This modern-day NAKED is special The engine is big - a honking 1284cc of water-cooled fuel-injected 16 valve DOHC inline four muscle. There's nothing ear-pinning about the engine's performance but that's really not the point. It's strong and smooth where you need it most on the road, off the bottom and through the middle. The real punch happens after 5000rpm - and a tall top gear means you occasionally have to stir the five-speed gearbox for a swift overtaking lunge. The first time you ride the CB1300S you bask in its smooth and easygoing power delivery, but that impression of civility never really inspires either and it's almost easy to get bored by the CB1300S's engine. The chassis, like the engine, delivers a competent and capable performance. And, like the engine, initially it all works well enough but push that little bit harder, and the limits are obvious. With a bike that weighs in at 236kg dry, that's also capable of generating a reasonable turn of speed thanks to the 113bhp and 86lb.ft on tap, the tyres and suspension are going to get a good working over at some point.

This modern-day NAKED is special The engine is big - a honking 1284cc of water-cooled fuel-injected 16 valve DOHC inline four muscle. There's nothing ear-pinning about the engine's performance but that's really not the point. It's strong and smooth where you need it most on the road, off the bottom and through the middle. The real punch happens after 5000rpm - and a tall top gear means you occasionally have to stir the five-speed gearbox for a swift overtaking lunge. The first time you ride the CB1300S you bask in its smooth and easygoing power delivery, but that impression of civility never really inspires either and it's almost easy to get bored by the CB1300S's engine. The chassis, like the engine, delivers a competent and capable performance. And, like the engine, initially it all works well enough but push that little bit harder, and the limits are obvious. With a bike that weighs in at 236kg dry, that's also capable of generating a reasonable turn of speed thanks to the 113bhp and 86lb.ft on tap, the tyres and suspension are going to get a good working over at some point.