Wondering what that “P” in the model name is all about? Well, law enforcement officers certainly don’t as these bikes address specifically to them.

For 2009 Honda also produces Police models of the notorious ST1300/ABS. Easy to handle, a top performer and very reliable, the ST may not feature any upgrades, but it surely won’t pass unnoticed when the lights and sirens are turned on. Ouch, that never sounds good!

2009 Honda ST1300P/1300P ABS

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2009 Honda ST1300P/1300P ABS
  • Engine/Motor: liquid-cooled longitudinally mounted 90 degree V-4; DOHC; four valves per cylinder
  • Horsepower: 125 bhp @ 8000
  • Torque: 85 lb./ft. @ 6000 rpm
  • Transmission: Five-speed
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

 

Introduction


Obviously, the construction of police bikes is based on the one of standard bikes and the ST1300P/ABS makes no exception. So it is strongly recommended that you don’t try to make a run for it as the engine behind this large baby is a liquid-cooled 1,261cc V4 with DOHC, four valves per cylinder valve train. With the 125 bhp at 8000 rpm and 85 lb./ft. of torque at 6000 rpm that it develops, this unit is capable of moving decently even a car so imagine how it manages with the 743 pounds curb weight of this two-wheeler.

Because special bikes require special features, the 2009 Honda ST1300P/ABS is not short on that. Apart from the adjustable motorized windshield, the speedometer is a very precise one graduated in 2-mph increments above 10 mph, there is a single adjustable seat (at least you won’t be rode to the station on it after being taken into custody) as well as 25mm raised and 13.5mm widened handlebars due to the fact that officers spend a lot of time on these things.

Honda also prepares their special ST series with brackets for the Police specific equipment (lights, sirens, antenna mount and radar) as well as ones that are destined for accessories. The fairing is 8mm widened, there is a special button for turning the headlight on and off in hot pursuit (frankly, I won’t do that during nighttime as dangerous the criminal would be) and other controls for the multifunction switch.

History


The Police version pretty much followed Honda’s ST1300/ST1300 ABS history with some postponements. So while the standard ST1100 model was introduced in 1990, the Police version came in two years later.

New millennium, but the same old story! By 2001, Honda started producing the ST1300 and the implicit ABS model, but carried on the production of the “P” model without upgrading it. The much awaited change was to arrive in 2005 and so it got the name ST1300P and ST1300P ABS as two models continued being built.

For 2007 and 2008 they stopped manufacturing the two models, only to be launched again as 2009 model years, but featuring no changes. 

Competition


Although Honda seems to provide an ideal solution for officers, we don’t live in a perfect world and, because governments spend a lot of bucks on police bikes, most motorcycle manufacturers have at least one. The most popular are the Harley-Davidsons and BMWs, but these are two-cylinder powered bikes. So, as in the case of the standard models, the 2009 Honda ST1300P/1300P ABS compete with the Yamaha FJR1300A Police motorcycle. This late is powered by a superior (compared to the HD and BMW) inline-four engine and looks pretty much the same as the ST does.

Although I’m not familiar with the criteria through which countries elect their bikes as I’ve seen a Harley-Davidson law enforcement bike in Germany, the ST1300 and FJR1300 seem like adequate for roads covering all relief forms.

Exterior


Police bikes have fascinated me ever since I was a kid and that is probably because they look imposing and powerful. The 2009 ST1300P and ST1300P ABS are among the greatest I got a glance of recently and, to be quite honest, they look like a great day at the office for me. Basically, that includes comfort and with both adjustable seat and windshield (motorized, as I mentioned before) no wonder Police officers spend hours in those seats.

Honda doesn’t sell fully equipped versions so we’ll have to indulge with what appears to be a White painted standard ST1300/ABS. But the details make all the difference and the main ones are the 8mm side fairing air-deflector set, the weather protective electronics cover and the left and right lower engine guards.

Apart what is previously mentioned the bike doesn’t undergo that much of a transformation (oh, I forgot to mention the protective pads on the gas tank) so if you see a black and white ST make sure you’re not speeding.

