2006 Honda CB1300 | Owners Review

2006 Honda CB1300 | Owners Review
No word of a lie this is probably the best all round bike that I've owned. It's character is subtle and because of that it maybe takes a little longer to fall in love with it, but it's such a grown up, capable machine that it deserves respect.
Long live large capacity Honda's.
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[@Banditronnie]

Had my CB13 for 13 years now. It does everything I want out of a bike. Not sure what could replace it. Nothing comes close.

[@nickstevens3139]

A great review, it really captures the essence of what it is like to ride this wonderful bike. I have a 2005 CB1300S with 65,000ks on the clock.There are two things I don’t agree with being fuel economy and chain life. I can get over 400 kms from a tank of fuel which is a lot more than many modern bikes with their puny tanks. My original chain lasted 63,000 kilometres compared to about 30,000km on my BMW F650GS Dakar. I ride my bike fairly hard but I do have a centre stand and lube and clean the chain on a regular basis. I have Michelin Road 5s fitted and they give great handling. Tyre life looks to be about 50% better than Michelin 4s. You did not mention the 12 litre under seat storage.

[@danmac0]

great comment

[@TheUrosvasic]

I own a cb 1300f, have been for 3 years. I can say that for me this bikes is jack of all traits. Sporty back, retro front. great torque, good hp. with PC, K&N, and akra. I love it! When you master this bike the real enjoyment begins. Great review!

[@terrybishop4651]

i dont mean to be offtopic but does anybody know of a method to log back into an Instagram account? I was dumb forgot the login password. I love any tricks you can give me!

[@shawnmason5893]

@Terry Bishop instablaster :)

[@terrybishop4651]

@Shawn Mason Thanks for your reply. I found the site through google and im trying it out atm. Seems to take quite some time so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@terrybishop4651]

@Shawn Mason it did the trick and I actually got access to my account again. I'm so happy:D Thanks so much, you really help me out :D

[@shawnmason5893]

@Terry Bishop you are welcome :D

[@HarlequinJitsu]

Love my CB13. I first saw one in Kyoto in 2008 & knew I had to have one. Went for the black too

[@marcready6369]

Is that one of the special Bol D'or that I have only seen photos of?

[@gerrywarren2625]

Had a 2008 1300s for five years and did 30k including many rides across Europe. I'd had VFRs and Fireblades before but it was my favourite by far. It was just so smooth, quick, comfortable and practical. I put Ohlins shocks on and an Akropovich can. Sounded gorgeous. Sure, it doesn't want to be over hustled but you're right, ride it smoothly and it covers ground very rapidly. I gave up motorcycling after many years for mountain biking but still miss that bike. It looked after me for thousands of miles.

[@RarefiedRoad]

I'd like to have upgraded the suspension I think, can imagine that improves things a lot.

[@starhope9630]

Awesome bike and review...thanks so much!😊

[@PremierNZ-qb5zd]

Of course being a fellow CB1300 owner I loved your review but would like to add a couple of points. I can get 300km from a full tank before the fuel gauge starts flashing at which point you have 5 litres left so an easy 350km before you have to start seriously looking for a petrol station. Brakes, put some good aftermarket sintered pads in and replace the fluid, same with the rear and you will notice a big difference, these are the same brakes used on the 05 Blade. You are right about the handling, in high speed sweepers the bike feels like it’s on rails but correct lines and smoothness is a must. In the tight and twisty’s it’s like a completely different bike, you can toss it around with abandon, I can easily keep up or leave behind sports bikes even given the weight, or maybe because of it, as the bike feels so planted with loads of grip, trail braking with the rear brake makes the bike turn in really quickly. My bike is a keeper it does everything I want. Damn shame those London politicians are going to make you lose your bike.

[@daveboothroyd3421]

Great review. Recognised all you were saying. Have had my 2004 naked since 2007. Big Givi screen - total calm at high speed. Great tourer. Get lower pegs and a custom seat. Easier on the knees and arse if you are knocking on a bit, like me.

[@twotter1969]

Just bought a 2005 CB1300S today and am looking forwards to many happy trips.....and if I get tired I can tuck myself into the enormous space under the seat for a quick kip 😀

[@maciejkoodziej6573]

I love this bike, great video. Greetings from Poland

[@RarefiedRoad]

I love it too. Such a competent machine.

