Just like everything else, certain motorcycle models grow up and are bound to be replaced. That's the case for the Honda->ke291 ST1100, which ran for almost 12 years before its time clearly has come to pass. In the 12 years it's been around, the ST1100->ke1950 has earned a reputation as one of the best touring motorcycles around, but like we said, everything has an expiration date, and the ST1100's date has already passed.

Now it's time to give proper introduction to the eventual successor, the ST1300.

Just like every sports-touring bike on the market, the ST1300 plays double duty as a touring and sports bike. The bodywork, which was carefully built behind the science of wind-tunnel testing, sports all the characteristics of a long-distance hauler and a sports racer. The hard saddlebags on the rear, together with the removable saddlebag liner set, a scuff-pad set, and knee-pad set, comprise some of the ST1300's touring characteristics. It also has a new fairing air-deflector set, a tank pad, and heated grips to round out the car's exterior set-up.

As far as performance characteristics go, the ST1300 is powered by a 1,261 cc liquid-cooled longitudinally mounted 90° V-4 engine that's complimented by a race-bred chassis and ABS technology. The new engine set-up produces 20% more power and 10% more torque than the ST1100, enough reason for this sports tourer to be considered a worthy successor.

Like most of Honda's high-performance motorcycles, the new ST1300 features advanced aluminum composite cylinder sleeves that are not only lighter in weight, but also more resistant to wear and more effective at transferring heat than conventional iron sleeves.

Find out more about the Honda ST1300 after the jump

2012 Honda ST1300

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2012 Honda ST1300
  • Engine/Motor: liquid-cooled longitudinally mounted 90° V-4 engine
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Specifications

Model

ST1300 ABS

Engine Type

1261cc liquid-cooled longitudinally mounted 90° V-4

Bore and Stroke

78mm x 66mm

Compression ratio

10.8:1

Valve Train

DOHC; four valves per cylinder

Induction

PGM-FI with automatic enricher circuit, four 36mm throttle bodies, eight holes per injector

Ignition

Computer-controlled digital with 3-D mapping and electronic advance

Transmission

Five-speed

Final Drive

Shaft

Suspension

Front: 45mm HMAS cartridge fork; 4.3 inches travel

Rear: HMAS gas-charged single shock with five-position spring preload adjustability; 4.8 inches travel

Brakes

Front: Dual full-floating 310mm discs with CBS three-piston calipers with ABS

Rear: Single 316mm disc with CBS three-piston caliper with ABS

Tires

Front: 120/70ZR-18

Rear: 170/60ZR-17

Wheelbase

58.7 inches

Rake (Caster Angle)

26.0°

Trail

98.0mm (3.9 inches)

Seat Height

31.1 inches (+/- 0.6 inch)

Fuel Capacity

7.7 gallons

Estimated Fuel Economy

35 mpg

Color

Black

Curb Weight*

730 pounds


*Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and full tank of fuel—ready to ride.

Honda's fuel-economy estimates are based on EPA exhaust emission measurement test procedures and are intended for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you ride; how you maintain your vehicle; weather; road conditions; tire pressure; installation of accessories; cargo, rider and passenger weight; and other factors.

2012 Honda ST 1300 Color Options/MSRP:

-Black / TBD

-Black/White (ST1300P) / TBD

-White (ST1300P) / TBD

Big Screen Appearances

The Honda ST 1300 ABS can be found in recent films such as 2008’s Get Smart, Vantage Point, and Goal II: Living the Dream.