Comparo CB1300S, Bandit 1250 and XJR1300: what are these last sumos worth ?

Far from the “ maxi ” 1000 cc roadsters which are increasingly sporty and demanding, Site offers you a battle between the last three real big Japanese roadsters: Honda CB1300S, Suzuki Bandit 1250 and Yamaha XJR1300… Comparative test !

Evidence-tested data

If one relies on the trade names alone, the Bandit appears as the youngest of the band. However, once the three engines are started, it is she who imposes the most! The Devil Rocket Inox pot originally fitted on the last vintage of the "B12" (read our) is certainly no stranger to this predominance.

In addition, looking at the technical sheets, we see that the Suzuki engine is not the smallest. Indeed, its displacement of 1256 cc places it between the 4-cylinder of the Honda (1284 cc) and that of the Yamaha (1251 cc)! It is also interesting to note that the XJR is the most discreet of the three, the CB having a sound that is both more pronounced and more muffled than the Yam ‘.

The three big roadsters can be straddled easily. Their saddles are all less than 80 cm from the ground: 790 mm for the Honda and the Suz ‘, 795 for the Yam’. It should be noted on this occasion that the Bandit allows older children to raise the seat by 20 mm.

The rider’s buttocks are very well received on the Yamaha. If the Honda follows very closely with a saddle almost as wide and thick, the Suzuki is less benevolent: its saddle is thinner, in width as in thickness. Small legs – and small asses – will appreciate it, others much less !

Still in terms of the legs, the older ones may be disappointed by the Yamaha because the knees come up against the large plastic plate housed between the injection rail and the cylinder head. Finally, the Honda is the most comfortable of the three !

Paradoxically, the most "road" of the band – the Honda – is devoid of a center stand (available as an option). In addition, you have to go get your side far behind the footrest: not very natural, even if the movement is fortunately very quickly integrated.

The Bandit and the XJR have two standard crutches. On this point, the Suzuki wins the confrontation: its lateral like its central are by far the easiest to operate..

The Bandit drives home the point when it comes to gripping: it is the most compact of the bunch and it seems much lighter than its two rivals. However, if the CB1300S indeed accuses 24 kg more than the Bandit 1250 on the scale, the XJR, it is given for 2 kg less. !

Center of gravity placed higher, calibrated springs more flexible, heavier front axle, incorrect manufacturer data? Still, the Yamaha seems much more inert and heavier to maneuver than the Suzuki: almost as much as the Honda, to be honest..

Admittedly, the CB1300S facilitates movement and steering thanks to a higher-placed handlebar than those of the competition. It is nonetheless the most delicate to handle at low speed because of its imposing size and its weight – also – in high places..

But it’s time to kick in first and let the bikes do the talking for good. So these CB1300S, Bandit 1250 and XJR 1300? Sumos, judokas or karatekas ?

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