Among Honda motorcycles, the "CB" equipped with an inline 4-cylinder engine is the mainstream, and the naked CB1300 Super Four (SF) has led the popularity. The current CB1300SF is the third generation SC54 type that was fully remodeled in 2003, and has been in production for over 20 years with repeated minor changes to various parts. The SC54 CB1300SF is expected to end production as it cannot comply with the new emission regulations that will be implemented in 2026, and the final edition that will be the last of the series is expected to be released around May 2025.
Lineage of the CB with an in-line 4-cylinder engine
It was probably the Dream CB750FOUR, also known as the "750", that made the CB name known to the public. The Dream CB750FOUR, which appeared in 1969, was equipped with a 736cc air-cooled SOHC inline 4-cylinder engine that produced 67PS, and offered users a maximum speed of 200km/h, which was a dream come true at the time. It was exported all over the world as Honda's flagship model and was loved by many riders.
The Dream CB750FOUR, which made Honda, and indeed Japanese-made, motorcycles known to the world, can be said to be the origin of high-performance motorcycles.
The DOHC engine installed in the works racer RCB was eventually adopted for commercial vehicles, and in 1979 the CB750F, equipped with a 748cc air-cooled DOHC inline 4-cylinder engine that produced 70 PS, debuted. This CB750F was made available for overseas markets as the CB900F, which evolved into the CB1100F and CB1100R. Then, in 1983, the CBX750F, equipped with a more compact air-cooled DOHC engine, appeared, and in 1987 the CB series evolved into the CBR750/1000F, equipped with a water-cooled DOHC engine.
The CB750F, which is equipped with a DOHC engine inherited from the RCB, comes in a variety of versions, including the CB900F for export and the CB1100R equipped with a large engine.
The CB1100R was also known as a road-going racer. Its large frame-mounted cowling was a rare feature for a production bike at the time.
The CBX750F, which appeared during the heyday of V-type bikes, had a compact engine and frame and came standard with a large frame-mounted cowling.
Equipped with a water-cooled engine and the latest aerodynamic full cowling at the time, the CBR750F was an advanced motorcycle.
The era of racer replicas had arrived, and Honda had released machines equipped with V-engines, but in 1992 it released the CBR900RR Fireblade, equipped with an in-line 4-cylinder engine, to overseas markets. With a dry weight of 185kg, which was extremely light for the time, and an in-line 4-cylinder engine that produced 124PS, the CBR900RR Fireblade became the foundation of the models that are now called super sports motorcycles.
It can be said that modern supersports began with the CBR900RR, and its descendant, the CBR1000RR-R, is in the current lineup.
Also in 1992, the first-generation CB1000SF, known as the SC30 model, was released in the Japanese market in the naked category, which was becoming increasingly popular at the time. This CB1000SF was announced as the result of "Project BIG-1," which began with the idea of a single designer, and would later lead to the CB400SF, which became a huge hit.
The SC30 CB1000SF, the start of the legend
The first-generation SC30 CB1000SF was a naked model that mounted a CBR1000F-series engine on a specially developed steel frame and incorporated various design elements from models such as the CB750F and CB1100R.
The large 23L fuel tank had a CB1100R-like design with a protruding front and a narrow knee grip, and the side covers and seat cowl had a sharp design based on straight lines. The colors available were "white/red," reminiscent of the CB1100R's tricolor color, and "black/gray metallic," which had the same graphics but a more sophisticated look.
The CBR-series water-cooled engine had a displacement of 998cc and was tuned to produce a maximum output of 93PS/8500rpm and a maximum torque of 8.6kgm/6000rpm, with an emphasis on characteristics at low and mid-range speeds. The body is made of a steel frame combined with an aluminum swingarm, 43mm upright front forks and twin shocks with a reservoir tank. The wheel size is 18 inches front and rear, with 120/70-18 and 170/60-18 size tires on the front and rear, respectively, and it is equipped with a front double disc brake and a rear single disc brake.
With the size of a big motorcycle and the highly popular CB-F/R-series design, the CB1000SF was the first naked motorcycle to be introduced into the large class, and became a hugely popular model.
An image sketch of the SC30. Based on the CB-F series design, it adds new elements.
The first CB1000SF was released with this "white/red" image color scheme, and its large, imposing body was also a reason for its popularity.
The "black/gray metallic" finish, combined with the black suspension, creates a cool image.
The CB1000SF T2 is equipped with a bikini cowl and is painted in a single color of black, creating a dark image.
SC40 type CB1300SF equipped with a 1300cc engine
The CB1000SF was manufactured until 1998, but at the end of the model's run, it was forced to change the model as other companies' models were equipped with larger displacement engines. Then, at the 1997 Tokyo Motor Show, a new CB was announced, the "CB1300SF" with a 1300cc engine and model name SC40, which continued the "PROJECT BIG-1" concept.
