The Honda VTX 1300’s era ended as Honda shifted to a new 1,300cc V-twin platform. Rather than one direct successor, Honda rolled out a small family of VT1300 cruisers—most notably the Fury, Sabre, and Stateline—that effectively replaced the VTX 1300 in its lineup.
Background: the shift in Honda’s cruiser lineup
For years, Honda paired a large, air-cooled V-twin with the VTX 1300 styling and chassis. As market tastes and engineering priorities evolved, Honda introduced a new generation of 1,300cc bikes built around the VT1300 engine architecture. This marked a move away from the VTX nomenclature toward a broader VT1300 family with different styling directions.
The replacement lineup
Before reviewing individual models, it helps to know that the replacement for the VTX 1300 wasn’t a single motorcycle. Honda introduced a trio of 1,300cc V-twin cruisers—each with its own character—under the VT1300 umbrella. The following models formed the core of that shift and are commonly cited as successors to the VTX 1300 family.
- VT1300CX Fury — a bold, chopper-inspired cruiser with minimalist styling and a strong street presence; introduced for the 2010 model year as part of the VT1300 family, sharing the 1312cc V-twin but featuring a new chassis and design language.
- VT1300CS Sabre — a more conventional, muscular cruiser with a lower stance and accessible ergonomics; joined the VT1300 lineup around 2010, using the same core engine with different tuning and intake/exhaust packaging.
- VT1300CR Stateline — a long-wheelbase, touring-oriented cruiser designed for comfort on longer rides; launched alongside the Sabre and Fury in the early VT1300 rollout.
In various markets, model years and naming conventions shifted slightly as Honda refined the lineup, but the VT1300 trio served as the modern successor to the VTX 1300 in Honda’s cruiser range.
Details on each model
The Fury (VT1300CX) emphasized a naked, chopper-inspired look with a shortened stance and aggressive styling, signaling a departure from the more traditional cruiser silhouette. The Sabre (VT1300CS) offered a sportier, mid-length setup with comfortable ergonomics for everyday riding. The Stateline (VT1300CR) prioritized touring practicality, featuring a longer wheelbase and components tailored for longer trips. All three shared the core 1,300cc V-twin engine family and many mechanical updates that followed the VTX era.
Impact and consumer takeaways
The transition from VTX 1300 to the VT1300 family represented a broader design philosophy shift: Honda kept the displacement range and the V-twin powertrain but introduced updated chassis, electronics, and styling. For buyers, this meant more variety in how a large Honda cruiser could feel and perform—whether you wanted a bold streetfighter look, a traditional cruiser, or a touring-focused ride.
Summary
The Honda VTX 1300 was effectively superseded by the VT1300 series—specifically the Fury (VT1300CX), Sabre (VT1300CS), and Stateline (VT1300CR)—introduced around 2010. While there isn’t a single direct one-for-one replacement, these three models together carried Honda’s 1,300cc V-twin cruiser legacy forward with updated styling, engineering, and riding options. For enthusiasts, this shift represents both continuity in power and a clear evolution in design language.