Honda CB1300 S (2005-2013) review | Speed, Specs & Prices

Year: 2005

Annual servicing cost: £100

Just bought this bike and had an hr ride home - what an amazing engine - silky smooth with plenty of get up and go - love this bike

Buying experience: Bought private and got a great deal

Version: 1300 f3 2004

Year: 2005

Annual servicing cost: £140

Massive torque. Grunt to die for

Buying experience: Private

Version: Sa not s model not available in list

Year: 2005

Annual servicing cost: £150

Tons of old school torque. No electronics. All in the wrist

Buying experience: Private

Version: A5

Year: 2005

Amazing bike. Force of nature. Noone who hasn't had one will understand why their so great. As good for a novice as a nutter, like me, in every respect. Love her forever

Buying experience: £2600

Year: 2006

Absolutely a beautiful bike to ride silky smooth and loads of torque and handles superb I can not fault this bike , but it is in mint condition , I think maintaining your bike and regular services makes a big difference .

Buying experience: I bought privately , the bike had only 10500 miles on it from when it was new in 2006 and is in mint condition at £ 4995 which I thought was a bargain

Year: 2005

The bike is very user friendly and practical. It handles well for a big bike. I’m 174cm and I find the riding position a little cramped on long rides.

Buying experience: Bought third hand for $10,000 from a dealer over ten years ago.

Year: 2006

Annual servicing cost: £150

Love my CB1300sa 2006 smooth quick responsive comfortable reliable stylish Lovin it & Freedom Open roads HONDA “What DREAMS are made of.🏍😊👍🏍

Buying experience: Bought from Main Dealership Miles Kingsport ltd in Hull main Dealer.”Great & Superb service & satisfaction 🇬🇧🏍😊👍🏍🇬🇧

Year: 2006

A super smooth comfortable ride with quick responsive action if needed,Very reliable & superb quality finish & a Great looking bike.Highly recommended.”I Love it”And in Red & White it’s stunning.

Buying experience: From a Dealer Miles Kingsport in Hull superb Customer service £4,500 traded my Royal Enfield 535GT in against it

Year: 2007

Annual servicing cost: £200

Torque monster

Year: 2008

Annual servicing cost: £300

Bought in 2009 with 600 miles from a private owner. No idea why he was selling it but I met him at his local Honda dealer where he had had it serviced the day before. Drove the 200 miles home in driving rain and howling winds. I was a bit overawed by the size and weight but got home safely after several hours. After owning 11 years the bike is still great but get fed up of cleaning those 4 stainless steel down pipes that stain after every shower! Why didn't they put chrome sleeve on them? Bike still looks like new but only cos is loved and cherished. I did the NC500 on it last year!

Buying experience: Bike was 9 months old and had 600 miles on the clock when I bought in March 2009. Bought privately and paid £5500. Chap had bought for £8900 so was a bargain . Still worth £4.5K 11 years later!

Version: CB1300 A9

Year: 2009

Bought in July 2018 with 22400 miles and now 3600 miles later properly getting used to it. A low but wide seat (I only have a 29 inch inside leg) and no sixth gear stop this bike getting 5/5. This is the naked version and I have fitted 120mm rise Renthal Bars to give a more upright riding position because I wanted to be able to get a better sense of the speed I was doing. I have used it as often as I could with a few longer days out, after one 370 mile day out I got off the bike having enjoyed every minute (West Cumbria to Richmond to Whitby and back) looking for the bendy roads, coffee and fish & chips. I had a VTR Firestorm before and would have needed help getting off it after that day out. Anyone wanting to enjoy the scenery and ride using road craft to go places rather than race craft and only watching the road, but doing it on a bike with enough get up and go to get past that LGV and the car holding it up, without you breaking into a "will I make it sweat" should try a CB1300. Not the lightest, fastest or most powerful bike you could buy but I like the looks, it handles well enough and with some respect from the rider for the performance it has, it is quick (at least while I can still hold on - so that would be 70 mph on the dual carriage way officer) compared to every car I see on the work commute.

Version: A9

Year: 2010

Yeah what a bike...proper old school. No stupid bells and whistles...just brilliantly made and utterly reliable. Before buying this bike I had lots' of Italian 'hardware' and they all let me down at some point. Got bored of being left at the side of the road waiting for the recovery team so decided (for the first time) to buy a Honda and I've never looked back. There's a reason why Honda is the biggest motorcycle company in the world...get a CB1300 and you'll understand why!

