Menus
- Discovery
- In the saddle
- Contact
- In the city
- Highway
- Departmental
- Comfort
- Duo
- Braking
- Consumption
- Convenient
- Conclusion
The CB 1300 is the big Honda roadster in the line of the Bandit 1200 and XJR 1300. Introduced in 2003 in the spirit of the Big One, the CB 1300 belongs to this line of four cylinders with a big heart like that and a classic line, almost retro now.
Available in version S in 2005, it gains a semi-fairing attached to the frame, while the N version is no longer sold in France. This appendix provides the roadster with a little more protection to consider the road with peace of mind. Even if what was considered a big nasty roadster has gently settled down since the arrival of the big 1000 cm3 roadsters, the CB 1300 not only retains an undeniable charm but an engine with watts and above all a large torque capable of winding. . So, a late generation or a GT roadster still up to date ?
Discovery
The CB 1300 S is both recent since it was unveiled only 5 years ago and old in its technical solutions, simple but proven: double cradle frame, aluminum swing arm, double cylinder shock absorbers, large radiator, 4 in 1 chrome exhaust , single side pot…. But it is also a recent motorcycle with its PGM-FI electronic injection, its HECS3 exhaust system with oxygen sensor and catalytic cartridges and its automatic air and idle management system (IACV) and its immobilizer system. by coded key HISS.
It appears massive, with its huge fuel tank above a perfectly highlighted engine and a rewarding fork crown. The rear light is undoubtedly the most modern element, well designed even refined with its double diode light of the most effect, especially under braking. The polished housings reflect the sun with a thousand lights. The spirit that emerges is rather quiet strength, a faithful steed capable of taking far, while hinting at a large potato available if needed. The numbers are there by the way: 1,284 cc, 115 horsepower at 7,500 rpm, 11.9 mkg of torque at 5,500 rpm. A priori, there is no need to look for the watts in the towers…
In the saddle
On the handlebars, the position is natural, the saddle comfortable. The wide handlebars are well positioned. The controls are at hand. The feet are well on the ground for the 1.70m pilot. The tank spreads the thighs very slightly but without exaggeration. The passenger will not be left out on the long, welcoming saddle. In short, it feels good right away.
The dashboard is classic with its two analog dials, speedometer on the left and tachometer on the right. Fortunately, a digital display in the center and under the tachometer provides: partial double trip, fuel gauge, totalizer and temperatures. The whole thing turns out well readable, including at night with a blue lighting of the most beautiful effect. We especially appreciate the two side storage, real small 1 liter chests! Although not modern, everything is sober and complete. But above all the finish is perfect at all levels. It’s clearly a top-of-the-range motorcycle.
Contact
The 4 cylinder snorts with a soft purr. The first turns of the wheels are very smooth. The controls are smooth, the gearbox precise, the accelerations easy to dose.
In the city
The CB 1300 weaves its way through town perfectly and you almost forget its respectable weight of 264 kilos fully loaded. The 4-cylinder is capable of winding in the last gear at 1,100 rpm with incredible flexibility and accepts to resume quietly from this speed, all without any vibration..
The warming engine will suffer from traffic jams in the summer…. and will make his pilot feel it.
The excellent turning radius completes the picture of a comfortable motorcycle in the city. Only stationary maneuvers clearly reveal the enormous weight and are difficult.
Highway
The CB 1300 stalls at 140 km / h at just 5,000 rpm. The bubble here offers less protection than it suggests when you see it. This explains the lack of 6th gear, because while the engine is quite capable of providing overdrive to exceed a maximum of 220 km / h, the limited protection does not allow this speed to be maintained. The upright position and the modest bubble – especially for large riders – rather lower the possible cruising rate to around 165 km / h * when it is only 6,000 rpm and more than 3,500 of the Red zone.
And if the big curves take shape during the journey, the CB 1300 takes a clear pleasure there, without needing to slow down the pace, even very high in the turns. It fits perfectly and smoothly and tilts just as easily. The stability on the trajectory turns out to be perfect.
Departmental
The CB 1300 thus tumbles on national of all its couple and its pleasure. The corners are approached rather quickly and are linked together without difficulty, the big roadster having a healthy behavior in the sequences. Docile, the bike is neutral and fits naturally in the bends to come out on the torque without worry. There is no need here to choose the right gear to enter and exit at the pace of the pilot and in complete safety whatever the level of piloting. In fact, it is even possible to take an afternoon ride in 5th and final gear, even in the mountains, while driving at speeds prescribed by law. The torque is there, right there, and makes it easy to alternate between cool spells on the gas trickle at 1,100 rpm or more dynamic above 3,000 rpm. Because from 3,000 rpm, the acceleration becomes sharper, almost furious above 5,000 rpm, while remaining linear and controllable.
If the pilot decides to switch to arsouille mode, only then will he be able to find the limits of the machine more inclined to a fast roll-up than to a full throttle that will be able to lead the pilot to measure his limits or rather the limits. constraints of the 264 kilos of the machine added to the weight of the pilot and the inertia that goes with it. If the machine always remains healthy, stable and without wobbling, the pilot must know how to handle the weight and the power, especially as high speeds are quickly reached without realizing it. The CB 1300 is almost too easy, taking the rider easily to shameful speeds and before the rider even realizes it. Here it confirms its ease to the detriment of pure sensations, apart from constant pleasure..
Comfort
The suspensions of the CB 1300 prove to be very effective, smoothing out the defects of the bitumen, even when it deteriorates. So, even if the saddle is not strictly a comfort saddle, it is very comfortable, especially during long trips..
Duo
The two-stage saddle is well padded. Above all, the passenger will benefit from a wide grab handle, which even large winter gloves can pass the hand under. On the other hand, the passenger footrests are a bit high and should have been placed a few centimeters lower for a more relaxed overall position.
Braking
The rear brake is effective and would be almost sufficient for the rider who likes to wrap around torque. The front brake offers a good feeling and above all power and progressiveness. All this allows you to brake hard when driving has become more dynamic, even sporty..
Consumption
The tank looks huge visually. It is, with its 21 liters. Consumption fluctuates on average at 6.2 liters per hundred, even below in coiled driving and easily titillating 7 liters in more sporty driving (or even up to 7.5 liters). Suddenly, the CB 1300 offers an average autonomy of 300 km without worry, passing just in reserve around 260 km.
Convenient
There is plenty of room under the saddle, enough to fit a lock, a rain suit and a pair of gloves. The delivered tool kit also finds its place. And there is something to easily hang a bag on the back saddle.
Mirrors tend to live and diminish vision that would otherwise have been excellent.
Conclusion
The CB 1300 S is a bit the best of both worlds, halfway between its roadster origin and its desire to transform into a GT. It would be almost perfect, trusting the best marks in terms of engine, handling, braking, driving position, ease of handling. If it is no longer at the level of the latest sports roadsters and if its weight penalizes it on low-speed maneuvers, it shows on the other hand an incomparable versatility, able to wind on long journeys and without fatigue and to offer accelerations very easily and almost without realizing it. This facility could put off bikers looking for character. In the end, the CB 1300 is a really accessible bike capable of going far, alone or in pairs. Only its initial price of 10,900 euros (with ABS) makes it a bit expensive compared to a 1250 Bandit S at 7,999 euros and explains its relative success on the market..
Available in two colors: Red-White / Black
Strong points
- Smooth motor
- Comfort
- Versatility
- Braking
- Finish, really excellent
Weak points
- Bubble too small
- No central stand
- Price
Competitors: Suzuki
Bandit 1200, GSX1400, Yamaha XJR 1300
Datasheet
Your reactions on the test forum
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