Honda builds a chopper!

Honda has taken a walk on the wild side with the release of its first factory built chopper - the sensational VT1300CX 'Fury'.

For many years the chopper motorcycle has summed up a particular breed and passion of two-wheeled cool. Many are home built machines - some made to quite basic specifications. But with the VT1300CX you can have all the presence and poise of a chopper, but with the reassurance of Honda's enviable style and build quality.

The VT1300CX is a whole new breed of cruiser, showing Honda's wild side and playing on the popular chopper genre. The machine is powered by a 1312cc 52-degree fuel-injected V-twin found in the popular VTX1300 machine, but featuring re-profiled camshafts and a new exhaust system. The single pin crank gives the bike a unique sound which growls through the machine's twin stacked pipes. Capturing the pure, undiluted chopper essence and tapping into an extensive legacy of experience in building motor-cycles of all types, Honda's engineers have devised a design to make this new bike handle, function and ride according to Honda standards.

For cruisers and choppers, style is king and the head turning looks, coupled with great attention to detail of the VT1300CX, are a milestone. The overall classic profile accentuates the whole chopper look.

The most obvious attraction to the VT is its raked out chopper styling: high-mount steering head that gives the frame a see through, open air look with plenty of breathing room; slim and long fuel tank perched up high; ultra low seat height; big time rake; fat 200-series rear tyre paired with a slim 21-inch front wheel; a condensed, hard-tail look to the rear end and a stretched wheelbase.

The top radiator hose is hidden away beneath the front valve cover - a patented idea that illustrates the extreme efforts expended on maintaining the airy look of the front end. The long, slim and voluptuous look of the fuel tank along with handlebar shape and size allow the appropriate amount of steering clearance when the front wheel is turned from stop-to-stop.

In similar fashion, the rear end of the bike incorporates a visual balance of space between the airy front end and the more substantial engine and rear end section.
The sleek lines at the rear cloak an ingenious single shock rear suspension system with an aluminium swingarm, adjustable rebound damping and five position spring preload adjustment for exemplary riding comfort - definitely far and above the norm for a chopper-style motorcycle.

The overall classic profile accentuates the whole chopper look. This is thanks to the widely raked front forks, the small, high set 12.8-litre fuel tank which sits behind the single chrome headlight, down to the striking nine-spoke front and seven spoke rear wheels. Dominating the mid section is the punchy V-twin motor, while the slim front tyre is exaggerated by the fat and wider rear tyre. The whole look is completed with a 'hard-tail' look rear-end and an LED tail light.

The long, low chassis is lean with its stretched out wheelbase and sleek lines, which cloak a single shock rear suspension system. The VT1300CX - with its great package of looks, sound and feel - is effectively Honda's first factory finished chopper and has the longest wheelbase of any production Honda ever - a full 1805mm between both axles. But, despite this and its radical looks, it's still a Honda, which means the ultimate in performance and poise.

For customers who want to add an individual touch to their VT1300CX and make it even more unique, a range of accessories will be available, to include:
-A tubular chrome backrest and optional backrest pad for pillion comfort
-A wide, low screen with chrome stars for protection from the elements when cruising the streets
-Colour matched front spoiler for increased custom appearance
-Chrome-plated steel rear fender to complete the solo seat look

The VT1300CX will be available in two colours - the striking glint blue wave metallic provides an eye-catching option, while the graphite black accentuates its extravagant styling.

The price of this new model will be announced later in the year. The VT1300CX will be available in dealers this December.