By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Cruiser
Harley-Davidson Softail Heritage Classic FLSTC (MY2005) vs Honda VTX 1300 (SC52)
You'll feel the throttle first, as the Harley-Davidson Softail Heritage Classic FLSTC winds up to highway pace with its counterbalancer keeping the shake out of the grips. The Honda VTX 1300's already shoving off the bottom.
So which one do you buy?
The Softail Heritage Classic FLSTC has the edge if…
Character, looks and sound
Edges it: Softail Heritage Classic FLSTC
On character, the Softail Heritage Classic FLSTC edges it. Put it down to more retro style and more distinctive styling. Your eyes get the final say.
Keeping running costs low
Slight edge: Softail Heritage Classic FLSTC
On upkeep, the Softail Heritage Classic FLSTC asks a bit less of your wallet. The difference won't change your life.
What makes each one tick
Softail Heritage Classic FLSTC
The Heritage Classic settles you onto a plush seat with floorboards below, and the hidden rear shock smooths the ride but doesn't break the hardtail lines. The seat soaks up hours. The brake lever hauls 739 lb (335 kg) down through a 292 mm front brake. The Twin Cam lugs two people along at low revs.
VTX 1300
The VTX's liquid-cooled V-twin hauls from low revs well into the middle of its range, and a pass doesn't take more than a roll-on. Its weight doesn't fight you at a crawl, thanks to a low center of gravity. Sharp bumps bottom the springs.
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The Softail Heritage Classic FLSTC has the lower seat: 25.5 in (647 mm) vs 27.2 in (690 mm).
- The VTX 1300 has the lower wet weight: 712 lb (323 kg) vs 739 lb (335 kg).
- The VTX 1300 makes more peak power: 75 hp (55 kW) vs 62 hp (46 kW).
Which one for the way you ride
Daily commuting & city riding
Look elsewhere
Commuting isn't the strong suit of either bike. If it's your main use, that matters more than which of these wins.
Comfortable long-distance riding
Sits this out: VTX 1300
Mile-munching sits outside what the VTX 1300 is for, so it sits out.
Sporty riding on twisty roads
Both miss here
Canyon roads don't bring out the best in either bike. Cruise them, don't race them.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
Softail Heritage Classic FLSTC
What owners say
Strengths
- Comfortable long-distance touring with standard luggage and windshield
- Smooth counterbalanced engine reduces vibration
- Strong low-end torque
VTX 1300
What owners say
Strengths
- Legendary Honda reliability
- Tractor-like torque delivery
- Confidence‑inspiring handling for its size
Trade-offs
- Soft, under-damped suspension
- Uncomfortable stock seat
Known problems to check before you buy
Softail Heritage Classic FLSTC
No confirmed faults on file yet. That's not the same as fault-free.
VTX 1300
- Steering head bearing failure The factory steering head bearings can wear prematurely, causing a front‑end wobble, especially during deceleration. Upgrading to tapered roller bearings usually resolves the issue.
- Shock bushing wear The stock rear shock bushings can deteriorate quickly, leading to a loose, clunky rear end.
What they share
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
- Fork
- Telescopic
Where the spec sheets split
| Softail Heritage Classic FLSTC | VTX 1300 | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 25.5 in (647 mm) | 27.2 in (690 mm) |
| Wet weight | 739 lb (335 kg) | 712 lb (323 kg) |
| Softail Heritage Classic FLSTC | VTX 1300 | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1449 cc | 1312 cc |
| Engine | 45° V-twin | 52° V-twin |
| Cooling | Air-cooled | Liquid-cooled |
| Power | 62 hp (46 kW) | 75 hp (55 kW) |
| Torque | 85 lb-ft (115 Nm) | 91 lb-ft (123 Nm) |
| Softail Heritage Classic FLSTC | VTX 1300 | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel capacity | 5.0 US gal (18.9 L) | 4.8 US gal (18.2 L) |
| Softail Heritage Classic FLSTC | VTX 1300 | |
|---|---|---|
| Final drive | Belt | Shaft |
| Front brake | 292 mm | 336 mm |
| Front tire | 130/90-16 | 110/90-19 |
| Rear tire | 150/80-16 | 170/80-15 |
| Wheelbase | 64.1 in (1628 mm) | 64.5 in (1638 mm) |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| Softail Heritage Classic FLSTC | VTX 1300 | |
|---|---|---|
| Heated Grips | Not offered | Option |
| Luggage System | Standard | Not offered |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
