2004 Honda VTX1300 problems

Filed May 26, 2026 · Fuel system · 6,502 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2004 Honda VTX1300. The contact stated that while the motorcycle was parked, a fuel-like odor was detected in the garage. The contact then noticed fuel leaking from the motorcycle, with no warning lights illuminated. The dealer was contacted. The motorcycle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 6,502.

Filed Jun 24, 2020 · Steering · 8,000 miles · PA

My front end wobbles bad when I'm slowing down. It happens on both city streets and highways.I replaced the front and back tires and had them balanced. Nothing changed. I've researched it and it's apparently a common problem with the 1300 models and replacing the upper and lower steering bearings with the ones used in the 1800 models fixes it. I've researched how to replace them and it requires special tools and the race for each bearing needs to be pressed in at a shop. I noticed that only 75 complaints have been registered. I still can't believe there's not a recall for this issue. I've seen a lot of people complaining about this online. I've had this issue for years and it keeps getting worse. I'm going to have to pay to get them replaced soon and I'm sure it's not going to be cheap after reading about how to do it. Thank you.

Filed Mar 4, 2018 · Suspension · 5,500 miles · SC

There is a severe front end wobble when decelerating from 50+ MPH. The entire front end shakes to the point that control is almost lost. It is also causing the tire on the front to wear unevenly and at a very fast rate. The bike has less than 6000 miles on it as of march of 2018.

Filed May 24, 2016 · Steering · 18,000 miles · ID

On 2004 honda vtx1300c motorcycle, front tire develops a severe shimmy when decelerating from 40-50 MPH. Have reported problem to honda repair center and tech's state they do not know cause of problem where many forums one stated to replace front wheel bearings with vtx 1800 tapered bearings.

Filed Jul 10, 2014 · Suspension, Transmission · 15,000 miles · LA

Removed the front and rear wheels to have new tires installed. Noticed the final drive flange bearings seal toward wheel, was torn open as if the seal had melted and the bearings were dry and very rough to turn. Problem is, I replaced the bearings and felt resistance when turning the new bearings. Read about this problem in one of the forums, removed the new bearings and ordered a second set. Measured the bearing fit in the flange and it was .001" too close at the top and .002" at the bottom. Had the flange machined to correct clearance and installed new bearings. Just like it should have been from the factory, and I am very glad I found the problem before a deadly or costly incident occurred.

Filed Apr 2, 2012 · Wheels · 11,175 miles · WI

This part is mounted to the rim of the motorcycle and connects to the drive shaft . The housing that the flange bearings press into is bored to tight causing the bearings to be crushed and not be smooth like they should be . I purchased brand new bearings and had the dealer put them in having the same problem as before .

Filed Sep 27, 2011 · Steering · 6,200 miles · AR

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 honda vtx1300. The contact stated that the handle bar wobbled excessively when driving 35 MPH and above. The contact changed the tires on the vehicle but that did not correct the failure. The dealer inspected the vehicle and stated that the steering stem bearings failed and needed replacement. The dealer stated this was a known problem. The VIN was not available. The failure and current mileage was 6,200.

Filed Sep 3, 2011 · Steering · 7,781 miles · CA

Just purchased this bike I'm 2nd owner, and while inspecting this bike I noticed that left side of front tire was completely worn but right side had tread, so I replaced with new dunlop tires front and rear and after driving having only 300 miles on bike one day I let go of left hand grip at 40 MPH to scratch my nose and the bike front wheel began to wobble enough to really scare me. I called honda they said we know nothing about this problem, however getting on line with several vtx owners web-sites and discovered that this is a problem with the vtx 1300. I have new tires and vtx with less than 8000 miles on bike, seems like a manufacturing defect.

Filed Jul 25, 2011 · Steering, Suspension · 25 miles · NY

There is a front fork wobble on my 2004 honda vtx motorcycle. This is coupled with extremely fast wear on the front tires. The wobble is most noticeable between 20 - 50 MPH, and more prevalent when coasting to a stop. It is bad enough at time to cause a control issue when going around turns.

Filed Jul 22, 2011 · Suspension, Wheels · 16,400 miles · KS

Replacing rear tire on 2004 honda vtx 1300c. Checking wheel and flange bearings at this time. The flange bearings are rough turning and one bearing is falling apart. The motorcycle has only 16,000 miles on it. Replacing flange bearings with a new set of aftermarket bearings. Lucky to find the bearing problem when I did. This could have cause a fatal accident if the rear wheel would have locked up driving at highway speeds!!! This is not the first reported flange bearing failure.