2004 Honda CB1300 Review - Is This The Best Muscle Bike Out There? Or Are There Better Options!

Finally Managed To Find A CB1300 At A Price I Could Afford
So The last Of The Big Four Bikes I wanted To Try Is Here
Was It Worth The Wait?
Let's Find Out!!!
#budgetbikes #budgetcars #honda #cb1300 #hondacb1300
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[@coloneled2080]

I owned mine from new 2008 to 2020. Twelve years of totally trouble free riding, mostly in France where the D roads are maintained and generally almost empty. I don't think you have spent enough time with this bike to give an accurate review. My CB1300 was always garaged which makes a big difference, but after 12 years of riding in all weathers my engine block had no pitting or scuffing at all. The forks are known for pitting and this was the only blemish on my bike. Only noticeable if you were looking for it. I do not recognise this vibration issue you kept mentioning. I'm 6 foot and 15 stone and during trips to France I routinely rode for 7-8 hours a day with no vibration at all and the seat was comfortable all day. I bought the bike to tour and have fun on and boy, it delivers! None of the bikes you mentioned could live with it on twisty mountain roads; for such a big machine the handling and balance is awesome and the unbelievable torque is, well, unbelievable! You may scoff at this, but it's true. In 12 years and 34000 miles it still had the original chain which still had lots of life in it. Furthermore, I personally never once had to adjust the chain. It was only adjusted when the tyres were changed every 5-6000miles. The bike NEVER ONCE broke down or caused me any concern. Get on, ride like the devil with shit eating grin, get off and put the tent up. In my opinion it leaves every other contender far behind because none of them has such supreme all round ability, huge seamless power and exceptional reliability. If you like to sit on a bike buy a GSX1400, if you like to ride a bike it's the CB1300 all day every day!!

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

Thank you for your comments, and I have to agree for the riding experience the CB1300 is probably the best of the big 4 I mentioned, it is far more planted on the road, and a real joy to ride, I do however just prefer the looks og the GSX1400 - if I still rode a lot like I used to, then there is only One choice, for a Sunday afternoon ride a couple of times a Month, the GSX still get my vote (with the CB a VERY close second) but it's a very personal thing, this biking game :)

[@davidrutherford3345]

Honda cb1300 definitely the best build quality out of all those bikes.. I've never noticed vibrations on mine..

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

Have to agree :)

[@nigel274]

Me neither

[@chilleparmer]

He hasn't a clue

[@TheBigLebowskix]

Currently own an 06 plate CB1300sa No vibrations at all very comfortable just wish it had a 6th gear.

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

Agree, I'm always looking for 6th too! Thanks for your comment :)

[@johnstevenson7760]

16:52 Good review. I own a 2006 red and white CB1300...15000km on it when i bought it. Rode it home 1500km only stopping for fuel. Was amazed how small it felt. No vibration...love it to bits, but yes it needs a 6th gear. Cheers

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

Thanks John 😁

[@ryderDoO]

Good to see a genuine review and thoughts!

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

Thanks :)

[@TheWhisky81]

Well for somebody who's riden sports bikes all my life i finally had enough of sore wrists neck and back and had my heart set on one of these, however you've slightly put me off now with the vibration you talk about but I'm going to get one anyway, cant be any more uncomfortable than a zx7r, good review👍🏻

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

I do suffer more than most with vibrations, probably due to riding V-Twin and Triples mostly in the past, compared to other in-line 4 bikes, I'm sure this isn't really any worse. Good luck with it if you decide to get One 😁

[@docbodholt2384]

I can't make up my mind between a cb13 or a Honda x11, both awesome bikes and absolute torque monsters....I had the cb1000 Big One and I had zero problems with that until 80k when I had to change the original cam chain tensioner. The bike was just a solid muscular lump that handled pretty damn well for it's size and the missus loved the pillion hence why I want another big Honda. I have an Aprilia SL1000 Falco for being a hoolie on but it really ain't the best for long ride-outs. As an aside...the honda 13 had an electrical recall on the earlier models, the fix was shown to be done by a sticker that sits underneath the tail section. Great videos, love watching them as they are real world bikes in a real world. Thanks.

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

Thanks for your kind words. I have also considered the X11 a few times, it's a bit of a Marmite bike though isn't it? loads of fun to ride I'm sure, but not what I would call a handsome bike. But if One comes up locally I will certainly be going to see it. Thanks for the heads up on the recall too, I'll investigate that :)

[@fredstraw]

Mine does not vibrate at all any speed. And not everyone likes red and white mies black. To be honest most of bikes have been black and ive had hundreds

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

Of course Colour is subjective, but I maintain the most "popular" and therefore valuable Colour, is White + Red 😁

[@nigel274]

Owned my 2008 CB1300s since 2009. I bought with 600 miles on the clock and21000 miles later never missed a beat. I did the NC500 on it 2 years ago. It does need a 6th gear but other than that a lovely bike which I will never sell whilst can still ride. I now also own a VFR1200F after years of owning a VFR800FI. The VFR is mind blowingly powerful. The CB does feel underpowered after that but a lovely comfy beautiful bike . Mine doesn't vibrate!

