Honda CB1300

The Honda CB1300 is a muscular naked bike powered by a 1,284cc liquid-cooled inline-four engine producing 111 bhp and 112 Nm of torque, mated to a six-speed gearbox with slipper and assist clutch. It features modern conveniences like ride-by-wire throttle, three riding modes, Honda Selectable Torque Control, bi-directional quickshifter, and cruise control, all wrapped in a classic retro design with premium elements like Ohlins suspension and Brembo brakes. The half-cowl version helps reduce wind blast on the rider, enhancing comfort on long rides. Its build quality and mechanical refinement show Honda’s attention to detail, while the bike’s size makes it more suited to experienced riders and highway cruising rather than tight city traffic. Though primarily available in Japan, the CB1300’s appeal to Indian riders looking for a premium, powerful, and uniquely styled motorcycle remains strong, especially for those valuing a blend of retro aesthetics with contemporary technology and performance.

The Honda CB1300 Super Four is a retro-styled naked motorcycle powered by a 1284cc liquid-cooled inline-four engine, producing around 110-113 horsepower and 112 Nm of torque. It features a six-speed gearbox with a slip-and-assist clutch and optional quickshifter, offering smooth shifting. The chassis uses a steel double cradle frame, paired with Ohlins telescopic front forks and twin rear shocks for balanced handling and comfort. Braking is handled by dual front discs and a single rear disc with dual-channel ABS for safety. Riding modes (Sport, Standard, Rain) and Honda Selectable Torque Control provide adaptive riding dynamics. Its styling fuses classic motorcycle elements like a half-cowl with a smoked windscreen, retro tail light, and a comfortable, wide seat designed for both rider and passenger. The bike’s premium build and detailed craftsmanship are evident, highlighting its positioning as a large, fun-to-ride machine that blends nostalgia with modern technology. Availability in India is limited to imports with no official local launch.

The Honda CB1300 stands out as a commanding retro-inspired naked motorcycle that delivers a blend of classic styling and modern performance. Its 1,284cc inline-four engine offers a robust 111 bhp and 112 Nm of torque, making it potent enough for both city commutes and spirited highway rides. The bike's handling benefits from a strong yet slim chassis and premium suspension components like Ohlins forks, providing excellent stability and ride comfort even at high speeds. The addition of advanced features such as selectable riding modes (Sport, Standard, Rain), Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), bi-directional quickshifter, cruise control, and throttle-by-wire represents a thoughtful package that enhances both safety and rider engagement. Its old-school aesthetics married with modern hardware create a unique riding experience that appeals to enthusiasts seeking a blend of nostalgia and performance with undeniable build quality. However, the bike’s size and weight might feel substantial in dense Indian traffic or tight urban scenarios, and it demands an experienced rider comfortable with its bulk. Overall, the Honda CB1300 is a compelling option for buyers desiring a powerful, refined, and character-rich motorcycle with premium features.

The Honda CB1300 Super Four is a commanding presence in the big retro naked bike segment, blending classic aesthetics with modern engineering. Its 1284cc inline-four engine delivers a robust 110-113 horsepower with a smooth and linear torque curve, making it thrilling for both city cruising and open highway rides. The bike handles impressively for its size, thanks to a steel double cradle frame and well-tuned suspension that balance comfort and stability. Features like riding modes (Sport, Standard, Rain) and Honda Selectable Torque Control add versatility and rider confidence under varying conditions. The half cowl design with air ducts reduces wind pressure and enhances high-speed stability, ideal for long-distance touring. While it retains classic retro styling, build quality is premium, with attention to detail in components and ergonomics that favor rider and pillion comfort. This combination of power, style, and versatility makes it an excellent choice for riders seeking a distinctive, accessible large-capacity motorcycle that doesn't sacrifice modern performance.

The Honda CB1300 remains unavailable through official channels in India, with no launch plans announced by Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India as of early 2026, leaving enthusiasts to rely on grey market imports that are rare and pricey, often exceeding 15 lakh rupees for used units in major cities like Delhi and Mumbai. I've seen sporadic listings on platforms like OLX for CB1300 Super Four variants smuggled via Bangladesh routes, but they come with high customs duties, unreliable service support, and voided warranties, making ownership a gamble on spare parts availability from unauthorized dealers. Fuel efficiency hovers around 15-18 kmpl in real-world tests shared by importers, suitable for occasional highway blasts but thirsty for daily commutes amid rising petrol prices. The 1284cc inline-four engine's smooth 111bhp delivery shines on open roads like the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, yet its hefty 250kg kerb weight demands experienced handling in traffic-choked urban sprawl. Without Honda's BigWing network backing, maintenance costs balloon due to specialized Ohlins suspension and Japanese-sourced components, and resale value dips sharply post-import. For now, it's a collector's dream rather than a practical choice, with domestic alternatives like the CB750 Hornet offering similar thrills minus the hassle.

The Honda CB1300 remains unavailable in India, with no official launch, imports, or sales through Honda BigWing dealerships as of now, sticking to its Japan-exclusive status for models like the Super Four SP and Super Bol d'Or SP. I've been tracking updates closely, and despite global refreshes for 2025-2026 featuring the 1284cc liquid-cooled inline-four engine delivering around 111bhp at 7750rpm and 112Nm at 6250rpm, paired with a six-speed gearbox, slip-assist clutch, and optional quickshifter, there's zero indication of India entry due to import duties, emission norms, and lack of local assembly. Premium hardware like Ohlins or Showa suspension, dual 310mm front discs with cornering ABS, and riding modes such as Sport, Standard, and Rain won't grace Indian roads anytime soon, as Honda focuses on compliant models like the CB350 series here. Pricing hovers at about Rs 10.66-11.26 lakh equivalent in Japan, but grey market sightings are rare and pricey over Rs 20 lakh, making it a distant dream for enthusiasts craving that classic UJM power and retro naked appeal on our potholed highways. If Honda eyes big litre-class imports, expect R1m-plus ex-showroom, but for now, rivals like the Kawasaki Z900 fill the void better.

The Honda CB1300 remains unavailable through official channels in India, with no launches or sales from Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India as of early 2026, leaving enthusiasts to rely on grey market imports via parallel importers, much like in neighboring Bangladesh where used units fetch around Tk 12-15 lakh plus registration costs. I've seen a few CB1300SA variants—the Super Bol D'Or with its half-fairing—pop up sporadically in Mumbai and Delhi's underground markets, priced at roughly Rs 12-15 lakh for low-mileage Japanese imports, though customs duties, RTO hurdles, and lack of warranty make them risky buys. Powered by the unchanged 1284cc liquid-cooled inline-four engine delivering 111bhp at 7750rpm and 112Nm at 6250rpm, mated to a six-speed gearbox with slip-assist clutch, it offers thrilling mid-range punch ideal for highway runs, but its 236kg heft demands experience on our potholed roads. Fuel efficiency hovers at 20-25kmpl, maintenance is affordable thanks to Honda's widespread parts network, and resale holds decently among collectors. Recent Japan-only updates like Final Edition liveries and Pearl Sunbeam White don't impact India, but rumors of a potential CKD assembly persist—fingers crossed for official entry to rival the likes of Triumph's retro heavies. For now, I advise sticking to test rides if you spot one, prioritizing service history over impulse.

Honda has announced the release of the 2024 CB1300 in new colors, set to hit the market in May. The CB1300SF/SB SP will feature fresh color schemes, adding a modern touch to this classic naked bike. This update could be one of the last for this model, making it a collectors item for enthusiasts. I think the new colors will give it a fresh appeal that will attract both old and new fans of the CB1300.

In a recent move, Honda launched a special 30th-anniversary edition of the CB1300, marking the end of the current production run in 2023. This edition brings back some nostalgic elements, making it a unique offering for those who have followed the model over the years. Its a great way to celebrate the bikes legacy.

The Honda CB1300 is officially sold in Japan but can be imported into India, where it commands a premium on-road price due to customs duty and import taxes. The ex-showroom price in Japan for the CB1300 Super Four SP variant is around Rs. 10.66 lakh, which when imported to India could translate to an on-road cost of approximately Rs. 18 to 22 lakh, depending on state taxes, registration, and compliance costs. This places the CB1300 in the upper premium naked bike segment in India, competing with big-bore motorcycles from brands like Kawasaki and Suzuki. Given its exclusivity and advanced hardware, the Indian price reflects both the import cost and the bike’s niche appeal as a sophisticated retro-modern machine catering to enthusiasts rather than mainstream buyers. For Indian riders seeking a distinctly powerful and stylish motorcycle with a classic vibe, the CB1300’s price, though steep, is arguably justified by its engine character, build quality, and feature set.

The Honda CB1300 Super Four is currently not officially launched or retailed in India through Honda dealerships but can be imported via third-party channels as a CBU (Completely Built Unit). Based on its price in Japan, it is quoted at approximately 10.6 to 11.3 lakh INR ex-showroom. Adding import duties, taxes, and registration costs typical for India, the on-road price of a CB1300 is likely to exceed 17-18 lakh INR, placing it in direct competition with premium superbikes in India. This pricing reflects the exclusivity of the bike in India, as Honda does not officially sell it domestically. The high import and regulatory costs may deter some buyers, but for enthusiasts desiring its specific blend of retro style and modern inline-four performance, the premium price is justified. Prospective owners should consider the premium cost a reflection of its niche positioning, performance hardware, and limited availability in India.

The Honda CB1300’s mileage in Indian conditions typically averages around 15-17 km/l depending on riding style and traffic. While not a fuel-sipper due to its large displacement and performance-oriented nature, the running cost remains reasonable if ridden primarily on highways or open roads. Buyers prioritizing fuel economy over outright power may find this bike less practical, but for enthusiasts who value a blend of performance and style, the mileage reflects a balanced compromise in the premium big-bike segment.

The Honda CB1300’s large 1284cc engine consumes more fuel given its power output, with real-world mileage in Indian riding conditions typically around 12 to 15 km/l depending on riding style and traffic. This is not particularly economical compared to smaller motorcycles but expected for a liter-plus naked sportbike. Buyers concerned about running costs should weigh the spirited performance and premium experience against fuel expenses and maintenance costs, which are higher due to the import status and large displacement.