Version: SAA

Year: 2010

Annual servicing cost: £600

A real lion that eats up all roads with dignity. I bought this bike because it's very compatible with my personality (except that I'm not a big buy). It has all the power available when you need it, but it's very humble and keeps his head down.

Buying experience: Got it from Honda Maidstone - £4800 - had 30K on the clock, one previous owner. For what you get out of bike of this class, the price is well worth it.

Year: 2005

Brilliant overall Jack of all trades bike. I've done just about everything on this bike from Sunday blasts, multi day tours, commuting, gravel roads, and everything in between. This bike has taken it all in its stride and never been found wanting, even two up. Accelerates, goes, and stops brilliantly. Handles great - it's got lovely balance and tips in nicely, then holds a tight line through the bends. Not the quickest steering (since it's long and heavy) but still as good or better than other bikes of this size.

Version: CB1300SA

Year: 2006

Best: Smooth Engine, plush ride when you ride it like an old man. Worst: Heavy and as such, when pushing the bike, the suspension can't cope. Huge storage area under the seat and handy pocket in the fairing for sall stuff.

Buying experience: Bought the bike privately. Did a lot of research before buying and came to the conclusion that you really can't go wrong with this bike when it was well maintained.

Version: SC54 naked

Year: 2006

One of the greatest bikes I've ever owned, smooth power & shove in any gear! It has the 'classic' CB looks but with modern tech-touch, does everything I'd ever expect from a big super four. A dream to ride!

Buying experience: I bought it used but in mint condition, very well maintained from a bike mechanic who occasionally buys & sells some bikes too.

Year: 2005

Annual servicing cost: £750

Great bike; handles well; enough power and looks good. Very reliable; no issues whatsoever. Maybe that's the only issue there are no real down sides and therefore lacking a bit of character. I would love to have this bike with a 1300cc twin engine!

Buying experience: Bought my bike privately in 2015 in the Netherlands for €3,750. Which was a good rate; these bikes easily sell for €4,500-6,000.

Version: CB1300-SA5

Year: 2005

Annual servicing cost: £200

Large comfy cruiser that can keep up with more sports orientated bikes when needed. it is so much fun on B roads but be prepared to hustle the bike around as she is a large beast. I have taken her over the mountain course so many times and rarely get left behind unless I am behind some serious sports freak.

Buying experience: Brought the bike back in June 2007 from a dealer. Paid £6500 after getting a ridiculously good price for my old VN1500 (that was a heap of rubbish) First trip was through Wales during the summer floods of 2007. You certainly get a feel for a bike in such conditions. It is a good buy.

I've lusted after one of these for years until I found a mint low mileage one at my local dealer. They say you should never meet your heroes for fear of being disappointed. They whoever they are couldn't have got it more wrong. Suspension takes a little careful setting up but once sorted it handles like a dream. Just make sure the front is set soft enough to get the front tyre warm. The torque is immense so much so you can short shift your way through the gears surfing the torque curve or you can wring its neck and it tries to dislocate your arms. Absolutely amazing two up even with the givi rack added to make carrying the wife's things and give her some security from going flying off the back! Bottom line is get one and you will not be disappointed.

I bought my 1300s in june 09 and have now covered 3650 miles on it,it has all the power i'll ever need ,it is superbly built and the fit and finish is fantastic, it's supremely comfortable for all day riding and i get 53 on average to the gallon,loading the bike with pillion and/or luggage makes no difference to it at all,the handling for such a large bike is perfect with good brakes and easy as you like at u turns or mini roundabouts, the most rider friendly bike i have owned in many years of biking, its now four and a half years old and it still shines like a new pin, go on get one you know you want too :-)

Bought a CB1300 from Marshalls in Peterborough last May .As I live in Spain I had great run back through France, not a drop of oil was lost or coolant the bike never missed a beat. As the misses was with me I expected bent ears about comfort but no I had a satisfied passenger for the whole trip. I cannot fault the bike at all. Brutal low down pulling power, handles great for me and to be honest is far more comfortable than these new sportstourers which are now being produced. were does your passenger sit on a VFR. Oh yes, that small seat pad on the mudguard !!!.

