My new Honda CB1300SA with Pics
Discussion
Here are a few images of my new "daily driver" bike. It's a CB1300SA and also, my first impressions of the "Beast".... 
The delivery guy from London dropped off the bike yesterday, all in all I have to say I've been very impressed with their service and buying a bike over the phone was a first so I was a bit apprehensive! After sending the delivery bloke off with fresh coffee and a couple of Kit Kats I was at last alone with my new machine!
First impressions: she's a big bike in the flesh, even more-so than the unfaired version. There is the usual beautiful Honda detailing all over the machine from the engine casings, clutch casing (what a size) to the seat and bodywork. The frame is stunning in red and really reminds me of the CB1000R is it from the early 80's? Someone tell me if that's right.
So after drooling over the bike and giving the shiny bits a liberal coating of anti-corrosion spray, I took the beast out on it's first 50 mile run down the coast in 7C temps.
As the bike arrived on reserve (cheers dealer ), I had to fuel immediately on leaving home - no problem as there is a busy Supermarket fuel station close by so fresh unleaded was poured in (although Super Unleaded would have been the preference). 17 litres later it was full, so the reserve must have just come on. One big difference when moving off - top heavy! Something I can adjust to no problem.
Now, I was glad of the heated grips (not so glad of the silly position the fuse is on cable tied to the front brake line), they really worked although better with winter gloves I think. Given the bike had brand new tyres, I was very cautious for the first ten or so miles
then slowly took her over for some very mild lean. One thing I should mention, this was my first ride on a new CB1300 in the faired SA version, the previous experience being of a rather used and abused second hand bike from my local dealer. The big difference was the throttle response, smooth right from the first few millimeter's of application, very unlike the previous bike I rode. It also was quite opposite of the other bike I considered after an impressive testride - the new Triumph Street Triple. As it's new I'm planning to keep the rpm's below 6000 for the first few miles, slowly working the engine in. Unlike my 1000RR, there is no loud clunk while putting the machine into first, it's all quite civilised, although I think the gearbox needs to bed in slightly, but I believe smoother action will come through time.
In and around town the bike performed like something half it's size while moving, I kept on having to look down to remind myself of the size of the beast. It was nothing like the 1000RR Fireblade I own, no worries about suddenly twitching the throttle and ending up at insane speeds due to hitting an unseen pothole in first (real problem with town riding the Blade). It's no small bike so the road presence is excellent, all it needs is an Akropovic end can or system to give it more growl.
At higher speeds on the motorway, the fairing which was something I was quite unsure about going for looks wise, proved it's worth. Keeping most of the cold and strong winds away and with the dials lit up, looking great in blue. On twisty roads the bike proved itself as a great contender for sporty days out and reminded me why I bought the CB13 - it keeps the line, requiring a bit of "man effort" to get round corners compared to dedicated sportsbikes but as long as you remember that it can go some. Overtakes are easy, so much torque in the midrange to keep you "making progress".
All in all my first experiences of the bike have been excellent. A small vibration from the front end is my only niggle but nothing I can't live with.
So all in all, the bike is living up to my expectations in the short time I've been lucky enough to own it.
Images from the slip that the ferry guys were kind enough to let me access by the Forth Rail Bridge. The light was lovely!
As usual the pics are on my photo site : http://www.justhypemedia.com
The delivery guy from London dropped off the bike yesterday, all in all I have to say I've been very impressed with their service and buying a bike over the phone was a first so I was a bit apprehensive! After sending the delivery bloke off with fresh coffee and a couple of Kit Kats I was at last alone with my new machine!
First impressions: she's a big bike in the flesh, even more-so than the unfaired version. There is the usual beautiful Honda detailing all over the machine from the engine casings, clutch casing (what a size) to the seat and bodywork. The frame is stunning in red and really reminds me of the CB1000R is it from the early 80's? Someone tell me if that's right.
So after drooling over the bike and giving the shiny bits a liberal coating of anti-corrosion spray, I took the beast out on it's first 50 mile run down the coast in 7C temps.
As the bike arrived on reserve (cheers dealer ), I had to fuel immediately on leaving home - no problem as there is a busy Supermarket fuel station close by so fresh unleaded was poured in (although Super Unleaded would have been the preference). 17 litres later it was full, so the reserve must have just come on. One big difference when moving off - top heavy! Something I can adjust to no problem.