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

I have seriously vonsidered the VFR1200 a few times, prices are coming downnow, and a good low Mileage example can be had for well under £5k. Just not sure on the riding position for a 150+ mile a day trip? lovely looking bike though. Thanks for the comments :)

[@jayester77]

Howzit mate. Great choice! I've got a 2005 cb1300 but it's blue, all blue with dark gunmetal rims and gold calipers . Original colours. Original all over expect for a pair of renthal wider flatter bars. I'm 6'1 as well and the inch extra forward and abit wider makes a huge different. Feels way more aggressive. Oh and I have a short carbon fibre SP Engineering GP exhaust with the slashed end. Sounds insane!! I'm busy fitting a belly pan, tail tidy and under tray and yes, I chopped the rear plate section down and made a custom aluminium bracket for the plate and indicators but I tucked them in a bit more. I've also got a rear seat cowl and I've fitted carbon fibre bar end mirrors. I'll post a few videos of what I'm busy with now and as I'm going along if you're interested. Great to see a fellow lover of the old retros.

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

Sounds like you've been busy! would love to see the progress, so keep us all updated. Thanks for your comment :)

[@jayester77]

@@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes I've had some time over the last year after catching this virus twice. I spent the year before that recovering from back surgery so I've had some time lol.

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

@@jayester77 Hoping your luck gets better mate :)

[@at9670]

Looks awesome! And cool video! Would it be a good motorcycle to buy as my second 2 wheeler? The first one is a Royal Enfield Interceptor 650... I feel confident yet careful with my RE, but a cool retro japanese bike seems like the next logical step, maybe a yamaha xsr700, good power and cool styling.

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

The beauty of the modern classics, is that they are not super powerful in terms of HP. they are quick enough for most! at around 113bhp (approx twice the power of the RE) but it puts the power down in a linear fashion, so not going to rip your arms off! bear in mind it may be twice the BHP... but probably twice the weight, so I imagine you will be fine on it. Hope that helps and thanks for the comment :)

[@petertaylor2148]

My 07 has no vibration at all.. s version she's just beautiful !!

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

Maybe I'm just a fussy old sod ;)

[@robcig]

Great review. Have you come across the CB1100 in the UK? I’d love to hear your opinion on the 1300’s little brother.

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

I actually almost bought One last Month but couldn't get to see it due to the current lockdown, but am still on the lookout for One close to me to test out :)

[@starhope9630]

3:32 That looks like an original Honda CB1300 accessory screen (Honda Part No. 08R80MEJ801A)...and not aftermarket? Very interesting video and a beautiful bike also...thanks for the video!

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

Not sure about the screen, but you may well be correct. Thanks for your comment :)

[@Bykersam]

I have a 04 cb1300 and I took it to 125mph today's (track) no vibrations at all, I have a beowulf exhaust, I wouldn't think that's the reason for no vibrations, the rest is stock 🤷, nice review nevertheless, I think you may need to see if the vibrations come from the bobbins at the back 😊😉. Of the four I also have ridden all but for me this was my favourite, only because I learnt on a cb500 and always have a affinity for CB 👍.

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

I think perhaps the vibes come at certain MPH? I used to get that on my bikes when I was younger, vibes between 50-70 then after 70 smooth as you like. Makes speeding a bit of a habit though! I actually learnt on a CB125 So I too have a bit of a soft spot for Honda. Thanks for your comments :)

[@AridersLifeYT]

Love the CB1300. They are the grand-daddy of the Hornet 919 i owned.

[@mftraw1099]

This is the best looking out of the four horsemen. Thinking about one. But there is better value for money out there. Always loved them.

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

Oddly enough I have just found another exactly the same! and am in the process of making a new video. Personally I do not think you will find a better "rider bike" out of the 4 (that is my opinion after trying these out twice now) BTW if you are in the market for One of these, drop me a message via my email, or Instagram accounts :)

[@grahamscannell4409]

Good video thanks for the info. I've got a 2006 no fairing, black and grey. Mint condition and 7k on the clock. Interesting to hear the comments on vibration & 5 gears. Couldn't say I've noticed the vibration. Does anyone think with that mileage and age I should be thinking about new chain & sprocket? I'm also due to get a power command unit fitted but I'm hesitant about any changes to the exhaust as I don't want to drift too far from the original look.

