HONDA The Power of Dreams

The CB1000 SUPER FOUR became an immediate favorite among fans of large sports models following its launch in Japan in 1992.

Since then, various manufacturers released models with 750 cc and larger engines, increasing the choices available to riders. In September 1996, the motorcycle license system was revised in Japan, and large motorcycle licenses became available at designated riding schools, further increasing the popularity of bigger displacement models.

Honda quickly responded to this trend by launching the X4 in March 1997, powered by a newly developed 1300 cc engine. It was the second-largest displacement model Honda made after GOLD WING.

The X4 was Japan-exclusive model developed with the theme of creating a completely new custom sports bike.

The powerful torque produced by the 1300 cc engine and the mighty styling with a low, stooped appearance for easy footing made it a big hit.

Meanwhile for the CB series, Honda made the decision to revamp the CB1000 SUPER FOUR, and many development team members from the original CB1000 SUPER FOUR and X4 joined in the project.

They began development by asking, “What should a bike aiming for the pinnacle of naked road sports models of the new era look like?” From there, they formulated specific goals.

While adhering to PROJECT BIG-1, they also added five additional “emotional performance,” or “performance that captures the rider’s heart”, as goals:

• 1. Emotions of ownership
• 2. Emotions felt at the instant of mounting
• 3. Emotions of the torquey ride
• 4. Emotions of abundance
• 5. Emotions of riding and control

To realize these goals, the team decided on a water-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, 4-valve, in-line 4-cylinder 1300cc engine, similar to the X4.

The styling drawn by the designers then became more powerful, with sporty proportions that were tense and full of functional beauty.

The resulting CB1300 SUPER FOUR became the CB series’ flagship model, with the largest engine displacement. The development team worked vigorously to achieve difficult goals, such as a chassis configuration that was easy to maneuver and engine characteristics that were full of torque, while maintaining the mighty styling that was appropriate for this model.

The completed prototype was revealed as a reference model at the 1997 Tokyo Motor Show. CB fans, as well as many other sports bike fans, hoped for its launch.

In March 1998, the long-awaited CB1300 SUPER FOUR was launched.

It was off to a positive start, with approximately 4,600 units sold in the first year, exceeding its annual sales plan.

The CB1300 SUPER FOUR was well received for its imposing and powerful styling and the responsive handling that only a larger sports bike could offer.

There were also requests for a lighter model that would be easier to maneuver.

In response, the model launched in September 2000 featured lighter front brakes and rear wheels among other suspension components, resulting in a weight reduction of 5 kg.

Around the year 2000, various manufacturers launched 1200cc to 1300cc large naked road sports models in Japan, creating a popular category.

Compared to the CB1300 SUPER FOUR, other companies tended to design lighter and more compact bikes. In response, Honda’s development team decided to develop a new CB incorporating advanced lightweight technologies for Japanese customers, the main market for the CB1300 SUPER FOUR.

In 2003, the new CB1300 SUPER FOUR would herald a new CB story.