The design of the CB1300SF was an extension of the CB1000SF, but most of the model, from the engine to the frame, was newly designed. The engine was based on the one first installed on the X4 released in 1997, but the carburetor, exhaust system, ignition timing, etc. were changed, giving it the strongest specs of a naked model at the time, with a maximum output of 100PS/7500rpm and a maximum torque of 12.2kgm/5000rpm. In addition, although it was a water-row engine, it was also distinctive that the cylinders were equipped with fins like air-cooled engines.
The frame was a backbone-type double cradle type used in the X4, and by changing the position of the head pipes, it was brought closer to the dimensions of the CB1000SF, and by combining it with 17-inch wheels, cornering performance and maneuverability at low speeds were improved. The rear suspension was a double Pro-Link suspension that turned the Pro-Link suspension into a twin shock, and the front brakes were equipped with 6-pot calipers, giving it the equipment you expect from a flagship model.
Conceptual sketch of the SC40. While following the basic design of the SC30, it gives a more relaxed impression.
The SC40-type CB1300SF, which has been newly designed from the engine to the frame, is an ambitious model that was created with the aim of being the strongest naked model.
The SC54 type CB1300SF has evolved to be lighter and more compact.
The SC40 was replaced by the SC54 CB1300SF in 2003, and was exported overseas as a global model instead of a domestic model. The new SC54 weighed 226kg dry, a 20kg lighter weight than the SC40, which had a dry weight of 246kg.
The engine has the same bore and stroke as the SC40, 1284cc, but the fuel supply system has been changed from a carburetor to a PGM-Fi (electronically controlled fuel injection system), and a three-dimensional ignition timing control system and a direct-push type in which the cam pushes the valve directly through a lifter instead of a rocker arm have been adopted. This engine has a maximum output of 74kW (100PS)/7000rpm and a maximum torque of 117Nm (11.9kgm)/5500rpm.
The frame is a newly designed, more compact and lightweight steel dual-backbone double cradle, which is 7kg lighter and has a 30mm shorter wheelbase. The rear suspension has been replaced with a standard twin shock absorber, and the front brake calipers are 4-pot calipers. The wheel size is 17 inches front and rear, and the rear tire has been changed from the SC40's 190/60-17 to 180/55-17.
Conceptual sketch of the SC54 model. The overall impression is that it is condensed, giving the impression of a short wheelbase.
The SC54 type CB1300SF has been slimmed down to reduce weight and features a compact frame design. It is a long-selling model that has been in production for over 20 years since the first model.
The design of the CB1300 SUPER BOL D'OR with its frame-mounted half cowl is reminiscent of the CB1100R.
In 2005, the CB1300 SUPER BOL D'OR equipped with a half cowl was added to the SC54 model, and in 2019, the SB1300SP equipped with Ohlins suspension front and rear and Brembo monoblock calipers on the front brakes was added to the lineup. The SB1300SP, with front and rear Öhlins suspension and Brembo monoblock calipers on the front brakes, was added to the lineup in 2019.
2024 model CB1300SF SP. In addition to the luxurious equipment of Ohlins + Brembo, the red frame and gold wheels give it a special feel.
The CB1300 SUPER BOL D'OR SP is also in the lineup. The blue and gold lines on the side of the cowl give it a special look.
The standard model features "Digital Silver Metallic", a finish carried over from 2022 that evokes the image of F. Spencer's Daytona racer.
The CB1300 SUPER BOL D'OR SP will also be available in one color, "Digital Silver Metallic." The stripes that extend to the cowl enhance its sportiness.
The Final Edition, which will be the last of the SC54 series, is expected to come in two colors: "White/Red," which pays homage to the original SC30 model, and "Black/Gray Metallic." The specs will likely be the same as the current 2024 model, but if "FINAL EDITION" becomes the official name, logos and other marks will likely be placed on various parts.
The "White/Red" color scheme that is likely to be available for the final edition SP follows the graphics of the original CB1000SF.
"Black/Gray Metallic" was also a color that was in the lineup for the original CB1000SF. It is highly likely that this will be available as standard.
It is highly likely that production of the SC54 will end in October 2026. This will put an end to the history of the CB1000SF and CB1300SF, which began with "Project BIG-1". However, considering that the CB1300SF is Honda's representative model, there is a high possibility that a successor model will be released, so we are looking forward to that as well.
CB1300SF Main Specifications (2023)
Overall Length x Width x Height: 2200 x 795 x 1125 mm
Wheelbase: 1520mm
Seat Height: 780mm
Vehicle Weight: 266kg
Engine: Liquid-cooled 4-stroke DOHC 4-valve inline 4-cylinder 1284cc
Maximum Output: 83 kW (113 PS)/7750rpm
Maximum Torque: 112 N-m (11%).(4kgm)/6250rpm
Fuel Tank Capacity: 21L
Brakes: F=disc, R=disc
Tire: F=120/70-17, R=180/55-17
Price: $10310.91（Tax Included）