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

I would be surprised if you need a new chain and sprocket at 7000 Miles, they are not perishable items, so should be fine IMHO. As for the exhaust, take a look at my Instagram page, there is a pic there and a video I think, of what I replaced mine with, and I think it did keep some of the originality of the stock exhaust :)

[@grahamscannell4409]

@@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes hi thanks for reply, just realised it was there. I will do that. Thanks again for the info.

[@mysty0]

My son is currently riding a CB400 Super Four on his LAMS (Learners) and hoping to acquire a CB1300 in time

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

He will love it! :)

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

There is a new video on the channel for the CB1300 now, plus a ride along coming in the next couple of weeks, if you're interested :)

[@mysty0]

@@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes bought him a 2010 SV650 at the same time as the CB400 and he loves the CB400 more.. he just rode my little brothers YZF R3 around and hates Sports Bikes after his first experience.. think Ive successfully raised him with a deep appreciation for old school Muscle lol

[@mysty0]

@@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes will check em out

[@TheJmebe]

Vibration? Should be smooth as silk? Wheel balancing?

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

It was only at certain speeds, and not wheel related I don't think, more an engine vibration feeling?

[@bostjanerjavec4146]

So unusual - can't feel any vibrations on my XJR 1300, that's one of the reasons I'm keeping it forever. And CB 1300 is suposed to bee even smoother... About the bikini, you're right. Having one on my XJR and it's 100% better.

[@themanleviathan]

Great video mate. The 2021 CB1300 looks amazing. Though I believe getting that bike outside of Japan is getting more and more impossible. I’m sure this one sold no problem, but I’m sure with a few mods, maybe some rubber mounts, that vibration will next to nothing…sweet

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

Thanks for your comments Wesley :)

[@I_hunt_lolis]

Oh snap better start saving my money in case they decide to sell it in EU

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

@@I_hunt_lolis You can always import One? I imported a Ducati 1000ss into Greece when I was living there, cost around £500 shipping and paperwork :)

[@I_hunt_lolis]

@@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes Interesting. I was expecting something in the range of ~3k...

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

@@I_hunt_lolis you mean value of the bike?

[@marinogusetti]

I know that it's probably a silly question to ask, but would this be recommended to a beginner? I'm 21 and just got my license, but when I rode my teacher's CB400 I saw that it had no thrills and was at times maybe too easy to ride. I didn't speed when I had a car and I certainly won't speed on a bike, but I'd love to have that extra bit of torque when out of town. What's your opinion on this?

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

I don't think a 1300cc bike is suitable for a novice rider really, it's quite a big and heavy bike, the skills you need to handle something like this come with time. You may be better off with something such as a Triumph Street Triple, very unique engine, with loads of Torque, very agile around town, and amazing fun to ride :)

[@jayester77]

They are real easy to ride, just need to respect the throttle, especial in corners. If your gonna gas it you have to commit and hold the lean. If you hesitate and sit it up its gonna, send you wide. Always remember it's a big heavy bike so you need to control it with confidence. But they are 100% super special.

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

@@jayester77 Totally agree, I have just done another review on the XJR1300 for the channel (out next Month) and it really confirms how well planted the CB1300 is compared to just about anything else in it's size!

[@markbezzy]

regards the vibration @ 70mph does it disappear if you get to say 85

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

Yes it does Mark, just seems to be at the legal limit it doesn't like it lol

[@Jandejongjong]

Imagine a revieuw of an iconic motor cycle without driving it. Now hold that picture.. and hold it for 16:52min

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

Not quite sure what you would have gained from my riding the bike and filming it? I didn't have the camera to do a video on the bike at that time. However if you look at my latest videos. You will see I know DO ride them during reviews. I hope that helps you.

[@bmmaia81]

Check that out.. zero vibration at any speed. Silky smooth

[@R0bstez]

The rear sprocket rubber things in your hub where the sprocket assembly sits in is known to get bad quick. If you replace those you will get less vibrations and a way smoother ride overall. Also don't forget fresh spark plugs to elimenate the throttle on/off effect to it's best! K&N filter + Open pipe helps a lot too for this with this bike

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

Many thanks for the advise :)

[@Francis0275]

I have a cb1300sf 2008 with only 15k miles and I have some small vibrations and the throttle on/off effect. I've trying to find the rear sprocket rubber part number to buy just in case and couldn't find this oem number.

[@R0bstez]

@@Francis0275 the number is 06410MEJ670

[@Francis0275]

@@R0bstez Thank you very much!! I'll buy it and see if improves.

[@morgzzuk4706]

Had three of these... No vibes at all !... Not had XJR but have had ZRX and GSX... Currently riding cb1300... Great all round bike...

