The 30th anniversary model of the CB1300SF/SB has just been released. This model has been a long seller as a representative of Honda's big bikes.
It seems as if the company's future is in safe hands, but now there is a possibility that production will end in just four years. What is this all about?
Written: Best Car Editorial Department / Photos: Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki
This article was originally published in "Best Car Web" on December 5, 2022.
- While the 400 is discontinued, 1300 is celebrating its 30th Anniversary and should survive into the future.
- The reason for termination appears to be「OBD2-2」regulations to be tightened in 2026
- What was Project BIG-1 in the first place, following in the footsteps of the CB1300?
- The Last Litter Over NK, To Overturn a Discontinued Future
It is still fresh in our minds that Honda's CB400 Super Four (SF) will be discontinued as of the end of October 2022.
The CB400SF is a motorcycle born from Project BIG-1, which was planned in 1992. Also born from this project was the CB1000SF. Since its debut in November 1992, the CB1000SF has evolved and is currently lined up with its successor, the CB1300SF, and the Super Boldor (SB) with a half-cowl.
While the CB400SF has just reached its finale on its 30th anniversary, the parent CB1300 series continues to be sold.
The "1300" was also threatened with extinction at one point, but a model change in 2021 made it compliant with emission regulations.
And to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the first generation CB1000SF, a special CB1300SF/SB SP 30th Anniversary will go on sale in December. A standard model with new colors will also be available.
The CB400SF is discontinued, but we thought 1300 would continue to run, and then we got word that 1300 will be discontinued in four more years.
30th Anniversary model set for SP with front and rear Ohlins suspension and Brembo radial calipers. The left photo shows the CB1300 Super Four SP 30th Anniversary, and the right photo shows the Super Boldor. Orders are being accepted until January 9.
The commemorative car has a white and red body color with gold lines and a metallic red main frame. On the tank is an emblem commemorating the 30th anniversary of Project BIG-1.
The reason for termination appears to be「OBD2-2」regulations to be tightened in 2026
Sources say that the CB1300SF/SB will be discontinued around 2025-2026 without complying with stricter OBD2 regulations.
OBD2 is an onboard diagnostic equipment that was mandated to be installed in accordance with the 2020 motorcycle emission regulations. It is directly connected to the computer (ECU) that controls the engine ignition and transmission and detects abnormalities in the electrical system and exhaust emissions. It has a function to save a failure log with error codes.
While four-wheeled vehicles are already equipped with the system, motorcycles became mandatory from December 2020 for new models and November 2022 for vehicles in continuous production (moped class 1 is not applicable until 2025).
On the other hand, a system that measures engine misfires, air-fuel ratio, and toxic substances to detect catalyst deterioration has been given a reprieve to be installed. This more advanced system, known as OBD2-2, will become mandatory in December 2024 for new vehicles and in November 2026 for vehicles in continuous production (current vehicles).
The CB1300 series will be equipped with OBD2 in 2021 to comply with the 2020 emission regulations while adopting electronic throttle control, etc. The CB1300 series will also be equipped with OBD2 in 2026. However, it is expected that the CB1300 series will not be compatible with OBD-2, which is more costly, and the production period is likely to last until the end of November 2026 at the most.
However, there is a possibility that it may end before the deadline. Then, there are no more than four years left to purchase a new CB1300 series.
By connecting the OBD connector to a computer or other device, the vehicle's condition can be inspected and visualized. Commonly known as OBD2-2, it is mandatory to install a higher-cost system. Photo from Yamaha website
What was Project BIG-1 in the first place, following in the footsteps of the CB1300?
Project BIG-1, the origin of the CB1300/400SF series, started when the development team itself tried to produce the bike it wanted.
The CB1000SF, in particular, became a target of admiration for riders because of its huge body, as if to say, "If you can ride it, try it. Who would ride such a monster? Soichiro Honda said, "Who would ride such a monster?
At the time, the replica boom was ending and naked bikes such as the Zephyr were becoming a big hit. Big bikes were also booming, and the CB1000SF was gaining a lot of support.
Then, in 1998, it evolved into the CB1300SF (SC40), whose displacement was increased to 1284cc. However, due to the increase in body and weight, the second generation (SC54) debuted in 2003 with a more compact body and weight.
