CB1300 or GSX1250FA?

[eikon]

Hello all,

I am after a cruisy torquey road bike and two have made my short list, 2006 CB1300SA or 2010 GSX1250FA.

Use will be commuting to work (40kms) on good days. Weekend/weeknight cruises.

I can't make up my mind. On one hand I like the newer tech and sporty styling of the GSX, on the other hand like the retro cool styling of the CB. Have test ridden them both and both feel very nice.

If anyone has experiance with either or both. Please let me know your thoughts/opinions etc.

I'm hoping this will help sway my decision one way or the other.

Thanks...

[James Deuce]

CB1300. No contest. The CB1300 is a finished product that can be improved at will. The GSX is a blank canvas that needs a lot of work to get anywhere near the quality feel of the CB1300 in stock form.

[Maha]

Agree with Jim, had one from new (08' naked/blue with gold rims/beautiful bike) stupidly sold it :pinch: Also had a GSX1250FA ...both great bikes but if I had my time again, it would be the CB 1300 no question. Weirdly, it seemed a better bike two up.

The Honda (on this occasion) had a Double pack/two tank bags (one on top of the packs) and two humans, passing was a breeze, no need to change gear, just wind it on.
Neptune can fitted, sounded amazeballs.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Hello all,

I am after a cruisy torquey road bike and two have made my short list, 2006 CB1300SA or 2010 GSX1250FA.

Use will be commuting to work (40kms) on good days. Weekend/weeknight cruises.

I can't make up my mind. On one hand I like the newer tech and sporty styling of the GSX, on the other hand like the retro cool styling of the CB. Have test ridden them both and both feel very nice.

If anyone has experiance with either or both. Please let me know your thoughts/opinions etc.

I'm hoping this will help sway my decision one way or the other.

Thanks...

I know you want that CB mate!

[eikon]

Seems like no contest between the two... Can't say I'm not happy with the way it's going....

[Crasherfromwayback]

Seems like no contest between the two... Can't say I'm not happy with the way it's going....

Lol. My pen is ready.

[Madness]

My penis ready.

Dirty bugger.

[caspernz]

CB1300. No contest. The CB1300 is a finished product that can be improved at will. The GSX is a blank canvas that needs a lot of work to get anywhere near the quality feel of the CB1300 in stock form.

Yep, well said.


Lol. My pen is ready.

Geez Pete, I read that quickly and I had to giggle...yeah it's my dirty mind :laugh:

[Banditbandit]

I've had my 1250 for five years now .. LOVE IT !!! 65,000 ks and love it ... I service it regularly and it has never missed a beat .. been all over the North Island and round the South Island ... great to ride .. fast enough to scare the hell out of some sprotsbike riders ... comfortable for long distance ...

Would recommend one to anyone ... (Yeah .. I've played around with it a bit, but not a lot - the biggest changes is braided lines and a carbon fibre can .. other changes are just cosmetic ... though I'm tempted to put an Ohlins shock on the rear .. )

[Maha]

I've had my 1250 for five years now....though I'm tempted to put an Ohlins shock on the rear

Definitely would have done that had I kept mine, the stock shock is adequate but a bastard to adjust.

[AllanB]

I agree with James - pretty well sums it up. This does not mean the Suzi is a bad bike in any way - you have picked two very good ones.

Honda - dump the huge muffler, saves shit loads of weight and they sound nice with a bit more noise.

PLUS the Suzuki is only a R and a T away from a Fart......

[admenk]

Just got back from my quick tour down to the S Island on my CB 1300........it never missed a beat and I can't think of anything I can criticise it for, apart from bringing me back ready for work on Monday.:no: I've been really pleased with it since I bought it 6 months ago.....reminds me a bit of the FJ1200 I used to have. ......do you get the idea that I like it !