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

As you probably know, I've had all 4 now, and this was in my top 2 :)

[@garyk8285]

I have a CB400SF... and I wanna upgrade to one of these if I can find one in Oz. I get some vibrations in the seat sometimes, though not much, nor often, otherwise its very smooth on the 400cc. Classic at the front, party at the rear design. Its cool.

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

Thanks for watching :)

[@lunarshteve]

I am also looking to upgrade from the CB400SF to one of these, it seems like the natural progression. I will miss vtec but this thing is just a beast.

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

@@lunarshteve You will love the CB1300 trust me! thanks for your comment :)

[@jesperdahl6324]

I would go for the GSX1400 :D And yes i owned one :D

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

Great Choice 👏

[@ingopaul67]

Lovely original condition bike, but mostly with these sort of bikes its about looks, for me the XJ in yellow is the best, followed by the GSX, then the ZXR and lastly the CB.

[@leeengelsman1855]

You left 0ut the Bandits 1200/1250

[@robertjones-eb4xo]

NO ROAD TEST JUST A CHAT SHOW !

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

Sorry, I do not have the camera to make a ride video yet, hopefully soon though, there are quite a few other video's out there with a road test though, so I didn't feel it was that important, my reviews are based on real world ownership, unlike most of the other reviews which are simply reviews after a 10 minute ride on a dealer bike :)

[@jamesclarkson3009]

What do you think of the r nine t?

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

I did go to the BMW dealer near me to take a quick look, the One thing I can say is they are REALLY small under you? it felt tiny for me, and that's the only reason I haven't bought One yet! that's not to say that if One came up cheap enough I wouldn't try it though, they just look amazing! thanks for your comment :)

[@jamesclarkson3009]

@@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes yeah I'm considering one as a first big bike, currently practicing on a 125 and a mate let me have a go on his 600 and 900 bikes. Probably not a particularly sensible idea as they're expensive. Lot of money wasted if I screw up and send it down the road. But I love the look of them and what I hear about them plus quite fancy shaft drive haha.

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

@@jamesclarkson3009 The Boxster engine takes a bit of getting used to as well, lots og low down grunt, they deliver their power in a different way to in-line 4 engines, but are a lot if fun. You won't really notice any difference having a shaft drive though, at least I didn't when I had my BMW R1200GS couple of Years ago.

[@R0bstez]

The flysceeen is a original Honda part. You still can order it, also came as an optional extra

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

Thanks 😁

[@multihull40]

Vibration is not an issue on these bikes unless something is amiss. I've extensively toured and track tested the CB1300 and GSX1400, and by far the CB1300 is way more refined and planted regards the handling, ride and stability than the GSX1400. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jXulc4Npqcmnla8 The GSX wins out in the comfort, low down torque and the 'imposing' stakes...but not as well built and with less quality materials all keeps it from my personal top pick. The CB's better mid range / top end power complements its still beefy low down grunt with its better spread of fun. The GSX's fun factor basically stops at around 4,900 rpm from 900rpm. I love both bikes, including my beloved low milage black '14 XJR1300 kzbin.info/www/bejne/mqibh2WYn7OLj7M Thanks for the vid👍

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

I have to agree with most of your comments, but I still personally prefer the GSX1400. There is just something about it that works for me, but the CB1300 is a VERY close second. Although I totally agree that the CB is far better planted on the road than any of the big Four! I have a new video coming soon on my latest XJR1300 so hope you get a chance to watch that One too. Thanks for your comment :)

[@multihull40]

@@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes I think it's all in how a bike makes you feel....the GSX fills in the gap left by my CB and XJR is why I'm waiting for a good example to appear... hopefully soon, given good ones are seemingly rare! :)

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

@@multihull40 Well I have a 2007 XJR at the moment, and just waiting to get out on that to see how it compares to the 2000 I had previously, hopefully it will be as good, if not better.

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

@@multihull40 Sounds like you know what you like when it comes to your bikes :)

[@edwardt1941]

No vibration on my 03 model. Seat height looks right to me.

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

Maybe I'm just a bit too sensitive in my old age :)

[@edwardt1941]

@@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes Older too but maybe GSX1400 is smoother still

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

@@edwardt1941 The GSX1400 certainly seemed to be smoother to me :)

[@SEANO1810]

just got an 03 model 16k on it smooth as silk no vibes

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

Perhaps I'm just a bit fussy these days, glad you're enjoying your CB Sean :)

[@CarlCostelloPlays]

🙂

[@daveboothroyd3421]

I've got a 2004 naked - no vibes. Check your bearings man.

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

I'm wondering if it may be suspension related? as it only seem to come through the seat? but I'm sure it's fixable :)

[@MsDenver2]

I rode a Kawasaki z1300 no vibration a wounderful bike why oh why did they stop making it sad

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

They might make a modern version at some point, but it will never be as good as the original!