Ok Im the first to admit it, when I first bought the bike after a week or so of running it in I thought what have I done! Although I have always loved the look of the bike I bought it based on that really as felt I couldnt keep ignoring it dispite being only 30ish(Young Im told for this sort of bike!) First few rides I was struck at how long it took me to stop and the sheer bulk of the bike with feet down at lights on slight hills!I thought this is going to be a big lasy cart horse you fool. Well 2 years later it is the best bike I have owned in every aspect Quality, Reliabilty& fun. It has given me the most smile per pound of any bike I have owned as when your open it up, it just pulls and pulls and the brakes are ace once you learn to pull hard they work a treat. I have so much confidence on this bike now I will happily run with the big boys and guess who's bike they all want a shot off at coffee stops! If your the sort that get's off on sports bikes that bite back, look else where or if like me you just learn to ride harder and live longer this fabulous machine does it all in good time!

Bought a CB1300ABS a few months ago. Done a few thousand miles on it now and I can't wait to do the next few thousand :)

ASK FOR MIKE EDWARDS SAY JAMIE SENT YOU FOR A DEAL THEY ARE GREAT, FANTASTIC, I am very very pleased with the bike its very underated. sportsbike are ok but with more cameras etc going up retro riding is much more fun, and makes you feel alaive again think ive got bored of supersports bikes now. great on the track or in europe but in the uk forget it. Honda build quality, reliability, the bike a beauty engine has more tourqe than speed good on fuel handles well just manhandle it a little more she goes through the corners great. wind in your face and go for it, or crusie and enjoy the ease in which it devouirs roads, bends and in total comfort thank you DOBLE thank you Honda awsome bike roll on sunny days

NAKED SEX THIS BIKE IS A STUNNER fast, comfortable, good brakes, good MPG,very well built, thick paint,and reliable. after the Bandit 1250 this is a dream to ride,well done Honda you got it right. try one buy one, and thank you to DOBLE HONDA SURREY GO GET YOUR HONDAS THERE AND SAY JAMIE SENT YOU THERE TOP DEALERS ASK FOR MIKE EDWARDS. BE SAFE HAVE FUN BOYS.

took a test ride also rode a varadero which was ok but thirsty, the CB1300 S was a good bike no great bike for the price and type VERY VERY UNDERATED. fast, comfortable, good on fuel, good handling, real worl bike for real bikers man handle it and its so much fun. Im getting fed up with sports bikes racers etc there becoming bland boring, the CB1300 S is so good such a breath of fresh air well done Honda, only did 350 miles on my new VFR its boring

Bought mine as a pre reg from my local honda dealer. I had previously been riding a CBR600f and wanted something a bit more comfortable when riding 2 up. The CB1300 half faired model with ABS has been brilliant no issues with build quality its never let me down and gets lots of positive comments from the car driving community at the local petrol station. the engine is sublime powerful torq open it up in 5th (top gear) and enjoy the rush of power propel you forward not in a buzz of high revs just a surge of meaty power. I have added a blue flame exhaust which makes the bike sound like it should and has improved fuel economy, also a Stebel horn and Honda heated grips have improved safety and warmth on cooler days. Now the buts, it is heavy especially with a pillion, no centre stand makes chain lube and adjustment a pain, the gear box isn't the slickest, the suspension could be better (but never a real problem) and the wind blast on long trips can get tiring. But thats it no other issues 2 years of ownership have been fun, problem free and the finish is still brilliant, so if your looking for a modern take on the muscle big theme, take a test ride you will find it easy to ride fast and ownership is so easy. Enjoy.

