Just like with cars, circumstances sometimes keep bikes region-bound. The Suzuki Hayabusa, for example, is no longer sold outside the US due to emissions regulations. But the US motorcycle community misses out on models, too. Neither the Czech- nor the Indian-made Jawas are sold here, for instance. And sadly, it seems neither the 2021 Honda CB1300 Super Four and Super Bol d’Or will be, either. But maybe you’ll be able to snag one of their predecessors.

The first Honda CB1300 models were retro-style UJMs

The ‘CB’ designation is a rich one for Honda bike fans. It started with the 1969 CB750 Four, a genuinely game-changing motorcycle. Since then, it’s appeared on models ranging from affordable naked bikes like the CB300R to retro standards like the CB1000R. And in 1998, it appeared on the Honda CB1300 Super Four.

The 1998 Honda CB1300 Super Four has a 1284cc liquid-cooled four-cylinder engine rated at 99 hp and 88 lb-ft linked to a 5-speed manual. It was designed as a retro-looking standard bike, not unlike the original Universal Japanese Motorcycles. And it wasn’t the only such motorcycle released at that time.

A year earlier, Kawasaki launched the similarly-themed ZRX1100, Cycle World reports. But, unlike the ZRX1100 and the follow-up ZRX1200, Honda only sold the first CB1300 Super Fours in Japan.

That changed with the launch of the 2003 Honda CB1300 Super Four, Bennetts reports. Like the 1998 model, the 2003 CB1300 Super Four has a 1284cc liquid-cooled four-cylinder engine. Only instead of carburetors, it has fuel injection. It doesn’t make any additional power or torque, but the bike itself is 44 pounds lighter.

In 2005, Honda introduced a touring-focused model with a fairing, the CB1300 S, MCN reports. There was also a Bol d’Or model, with LED lights, a 6-speed transmission, as well as new body panels and wheels. ABS was optional on both models.

After 2013 Honda stopped selling the CB1300 outside of Japan, VisorDown reports. However, within Japan, sales continued. The bike was even updated in 2018. And for 2021, Honda is updating the CB1300 once again.

The 2021 Honda CB1300 Super Four and Super Bol d’Or

As before, the 2021 Honda CB1300 is available in Super Four and Super Bol d’Or form, RideApart reports. And each model comes in base and SP trim; the latter comes with more color scheme choices.

Mechanically, the 2021 Honda CB1300 Super Four and Super Bol d’Or are identical. They both have a 1284cc liquid-cooled four-cylinder engine rated at 111 hp and 83 lb-ft, sent to the rear wheel via a 6-speed manual, BikeWale reports. Each model also comes with a standard slipper-assist clutch, with a quickshifter as an optional extra.

Both 2021 Honda CB1300 models have the same electronic features: LED lights, ABS, three riding modes, traction control, and cruise control. Heated grips are optional, IndianAutosBlog reports, while a USB socket is standard. But while the Super Four follows the naked bike aesthetic, the Super Bol d’Or is more touring-oriented. It has a half-fairing for wind and weather protection, as well as a different headlight.

Getting one in the US will require jumping through some hoops

The 2021 Honda CB1300 Super Four starts at roughly $15,140; the Super Bol d’Or starts at the equivalent of $16,210. Which, given that the Triumph Thruxton lineup hovers in a similar range, is fairly reasonable. Unfortunately, as of this writing, it appears the CB1300 bikes will remain JDM-only machines.

But that doesn’t mean you couldn’t theoretically import either one of the 2021 models or an earlier example. In fact, a 2000 CB1300 popped up for sale in the US in 2019, Bike-urious reports. The problem is that motorcycles are subject to the same import restrictions as cars—namely, they have to follow safety and emissions regulations.

But, if you go through a licensed importer, your bike can be modified to conform to these various rules. Given that bikes don’t have airbags or other safety structures, it’s a bit easier than getting a JDM car to conform. Plus, US motorcycle emissions regulations are generally laxer than the European ones. So, you may be able to enjoy a Honda CB1300 Super Four without having to wait the full 25 years.

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