Honda ST 1300 - Ride Review

Honda's ST 1100 model ran for 12 years and during that time earned itself an enviable reputation amongst touring motorcyclists. Now the ST has grown up and matured in to the ST 1300.

Weight is down, power is up. But that is only half the story...

While it utilises the same V-4 configuration as the previous model's 1,084cc engine, the performance improvements are immediately obvious. Power is up by 20% while torque improves by nearly 10%.

The new engine displaces 1,261cc, but manages to be both more compact, and shorter in overall length. The previous model's wide belt-driven cam drive was replaced with a slim, new chain drive for lighter weight. The combined result of these changes is a 60mm reduction in engine length and a major reduction in the number of respective component parts.

The engine's four valve per cylinder double overhead cam design uses cam-over-bucket direct valve actuation. This helps keep operation simple while reducing maintenance requirements. When routine maintenance does become necessary, the engine's head covers are positioned for easy access that allows even major operations to be performed with ease.

The engine is also very aesthetically pleasing, making me think that it might just find it's way in to some sort of power cruiser...

Like several of Honda's most high-performance motorcycles, the new ST now features advanced aluminium composite cylinder sleeves that are lighter in weight, more resistant to wear and more effective at transferring heat than conventional iron sleeves. Riding inside these new sleeves are lightweight aluminium pistons. These feature a new 'Lube-Coat' surface process that reduces friction and contributes to the engine's sharper response and acceleration.

Fuel is delivered to the highly refined new engine by Honda's excellent PGM-FI injection system. The four 36mm throttle bodies are fed from a 29-litre dual element fuel tank. I covered 2,800km in three days aboard the new ST and the machine returned between 350 and 500km per tank depending on the pace. An unmatched touring range in my experience.

Fluid drive is fed through a faultless 5-speed gearbox via the maintenance-free shaft final drive system. The old ST powerplant was fairly smooth and fuss free but this new combination reaches a much higher level of refinement.