Honda CB1300S ABS 2014 — Specifications

In Japan, the CB 1300 S benefits from slight improvements for 2014, including LED headlights, a subtly revised front end, new passenger grips, and the addition of a sixth gear. This evolution is not currently planned for the French market. However, there are still a few examples of this generous machine, of which only the faired version, derived from the CB 1300, remains. The large roadster, which has won over many enthusiasts of high torque and generous engines, as well as thrilling dynamic qualities, made its passengers dream of great things. It just lacked this protective addition to increase its range and offer serious roadholding qualities. Now, that is done. But, wait, look, scrutinize, call upon your memories. This CB 1300 S, it intrigues you. It’s impossible to shake the thought "I've seen this before, it reminds me..." And it’s not. But this line, these colors, this graphics, it’s...

A tribute to the famous CB 1100 R Bol d’or! One of the best machines of its time. With this motorcycle, Honda revives its past and plunges us into the superbikes of the 1980s. The design team did a great job: look at the shapes of the fork legs, with their small ventilation vents; focus on the colors that take you straight back to 1983; take a little retina off the gold brake calipers. It’s beautiful, and it fries your brain. This upper fairing, in addition to strongly asserting the personality of the CB 1300, will allow you to travel with more enthusiasm and serenity. Designed to offer optimal aerodynamic protection, it should also favor stability at high speed. No more need to worry about putting the toll ticket or the change: the insides of the fork legs are fitted with 2 glove boxes of 1 liter each. The left one can even be locked. The CB 1300 S benefits from the recent mechanical improvements made to the 1300 standard, namely a revised mapping as well as a clutch and rear dampers revised to further improve the smoothness of the acceleration response.

We knew, in the nostalgia wave of the category, the Kawasaki ZRX 1200 R "Lawson replica." In 2005, there will also be the Honda CB 1300 S "Bol d’or 80’s replica." With this large roadster that has become roadworthy, Honda offers a serious rival to the ZRX 1200, the S like the R. The GSX 1400 and XJR 1300, which are not duplicated by a semi-faired version, are starting to sulk. An affair to follow? No, to savor.

A thought runs through your head on every ride with the CB 1300 S: Generous! Like the breath of the engine, powerful, torquey, with a great low end and beautiful biceps. Like the quality of the suspension, which really invites you to rest your buttocks on the large seat of the Honda for hours. Like this smoothness in the transmission, which eliminates the unpleasantness and jolts without depriving you of the essential - the force of the four-cylinder. Like this semi-fairing that opens the road for you, an invitation to cut the course until you have had enough. Calibrated to mid-range on the large handlebar, the engine rumbles gently, but is always ready to pounce as soon as an order comes from the right hand grip. A rider of size is properly protected at motorway speeds, although one feels that a few km/h are missing for the forces of Eole to take over and that various swirls invite themselves on board. If the asphalt tongue transforms into a winding course as desired, we exploit the muscle of the 1300 and the rigor of the chassis for a good dose of pleasure and/or cornering - Choice or the whole, the CB 1300 S likes both. To calm the pace or anticipate a dry turn, we can brake with complete peace of mind. The system is not lacking in power, it is dosed without worry and receives the reinforcement of an ABS. The dashboard is nice and flattering; all the more so since even if it can seem expensive, the CB 1300 S offers you a lot: beautiful line, good quality finish, suspension, chassis and quality engine, ABS. It just lacks a center stand and a touch of protection. But, the passenger was so happy...

M.B (Text of the test inspired by the article by T. BaujardMoto-Journal n° 1 661 - photos manufacturer)