[@mikerobs1]

the engine is so enjoyable on these...and bomb proof pretty much, i love mine

[@debenhamdave4314]

Watching your reviews for a while now share your taste in bikes, fortunate enough to own three bikes a twin, triple, and inline four which is a Z1000sx sounds in some wayssimular handling wise to yours and was also a slow burner for my affections. Cheers RR

[@RarefiedRoad]

Good taste 😁 One day I'll have enough space to have one of each.

[@goldfever4570]

I know the feeling, older bikes just don't feel so forgiving as up-to-date models. I have a modded R1150R that really benefits from being ridden smoothly - try to 50p a corner and you know about it!

[@dennism1919]

Greetings! I just found your channel and am enjoying it so far! Especially this piece. As I watched it it didn't take long for me to realize that you were nearly describing my relationship with my 2011 GSX1250FA to the letter! I agree that these bikes are near classics now. I absolutely love my FA and will never part with it, even though she's 10 years old now. When I bought the bike she had 3 miles on the clock. She is at 69,800 now and still running extremely strong. It reminds me of an old muscle car! Very raw and brash, Very manual, it can get away from you VERY easily if you are not careful, has ZERO electronics onboard and is an absolute missile. But she can also be very smooth and just lope along when you want to. The engine is completely calm and unstressed until you twist that throttle. I still laugh out loud when I ride this thing! And I have done very little to it over the years. Our bikes are not track weapons by any stretch, but for street and open road riding they are very hard to beat as all-rounders go. Anyway, great piece. You've made me wax rhapsodic! I wish you many happy miles on this bike.

[@RarefiedRoad]

Thanks, that's the point though right, how often am I going to go on the track? I want a bike that works and is enjoyable for the road and this is one of the best that I've owned. Happy riding mate

[@dennism1919]

@@RarefiedRoad Thank you, Sir. Enjoy that bike for as long as you have it! And do enjoy the holiday season. Ending this absurd year on a good note is all we can ask for now. See you in the next one!

[@edwardt1941]

Love mine. Stopping power is very good especially if you put in really good front pads. Bike gets better at higher speeds. And yes it is planted on the road and the engine is brilliant.

[@marcready6369]

Ta for the video. I am toying with the idea of buying a CB1300 Super Bol D'or (as I live in Japan). It has the same brakes as yours, but has a 6 speed in it. There are a lot around. I haven't really ridden road bikes but have had 3 x Honda trail bikes (XR, XL, & NX) but am now older. I am a bit concerned about a 1300, but it is now or never and the Bol D'or looks gorgeous.

[@joka4625]

It’s reassuring knowing your bike will definitely start every morning!

[@RarefiedRoad]

I've had enough that don't

[@ThePalmatron]

Great review! Thanks...

[@RarefiedRoad]

Thank you

[@NickMasseyRideon]

I have to agree, super 4 is one of the bikes out there, I had one traded it in, regretted it and I am on the verge of getting another one and I couldnt be happier.

[@RarefiedRoad]

It's deffinitely going to be one that I miss.

[@FuzzyScaredyCat]

I test rode a 2008 Speed Triple and a 2007 CB1300 a few years ago. In the end I went for the Speed Triple. I've regretted it ever since. Speed Triple is a great bike, but spine shattering suspension on the poor roads round here. After lockdown I'm going looking to a good quality CB.

[@user-sw2lv3zp6o]

I didn't you know you had a 1300. They are heavy, but as you say, only when parking it. I had a B-King for eight years. Incredible torque, but I got tired of paddling 263 kg around. I miss it, though. It made a brilliant tourer around Spain [I live in Portugal some of the year]. I replaced it with a triple. You'd laugh if I told you which one. Interesting video. I reckon the CB1300 would be more like 260 to 265 kg including petrol. Petrol weighs a lot. My B-King was on the original chain and sprockets when I sold it, although it only had 40,000 km on it. Your father looks cool.

