Looking similar to the CB1000 'Big One', the CB1300 claims to boast lots more character, quality of finish and raw grunt to an attractively 'retro' styled package.

The 1,284cc in-line four cylinder engine has been tuned for grunt torque rather than top end screaming.  Honda claim 114hp @ 7,500rpm from the liquid-cooled engine and 117-Nm of torque @ 6,000rpm.  One would imagine that at least 100-Nm of torque would be available from barely above the 1,000rpm idle speed with an engine of this size.

Some thought has also gone in to the styling of the engine with an attractive bronzed-silver finish to the engine while the tall cam covers add to the retro look.  No cooling fins here though as the block shows off all it's curves while a 400mm wide radiator helps to keep the big mill cool and is supplemented by an oil cooler mounted behind the spin-on oil filter. 

A sophisticated engine management system provides separate 3D mapping for each gear and controls Honda's well proven PGM-FI fuel injection system.  Honda has switched both the Fireblade and SP-2 over to 12-hole injectors which has resulted in improved fuel economy for both models.  The new CB1300 also scores these laser drilled injectors mounted to 36mm throttle bodies, which are essentially the same as those fitted to the current CB900 Hornet.

A little surprising for this class of machine is the single muffler which caps off a stainless steel 4-2-1 exhaust system with siamesed headers.

A large 8-plate clutch transfers the drive to a 5-speed gearbox which Honda claim has undergone major work to ensure slick and smooth shifting.

Braking duties are handled by a pair of 310mm discs up front clamped by 4-piston calipers

A conventional double-cradle frame provides the backbone of the machine.  Interestingly the wheelbase of the CB1300 is down from 1,540 to 1,515mm when compared to the older CB1000.  The frame is also 3-kilograms lighter than before, however the machine still tips the scales at 224kg dry.

43mm forks appear to offer no adjustment while fortunately the traditional twin-shock rear end offers both preload and rebound damping adjustment on the piggyback remote reservoirs.

Narrow dimensions and a low 790mm seat height combine with a reasonable 2.7 metre turning circle which should mean the CB1300 is easy to manoeuvre.

Of interest to tourers and commuters alike will be the 12.4 litres of storage space available under the seat to store items like wet weather gear etc. 

Instrumentation is incredibly comprehensive.  Twin binnacle style gauges house the speedometer and tachometer.  An LCD clock and 6-segment fuel gauge is mounted inside the tachometer.  Between the two binnacles is the usual array of warning lights and a large LCD travel computer.  This LCD displays the odometer, dual tripmeters, ambient air temperature, coolant temperature, stop watch, countdown tripmeter, daily distance travelled, and a calendar function that can even be set to remind you of your next service interval or any other dates you need to be reminded of.  The only thing missing is satellite navigation!

On the comfort side of things Honda have put some thought in to the handlebars which offer two different reach adjustments.

A large LED tail-light rounds off some sharp rear end styling.  The CB1300 will be offered in three different colours for some markets.  All of which are featured below.  However it is still unclear as to whether Australia will receive this model and if we do it is likely that we will only be offered one or two of these colour choices.  You can vote on the colour choice from the link at the bottom of the page.

Optional equipment that Honda will offer in some markets include a bikini screen, 'Oggy-Knob' style crash protectors, a rear carry pad with pillion backrest that can be folded up in to position when needed.  Also available will be a vibration sensitive anti-theft alarm to complement the standard H.I.S.S security system.

Images and specifications below

Honda CB1300 - Specifications

• Engine - Liquid cooled 1,284cc in-line four cylinder

• Bore x Stroke - 78 x 67.2mm

• Compression Ratio - 9.6:1

• Claimed Power - 114hp @ 7,500rpm

• Claimed Torque - 117Nm @ 6,000rpm

• Induction - PGM-FI fuel injection with 4 x 36mm throttle bodies

• Gearbox - 5 speed

• Starting - Electric

• Length - 2,220mm

• Width - 790mm

• Height - 1,120mm

• Wheelbase - 1,515mm

• Rake - 27°

• Trail - 99mm

• Front Suspension - 43mm cartridge style forks

• Rear Suspension - Twin shocks with adjustable spring preload and rebound damping adjustable piggyback shock reservoirs

• Front Brakes - 310mm discs with 4-piston calipers

• Rear Brake - 256mm single disc

• Turning circle - 2.7m

• Seat Height - 790mm

• Ground Clearance - 135mm

• Dry Weight - 224kg

• Fuel Capacity - 21 litres

• Colours - Black or White/Red

• RRP - $14,790

• Available - Late June, 2003