2010 Honda Motorcycles VT1300 series Introduction

Honda Motorcycles gave us the first look at its new 1300cc class lineup with the release of the factory-chopper Fury last year. Now Big Red has released the rest of the new generation VT1300 line, with three fresh models: the Sabre, Stateline and Interstate.

These new middleweights represent a departure from the previous-generation VTXs, showing more custom styling influences like streamlined fuel tanks, open frames and stronger overall lines. Like the Fury, the newbies also house a 1312cc, liquid-cooled, SOHC, 3-valve-per-cylinder, single-pin crank, 52-degree V-Twin (just like the VTX models did, too). Instead of CV-style carburetors though, the VT engine gets EFI, with 38mm throttle bodies.

A 5-speed gearbox and shaft final drive deliver power to the back wheel, (again, similar to the VTX models), though Honda has done a much better job at disguising and integrating the shaft this time around.

In the new lineup, the Sabre brings a muscular pro-street style with a low, long look, tall 21 inch front tire one-piece seat and raked out front end.

The Stateline is the more classic machine, bringing traditional looks plus progressive styling elements. The deeply valanced fenders arc downward in classic retro style, a wide handlebar provides leverage and the tires are a more standard 17 inch front and 15 inch rear.

The Interstate takes the Stateline and heaps on a pile of touring amenities, like stylish hard leather bags, pullback handlebar, floorboards and a large touring windshield.

You can read our First Ride impressions in the August 2010 issue of Motorcycle Cruiser.

For more info and details on the new VT1300 models, view the short video from Honda at the bottom of this article (scroll down):