I use it for transport to & from work mostly with the occasional two ride on the weekend ideal for this. Fast away at the lights great on overtaking on the open road.:)

Despite finding the CB1300S a tad too heavy, it is a fabulous bike. The seat is easily the most comfortable in the biking world. The engine is exquisite with utterly effortless and unruffled torque combined with silky smooth throttle response. The handling is faultless, the brakes good, the suspension almost perfect for normal riding and it soaks up pot holes and bumps for an almost magic carpet ride. Above 2 mph it easy totally stable and child's play to manage. It is while at rest you have to be careful...the weight is not exactly low down and you needs competent handling while parking or manoeuvring into tight spaces at low speed. Once on the go it is fabulous. The gauges are the most attractive I've seen on any bike. It would be nice if Honda offered a variation on the somewhat brash red and white Honda classic scheme and I believe elsewhere you can get a blue version, though not on UK models. Overall a superb motorcycle which has real class and quality, sublime handling and total comfort.

fell in love with this bike the first time I test rode it and still feel the same after 12000 miles of use. Fitted GPR evolution stubby exhaust last year (2007) and that has improved performance immensely.And had my wheels gold powder coated when I bought it. As many have said and which is true this will keep up with sports bikes. Just an awesome bike......

My dad owns the Honda cb1300s And its an awesome machine, The handling is awesome, although its no sports bike, so no uber fast corners. The engine is sweet, and forgive the commonly used "bulletproof". It makes such a surge of torgue at over 2000rpm its amazing, (its just like my Yam fzr1000 exup genesis.) The paintwork is really nice, aparantly its thick too, its black with gold mettalic flakes, (have a close look in the sun and you really see it). Bought new for £7000 ish its a good price. It has ample ammounts of storage space under the seat, for a chain and lock, waterproofs, small toolkit, gloves. As standard it has some good extra's, the clocks are very good and the colour at night time is amazing. blue and red! it has two nice side fairing pockets good for housekeys or phone, or i dunno erm a can of coke? And it has ABS and the screen isnt too bad but an aftermarket one is nicer. We have fitted a higher screen, fender extender, oxford hotgrips, backbox, alarm, honda centre stand, crash bungs, chrome radiator cover. I've also been a pillion on it and I can say that its comfy seat and has a good rear handle, but im 6'1" so it hurts my legs and lower back from the possition of the pegs, but my sister loves it, and has no problems and shes not much shorter than I am. overal a wonderful bike, has something for everyone and would suit any rider. power rangers, commuters, leisure riding, touring, big bike newbies.

Just a delight. So much torque. The best all round bike Ive ever ridden. Comfortable seat 12 hours in the saddle and no numb bum! little vibration from that beautiful lazy lump, and enough go to live with the sports bikes. All this AND she looks great. My wife even likes it.

I have always bought sports bikes, and in the last 15 years have owned around 40 bikes. I took a test drive on a 2006 model which had been traded in, a minter with only 2,000 miles on the clock, and I fell in love with it almost immediately. The engine is like a turbine, don't let the modest BHP numbers fool you into believing this bike is a pussycat. I currently own a GSXR-1000 K6, R1 SP and a Ducati 996S, so this is the bike I do the mileage with, and I love it. The paint work seems really nice especially considering the price (I paid around £5,200 for mine). The bodywork is good and the dash is the best I have seen with so many options it is simply staggering. It even has a fuel gauge ! something i had forgotten about after owning so many 1000c sports bikes. It is a great bike to have alongside your sports bike, as it has loads of power, yet in a very different and comfortable way. All in all, this is a quality bike, and the engine is the selling point, it must be putting out around 100bhp between 1,000 and 3,000 rpm (it certainly feels like it!). Pros: Engine, engine and engine. Nice paintwork (quite deep), styling is retro yet modern and the storage capacity is excellent. Seat is extremely well made and comfortable. Brakes are top drawer. Cons: I really would like a sixth gear but apart from this, the bike is a wonderful package.

Bought an ex demo 06 plate, had it a month now and done 400 Miles. Traded my p reg Triumph speed triple for this, big old beast. Also looked at the XJR and the new 1250 Bandit. Had enough of sportsbikes now, wanted something I could still have a bit of fun with but also ride distance on without to much fuss. Love the riding position, no more back aches! Absolutley love the torque, effortless riding. Three issues though, Firstly, no sixth gear, do not understand that one! Secondly, exhuast can is to big, ugly and much much to quite. Need to save my pennies to buy a decent can now! Thirdly, throttle is a bit snatchy, but do no know if that is me or the bike. Other than those issues, cannot find any other faults am very happy with it. Now looking forward to my 2 week holiday riding around the german/austrian border next month.

