Honda CB1300 - this is what a modern classic motorcycle looks like

Modern motorcycles amaze with a variety of classes. Periodically, new models appear, sometimes they become the ancestors of a whole family. But there is a classic, unchanged for decades.


Such motorcycles are in demand among older bikers, for whom these models are a pass to the world of youth. Outwardly, they painfully resemble the same ones, paternal and grandfather's. But technically they are often not inferior to modern devices.

For American bikers, cruisers and choppers are classics. They are also loved by Russian motorcyclists who started their careers in the 90s. Then choppers were made in garages from Urals and Dnipros.


There are also those who started with motorcycles of the Izh and Java brands. More than a decade has passed since then, but the soul asks for such a bike. And this applies not only to Russian motorcyclists. Therefore, all well-known manufacturers of two-wheeled vehicles produce classic models.

Motorcycles in this category range from 125cc Yamaha YBRs to monsters like the Honda CB1300.

History

Powerful classic motorcycles have been in Honda's lineup for a long time - ever since they started to put large-volume engines on them. The CB1300 is not a new model, but the development of the series in accordance with modern trends.

The predecessor of the last Sibikha was the Honda CB1000. The new motorcycle, shown in 1997, received a number of improvements:

✅ Powerful engine
✅ Low seat
✅ Updated walker
✅ 17 inch wheels

By the way, if we compare the two motorcycles, then the Honda CB1300 definitely outperforms its predecessor. It is clear that the new model is faster, but it is much better in terms of handling. The CB1000 only rides well at speed in a straight line. On the new model, you can already “bulk” in the corners.


The power of early motorcycles was almost equal to 120 hp. With. But the model is not "evil", unlike the Suzuki Bandit 1200. The Honda CB1300 engine has a volume of 1,3 liters, which provides uniform traction regardless of engine speed.


Serial production of the Honda CB1300 started in 1998. Before restyling, motorcycles were equipped with a carburetor power system.
Based on the Honda CB1300, a specific X4 LD was produced in small batches. The manufacturer positioned this model as a competitor to the famous Yamaha V-Max sledgehammer. But the X4 did not achieve much popularity. The problem is that the model did not reach the cruiser, and the lovers of the classics did not like it.


Honda X4 LD is practically unknown in Europe and the USA - this is a version for the domestic Japanese market. But in Russia, the bike sometimes comes across - thanks to the enthusiasts who brought them for themselves. The motorcycle was produced for a short time - from 1999 to 2002. They removed the model from the assembly line due to its lack of demand on the market and the unprofitability of production.

The second generation Honda CB1300 appeared in 2002. The model has finally entered the world market. She received a number of changes:

✅ Injection engine
✅ The fork has become thinner
✅ Four-piston calipers instead of six
✅ The "progression" has disappeared in the rear suspension

In general, there is a "care" for customers. As soon as the motorcycle entered the world markets, they immediately rushed to simplify it. Maybe they did it to reduce the cost, or they just decided that only the Japanese deserve the best, and for the rest it will do. Although, for Russian motorcyclists, progressive suspension is an extra headache and waste. Moreover, used bikes often arrive with a broken knot.


Externally, the Honda CB1300 after restyling can be distinguished by a modified shape of the tank and tail section. And the easiest way is to immediately calculate the second generation from a single muffler. The pre-styling model has a couple of them.


For lovers of sports classics, the Honda CB1300 Bol d'Or was produced - with a square headlight and a front fairing. This modification appeared as a competitor to the Suzuki Bandit 1200 S.

Who is it for?

Powerful classic motorcycles are a tangle of contradictions. On the one hand, the simplicity of design and construction. Such "naked" bikes should be budgetary, respectively, small in volume. But clients demanded classics that are not inferior to modern models. Therefore, motorcycles like the Honda CB1300 appeared.


It's not a sporty bike, but its 3,8 second 100-7 km/h performance and near-straight landing make it the perfect everyday vehicle. Unless the fuel consumption is high. Carburetor models have 12 liters if you drive calmly and up to XNUMX in the “all the money” mode.

A simple hodovka will not allow you to move too aggressively. But the motorcycle is suitable for roads with any type of surface, not excluding gravel and even forest paths. Although, in the latter case, the pilot must be distinguished by remarkable strength - the motorcycle is heavy, and you can drop it, forcing a puddle.

As a rule, bikes like the Honda CB1300 are bought by men in their 35s and 40s. Apparently, youthful memories of cool rockers on Java and Izh Planet Sport have settled in their subcortex.

Where can you buy and for how much?

It is not difficult to buy a Furu, as the Honda CB1300 is sometimes called in Russia, but only if it is a used bike. The model is still being produced, but the brand has long since left our country. In theory, you can probably order a new motorcycle in the EU or Japan, but it will be very expensive.


But on the used market for such bikes they ask from 220 thousand rubles. As a rule, they are in good condition. The main reason is the popularity of the model among men over 35 years old. They often move carefully, service equipment. Therefore, even early bikes from the late 90s often look almost new.

Which generation to choose? Given the reliability of the device and the large-capacity engine, which is rarely unscrewed - any. If you are not embarrassed by the consumption of gasoline on a first-generation carburetor model, then you should take it. At the same time, you can save money, and the brakes and suspension are definitely better there.

Nuances when buying

When purchasing a Honda CB1300, like any other motorcycle, the first thing to look for is the absence of leaks. The Sibikha has a reliable engine, but it doesn’t hurt to check it visually.


Fork for many seems too soft. You can try replacing the oil with a denser one - if it doesn’t help, you will have to change the springs. It is better to immediately put tuning ones - they are tougher.

The progressive rear suspension on the first generation also needs to be tested. Seals often break, backlash. The first thing that can immediately alert in the node is squeaks. In general, a mount to help, if the owner allows, of course.


Although, nothing is impossible for our masters - there are specialized service stations where even Showa is restored. But it's also expensive.


Motorcycles from Japan have a “jammer” that prevents them from accelerating more than 180 km / h. You can put up with this, although the limiter has long been learned to remove.

When the engine is running, the characteristic noise of the timing chain is often heard. The owner will say that this is normal - oddly enough, it is so. Such a design feature of the motor.

Taken as a whole, the Honda CB1300 is one of the best classic motorcycles of our time. It looks like a "Java", overeating steroids, and this is a nod to nostalgia for youth ...