Now, I was glad of the heated grips (not so glad of the silly position the fuse is on cable tied to the front brake line), they really worked although better with winter gloves I think. Given the bike had brand new tyres, I was very cautious for the first ten or so miles
then slowly took her over for some very mild lean. One thing I should mention, this was my first ride on a new CB1300 in the faired SA version, the previous experience being of a rather used and abused second hand bike from my local dealer. The big difference was the throttle response, smooth right from the first few millimeter's of application, very unlike the previous bike I rode. It also was quite opposite of the other bike I considered after an impressive testride - the new Triumph Street Triple. As it's new I'm planning to keep the rpm's below 6000 for the first few miles, slowly working the engine in. Unlike my 1000RR, there is no loud clunk while putting the machine into first, it's all quite civilised, although I think the gearbox needs to bed in slightly, but I believe smoother action will come through time.In and around town the bike performed like something half it's size while moving, I kept on having to look down to remind myself of the size of the beast. It was nothing like the 1000RR Fireblade I own, no worries about suddenly twitching the throttle and ending up at insane speeds due to hitting an unseen pothole in first (real problem with town riding the Blade). It's no small bike so the road presence is excellent, all it needs is an Akropovic end can or system to give it more growl.
At higher speeds on the motorway, the fairing which was something I was quite unsure about going for looks wise, proved it's worth. Keeping most of the cold and strong winds away and with the dials lit up, looking great in blue. On twisty roads the bike proved itself as a great contender for sporty days out and reminded me why I bought the CB13 - it keeps the line, requiring a bit of "man effort" to get round corners compared to dedicated sportsbikes but as long as you remember that it can go some. Overtakes are easy, so much torque in the midrange to keep you "making progress".
All in all my first experiences of the bike have been excellent. A small vibration from the front end is my only niggle but nothing I can't live with.
So all in all, the bike is living up to my expectations in the short time I've been lucky enough to own it.
Images from the slip that the ferry guys were kind enough to let me access by the Forth Rail Bridge. The light was lovely!
As usual the pics are on my photo site : http://www.justhypemedia.com
Edited by scotia_steve74 on Saturday 24th November 15:31
scotia_steve74 said:
reminds me of the CB1000R is it from the early 80's? Someone tell me if that's right.
As usual the pics are on my photo site : http://www.justhypemedia.com
As usual the pics are on my photo site : http://www.justhypemedia.com
Edited by scotia_steve74 on Saturday 24th November 15:31[/footnote]
[footnote]Edited by Biker's Nemesis on Saturday 24th November 19:54
Bertie Simmonds said:
Lovely bike that... I used to have the first CB1300 when at a bike magazine. 13,000 miles in seven months and a daily commute of 210 miles no probs - although you HAD to have the fly-screen on it and a nice pipe!
Nice pics...
Bloody hell!!! Not the Bertie Simmonds.Nice pics...
Welcome.
Great bike , a mate of mine has owned and ridden just about everything .
He gets to go away and test bikes for the mags too , the weapon of his choice is the 1300 with an Akro fitted.
He even took it last year when we went to Rome ,
I got so fed up with him gloating about how good the fuel consuption was in the mountains , as soon as we hit a long stretch of Peage , I sat on the front at 140 for an hour , he was in agony , and didnt make a sound untill his bike was on empty , revving its tits out at almost max speed
He gets to go away and test bikes for the mags too , the weapon of his choice is the 1300 with an Akro fitted.
He even took it last year when we went to Rome ,
I got so fed up with him gloating about how good the fuel consuption was in the mountains , as soon as we hit a long stretch of Peage , I sat on the front at 140 for an hour , he was in agony , and didnt make a sound untill his bike was on empty , revving its tits out at almost max speed
Yeh, you need the fairing for speed - I love the naked bike but this is the best of both worlds...
I have to say, just did another 60 ride out and what a laugh! Comfy, fun and almost all the way over A very confidence inspiring beastie, although you do notice the weight when braking compared to the Blade!
I'm planning on an Akro or Leo Vince can as it's way too quiet.
Any suggestions on where to buy new for a decent price? Fancy a road legal with removable baffles
I have to say, just did another 60 ride out and what a laugh! Comfy, fun and almost all the way over
A very confidence inspiring beastie, although you do notice the weight when braking compared to the Blade!I'm planning on an Akro or Leo Vince can as it's way too quiet.
Any suggestions on where to buy new for a decent price? Fancy a road legal with removable baffles
The CB1300 is an excellent bike, with probably the smoothest and amongst the most torquey engines. If I remember correctly, from a report in Performance bike, it produces its maximum torque at only 5500 RPM (87lb ft) but about 80lbft from 2000 rpm. Therefore in many conditions it'll surprise most sports bikes.
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