The 1300 sounds better, because of its single-pin crankshaft... Has a better "rhythm" to it...
Well, he is a 20 something male and definately wants a level of bling. He likes the look of the VTX and of course mommie has convinced him that it is a great reliable bike. He is going to come home on Friday and ride my 1300 for awhile and see how it fits him, and then we are going to go check out an 1800 and see how that fits him. I just keep coming back to the belief that you can get use to riding any bike...it's just a matter of usage. The first miles on the 1800 will be a little unsure, but I think that will be due to not being accustomed to it. I know I was totally freaked about first riding Wayne's 1800...but ask him, after a few miles I was off and flying with no probs at all.
If he is not buying for bling, get a shadow or something along that line. Good looking bike with enough power to be safe in traffic. And a lot cheaper! If he is wanting to cruise long distance, get a wing. By the time he tricks the 1300 or the 1800 out he could have bought the wing. Don't ask me how I know. I know, I'm to practical.Dusty