[@flexywing]

I have a CB1300 F3, 53 plate, no fairing, Its a one hell of a great bike, I wish Honda would bring in the JM CB1300, 6 gears and cruise control, thats all this bike needed

[@billsinclair6515]

own a blue, 2008, ABS model, K&N and Akra, best bike I ever owned, ultra reliable, does everything well especially touring and 200 miles to a tank ridden sensibly

[@TheSeoras]

2006sa red, bought it for a season,9 years ago! Says it all, had a b-king also,that was space ship, get off it and get back on Honda was like “ putting on a pair of old slippers” or a fast lorry💁‍♂️ran Bridgestones for years was happy with them until I tried Perrelli angels. Fantastic dry or wet. Just means it grounds out more👦🏻 loads of under seat storage. Bar risers as I like sitting upright. Bellypan looks nice but it gets hammered too. It’s a Honda does what it says on the tin,not a lot of horsepower but you can use it all.

[@78Outlaw]

An older video Tim, so knowing yer love for the retro, did you ever try the air cooled CB1100RS? Just picked up a nice 2020 one 😎

[@blipco5]

I wish those same over to the US. 😪

[@jonass961]

Great review and also seems like a cracking bike. Reminds me a lot of my Suzuki Bandit 1200. Gotta love those big 4 cylinder bikes. The Yamaha xjr 1300 is right up there as well. Btw that glove box in the front fairing of the cb is just neat, I've never heard of or seen something like that on a bike before lmao.

[@shaunie1960]

hi mate love your review I have a 2008 model had it for 10 years got 30000 miles out of chain and sprocket also will do 200 miles on a full tank easy I personally think you may be wrong about the charge for riding in London as it is euro 3 compliant have checked on the government website it says no charge for riding in London

[@hoomannili]

I was looking to see if there was any good reviews of the CB1300, before doing a review of my own and I found this one. Good review and as the old banter goes among the lads, the black ones are faster. I have a red/white 2010 and I like your review. This bike is really underrated. One point about the chain and sprocket, I'm not sure why you say that, but my last set lasted 35K miles and the previous one 32K. If you adjust your chain properly, maintain regularly, your suspensions are set correctly and go for a good brand like DID, I don't see why you wouldn't get a good life out of the set.

[@RarefiedRoad]

Thanks man. To be honest I think the wear on the chain was done before I got it (previous owner was probably heavy wristed) I've only had it about six months but its properly warped now. Just touching the centre stand at its slackest point but there's only about an inch of travel at its tightest. I've ordered a DID though so I'll fit that this week and it'll be fine. Let me know when you finish your review I'd love to have a look.

[@hoomannili]

@@RarefiedRoad I'll definitely share my review and link to you. Thanks again. Please do join the FB owner's club if not you're there already.

[@robertjones-eb4xo]

ALWAYS REGRET NOT BUYING A BRAND NEW ONE 2006 FOR £6700 no px ! Good commentary wish u had said what MPG was . 35 ?

[@peterroda4181]

Seriously looking at this bike. They are hard to sell in Thailand due to the price. Beautiful bike though and look to be well made. New versions are 6 speeds.

[@doorman437]

I have an 04 naked one, love it

[@vinjofin1972]

Your dad seems like a fun guy.

[@robbikebob]

I do like those types of bikes. I really liked my bandit 12. But I really don't like the weight of the things. I've now got a 500 twin and I nearly dropped it getting it out of the garden, but I grabbed it with one hand and pulled it upright. If I'd have tried that with the bandit, it would have pulled my arm off! My bandit always forced me to do silly speeds too.

[@RarefiedRoad]

Yep both of those things I can relate to. This bike is far too comfortable at dangerous speeds, and it takes all your shoulder strength to park it. Love it for the minute though.

[@karlosh9286]

Excellent video (as normal !) . So any ideas yet what will replace it when ULEZ regs force you ?

[@RarefiedRoad]

I have a few bikes in mind but they range wildly in style. I'd really like to have something that does distance as easy as this one though.

[@alexpegasiou7599]

@@RarefiedRoad have you contacted honda.eu and asked for a certificate of conformity? Provide TFL with that and it will be exempt, if not you can pay for a test to see if it meets and you could keep it! Email me if you need to know more. Alex

[@karlosh9286]

Working out the range. Sorry if I'm stating the "bleedin' obvious" . Top up the tank , do some miles, top it up again, work out the MPG. It has a 21 litre / 4.6 UK gallons tank, work out how far that will take you at the MPG you calculated !

