Honda VT 1300 CX Fury (2009-2022): The Factory-Built Chopper That Defied Convention

Introduction

When Honda unleashed the VT 1300 CX Fury in 2009, it wasn’t just launching another cruiser—it was challenging the status quo of custom motorcycle culture. For 13 years, this audacious factory chopper carved its niche with a radical silhouette that looked like it rolled straight out of a West Coast customization shop. But here’s the twist: it came with Honda’s legendary reliability and engineering rigor. In an era where "chopper" often meant "compromise," the Fury dared to blend head-turning aesthetics with everyday ridability. Let’s dissect what made this machine a cult favorite—and why it still turns heads today.

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Design: Where Art Meets Geometry

The Fury’s design is a masterclass in visual tension. That 71.2-inch (1,808 mm) wheelbase—longer than most touring bikes—is paired with a 32-degree rake angle and a comically short 3.6-inch (92 mm) trail. These numbers shouldn’t work together, yet Honda’s engineers made them dance. The result? A motorcycle that looks perpetually in motion even when parked.

Key design elements that defined the Fury generation:
- Tire Drama: A 90/90-21 front tire (nearly bicycle-skinny) contrasts with a 200/50-18 rear (wider than some car tires)
- Industrial Minimalism: Exposed shaft drive, unadorned steel frame, and liquid-cooling pipes that double as styling elements
- Color Play: From the early Matte Silver Metallic (2010) to the later Pearl Hawkseye Blue (2020), Honda used paint to accentuate the Fury’s planes

The real magic? This spaceship-stance machine weighs 663-687 lbs (301-312 kg)—lighter than many 600cc sportbikes. Swinging a leg over the 26.9-inch (683 mm) seat feels accessible, but that stretched tank and forward controls immediately remind you this is no standard cruiser.

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Engine & Performance: The Polite Brute

At its heart lies Honda’s 1312cc 52° V-twin—a study in contradictions. With 66 lb-ft (89.5 Nm) of torque peaking at just 2,250 RPM, it’s all about low-end grunt. The numbers tell the story:

| Specification | Metric | Imperial |
|---------------|--------|----------|
| Bore x Stroke | 89.5 x 104.3 mm | 3.5 x 4.1 inches |
| Compression | 9.2:1 | - |
| Fuel Economy | 5.23 L/100km | 44.98 mpg |

The PGM-FI fuel injection with automatic enricher is witchcraft in cold starts—no choking required. While the 5-speed gearbox feels agricultural compared to modern 6-speeds, the shaft drive eliminates chain maintenance hassles.

Riding Impressions:
- 0-60 mph: ~6 seconds—respectable for a 660-lb machine
- Cruise Sweet Spot: 65-75 mph (105-120 km/h) where vibrations stay civilized
- Redline Reality: The 5,500 RPM limiter isn’t a suggestion—hit it, and the engine protests like a bored teenager

This isn’t a motor for knee-dragging or highway top-speed runs. It’s a laid-back companion that rumbles through town and devours straight roads with nonchalance.

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Handling: The Illusion of Control

Let’s be clear: The Fury handles exactly like a motorcycle with a 71-inch wheelbase and 32° rake should handle. Which is to say—it’s wonderfully terrible at anything requiring agility.

The Good:
- Highway stability that laughs at crosswinds
- 45mm front fork with 4 inches (102 mm) of travel soaks up potholes
- Adjustable rear shock (rebound + 5-position preload) lets you dial in comfort

The Bad:
- U-turns require three zip codes
- The 21-inch front wheel feels vague when leaned past 15 degrees
- Single 296mm rear disc (non-ABS models) demands planning for stops

Yet there’s perverse joy in mastering this machine. It’s like piloting a locomotive—every input must be deliberate, every corner a calculated event. The Fury rewards smoothness and punishes haste.

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Comfort & Ergonomics: The All-Day… Maybe

Honda’s ergonomic choices split riders into two camps:

Team "This Feels Natural":
- Forward controls at 32.5 inches (825 mm) from seat
- Pullback bars within easy reach
- Plush seat padding (for the first 90 minutes)

Team "My Back!":
- No lumbar support for the 26.9-inch seat
- Vibrations at 3,500 RPM numb hands on longer rides
- 3.4-gallon (12.87L) tank limits range to ~150 miles (241 km)

Accessory potential here is huge: aftermarket seats, taller bars, or even a small windshield could transform the experience. Stock? It’s a brilliant around-town poser that becomes a chiropractor’s dream on cross-state runs.

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Competition: Fury vs The World

1. Yamaha VMAX 1700 (2009-2020)

• Power: 197 hp vs Fury’s 57 hp
• Price: Nearly double
• Verdict: For muscle cruisers, the VMAX is Thor’s hammer—but the Fury is Loki’s dagger. Different leagues.

2. Suzuki Boulevard M109R B.O.S.S. (2006-2020)

• Engine: 1783cc V-twin, 123 lb-ft torque
• Weight: 764 lbs (347 kg)
• Verdict: More power, worse fuel economy (33 mpg), and styling that aged poorly. Fury wins on aesthetics.

3. Kawasaki Vulcan 2000 (2004-2010)

• Engine: 2053cc (!) V-twin
• Seat Height: 27.8 inches (706 mm)
• Verdict: A brute for traditionalists. Fury appeals to mod-friendly riders.

The Fury’s Edge: No competitor matched its chopper aesthetic at this price point. While others chased power figures, Honda built a rolling sculpture you could daily ride.

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Maintenance: Keeping the Fury Furious

Critical Service Points:
1. Cooling System: Check coolant level every 6,000 miles (9,656 km). Use ethylene glycol mix.
2. Shaft Drive: Change final drive oil every 16,000 miles (25,750 km)—SAE 80 GL-5
3. Valve Adjustments: Every 16k miles—0.16mm intake, 0.28mm exhaust (0.006/0.011 in)
4. Brake Fluid: Flush with DOT 4 every 2 years

Common Upgrades:
- Exhaust: Stock mufflers weigh 22 lbs (10 kg) each—swap for slip-ons
- Air Filter: High-flow kits wake up the mid-range
- Suspension: Progressive rate springs transform the rear shock

MOTOPARTS.store Recommendations:
- NGK DCPR6E Spark Plugs (gap to 0.031”/0.8mm)
- Synthetic 10W-30 Oil (3.7L with filter change)
- Kuryakyn ISO Grips for vibration damping

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Conclusion: The Last True Factory Rebel

The Fury wasn’t perfect—it drank fuel like a ’70s sedan, handled like a wheelbarrow, and offered storage comparable to a fanny pack. Yet for 13 years, it stood as a middle finger to convention, proving mainstream manufacturers could build something truly radical.

In 2024, used Furys have become blank canvases. Lower it? Add ape hangers? Install a turbo? The platform welcomes all heresies. And when you’re ready to make it yours, MOTOPARTS.store has the tools, parts, and expertise to help this Honda chopper eat Harley-Davidson’s lunch—one customized mile at a time.

Ride hard, wrench harder.

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Specifications sheet

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