They are built and owned by riders who are united by a passion for the machine itself and the emotions aroused by owning and riding it. Like other genres of motorcycle, choppers have evolved over the years.

Early, often crude home-built efforts have inspired ever greater innovation and true choppers are now something of an art form with highly desirable looks and attitude.

For cruisers and choppers, style is king. The focus of the VT1300CX is its raked-out chopper styling, incorporating a visual balance of positive and negative space between the airy front end and the more substantial engine and rear end.

The engine is the soul of the VT1300CX. Fire it up and waves of muscular V-twin power, sound and feel flood the senses. Based on the VTX1300 motor, it is a 1312cc liquid-cooled 52-degree V-twin with a single-pin crankshaft, dual balancers and a new Programmed Fuel Injection system.

The engine is cooled by a compact radiator that’s neatly concealed between the frame’s downtubes.

A newly designed dual exhaust system and new camshafts add to the creation of an engine that produces hugely satisfying performance and awesome sound. Low fuel consumption and a clean, reliable, maintenance-free shaft drive mean more time spent on the road and less in the garage.

The long, low VT1300CX chassis is lean and uncluttered. With an all-new high-tensile steel frame and stout 45mm fork tubes the new Honda handles suspension duties with easy confidence.

The distinctive alloy wheels have a single 336mm front disc brake complemented by a 296mm disc at the back. An advanced Combined Antilock Brake System is available as an option.

The sleek lines of what appears to be a rigid hard-tail rear end actually cloak an ingenious single-shock rear suspension system with an aluminium swingarm, adjustable rebound damping and 35-position spring preload adjustment. This combination provides riding comfort that’s far and above the norm for a chopper.

The Honda VT1300CX is great fun to ride, with a feel and sound that places the rider squarely in the chopper domain. It also delivers the same functionality, quality and reliability you would expect from a Honda, and at an affordable price.