Honda CB1300S ABS 2013 — Specifications

Do you ever come across a motorcycle that stops you dead and throws you back twenty years? The Honda CB1300S ABS is one of those machines that speaks directly to the subconscious of those in their forties, or those who dreamed in front of posters from the 80s. It’s not just a faired roadster; it’s an unofficial replica of the mythical CB 1100 R Bol d’or, an assumed tribute that hits the mark. The half-fairing with its angular lines, the gold calipers, the white, red, and blue paint scheme: the design team played the nostalgia card with remarkable accuracy. Compared to it, a Kawasaki ZRX 1200 R almost looks like a late copy. Honda hits hard by reviving memories, and that’s already a victory.

But beneath this retro veneer beats the heart of a hard worker. The inline four-cylinder engine of 1284 cm3 is a living museum piece, but perfectly adapted to its time. With 100 horsepower at 7000 rpm, the figures seem modest compared to a modern naked. Forget the specifications, feel the torque: 116.7 Nm available from 5500 rpm, a massive and velvety wave of traction that propels this 269 kg behemoth fully fueled without ever running out of breath. The retouched mapping and the softened clutch make this force incredibly docile. In the city or on the road, it’s a mechanical smoothness, an engine that devours the kilometers with the pace of a locomotive. The five-speed gearbox and chain transmission complete a reassuringly robust package.

The real subject is this half-fairing that transforms the proposition. The CB1300S ABS ceases to be a simple roadster to become a comfortable and protective touring machine. At 130 km/h on the highway, the difference with a naked version is abysmal: the rider is sheltered, stability is reinforced, and the two small glove boxes integrated into the fairing are a stroke of practical genius. Comfort is present thanks to a wide saddle at 790 mm in height and a supple but well-balanced suspension. You can feel that this Honda is made for long journeys, a serene and generous travel companion. For the same price, a Suzuki GSX 1400 or a Yamaha XJR 1300 will leave you more exposed to the elements.

That said, not everything is perfect. Above 140 km/h, the aerodynamic protection shows its limits and turbulence reminds you of the weight and size of the beast. The braking system, with its two 310 mm front discs, is powerful and assisted by ABS, but you have to anticipate to stop this mass with flair. On a winding road, it defends itself with surprising rigor thanks to its double cradle frame, but you don’t play in the same category as a modern sportbike. It’s a spacious pleasure bike, with wide curves and muscular acceleration. At 10,990 euros, it’s not cheap, but it offers solid finishing, a unique character, and a versatility that justifies the investment for the old-school big-bore enthusiast. It’s a motorcycle for those who prefer sensation to figures, travel to pure performance, and who like to smile when recognizing, in their rearview mirror, the silhouette of a legend.