very nice bike, reliable, affordable, eye catching.
Fair power, but more is better.
First and foremost this is not a harley clone as harley don't make a chopper,they make lowriders and easyriders but no chopper. On the day i road tested the Fury i also tested a harley and there was no contest. The Honda won hands down. After fifteen minutes on the harley and having to stop several times to replace the fillings which had shaken violently from my teeth, i've got to tell you it wasn't for me. The Honda on the other hand was a dream from the moment it started. Instant reliable power coupled with fantastic handling and a throaty rumble to die for. I couldn't find a single thing that i didn't like about it. As far as some plastic chrome i can live with that as its easy to polish and look after and lets face it, its lighter which is better for bike performance. I am extremely busy running a business and have a family and don't have the time for machines which are a labour of love and cost a fortune in repairs. I love motorcycling and with japanese reliability i know i'll be spending more time on the road and less time in the workshop. The Fury is a joy to own.
A brave first effort, with knockout appeal at first glance. Rides well, smooth and well-damped, but more British Home Stores than Easy Rider - far too much plastic and pretty conservative overall. New bikes are now at silly prices, and this one's priced at fantasy levels, with less choice of models and colours and a rip-off compared to the US. The discounting has already started. What it needs is a £2k price cut, sensibly priced aftermarket accessories and a Honda-backed Fury Owners' Club - then it'll succeed...