Conclusion


Apparently we’ll be seeing more and more such patrol models on the road next year as a result of Honda restarting production, but I’m waiting for a parade video featuring the 2009 ST1300P and ST1300P ABS, hopefully, pretty soon. The MSRP hasn’t been announced but it should be close to the one of the standard bike. Usually these kinds of bikes, fully equipped, can go as high as $30,000.

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SPECIFICATIONS

 

Engine and Transmission

 

Displacement: 1261cc

Engine Type: liquid-cooled longitudinally mounted 90 degree V-4

Bore and Stroke: 78mm x 66mm

Compression Ratio: 10.8:1

Valve Train: DOHC; four valves per cylinder

Carburetion: PGM-FI with automatic enricher circuit

Ignition: Computer-controlled digital with three-dimensional mapping and electronic advance

Transmission: Five-speed

Final Drive: Shaft

Chassis and Dimensions

 

Suspension Front: 45mm HMAS cartridge fork; 4.6 inches travel

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

Brakes Front: Dual full-floating 310mm discs with LBS three-piston calipers

Rear: Single 316mm disc with LBS three-piston caliper

Tires Front: 120/70ZR-18

Rear: 170/60ZR-17

Wheelbase: 58.7 inches

Rake (Caster Angle): 26.0o

Trail: 98mm (3.9 inches)

Seat Height: 31.1 inches (+/- 0.6 inches)

Curb Weight: 743 pounds

Fuel Capacity: 7.7 gallons

Features & Benefits

 

Unique features

 

  • ABS model combines with Linked Braking System™ (LBS™) for a wide range of braking and steering control. ABS features an electric-motor-driven modulator that gives quick, precise braking-pressure adjustments and smooth ABS operation. The system incorporates an integrated electronic control unit (ECU) controller, self-diagnostics with an interactive ECU test function and automatic protection against system failure.

  • LBS uses a second master cylinder and a proportional control valve to couple the three-piston calipers of the dual-disc front and single-disc rear brakes for even better braking feel, while providing the peace of mind of LBS. Using the front brake lever activates the outer two pistons of the front calipers and the two outer pistons of the rear caliper. Rear-pedal engagement activates the center piston of the rear brake caliper and the center pistons of the front calipers, and a delay valve slows initial front brake response to minimize front-end dive.

  • A motor-driven adjustable windscreen offers 7.4 inches and 13 degrees of adjustability for greater wind protection and touring comfort. A thumb-operated pushbutton on the left handlebar operates the windscreen motor. An additional 2.3 inches of manual adjustment is possible by repositioning the windscreen on the mounting brackets.

  • New special patrol speedometer is graduated in 2-mph increments above 10 mph.

  • Adjustable three-position dual-density solo seat.

  • Handlebars raised 25mm and width increased 13.5mm for rider comfort.

  • Specialized brackets for lights, sirens, antenna mount and radio/electronic equipment.

  • Rear component cover for electronics weather protection.

  • Left and right lower engine guards have built-in brackets for mounting accessories.

  • Right-handlebar-mounted multifunction switch controls.

  • On/off headlight switch.

  • 8mm side fairing air-deflector set.
  •  

    Engine/Drivetrain

     

  • Compact, powerful 1261cc DOHC 90-degree V-4 produces 125 bhp at 8000 rpm and 85 lb./ft. of torque at 6000 rpm. Longitudinal engine-mounting eliminates an inefficient 90-degree turn in the power flow for improved drivetrain efficiency.

  • The ST1300P's low overall center of gravity contributes to improved low-speed handling. The 360-degree crank contributes to a very broad powerband. Two engine counterbalancers virtually eliminate primary and secondary vibration. Both gear-driven counterbalancer shafts are installed in the lower crankcase to the left side of the crankshaft. The first shaft is driven directly by the crankshaft at a 2:1 ratio. The second shaft is positioned below the first and is driven in the opposite direction by the first balancer shaft's drive gear. The combination of these two balancers assures a supremely comfortable ride.

  • Aluminum-composite cylinder sleeves are high-pressure-formed from sintered aluminum powder impregnated with ceramic and graphite. The composite sleeves provide better wear resistance and superior heat dissipation compared to conventional sleeves.

