Honda CB1300

[knapdog]

Well I won't beat about the bush. I'm thinking of getting a Honda CB1300. I know of one with about 20,000 miles on the clock in excellent condition.
From what I've researched, they're bomb proof. Though heavy, it's still about 40kg lighter than my RT, though I'll be interested in whether the weight is low like the BMW.
I just love Honda's and the one I've seen will be worth having if the price is right.
So, can anyone add their experiences of this machine to help me decide one way or the other?


(Not the actual bike I'm interested in)

[Capitano]

I have a mate up in North Notts with one. He rates it highly.

I can't give a personal assessment as I've never ridden one.

[JOHNBOY]

i run a gsf 1200 bandit great bike but these are great bikes good alround colours quality but its a honda what you would excpect i would buy one if i could afford it

[dmw1950]

I would find a good 'S' model with a top fairing, it puts the mirrors in a better place and better clocks. You get better wind protection.

[knapdog]

I would find a good 'S' model with a top fairing, it puts the mirrors in a better place and better clocks. You get better wind protection.

I get your point totally but I can't stand the look (compare with pic above):




To me it has to be the naked bike with the round headlight on the cb1300.

[fatboytours]

I like the naked one, go for it

[kayz1]

Fabulous bikes, i had one and at five years old it lost it's charge. I was going on my hols and needed it on my return, my local Dealer picked it up from home and took it to the workshop to do while i was away and promised to have it back on my return...Good as their word it was waiting for me when i got home, i rang to ask the cost:::: nothing as they had an alternator problem at some point and it should have been changed two year earlier..Free
as a warranty job....that was brill as the ( Honda ) alternator i think is around £600...go for it you will not regret it.
Lyn.

[horobags]

Ive had two. Fantastic smooth torquey if a little thirsty motor ( well it is a 1300). It carries its weight low down so doesn't feel as heavy as it actually is. Apart from the charging problems on early machines that Lyn has mentioned, check the chrome at the top of the forks,as a few had pitting problems that blew the fork seals.
On my first CB 1300 I went on a French trip with some mates mostly on sports bikes, the CB was a capable comfy mile muncher, we all agreed bu far the best bike for the trip.
I'd love another one.

[Mick-H]

I would find a good 'S' model with a top fairing, it puts the mirrors in a better place and better clocks. You get better wind protection.

I'd second that.
Anything above 80mph and you take a battering.
I like the one with the red frame, seriously considered one before getting my Fazer 1000 which I'll never regret buying

[knapdog]

Ok. I've been to see it . I rode over on the RT this evening and this is what I think of the CB:
Firstly, it was soon apparent that I wouldn't be having it, only because it's not really in the condition I was hoping for. The front forks had loads of gravel rash and the engine casings had, particularly on the gear side, a lot of blistering. Also I wasn't much fussed on the white wheels. I really knew straight away that I could probably find a better one and the seller understood what I was telling him.
BUT, what a bike. This bike in its naked form is a stunner. It felt perfect to sit on and much lighter than I'd anticipated. He started it up and it was a real throaty cracker. He then asked me if I'd like to take it for a spin, to which I had to remind him that I wasn't buying it. "Take it anyway", says he.
So off I went on a 5 mile jaunt with a naughty 90mph thrown in. Yes, very naughty but I did tell him. I did smile a lot partly because I'd forgotten what a speedy ride was like on a naked bike.
Overall I'd say it's nowhere near as agile as the RT, even though the beemer is a bigger bike. It badly needs a 6th gear. It had a lovely, slick gearbox and tons of torque. I was pulling away no problem from 20+ mph in 5th gear but the RT gets to the upper speed limits quicker.
It did feel as if it was understeering on bends a bit and felt that I needed to give it a bit of a talking to. The RT just goes wherever I point it. I did suggest that he checks the tyre pressures
The CB1300 will be an addition to the stable
at some time, err ...., possibly. I love it but wonder how long I could live without that 6th gear.
Still, every bike is a compromise, eh? I've certainly got no intention of selling the RT.