Had it for 6 month,done 1100 miles in two days,kept up with the sports bikes, toured with the tourers, comfy, fast, handles well,  I have owned z1000, xjr1300, r6,gsx750 and various others. Strengths: Power, looks, comfort, handling, Honda finish, grin factor 10, try one they are brilliant! Best bike I've owned, can't wait for a new model. Weaknesses: Header pipes bit iffy,other than that no centre stand,but havnt needed one yet.

Had a few naked bikes e.g Bandit 12, GSX14 and plenty of sports bikes e.g R1, Gixer 1000 and 750's, Blade but to be honest the CB13 does all that I really need and it's a blinding bike. Not had it long but clocked up nearly 3000 miles across Europe this summer with my mates who were on a range of bikes, from a Gixer 1000 to a BMW GS1200 thingy. The CB13 was the ideal compromise and wasn't left behind in the twisty bits and certainly out-dragged many of them on the fast autoroutes. All in all, a top laugh that's got enough grunt and handling to really enjoy yourself and comfy too.......920 miles in one-hit from Prague to Somerset, try that on a sports bike! Strengths: Looks the buisness, especially with renthals etc and has loads of torque. Comfy too! Weaknesses: needs a small screen to help with 100mph cruising.

Since geting bike I was well happy with power as I owned cb750 3 years ago. l looked at bikes on market and saw cb1300 abs and knew had to have it! Looks great and goes great! Strengths: Looks, give power when needed,very comfitable ride. Weaknesses: No centre stand as standard, but manage to get one from A2Zbiking bits £112.00 inclusive, post comes with bolts and springs quite easy to fit.

I cant really fault the bike its effortless to ride, has plenty of power and is fairly comfortable, it make my previous X11 seem hard work. Strengths: build quality, the headers on my 2006 model seem to be of good quality, the gearbox is fairly slick, and it hs loads of torque. Weaknesses: None.

Bought my bike just three weeks ago but having covered 1,500 miles already feel justified in adding my thoughts. The bike is superb. Of course you would expect an owner to say that but trust me when I say, I am hyper critical of any bike I own but with this, I honestly find it diffucult to fault. Throttle response is instant and because all the power and torque is low in the rev range, you can be flying on this bike with the minimum of effort. It's no lightweight but handling is neutral and reassuring and braking is impressive. I tried out the ABS on the front in the dry once and actually felt the back end lift off the road. That shouldn't be possible with ABS illustrating to me that Honda haven't been silly and set it up to chime in too early like many other makers do. Build quality apparently is not as good as some Honda's but I've seen nothing yet to give rise to concern but only time will tell. Lovely bike. A real gem. Strengths: Strong willing engine and superb brakes. Makes you feel like Rocket Ron Haslam. Weaknesses: You have to buy a centre stand seperately. Not comfortable for larger pillions.

Bought new 26 March06 . Now have 3000miles on, 2600 of these achieved on a trip to the Pyrenees. The half fairing keeps most of the rain off above 20 mph, the seat comfortable for 480 miles a day, with no aches.Directs a clean stream of air at the top of helmet, experienced a very very cold forehead when temps below 12 degrees c. Handling good enough to keep up with an experienced guy on DRZ400 supermoto through really tight and bumpy Pyreneean and coastal roads. Engine pulls beautifully, nice torque for good elevated front wheel control take offs from Peages! (gendarmes very cool about it :O). Strengths: Engine, Comfort, all round ability, engine 49mpg, easy 100mph + cruising.Engine. Weaknesse: Feels like it could do with a 6th gear. No centre stand .Slight fuelling hesitation at more than 1500 metres above sea level!

Bought in June 2005, have had ermax screen as its 10cm higher which makes a difference to my 5ft 10 inch height as the stock screen was not much good and gave me neck ache after 45 mins. Have had seat padded slightly because after 45 mins my bum was sore but now its all pretty much a few hours riding before it starts. Lazy riding is the cb and not exciting really to ride, it does not give me that excitment as my 2003 fireblade but there again the cb is not designed to go fast because if you think it can then the suspension starts to wallow and braking with that weight forget it. to sum up with my mods its very comfortable, reasonably quick, build quality is very good as long as you give a bit of tlc, 150 miles to a tank, rain protection is ok but its not like the blackbirds, luggage carrying potential is excellent, it looks really good as muscle bikes go, but not as good looking as some sports bikes. Strengths: Looks, quality,l uggage carrying capacity, sit up and beg riding position,l ovely low down torque for lazy riding, pulls well from low down. Weaknesses: Standard trim the seat is only comfortable for 45 mins only as is the screen,lacks in excitment and character,headlight must look better.