[@karlosh9286]

The half fairing looks good. Why more new bikes don't have a half fairing option sure beats me. Most new bikes seem to be either full on naked , or full on sports bike right now. Okay there's the Suzuki GSXS1000F and I think a Kawasaki , but there aren't many.

[@jfro5867]

Honda's do slow burn on you. Rarely the best in ultimate performance terms on any bike class but they do make a good package. They work just as well when they are 20 years old and are generally very reliable and well made. I have had many many bikes of all major brands and Honda's are my 1st choice, for the real world.

[@gligachaz5047]

Agree, if you keep a Honda long enough they really grow on you!

[@bikersquest]

I always fancied one of these, I like the cheaper litre class bikes Bandit 1200s, CB1300s ,XJR1300s etc although they're a rare breed nowdays

[@RarefiedRoad]

They are, and I don't think they've made anything similar to replace them.

[@dennism1919]

@@RarefiedRoad Believe it or not, I saw what looked like a 2020 CB1300 in some bike show video. Could it be true? The retro scene is blowing up in a big way!

[@alexboyde8129]

@@dennism1919 Sadly due to saving the whale the UK will never see the 2020 cb1300 japan market only

[@nigel274]

@@dennism1919 still selling them elsewhere but not in UK?

[@shaunie1960]

nice review but I have a 2007 model sa7 it is exempt from any charge in London been through many times never been charged any way still the best bike I have ever had by a country mile

[@davidrutherford3345]

The CB1300 is definitely a very well made bike, someone told me honda didn't make any money on them as the build quality was so good. Could be true ! Definitely lacking a gear I couldn't believe it when I first jumped on mine to only find 5. The brakes do go off and a pad change is a good idea. Turn the rear shocks up a notch and dial in some preload on the front until everything feels balanced to get rid of the wallow and give a slight umm sporty feel, but it is planted. Small indicators a tail tidy, radiator guard and small round straight through can and seriously people still stop and say what a good looking bike it is, 17 years old ! Once a year take the exhaust off and paste it in plumbers flux to get the oxidation off then clean with autosol.. The CB1300 is a bike built before its time ( LED rear light ) to a very high standard just lacking a little urgency maybe a 17 tooth cog on the front maybe not.. Great review keep it up..

[@RarefiedRoad]

That's useful, I really hate when the exhausts start to tarnish. Such a good bike though, really understated but you're right it still turns heads.

[@Discotechque]

my only nitpick with the cb1300 is that it doesn't have USD forks up front! for a heavier machine I think a beefier USD fork helps with flexing.

[@fernandocarpena6135]

Hi there, I have the same motorbike. I have a problem: someone broke the front right turn light; how can i fix it? change it?... Thanks

[@starhope9630]

Does the engine in the CB1300 produce much heat - and heat up the seat or the riders legs etc? 🤔

[@Banditmanuk]

Like the bike, like the channel but bailed at the second mid roll ad. Sorry.

[@RarefiedRoad]

Yeah I didn't do anything different on the upload but I noticed it somehow had more adverts attached when I watched it. Apologies. Thanks for the feedback though.

[@Banditmanuk]

@@RarefiedRoad Its no problem, hate leaving anything negative. A few weeks back I had a message from KZbin saying they were going to put mid rolls in all my back catalogue and they would be included by default at upload. Think they gave me until the 27th July to opt out of their new 'opt in' if that makes any sense. Cheers.

[@Lab0rant]

and what about Moto Guzzi V7? You loved that bike too!

[@RarefiedRoad]

I did and still do. They're so different. For charm the V7 is my favourite, for speed the Street Triple would still have it, but as an all rounder this is the best bike I've lived with.

[@flexywing]

Have you sold it, it can be ULEZ compliant, I believe all you need to do ask Honda UK and fill in a form

[@ballerblocks]

Seriously considering one of these bike, I am what you would describe as anti biker( I love heavy motorcycles because they are so much more stable in the wind, basey sound but not loud, straight line speed and power, plenty of wind protection, and comfort, and good for the country lane blast.

[@RarefiedRoad]

I agree actually. It's a pain parking a heavy bike but they do generally benefit from a charming sense of stability.

