Honda VTX 1800 vs Harley-Davidson FXSTSSE3 CVO Softail Springer (2009)

Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the Honda VTX 1800stacks up against the Harley-Davidson FXSTSSE3 CVO Softail Springer. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.

Spec comparison

SpecHonda VTX 1800Harley-Davidson FXSTSSE3 CVO Softail Springer
Model year20052009
Price$12,599
Engine1795 cc1800 cc
Torque135 Nm
Weight324 kg329 kg
Seat height28 mm26 mm
Fuel capacity4.8 L5.0 L
Fuel typepetrolpetrol
Transmission5-speed6-speed
Front brakesDouble disc. LBS 3-piston calipers.Double disc. 4-piston calipers
Rear brakesSingle disc. LBS 3-piston calipers.Single disc. 2-piston calipers
Tires130/70-R18 / 180/70-R16 130/70-R18 / 240/55-R18

Honda VTX 1800 vs Harley-Davidson FXSTSSE3 CVO Softail Springer — which should you buy?

Picking between the Honda VTX 1800 and the Harley-Davidson FXSTSSE3 CVO Softail Springer usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the Honda VTX 1800 brings its published horsepower in a 324 kg package, while the Harley-Davidson FXSTSSE3 CVO Softail Springer counters with its own power figure at 329 kg.

Our spec tables above highlight the winning number on each line. For the full rider-focused reviews including real-world fuel economy, service costs and available colors, click into either bike: