The Honda ST1300 ABS Goes Vroom Vroom Vroom

History

During the 2000 bike show season, Honda began showing a prototype sport tourer called the X-Wing which featured a V6 engine, single-sided front and rear suspensions and an automatic transmission. Speculation in the press that the X-Wing was the ST1100′s replacement was partially confirmed when Honda introduced an all-new Pan European in Europe and Australia for the 2002 model year. For the U.S. market, the new bike would be imported in limited numbers (about 500 per year) starting in 2003 as the ST1300.

Features

The new ST incorporates many of the X-Wing’s sleek lines but none of its running gear. Power comes from a lower-slung 1261 cc V4 engine mounted as a stressed member in a lighter aluminum frame. A major difference from the ST1100 is the use of balance shafts for smoothness, allowing the engine to be directly mounted to the frame. The rear wheel is driven through a cassette-type five-speed transmission and the familiar shaft drive. The revised engine layout and a split fuel tank shift some of the weight downward, making the ST1300 less top-heavy than its predecessor. A long list of minor differences improve on the ST1100′s already excellent comfort, handling and performance. Honda’s well-regarded ABS package continues to be an option on the ST1300, although this version does not include a traction control system. In 2002 and 2003, models with ABS included an electrically-adjustable windscreen which became standard equipment in 2004.

Colors (U.S.)

2002 ST1300P in emergency services configuration. Key differences are single seat plus blue lights & sirens.
2002 ST1300P in emergency services configuration. Key differences are single seat plus blue lights & sirens.
2003 First year for U.S. market Silver
2004 Second year Blue
2005 Third year Red
2006 Fourth year Black
2007 Fith year Bright Silver

Problems

Riders of the 2002 model reported a severe wobble at speeds above 160 km/h (100 mph), a problem which Honda considered serious enough to halt production of 2003s. The problem was eventually solved, the 2002s were recalled for a replacement of some chassis parts and the fix was applied to early 2003s. Other than the wobble and some complaints about the amount of heat reaching the rider at high temperatures, owners with 80,000 km (about 50,000 miles) on their ST1300s have reported the bike to be solid and reliable.

2007 Honda ST1300 ABS Specifications

Engine Type 1261cc liquid-cooled longitudinally mounted 90-degree V-4
Bore and Stroke 78mm x 66mm
Compression Ratio 10.8:1
Valve Train DOHC; four valves per cylinder
Carburetion Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) with automatic enricher circuit
Ignition Computer-controlled digital with three-dimensional mapping and electronic advance
DRIVE TRAIN
Transmission Five-speed
Final Drive Shaft
CHASSIS / SUSPENSION / BRAKES
Front Suspension 45.0mm HMAS cartridge fork; 4.6-inch travel
Rear Suspension HMAS gas-charged single shock with five-position spring-preload adjustability; 4.8-inch travel
Front Brakes Dual full-floating 310mm discs with LBS three-piston calipers with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Rear Brake Single 316mm disc with LBS three-piston caliper Optional ABS
Front Tire 120/70ZR-18
Rear Tire 170/60ZR-17
DIMENSIONS
Rake 26.0 degrees
Trail 98mm (3.9 inches)
Wheelbase 58.7 inches
Seat Height 31.1 inches (+/- 0.6 inches)
Dry Weight 659 pounds
Fuel Capacity 7.7 gallons
OTHER
Emissions This model meets CARB 2008 emissions standards.
Available Colors Light Silver Metallic
Model ID ST1300A

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