[admenk]

Ahh bliss ! :woohoo:

[Vinz0r]

Took a CB1000 for a ride a week or so back. Felt great, very smooth but a little uninspiring. I owned a Bandit 1200 a few years ago, and that was a bit more fun, but that was with an upgraded rear shock and a bit of carb/exhaust fiddling. The finish on the CB1000 was excellent, production quality seems a bit better than the Bandit.
It was a friends CB1000 that I rode, he bought it off his dad. A few months on and his dad has just bought a CB1300 in the same colours (white and red). So he must have a high opinion of them.

[Ulsterkiwi]

cant argue with the finished product/blank canvas description. To me that was the attraction. I love my 1250. I have loved making it suit me, that has been a huge part of the fun of owning it. At the end of the day, once the sums are done to your satisfaction its time to let your heart have its say, sounds like its saying CB. Health to enjoy mate, whatever way you go you will have a good bike. And hey, Pete has his pen ready, isn't it worth it all just to know that? :eek:

[avi]

Hello all,

I am after a cruisy torquey road bike and two have made my short list, 2006 CB1300SA or 2010 GSX1250FA.

Use will be commuting to work (40kms) on good days. Weekend/weeknight cruises.

I can't make up my mind. On one hand I like the newer tech and sporty styling of the GSX, on the other hand like the retro cool styling of the CB. Have test ridden them both and both feel very nice.

If anyone has experiance with either or both. Please let me know your thoughts/opinions etc.

I'm hoping this will help sway my decision one way or the other.

Thanks...

Im sure the cb is better bike in general but look for the price diffrent the bandit is a basic bike compare to cb look allso for the tank capacity.

[avi]

looks for the tank capacity

[Ulsterkiwi]

those poor poor Aucklanders, they really struggle with saying things...and writing things....and things really.....:no:

[nzspokes]

those poor poor Aucklanders, they really struggle with saying things...and writing things....and things really.....:no:

And how long does it take you to get to work? :bleh:

[Bumblebeeman1150]

I have a very early '03 CB1300F and I love it. Ive done 80,000km and it just runs beautifully. Its fun to ride, smooth and economical (if you need to it be), and is superb as a two-up ride; I agree with Maha that it seems to come into its own with a pillion. Apart from valve checks (not one shim needing adjustment so far), I can do all the work on it myself, making it fit my bike budget well. The Suzuki is nice, and I thought I wanted its six speed gearbox until I took two teeth of the 1300's rear sprocket and dropped cruising revs to close to the Suzuki's revs in sixth. There's more than enough torque to make up the gearing difference and the speedo is now correct, according to GPS. Not a head turning bike I suppose, but a very rewarding one, and very, very well built. I'd buy another if anything happened to mine.

[Akzle]

simple question, do you prefer the company of men?
Iykwim.

[MIXONE]

I recently had the same dilemma.Choice between a suzuki 1250 or a honda X11.I chose the honda and am more than happy with it.Ride em both and take the one that thrills you the most.

[nzspokes]

I recently had the same dilemma.Choice between a suzuki 1250 or a honda X11.I chose the honda and am more than happy with it.Ride em both and take the one that thrills you the most.

Now thats a bike that should have been sold here. They are very cool.:niceone:

Bandits should be air cooled.:wings:

[nzspokes]

simple question, do you prefer the company of men?
Iykwim.

Im sure the OP appreciates the offer but this is not a dating site.
IYKWIM.

[BMWST?]

what is the relative tank capacity and range.that would be an important factor for me....its not always what you need if you stay on sh1,but where you may find yourself on a late sunday night.an extra couple litres might make a big diference.Wot about the suzi 1400??
edit....and centre stands!

[AllanB]

............................................

[Mike.Gayner]

Wot about the suzi 1400??

Indeed, and the ZRX1200.

Frankly if I wound up with either a CB1300, GSX1250FA, Suzuki GSX1400 or ZXR1100 I'd be happy. The Bandit has the least character out of all those, but is probably the best bike in a clinical, objective sense.

[pritch]

I haven't tried the Bandit but I had a ride on the CB1300 and was impressed. Higher quality than a Bandit of course, but as always you pays yer money and you makes yer choice.

