27 years of production
1998-2025
CB1300 ran for 27 model years with relatively minor updates. SC40 era (1998-2002) had cooling fins; SC54 era (2003-2025) was smoother. Engine core unchanged the entire time. The most consistent big naked in motorcycling — no major redesigns, no platform changes, just incremental Euro emissions updates.
Why never sold in UK officially
Honda strategy
CB1300 was always JDM-focused — Honda's UK big naked was the air-cooled CB1100 (2010-2020) and now CB1000 Hornet (2023+). UK CB1300s are all grey imports with proper paperwork. Used market in 2026: clean grey imports £2.8-4.5k for SC40 era, £4.5-7k for later SC54.
Why it ended 2025
Euro 5+ + sales decline
Honda killed CB1300 at end of 2024 model year for 2025+. Euro 5+ emissions plus collapsing JDM big-naked sales killed the business case. Same fate as Honda CB1100 (gone 2020). The 'big inline-four naked' role is now CB1000 Hornet — water-cooled, Euro 5+.
Real cost trajectory
Held value
Grey import prices have held value because of cult status. £7,500 grey CB1300 in 2006 (£12,600 today). Used market 2026: SC40 £2.8-4.5k, SC54 £4.5-7k. Honda dealer support is patchy for grey imports — most service goes through specialist independents.
vs CB1000 Hornet in 2026
Different generation
CB1000 Hornet (1000cc inline-four, 152bhp): modern, electronic, water-cooled. CB1300 (1284cc inline-four, 100bhp): traditional, simpler electronics. Different feel. CB1300 is for purists who want a 27-year-proven platform; CB1000 Hornet is for modern naked sport buyers.
Rider aids count
1-2
Early CB1300 had FI as the only rider aid. Late CB1300 (2014+) had ABS standard. No TC, no ride modes, no electronics. Modern CB1000 Hornet has cornering ABS, TC, ride modes, full TFT — different generation entirely.
Cheapest way in
£2.8k
A clean SC40-era CB1300 (1998-2002) on the UK grey market. 100bhp inline-four, naked roadster styling, that classic Japanese big-naked feel. Pay attention to speedo conversion, reg/rec, fork seals, and grey-import paperwork. Independent specialists handle service better than Honda dealers.