  • Large 31mm intake valves and 27mm exhaust valves feed a combustion chamber with a 10.8:1 compression ratio.

  • Direct shim-under-bucket valve actuation system ensures high-rpm durability and allows 16,000-mile valve-maintenance intervals.

  • Four 36mm throttle bodies.

  • High-pressure programmed fuel injection (PGM-FI) delivers fuel at 50 psi into each injector.

  • Fuel is delivered through eight holes in each injector, producing a very fine spray and a highly combustible air/fuel charge for maximum combustion efficiency and power.

  • PGM-FI combines a sophisticated throttle sensor, advanced 3-D digital fuel-injection and ignition mapping and precisely metered fuel delivery to produce smooth and linear throttle response.

  • ECU-controlled closed-loop emissions control system utilizes two oxygen sensors to constantly deliver a precise air/fuel mixture, while two exhaust catalyzers further reduce emissions of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and oxides of nitrogen.

  • Auto-enriching system is integrated into PGM-FI module, optimizing the air/fuel mixture on cold starts and eliminating the need for a manual choke.

  • Four-into-two stainless-steel exhaust system features a pair of attractive, triangular-section 5.4-liter mufflers with stainless-steel heat shields.

  • Dampers on the transmission mainshaft, clutch and driveshaft reduce noise, vibration and driveline lash.

  • High-output 660-watt air-cooled alternator is relocated between the cylinder banks, contributing to a shorter and more compact engine design.

  • U-shaped aluminum radiator has excellent cooling capacity; a ring-type fan draws air through the radiator at low speeds to ensure stable operating temperatures for consistent performance and long engine life.

  • Sturdy eight-plate hydraulic clutch.

  • Five-speed transmission features gear ratios that allow for quicker acceleration and excellent roll-on performance.

  • Quiet and reliable shaft-drive system is virtually maintenance-free.
  •  

    Chassis/Suspension

     

  • Rigid aluminum upper triple-clamp and a 45mm Honda Multi-Action System (HMAS) cartridge front fork provide excellent suspension control in a wide range of riding conditions.

  • The rear suspension incorporates a single shock, which mounts directly onto the swingarm. The shock offers 1.2 inches of spring preload adjustability.

  • Large 310mm stainless-steel floating front brake discs and 316mm rear disc for ultimate stopping power.

  • Wheels are three-spoke, U-section cast aluminum. The 5.0-inch-wide rear wheel sports a large, low-profile 170/60ZR-17 radial tire. The 3.5-inch-wide front wheel carries a 120/70ZR-18 radial tire.
  •  

    Additional Features

     

  • Full-coverage bodywork offers superb wind and weather protection, low noise and superior high-speed aerodynamics.

  • Integrated lockable and detachable saddlebags hold 35 liters each. The saddlebags contain straps to limit bag opening to 90 degrees to better secure the contents. The straps are easily unbuckled when the bags are dismounted, permitting full access.


  • Rugged, plastic-covered body-protector stays extend outward to protect the bodywork in case of a tip-over.

  • Dual-section fuel tank places 5.5 gallons of fuel in the conventional tank location with an additional 2.2 gallons located in a sub-tank located low in the chassis. This results in an increase in fuel capacity and creates an even weight distribution for fuel.

  • Electric fuel pump operates inside the sub-tank, providing consistent fuel pressure for the PGM-FI system.

  • Headlight features dual lenses with twin-filament H4 low/high-beam bulbs and multireflectors.

  • A convenient knob located on the left side of the fairing electrically adjusts the headlight angle over a 2.5-degree range.

  • A locking left-side fairing pocket offers the carrying capacity of an automobile console; a weather-resistant vinyl flap covers the right-side pocket.

  • Breakaway rear-view mirrors minimize damage in the event of a tip-over.

  • Convenient centerstand assist-lever folds neatly away when not in use.

  • Integrated front and rear turn signals.

  • Integrated ignition switch/fork lock. A single ignition key operates all locks.

  • Non-transferable three-year, unlimited-mileage limited warranty.