Honda ST1300 Pan European – a touring motorcycle for long-distance high-speed trips

The Russian motorcycle market is incredibly diverse. First of all, let's talk about used models. Our situation with new ones has never been very rich, although manufacturers offered them, and officially.


The problem is the cost. Motorcycles without mileage are too expensive. Moreover, almost the same used one can be purchased at several times cheaper.

Therefore, the market for new bikes lives mainly on Chinese models. They are budget-friendly - the average cost is about 200 thousand rubles. For this amount you can only buy an old “Japanese” from the first half of the 90s.


But Chinese motorcycles are small in size. At least in the price category up to 200 thousand rubles. And they don’t shine with variety. But among the Japanese models you can choose exactly what you dreamed of.

Today we're looking at the Honda ST1300 Pan European big touring bike. The model was produced from 2002 to 2013. There are more than five dozen of these for sale on the used market in Russia. Prices start at 420 thousand rubles.

History of the model

Honda Pan European debuted in 1990 - it was the first generation with the ST1100 index. The Japanese developed the motorcycle specifically for European countries. This is the “little brother” of the Honda Gold Wing. After all, the latest model turned out to be too large. You simply cannot turn around on the streets of ancient European cities with such a motorcycle.

Honda ST1100 Pan European was distinguished by a number of features:

✅ Long base
✅ Weight 327 kg
✅ Neutral colors

And in the early 90s, other motorcycles were in fashion. Short wheelbase, nimble and bright. According to competitors, the bike was doomed to oblivion.


But Honda engineers didn't get their salaries in vain. They've got it all figured out. If the Honda Gold Wing has “gone in”, why doesn’t the “junior” model take a piece of the market? And it happened.


The new motorcycle continued the concept of the old model. It has a four-cylinder liquid-cooled engine with a displacement of almost 1,3 liters. Power increased from 100 to 126 hp. With. The engine has become more economical due to the fuel injection system.

Appearance and fit

The Honda ST1300 Pan European looks more like a sport-tourist, especially from afar. If you get closer, you can see that it is large, but not as “elephant-like” as the Gold Wing.


The motorcycle's seat position is adjustable. More precisely, the driver's seat can be installed in several positions. But it’s not for nothing that the bike is called Pan European - it is designed specifically for European growth. Therefore, in the lowest position it is comfortable even from 175 cm.

The knees do not go numb - they are at a right angle. It is also convenient for the passenger. There are handles on the sides.

Protection against wind

Honda ST1300 Pan European is a full-fledged touring motorcycle. It is one step lower than the canonical Gold Wing grant tourer. Therefore, the wind protection on the bike is thought out perfectly. And the most important role in this belongs to the “windshield”.

"Vetrovik" is equipped with an electric lift. You can raise or lower it in different positions. At the lowest point, the air flows directly into the face - some people like this.


If you raise the glass to the highest position, the windshield will protect you. Air currents will fly over the helmet. But at the same time, at speeds over 150 km/h, an interesting effect is observed - the wind, bending around the glass, blows onto the back, pressing the rider to the seat.

An electrically adjustable windshield is, on the one hand, good. But, unfortunately, it does not shine with reliability. Repairs are expensive, even if you disassemble and do everything yourself. Although, if you want, you can play tricks.

The Honda ST1300 Pan European is stable. Several factors contribute to this:

✅ Low center of gravity
✅ Huge weight for a motorcycle
✅ Cardan

As for the last point, it is directly related to weight distribution. The weight of the driveshaft and its location help move the center of gravity down.

Travel Potential

The main feature of any touring motorcycle is the panniers. The Honda ST1300 Pan European has them as standard and came even in the cheapest configuration. The cases are plastic, quick-release. They are locked with the ignition key.


Inside each case you can fit an average integral helmet and still have some room left. There are flexible brace attachments for securing loads.

There is a central platform for luggage or mounting a trunk. This is not included in the basic package, but there are many similar examples on the used market. The main thing is that the previous owner did not remove the central trunk. The latter, by the way, is also quick-release.

The gas tank of the Honda ST1300 Pan European is “correct”, with a tourist volume of 29 liters. This may be enough for 500 km. However, it all depends on the cruising speed. If you drive without a passenger at around 90 km/h, you can realistically get into 5 liters per “hundred”. The maximum fuel consumption can reach 8 liters, but this is only with sudden starts and constant twisting of the throttle.

Engine and other performance characteristics

Honda is famous for its engines. Taken as a whole, this is true. Japanese brands are responsible for the production of power units. But even against the general background, Honda engineers distinguished themselves.


The ST1300 Pan European frame houses a V-twin engine. But this is not a V-twin, but a four-cylinder power unit. The working volume is 1 cm261 with a power of 3 hp. With. Liquid cooling.

The engine turned out to be balanced and has a discreet character. The acceleration of the motorcycle is calm, without jerking, as befits a touring model. Engine vibrations begin after 6,5 thousand revolutions, but they are insignificant.

Despite being heavy and seemingly phlegmatic, the Honda ST1300 Pan European power unit accelerates the motorcycle to 100 km/h in 3,54 seconds. And let these parameters be measured on new bikes - even battered copies fit into 4 seconds.


The bike's braking system is combined. This means that when you press the lever that activates the front disc, part of the force is transferred to the rear wheel. There is ABS, which, by the way, does not function at speeds up to 10 km/h.


The drive to the rear wheel is cardan. No chain – this entails a number of advantages. The most important thing is that you don’t need to lubricate, change or tighten anything. And the cardan is designed for the entire life of the motorcycle. The maximum that is recommended is to replace the transmission oil in the unit, but you don’t have to do this either.

Features of choice and is it worth it?

The V4 engine from Honda usually does not cause problems. But this is subject to timely maintenance. Nothing new - the situation is the same with cars. When inspecting the motorcycle, you need to pay attention so that the timing chains do not rattle (by the way, there are two of them), and blue smoke does not pour out of the mufflers.

The main thing is cooling the engine. If the tubes are rusty or there are leaks, this can lead to engine overheating.

The gearbox is not as trouble-free as the engine. It happens that the second gear falls out when the throttle is opened sharply or when the throttle is closed at the same time.


Electrics Honda ST1300 Pan European does not like moisture. You need to be careful with washing - under pressure is not recommended. Otherwise the connectors will rot. It is better to protect them with special silicones.

As for the purchase, the motorcycle is definitely not for a beginner. It's too heavy and powerful. The model is suitable for traveling, but on good roads.

If you prefer to periodically visit places remote from civilization, it is better to take a closer look at the touring-enduro class.