Thoughts on CB1300 ?

Saw a Honda CB1300 (naked) in a dealers the other day. First time I had ever stopped to take time and look one over. Was quite impressed with the overall package. Except of course for the ugly big factory can. Anyone here ever had a ride on one or know someone with one ?

Hammy wrote:Saw a Honda CB1300 (naked) in a dealers the other day. First time I had ever stopped to take time and look one over. Was quite impressed with the overall package. Except of course for the ugly big factory can. Anyone here ever had a ride on one or know someone with one ?

Thee is a white and red S in this town with gold wheels and staintune. It looks ok and they have more poke than the Bandit but are/were about 4k more. Value wise the Bandit wins.

I have ridden one. a little boring actually and only a 5 speed aswell

British Superbike mag reckons they were overpriced and put it on the "one's to avoid" list because you got nothing special for the cost, even secondhand.

I found it very soft and floaty, similar to a GSX1400. Steering was vague and remote but this could have been down to the OEM rubber. Typical excellent Honda build and finish and seemed extremely comfortable. If you were looking for a touring orientated mile-eating sports-tourer you could be looking in the right place.

My Dad has owned one since they first came out. It's his trackday bike now. I wouldn't worry about the five speed, it has a nice long first gear and a bit more power compared to the Bandit. New price was a bit expensive compared to the Bandit but they are decent value second hand. The finish on a lot of parts, like the engine, is a lot nicer and overall the CB1300 is better quality. You just need to swap the original can for a Staintune.

I'll leave it to Cam to comment, cause he has ridden it at Eastern Creek
Here's some photos of the big girl.

Nice trackday bike to have. Thanks Sloth.

I have ridden it. And i love it..
Its the bike id have after the bandit and B-King. I didnt worry about only having 5 gears. I loooove the long first gear. Puts the Bandit to shame in that regard. Pulls harder than the 1250. Like my bro said, build quality is much better than the suzy...very nice engine to look at.
Around EC, i personally think it handled better than the Bandit.

Id have one in a heart beat.

Thanks Cam. Interesting.

Hammy wrote:Thanks Cam. Interesting.

No worries. It really is a fantastic bike. Its a little more revving that the bandit too. So take it for a good ride to see if it suits you.