Honda CB1300S ABS 2010 — Specifications

Who would have bet on such a return to basics from Honda at the beginning of 2010? While the trend was towards aggressive designs and cutting-edge technologies, the manufacturer serves us a lesson in retro elegance with the CB1300S ABS. This is not a simple evolution; it's an assumed nod, a fitting tribute to the legendary CB 1100 R Bol d'or. By dressing its large roadster in a half-fairing, Honda not only expands its usage, but also brilliantly awakens the collective memory of motorcyclists.

The line is a masterpiece. Between the evocative colors, the gold calipers, and the ventilation louvers on the fairing, the design studio perfectly captured the soul of the superbikes of the 1980s. But this CB1300S is more than just a pretty picture. Beneath this nostalgic veneer beats the robust heart of the famous 1284 cm3 inline four-cylinder engine. With 116.7 Nm of torque available from 5500 rpm, this engine is a true tractor, delivering a generous and linear thrust that makes you forget its 100 horsepower, more than enough to swallow up the tarmac. The whole is transmitted with exemplary smoothness, thanks to a reworked clutch and torque limiters.

Faced with competitors such as the Kawasaki ZRX 1200 R or the Suzuki GSX 1400, the Honda stands out for this successful marriage of retro character and discreet modernity. The double cradle frame, combined with a 43 mm fork, offers robust stability, ideal for long journeys. The half-fairing, effective, provides adequate protection up to 130 km/h; beyond that, some turbulence can be felt. With its 21-liter tank and wide seat at 79 cm in height, it is designed for travel. The brakes, with 310 mm discs at the front and standard ABS, inspire absolute confidence, even with its 269 kg fully fueled.

Who is the target audience? The nostalgic touring rider, the one who seeks a charismatic, comfortable machine capable of devouring hundreds of kilometers without drama. At 10,990 euros, it is not cheap, but it justifies its price with careful finishing, complete equipment, and a unique personality. We just regret the absence of a center stand, a frustrating detail on a motorcycle of this size.

Ultimately, the Honda CB1300S ABS is much more than a faired version. It is a machine in its own right that proves that character and emotion can perfectly coexist with comfort and versatility. It does not aim for extreme performance, but it offers something rarer: pleasure at all speeds and timeless style. A motorcycle that has presence and power, literally.