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“Honda CB 1300”

written by SeanVincent on 20/09/2018

Honda's CB1300 (sc40) is the direct descendant of the Honda CB1000 otherwise known as the Big One. It was initially a Japan only model but eventually found its way to Europe officially in 2003.

My review is in respect to the CB1300 (sc40) which later came to Europe as the sc54.

I am 53 and 1.84 m tall weighing in at 100 kgs. I have owned and been riding motorbikes continuously since 1982. My 1300 is a 2000 model in red/white. It has a 1300 cc water cooled 16v motor (100BHP) that still has the cooling fins on the cylinder head - these being dropped on the sc54.

I also own a 2002 Suzuki GSX 1400 and I use both to share the commute to work (200 miles daily) and for pleasure. I live in Germany and therefore have access to the autobahn and some really awesome minor roads.

The Honda like the 1400, is a big muscle bike, but being Honda the build quality is really good. Top notch. It is carburetted as opposed to being fuel injected and the whole drive is super smooth, especially around town or when going slow. There's loads of power and low down torque, though not as much as the GSX. It is, however, really comfy, the seat height is 790 mm and is quite wide and accommodates well two people.

The tyres on my bike are Bridgestone T30 evos and are 180 rear and 120 front. (originally back in 2000 the standard size was 190/60/17 rear and 130/70/17 front which today are hard to find with little tyre manufacturer choice). Grip is good both in wet and dry.

The bike accelerates nice and even to 5000 rpm after which it comes really alive and races to the red line. Quite impressive stomp. It is super smooth in any gear and here is perhaps the only negative comment - it has a 5 speed box and could quite happily do with a 6th gear (as seen on the sc54). Its a great tourer and makes easy work of cruising along in typical Honda fashion. The switch gear and dials are top quality. Overall it is an awesome looking bike.

In my opinion the GSX has way better acceleration and torque, but I just love the Honda because everything is so easy. I also prefer the carb drive to that of the injected GSX though.

Fuel consumption is roughly on average 6 to 7 litres per 100 kms. On autobahn at 90 mph over a 100 mile journey. This can drop to 5 litres per 100 kms when cruising on the back roads. So overall not bad. The fuel injected GSX 1400 is better though by about one litre per 100 kms. This is where fuel injection trumps carbs!

Although a mass of metal like this is heavy it doesn't feel so when on the move and the Honda handles better in the curves than the GSX. Don't know why it just does. Its more steering accurate and requires a little less input compared to the Suzuki which can struggle in the tighter curves. I put some of this down to superior suspension on the Honda and better initial brake bite. (six pot Nissin against six pot Tokico of the GSX). Just my opinion and down to my personal riding style.

Would I recommend this bike - Yes, absolutely.