Very comfortable riding position with the power to overtake and in most situations you won't need to drop down a gear, just use the monster torque. Strengths: Riding position, power, handling. Also, the fuelling is excellent with clean take up from low revs in a high gear (however, see weaknesses). Weaknesses: Like most bikes, any road salt needs to be washed away as quickly as possible otherwise the shiny bits with get pitted. After a long overrun, the engine can snatch a little on power take-up - but it's only minor and you learn to ride around it.

Big naked beasty. This bike is just the best! Came from a gsxr750 04 to this bike. Had the no abs version to the tt 2005. Tweeked up the suspension and chased an r1 overthe mountain at 140mph with camcorder on the tank. Although heavy, it handeled very well around the corners and out braked gsxr750 into the corner, out handeled my mates gsx1400! This bike can do anything,l oaded up to go to Cadwell park for the bsb last year, road for 5 hours without even an ache or pain. Strengths: great low down power, good handelling, comfort and really goes if you push it, can be muscled around the fast corners, BIG GRINS, wheel comes up nice too... Weaknesses: No centre stand, down pipes.

Just clicked 6,000km, bought in Sept 2005. Quiet yet warp-speed capable once past 2,500rpm in any gear. Very comfortable front and back. Japan model has centre stand as standard. Very stable at all speeds, even when very slow winding through dead-stop traffic, it handles well. Agree with other reviewer regarding rust, have found pinhole rust on front forks, shop says "a stone must have hit you", apart from that though I have a slight moan and vibration from front end when cornering at 20-30km on lean, bit faster, it isn't there, anyway rarely hear it. Would I buy it again? Absolutely. Strengths: Power, comfort, 17 km/l, big tank, smooth. Weaknesses: front end fittings seem in need of tightening.

Owned the bike since June 05, have covered approx 6,500 miles. Been on 3 European trips, All day comfortable, enough room under the seat for waterproofs, spare gloves, lock, kitchen sink.....Had the 'standard' 1300 before the 'S'. The 'S' is more comfortable, the ABS brakes a big improvement. Fairing doesn't offer much protection but better than nothing. It also handles surprisingly well for its weight and size, the foot pegs being the limiting factor. Strengths: Comfort, build quality, power, all round usefulness. It will commute, tour and scratch. Weaknesses: Not the most exciting, or desirable bike on the market.

After 18 months on a SV650 as my come back to biking I decided to go for a change and the CB 1300 is a big change... Although the weight of the bike is an issue, after a month I'm much more used to it and I appreciate the stable and dependable, planted feel. Acceleration in all gears from 2000rpm is great and after a bit of an adjustment I don't notice the absence of a 6th gear. The bike is so smooth it's easy to go fast without noticing and the windblast is fine, although helps to keep your licence clean... If you don't want it (the wind blast(and maybe) the clean licence) get a screen although personally I think naked bikes look better as God intended them... Handling is good for a bike of this weight; it won't flick in and out of bends like a sportsbike but corners well. Strengths: Torque, build quality (except headers), looks (if not quite as sharp as the GSX1400!), balance, well-planted, effortless, brakes. Weaknesses: Standard can is clunky and sounds anaemic but adds to the black-zap-up-on-'em stealth factor! If you feel like being picky then the gearbox is a bit clunky...

Having owned 12 bikes in the last 18 months ranging from retro,s to sports bikes I must say this is the only one that continues to make me grin from ear to ear every time I swing my leg over it. Strengths: Instant grunt in any gear from 1500 revs, a thing this big shouldn't handle as good as this. Weaknesses: keeping it clean not enough go faster goodies on the market .

Have fitted a Titanium Akroprovic slip-on and Skidmarx cockpit fairing. Just loved getting on the gas coming out of corners, surprises many sports bike riders and any gear will do. Comfort is good but anything would be an improvement over my Honda SP1, passengers don't complain either. Strengths: Torque, pillion seat. Weaknesses: Exhaust headers are not up to Honda's normal quality.