[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.

[AllanB]

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

[Big Dog]

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]

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]

But it was on the Big One CB1000.

Pretty sure the CB1000 has twin rear shocks as well?

[nzspokes]

Pretty sure the CB1000 has twin rear shocks as well?
Yes it does. But with a linkage.

[AllanB]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

[pritch]

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.

[nzspokes]

If you were bored by a 919 that's not due to the bike, that's your fault.
Well of course it is.

[eikon]

Well I'm keeping the DR650. So does that mean I go both ways. Or just that I'm a giver not a taker.

[Banditbandit]

Swing both ways ...

Enjoy the new bike .. I'm sure you will.

[nzspokes]

Swing both ways ...

Enjoy the new bike .. I'm sure you will.

Well as Ive got a Suzuki, Honda and a Kawasaki Im going 3 ways....:crazy:

[Banditbandit]

Some of us would say 3 ways? Lucky Man !!!

[MIXONE]

I ride a honda and haven't turned gay yet!
Not sure about my boyfriend though.:shit:

[Gremlin]

Well I'm keeping the DR650. So does that mean I go both ways. Or just that I'm a giver not a taker.
Variety is the spice of life :yes:

[mossy1200]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-853584029.htm

[James Deuce]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-853584029.htm

I have no words.

:puke:

[nzspokes]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-853584029.htm

Thats just the start price by the looks. We got a Oil boiler one the other week for 2k, good wee 2 up bike.

[mossy1200]

I have no words.

:puke:

That's harsh. Idd ride it as a commute if I didn't have a work vehicle. For 6k no reserve its good value transport.

[AllanB]

17,000 kms $6k no reserve.

Bargain. Money to burn on suspension ........

[James Deuce]

That's harsh. Idd ride it as a commute if I didn't have a work vehicle. For 6k no reserve its good value transport.

I'd rather get the train. Waitaminute! I do!


17,000 kms $6k no reserve.

Bargain. Money to burn on suspension ........

And replacement fasteners and a repaint and 400 litres of WD40.

Having said that they wear slightly better than VFR1200s or the new VFR800s.

[Banditbandit]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-853584029.htm

Pirelli Tyres ??? No way .. I hated them on a Bandit ...

[Crasherfromwayback]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-853584029.htm

Obviously taken some pretty bad acid to have fitted that muffler!

[rocketman1]

What is it about Honda's. The CB1300 is a great bike, but it is a Honda.
Whats all about the comments you read about bikes in the USA, many comments about riding any bike, as long as its not a Honda.
Must be a jealously thing.
I think its because they are so good they ARE a little bit boring from lack of Character. I dont know.
Ive had a few Jappo's Hondas, Suzuki's, Yamaha's and Kawasaki's none are any better or worse than the other if you ask me.

[Big Dog]

What is it about Honda's. The CB1300 is a great bike, but it is a Honda.
Whats all about the comments you read about bikes in the USA, many comments about riding any bike, as long as its not a Honda.
Must be a jealously thing.
I think its because they are so good they ARE a little bit boring from lack of Character. I dont know.
Ive had a few Jappo's Hondas, Suzuki's, Yamaha's and Kawasaki's none are any better or worse than the other if you ask me.

Nail, head.


Stupid phone / Tapatalk, apologies in advance.

[Akzle]

Variety is the spice of life :yes:
no. it's nutmeg. dumbass.

Well I'm keeping the DR650. So does that mean I go both ways. Or just that I'm a giver not a taker.
it's only gay if your balls touch.

none are any better or worse than the other if you ask me.

no-one did.

[rocketman1]

no. it's nutmeg. dumbass.

it's only gay if your balls touch.


no-one did.

Full of Joy aren't you...... was gonna be nasty, but i will leave that to you.

[Akzle]

Full of Joy aren't you...... was gonna be nasty, but i will leave that to you.

i am. it's a fucken mint day. and the rally's on.

(there was no real nastiness there princess)