The second generation CB1300 became even more popular and was a bestseller until 2007. Recently, however, sales have been slow. Although the CB1300 was made more attractive with the introduction of cruise control and other features in 2021, actual sales were 904 units compared to the sales plan of 1,600 units, and the CB1300 ranked 12th in sales volume in the big bike class above 401 cc (according to Motorcyclist Newspaper).
The average age group of riders who purchased a new motorcycle in 2021 was 54.2 years old (JAMA survey). Every year, the age group is on the rise, with many shunning the heavier models that were the status quo when they were younger. On the other hand, more and more people are opting for lighter models such as moped motorcycles.
Not that the royal-style nakeds have become boring, but the Z900RS, a 4-cylinder naked that, like the CB, inherits the style of yesteryear, has been a bestseller every year in Japan. In 2021, the Z900RS sold 4853 units, more than five times as many as the CB1300. This is partly due to the fact that the CB1300SF weighs 266 kg, while the Z900RS weighs 217kg, about 50 kg less than the CB, and has a more compact chassis.
The CB1000SF (SC30), introduced in November 1992, was a huge ship with a wheelbase of 1540 mm and equipped weight of 260 kg, powered by a liquid-cooled straight-4 similar to the CBR1000F. However, once it started running, it was surprisingly docile, a gap that also made it popular.
The first generation CB1300SF debuted in 1998 as the second generation BIG-1. Its displacement was increased from 998 to 1284 cc to compete with its rivals. Equipped with a new double pro-link mechanism, etc., the weight increased to 273 kg, but the machine became easier to ride.
In 2003, the third BIG-1 and second-generation CB1300SF were introduced. A 21kg weight reduction brought the vehicle to 254kg, making it more sporty. An SB with a half-cowl was added in 2005. In 2014, 6-speed and other changes were made.
Kawasaki Z900RS. While more retro in appearance than the CB1300, the Z900 is based on the latest Z900 on the inside. Since its introduction at the end of 2017, it has been a bestseller, and this year, in its fourth year of debut, it is expected to record its best sales ever!
The Last Litter Over NK, To Overturn a Discontinued Future
In the past, there were a number of over-liter straight-four big naked from various manufacturers, including the Yamaha XJR1300, Suzuki GSX1400, and Kawasaki ZRX1200R, but now only the CB1300 remains.
The CB1300 series is the only standard naked model in Honda's CB series. If the CB1300 disappears, the CB of the royal naked series may cease to exist, but there are rumors that the CB1000R, a futuristic café racer with a liquid-cooled straight-4, will undergo a major renewal.
In any case, there are less than four years left to buy the last big gun model as a new motorcycle, so it is a good idea to move quickly if you want one. In the current climate, it is not always possible to get a vehicle right away. And when a long-selling model goes out of production, it is customary for a battle to ensue.
The CB1100, the last air-cooled straight-4, and the CB400SF, the world's only 4-cylinder in the 400 class and the little brother of the CB1300, were wanted but not available. Other companies, Yamaha's SR400 and Serow 250, have been difficult to obtain in the past.
We will continue to focus on CBs, including their successors.
After writing this lengthy article, there is still probably a future where the CB1300 series will avoid being discontinued. If users who read this article buy CB1300s in large numbers, there is a possibility that the CB1300 series will continue to exist after 2026.
The final edition of the CB1100RS/EX, the last air-cooled four-engine model, went on sale in October 2021 but was sold out early.
While the price of a new model is around 10170 USD, the used market price is usually over 14525 USD.
The standard model 2023 SF is also available. It features a new color, Digital Silver Metallic. The so-called Spencer color of silver and blue lines is a first for the current 1300.
Released this January 26, 2023, (approx.) 11345 USD.
A new color, Digital Silver Metallic, is also available for the 2023 SB. Both SF and SB have matte black wheels to tighten up the footprint.
Released this January 26, 2023, (approx.) 12145 USD.
For the 2023 SP model, both SF and SB are now available in one conventional color, Pearl Hawke's Eye Blue. Crankcase covers are now matte black. (approx.) 14060 USD for the SF and (approx.) 14860 USD for the SB.
