Long term CB13S arrives

Our long term test CB1300S has arrived – shining, new and ready for running-in.

Motorcyclenews.com editor David Cushman is running it. Here’s his first impressions. (See video link, below)

“I love the look of the new S version of the CB13 – particularly the stylishly retro red and white version I’ve been lucky enough to get my hands on.

“The engine is suitably brutally exposed and the half fairing inspires thoughts of legendary racing.

“That half fairing is also impressively practical, dismissing windblast and – with it – the requirement for neck-muscles of steel.

“My first rides have been at low-revs as the engine breaks in – but already I’ve discovered the practical benefits of the big CB. The riding position and seat is extremely comfortable. The bars are wide enough to make turning its relative bulk quick and easy – and it’s laden with useful stuff like TWO pockets in the fairing (one lockable) for storing oddments like keys, mobile phones, earplugs and wallets.

“There’s plenty of room under the seat for a U-lock, waterproofs and toolkit and there’s a helmet lock on the nearside under the seat.

“The dash is well equipped with everything from trip meters, clock and air temperature on display. Mine came complete with a Honda carbon-fibre tank pad – an extra most people would appreciate being thrown-in, I’m sure.

“Suddenly my wife is up for pillion rides again (maybe it’s the inviting expanse compared to the pad pasted on to the GSX-R1000 I ran last year).

“Oh, and my six-month-old daughter, Freya, seems to like it, too.

“Anything lacking? A centrestand. Seems odd not to have one on a bike of this style. I’m told SW Motech do a centre stand for the bike and that Honda have actually built-in the pivot points for a stand.”

“If you’ve got a CB1300S let’s talk. Either click HERE to send me an email or HERE to discuss the bike on our dedicated forum.”

Honda’s official web pages for the CB1300S. Click here