CB1300 or GSX1250FA?

**Big Dog** · 22nd February 2015, 09:48

I like my CB1300, even if it suffers the comparison to my Hayabusa I sold to be able to afford it.

But I was after grandpas slippers. A does it all without complaining bike.
18000 in the battery died.
26000 in the stator died.
Both argue ably consumables.

I had to put wider bars and risers on to take the weight off my wrists but that is a preference thing. Some are in pursuit of performance others just want to enjoy the ride I just want to be comfortable for the ride to work with enough special sauce to be able to enjoy the weekend.
My short list was the same as yours.
Being 145 kg at the time post a test ride of a CB I pretty much discounted the Suzuki without a test ride just by sitting on it.

The Suzuki was 3 years younger but about 1000kms older.
The Suzuki came with a centre stand ( not fitted ) and all the gear to put the ride height back to standard from the lowered posit it was in.

It just felt sponges at the rear and bottomed the front pretty easily.

Online research showed economy and range were in favour of the Suzuki but 2-3k not needed in suspension buys a lot of gas.
The difference from memory was about 2km/l.

My only negatives about the Honda:
I don't get to ride it enough.
It is so good it is like the challenge is gone.

Stupid phone / Tapatalk, apologies in advance.

**nzspokes** · 22nd February 2015, 11:26

Originally Posted by AllanB

CB1300 is a retro styled ride - no mono-shock on the rear it's a twin shocker.

But it was on the Big One CB1000.

**Vinz0r** · 22nd February 2015, 12:00

Originally Posted by nzspokes

But it was on the Big One CB1000.

Pretty sure the CB1000 has twin rear shocks as well?

**nzspokes** · 22nd February 2015, 12:03

Originally Posted by Vinz0r

Pretty sure the CB1000 has twin rear shocks as well?

Yes it does. But with a linkage.

**AllanB** · 22nd February 2015, 12:23

No linkage on the rear shocks on the Cb1000 Big one. Each shock bolts to the frame at the top, swingarm at the rear. The one you saw may have had lowering plates fitted that look a bit linky.

A decent set of twin rear shocks perform very well. Likewise a cheap factory linked monoshock will still be nothing more than average.

On the retros it is all part of the 'look' and a well set-up one with a good rider will surprise many a punter on fancy pants sport bikes.

**FJRider** · 22nd February 2015, 13:34

The given choices are ...

1. Seen ... Riding a honda (are you gay) ... or (seen) riding a suzuki.

Tough choices either way.

Personally ... I'd go for the FJ1200 ... (but I'm biased ... as a few have already determined)

**caseye** · 22nd February 2015, 17:23

Originally Posted by FJRider

The given choices are ...

1. Seen ... Riding a honda (are you gay) ... or (seen) riding a suzuki.

Tough choices either way.

Personally ... I'd go for the FJ1200 ... (but I'm biased ... as a few have already determined)

Wot EWE! Neva. I too, am biased and would buy a Jam Jar if pushed, but these days I'm riding a stock standard bandit and honestly, it's all the bike I need, love it, put 12000 K's on it in 11 months without trying, haven't altered a thing.
Starts easy, runs well, goes all day and never complains about the large lump sitting on it, just gets up and boogies.

**eikon** · 23rd February 2015, 21:25

Thank you all for your thoughts, even the disturbing ones.

I consider myself swayed. Hopefully soon I will post a photo of the new toy.

**Banditbandit** · 25th February 2015, 11:49

So you are going to join the ranks of the gay bikers ... err .. I mean buy the Honda???

**pritch** · 25th February 2015, 12:44

Originally Posted by nzspokes

Always wondered why Honda went with no linkage on the rear suspension. They did on the CB1000 just before the 1300.

If the 1300 is as bland as the Hornet 900 I would get bored of it quickly.

If you were bored by a 919 that's not due to the bike, that's your fault.