[HONDA CB1300 SUPER BOL D’OR SP] Tradition Nurtured by the Luxury of a Large-Displacement Inline 4-cylinder Engine

Introducing the CB1300 SUPER BOL D'OR, everyone's dream!

It has been 32 years since the large naked CB1000 SUPER FOUR was introduced to the world under the Project BIG-1 advocacy. The current CB1300 SUPER FOUR/SUPER BOL D'OR follows in its footsteps.

This motorcycle is the ultimate in large-displacement 4-cylinder motorcycles in terms of presence and driving, as one of the most classic styles in the world. Once again, I tried it.

Table of Contents

HONDA CB1300 SUPER BOL D'OR SP
HONDA CB1300 SUPER BOL D'OR SP Specifications
Styling & Detail

HONDA CB1300 SUPER BOL D'OR SP

There is always a gleam in the eye, and the CB1300 SUPER BOL D'OR SP, which we have not seen in person in a year, is unquestionably beautiful. The exterior is finished in deep paint (the pearl sunbeam white coloring of the test model is a new color available in May of this year). An angular cam cover protrudes from the large fuel tank on either side, and beneath it is the cylinder block of the inline 4-cylinder. It has 4 polished stainless steel exhaust pipes extending from it in a flowing line. And then there is the gold undercarriage.

The SP is characterized by its equipment. I have ridden the SP several times since its introduction 6 years ago, when it looked like a custom motorcycle made by the manufacturer itself, and it still makes me sigh just looking at it.

When the engine is started, it moves instantly from stillness to motion without riding. Even after the first idle of “boohoo” settles down, the sound emanating from the 4-cylinder collective exhaust system does not hesitate to assert itself. The sound echoed off the walls, filling even the underground parking lot with the world of the CB1300.

I gripped the heavy hydraulic clutch and shifted into first gear. As I released the clutch, it easily pushed the 270-plus-kilogram motorcycle out of first gear with the ample torque of a large-displacement 4-cylinder. This is the art of large-displacement motorcycles. The essence of the CB1300 SUPER BOL D'OR SP lies in the fact that it is easy to ride without being conscious of its size and weight, even at low speeds. This is a testament to the resources that have been invested in handling and engine characteristics. The SP model's suspension absorbency has been further upgraded. When the front wheel passes over a slight bump, there is a kickback in the rider's hands, but it is mild to a high quality level. Also, when braking gently at a red light in the city, the sliding resistance of the seals and bushings felt when the front fork sinks is extremely small. At first, I thought that the initial braking of the front brake was too soft. This clearly shows that the sliding resistance of the front fork sinking was usually taken as a signal for the front brake to start braking.

In contrast, the 2 rear shock units show their presence a little, but they still do not push up from behind the rider, but rather absorb road surface undulation through tire and suspension movement while firmly pressing the tires against the road surface, just as the front unit does. In any case, the level of the suspension is high. If the base setting is this good, considering that both front and rear are fully adjustable, the rider should be able to move in either a comfortable or sporty direction by slightly adjusting the spring preload, rebound and compression damping pressure to suit their driving style, rider weight, and personal preferences.

OHLINS is well-known for its custom parts, but it is precisely because the settings were carefully designed based on the rider's intention of how he or she wants the CB1300 SUPER BOL D'OR to ride that the springs are able to convert from a slow stroke speed range to front and rear pitching without the rider's knowing it.

If the rider captures the quality movement of the motorcycle, which is profound, he or she will become engrossed in a dialogue with the suspension, which catches the load transfer from the minute gas pedal work. For this reason, the engine characteristics, especially the response to the opening of the accelerator pedal, are also important. In a word, the rider should be able to freely draw out the power of the engine from the fine response that makes the best use of the suspension's good movement.

This does not mean sharpness, but rather the ability to draw power weakly or strongly as desired without any feeling of bumpiness. This also includes the snatch and backlash of the drive train, the precision of the gear meshing, the adjustment of the drive chain, and the fit of the sprockets. The way the gas pedal grip turns and the friction of the wire cables are all related to the operating feel, so the motorcycle has been carefully tailored.

This is why there is pleasure in shifting the 6-speed transmission, and pleasure in operating the clutch. In other words, the CB1300 SUPER BOL D'OR SP is a motorcycle that offers the ultimate in harmony.

I would add for honor's sake, the standard CB1300 SUPER FOUR series is also packed with such parts. On top of that, we thought that the world that invested approx. 2,465 USD in the price difference could only be made by Honda. It would cost approx. 3,296 USD just to purchase the aftermarket OHLINS upright fork assembly and rear shock unit, and if you add BREMBO calipers to that, the customization cost would be even higher. Not only is a high-end suspension installed, but the entire motorcycle is set up in such a way as to immerse the rider in the world of riding.

The front brakes are soft at first, but as you apply more and more pressure, the braking power is exactly as expected (the important thing is that it is neither more nor less than expected, but as you want it).

On winding roads, this is why you can feel the grip and turning performance of the tires as if you were holding them in your hands. It is not a tool to attack, but a tool to enjoy the moment in detail. After enjoying the big motorcycle, the CB1300 SUPER BOL D'OR SP, I understood anew the meaning of the motorcycle's existence. Riding becomes a special time when you can experience the moment when the motorcycle and the person ...... feel as if they are in the same boat. Project BIG-1, the ultimate SP, is a motorcycle to savor the accumulation of such moments.

HONDA CB1300 SUPER BOL D'OR SP Specifications

■Engine Type: Liquid-cooled 4-stroke inline 4-Cylinder DOHC 4-valve
■Total Displacement: 1,284cm3
■Bore x Stroke: 78.0 x 67.2mm
■Compression Ratio: 9.6
■Max Power: 83kW (113 PS)/7,750rpm
■Max Torque: 112 N・m (11.4 kgf・m)/6,250rpm
■Fuel Supply System: PGM-FI
■Length x Width x Height: 2,200 x 825 x 1,215mm
■Distance Between Axles: 1,380mm
■Seat Height: 790mm
■Vehicle Weight: 272kg
■Fuel Tank Capacity: 21L
■Caster Angle: 25°00'
■Trail: 99mm
■Transmission Type: 6-speed return
■Brake Type (front/rear): Hydraulic Double Disc, Hydraulic Disc
■Tire Size (front/rear): 120/70ZR17, 180/55ZR17
■Color: Pearl Sunbeam White, Pearl Hawke's Eye Blue
■MSRP (including tax): approx. 13,484 USD

Styling & Detail

The CB1300 SUPER BOL D'OR SP has a polished presence. The gold and red frame

The combination of colors, which was also used on the CB1100R, is now reflected in the CB1300 SUPER BOL D'OR SP.

BREMBO brake calipers with monoblock opposed 4-piston. Radial mounts on axle holders on fork outers.

The sound is impressive, with a sound pressure, fatness, and power that beautifully expresses the character of a large-displacement 4-cylinder engine.

Analog gauges are now rare; LCD monitors display riding mode, fuel gauge, etc.

Front forks are upright type with φ43mm gold-finished inner tubes. It is equipped with a compression damping damper on the left and an extension damping damper on the right. Preload adjustment is also possible.