Honda Cb1300
The Honda Cb1300 has a top speed of 215 km/h (estimated; electronically influenced), produces 114 hp and weighs 259 kg. Motoryk rates it 8.2/10.
The Honda CB1300 was introduced in 1998 as a successor to the CB1000 Super Four, drawing styling inspiration from the legendary CB750 Four of 1969. It underwent a significant redesign in 2003, gaining fuel injection in later iterations and becoming a flagship naked roadster in Honda's Japanese domestic market lineup. Renowned for its smooth, torque-rich inline-four engine and comfortable long-distance capability, it developed a loyal following particularly in Japan and Europe as a refined, versatile big-displacement roadster.
114 hp
Power
114 Nm
Torque
259 kg
Weight
215 km/h (estimated; electronically influenced)
Top Speed
6.5–7.5 L/100km (approximately 13–15 km/L, typical real-world average)
Fuel
Naked
Body
Video Review
What Buyers Should Know
Rock-Solid Reliability
The CB1300's air-cooled inline-four engine is renowned for exceptional longevity, with many examples surpassing 100,000 km with minimal issues when serviced regularly. Honda's build quality means mechanical failures are rare compared to competitors in this class.
Watch the Cam Chain
One common issue to inspect is cam chain tensioner wear, which can produce a rattling noise on cold starts — especially on higher-mileage examples. Always listen for unusual engine noise at startup before purchasing a used CB1300.
Strong Resale Value
The CB1300 holds its value exceptionally well in markets where it was officially sold, such as Japan and Europe, due to its cult following and limited production runs. A well-maintained example loses value slowly compared to similarly aged large-displacement bikes.
Generations & Specs by Year
Introduced as CB1300 Super Four in Japan; 1284cc inline-four, evolved from CB1000SF platform.
"Big, honest, effortlessly fast muscle bike done right."
The 1284cc inline-four pulls like a freight train from 3,000 rpm and doesn't stop until the speedo runs out of numbers — it's the kind of torque that makes sport bikes feel theatrical by comparison. Handling is surprisingly composed for 256 kg wet; Honda clearly sorted the geometry from the CB1000SF, and at touring pace it steers with a confidence that masks the bulk entirely. Where it falls short is city riding — that weight becomes real the moment you're filtering traffic or catching a slow-speed tip-over, and the carburetion on early units runs noticeably rich below 4,000 rpm until the engine warms properly. But fire it up on an open A-road and the CB1300 Gen 1 feels like Honda distilled thirty years of inline-four knowledge into one supremely capable, unfussy machine.
Pros
Cons
Full redesign; revised frame, updated fuel injection, revised styling, improved brakes and suspension.
"The last great Japanese muscle cruiser, unashamedly old-school."
That 1284cc four pulls like a freight train from 3,000 rpm — you rarely need to rev it hard, and honestly you won't want to because the mid-range torque is addictive enough to get you in serious trouble on a empty A-road. The revised fuel injection on the Gen 2 cleaned up the old carb model's hesitation completely, and the brakes are genuinely confidence-inspiring rather than the afterthought they felt like on earlier big Hondas. Yes, 256 kg is real weight — you feel it in slow car parks and on tight switchbacks, and the wide bars aren't hiding anything — but once you're rolling, the chassis is so composed it borders on boring in the best possible way. Comfort over long distances is exceptional, the mirrors actually show you something useful, and this engine will outlast you if you change the oil.
Pros
Cons
ABS standardized, minor styling refresh, updated instruments, Euro compliance improvements.
Euro 5 emissions compliance, updated fuel injection mapping, revised exhaust system, minor refinements.
Used Buyer Review
"An underrated giant that rewards experienced riders with honest, dependable performance."
$4,500-$8,500 usedThe CB1300 is Honda's answer to a question nobody officially asked in North America, but the Japanese domestic market got something special here. This is a big, confidence-inspiring naked bike built around a 1284cc inline-four that pulls like a freight train from 3,000rpm upward. It's not exotic, it's not fashionable — it's just relentlessly competent in a way that makes you forget about everything else on the road. Used examples tend to be well-maintained because the owners genuinely love them. Watch for the earlier carbureted models having slightly rough idle when cold, and check the final drive chain and rear sprocket closely — neglected ones get expensive fast. The ABS-equipped SP variants are worth the premium if you can find them. This thing weighs 260kg wet and it shows at parking-lot speeds. But get it moving and the mass disappears entirely. It's a proper rider's bike disguised as sensible transportation. Depreciation is your friend here — these are criminally undervalued.
Top 10 Accessories
Curated picks for the Honda Cb1300 — owned, ridden, recommended.
Common Problems
🔥 1 CRITICALRough idle, hesitation, cold start issues on older models
Cold start engine rattle disappearing after warm-up
Oil residue on fork legs, soft front end feel
Voltage output at battery, check for overheating unit
✅Pre-Purchase Checklist
Very reliable, minor issues with age and neglect
Full Specifications
Rivals & Alternatives
Bikes that buyers cross-shop with the Honda Cb1300
Honda Cb1000r
Kawasaki Z1000
Honda X4 1300
Honda Cb1000 Big One
Honda Cb1000r Plus
Compare Honda Cb1300 Side-by-Side
compare_arrowsSpecs, power, weight & buyer verdict — head-to-head with the bikes most often cross-shopped.
Honda Cb1300 vs Honda Cb1000r
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Honda Cb1300 vs Kawasaki Z1000
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Honda Cb1300 vs Honda X4 1300
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Honda Cb1300 vs Honda Cb1000 Big One
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Honda Cb1300 vs Honda Cb1000r Plus
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Discussion
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common problems with the Honda Cb1300? +
Carb/fuel injector clogging from ethanol fuel: Rough idle, hesitation, cold start issues on older models (moderate) | Cam chain tensioner wear causing rattle: Cold start engine rattle disappearing after warm-up (moderate) | Fork seal leaks from age and heavy use: Oil residue on fork legs, soft front end feel (moderate)
Is the Honda Cb1300 a good motorcycle? +
An underrated giant that rewards experienced riders with honest, dependable performance. Rating: 8.2/10. Best for: Experienced riders wanting effortless, unfussy big-bike touring. Avoid if: Shorter riders or those prioritising lightweight agility.
What is the horsepower of the Honda Cb1300? +
The Honda Cb1300 produces 114 hp @ 8,000 rpm, with 114 Nm @ 6,000 rpm of torque. Top speed: 215 km/h (estimated; electronically influenced).
Is the Honda Cb1300 good for beginners? +
Yes — the Honda Cb1300 is a reasonable choice for new riders (114 hp is manageable), weighing 259 kg. Experienced riders wanting effortless, unfussy big-bike touring
Is the Honda Cb1300 reliable? +
Owners report 1 critical issue to watch for on the Honda Cb1300, notably: Rectifier/regulator failure causing battery drain (Voltage output at battery, check for overheating unit). Buy with a pre-purchase inspection.
Is the Honda Cb1300 good for daily use? +
Experienced riders wanting effortless, unfussy big-bike touring Fuel: 6.5–7.5 L/100km (approximately 13–15 km/L, typical real-world average).
How fast is the Honda Cb1300? +
The Honda Cb1300 reaches a top speed of 215 km/h (estimated; electronically influenced), producing 114 hp at 259 kg curb weight. Real-world performance depends on rider weight, gearing, and road conditions.
What gear should I buy for a Honda Cb1300? +
Motoryk has curated a Top 10 gear list specifically for the Honda Cb1300, covering engine oil, tires, chain, battery, and brake pads — see motoryk.com/bikes/honda/cb1300/top10. Each pick is matched to this bike's spec.
