In 2004, Honda launched the VTX1300C Custom, a lighter and shorter cruiser, part of the VTX series that comprised models of different displacement engines and various designs. The VTX1300C was fitted with lightweight cast aluminum wheels and a drag-style handlebar.
The VTX1300C was similar to its larger VTX1800C brother, with the same performance-custom appearance. The 2004 machine came in Candy Red, Pearl Orange, and Metallic Silver with Black color schemes.
Some unique features of the VTX1300C included the cast aluminum wheels, minimalist front and rear fender that complemented its street-rod styling, tank-mounted instruments, and dual slash-cut exhaust system with shorter pipes for a street-rod look.
The bike's engine was adorned with many chrome elements, such as cylinder head covers, valve inspection covers, a left crankcase cover, an airbox cover, a left-rear engine cover, and a clutch cover.
The bike was built on a double cradle steel frame that gave the bike a long, low, and classic stance. It was fitted with a 41 mm telescopic fork on the front, dual shock absorbers on the rear, and five-way spring preload adjustability for optimum suspension performance.
Two 336 mm discs with dual-piston calipers took care of the front stopping power, while a single 296 mm disc engaged by a single-piston caliper handled the bike's rear braking performance.
In the power department, the 2004 Honda VTX1300C delivered a power output of 74 hp with a peak at 5,000 rpm and 123 Nm (91 lb-ft) of torque at 3,000 rpm from a 1,312cc four-stroke liquid-cooled V-twin engine.