[@fredstraw]

Have you sold itnow then ? also why

[@petertaylor2148]

Interesting.. My CB 1300s will do 225 miles to a tank.. and then some !! About 360... 370 km

[@stuartcrooke5743]

Yes, great Bike i owned for a couple of years until i had a nasty highside, riding too lively for the bike to handle. Id having also owned an R1200r, an 08 model, the BMW is far superior, not knocking the CB, ridden smoothly theyre great but, the brakes, highspeed handling, more pick up, the Beemer has it and is a great next bike for you.

[@petricarlsson9267]

I will never sell my CB1300 ever, just love the bike. Would only trade it to a new CB1300 if only Honda sold it here in Europe.

[@toofastnobrakes]

Would be cool for Honda to bring this back

[@RarefiedRoad]

Agreed. Honestly still one of the best engines I've had the pleasure of running.

[@nickstevens3139]

Honda is still making them with a six speed box, abs and Ohlins suspension.

[@toofastnobrakes]

@@nickstevens3139 but I can’t get one here in the US 🥲

[@nickstevens3139]

You can’t get em in Oz at the moment either! The only countries that I know that sells them are Japan and Vietnam. I can never work out why they were never sold in North America. The price appears to be the problem at the moment, about AU $25,000 for the top of the range model.

[@mindspinn311]

Why do you have to sell it next October if you love it so much? And how did you come to choose this bike?

[@RarefiedRoad]

I had to sell it because it didn't meat the emissions limit for London where I do a lot of riding. If I could afford to keep more than one bike I'd still have it in a garage somewhere but it's just not possible at the minute. I miss it already.

[@flexywing]

@@RarefiedRoad You can "make" it ULEZ compliant just needs to tested, bet you have sold by now

[@multihull40]

Great video and good honest review...eerily accurate. I have a 2005 S model and hands down my favourite all time all rounder for all the reasons you described. It has a wider custom seat (under your thighs) which makes all the difference. I have a '14 Yamaha XJR1300 in new condition which I love riding too, but only around town....it doesn't have the smile inducing grunt of the CB for highway use. For track use on the CB I stiffen the front preload a fair way for better braking performance. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jXulc4Npqcmnla8 Keep up the excellent work👍

[@marcready6369]

Thanks for that. I was considering an XJR but if the Honda is much better, then it may well be my 4th.

[@grave2016]

How would you compare this to a zrx1200 (if you've ridden one)?

[@RarefiedRoad]

I've never ridden one but my dad has ridden both and he said the Kawasaki was a bit sportier but it lacked the finish of the Honda.

[@grave2016]

@@RarefiedRoad cheers mate

[@_audacerider3838]

So what is coming in October? V85tt?

[@RarefiedRoad]

It's deffinitely in the running.

[@_audacerider3838]

@@RarefiedRoad what about the new Honda CB1100S or RS if You can get Your hands on one!! I saw one they look cool and retro but still have a stonking big strong straight 4 motor plus 6 speed box. Or a Kawasaki 900RS. Or a Triumph Speed Twin 1200 :) there are so many cool bikes out there!!

[@SuperGinkgo]

So whats the criteria for this "October London" ruling re motorbikes? is it age, bhp, capacity? So which leccy bike are you going to get... eh,eh?!?! 👍🏍😋

[@RarefiedRoad]

It's emissions based so anything made after 2007 is compliant.

[@MsDenver2]

Great bike but get rid of that fairing

[@peterkhoo2569]

Is it 5 speed mate .Thanks

[@RarefiedRoad]

It is

[@nickstevens3139]

The latest model has a six speed box.

[@fredblogsmac.5697]

id love one but,, liberated of 30 quide every time I fill up

[@FunWithAJ]

Was that your dad at the end?

[@RarefiedRoad]

It was

[@FunWithAJ]

@@RarefiedRoad very cool. He seems like a great guy.

[@progste]

Next the GSX 1400 =P

[@khr1960]

Don't know who told you the cb1300 eats chains I have the same year only one replacement chain the bike has done 35800 miles.

[@RarefiedRoad]

I think it probably depends on how you're riding (and how good your chain is) mine was stretched when I got it so it must have been the previous owner.

[@flexywing]

Mine still has the original chain at 17k, so it is down to the rider

[@mindspinn311]

0:54 does that mean speed limit ends here?

[@RarefiedRoad]

It means national speed limit which should be 60mph on country roads but most will push a little beyond that

[@chetansurve]

ohh so bajaj pulsar 220f designed came from here