Honda ST 1300 Pan European

Despite the relatively high weight figure of this touring bike, Honda shouldn't be intimidated. When you're riding in a soft and comfortable seat, the bike isn't nearly as bulky between your legs as it does when viewed from a different perspective.

The seat, especially if you put it in the lowest position, close enough to the ground that the soles have safe contact with the ground, there is enough leg room, and the handlebars can be about an inch closer to the rider. We found that the Pan European does not sit completely upright, but the body is slightly tilted forward. Which position suits you is a matter of personal taste - it is best to ride a motorcycle and judge for yourself.

If the first impression does not make you feel that the motorcycle is equipped with a longitudinally mounted V4 engine with a volume of more than a liter, you will feel it after the first kilometers. The unit provides tremendous torque in the mid-range and develops speeds of over 200 kilometers per hour in top gear. Then the bike becomes a little hectic as it has to blow out a huge amount of air in front of it. You will drive up to 180 kilometers per hour in comfort, especially when you set the electrically adjustable windshield to the highest position. There is very little noise around the helmet, even less air resistance in the body.

Since the fuel tank holds a whopping 29 liters, you will be able to travel at least 500 kilometers, comfortable to travel, without refueling, and since the European has three large suitcases, there will be no problem where to store supplies for two passengers. It also has good ABS and connected front and rear brakes, so you can stop comfortably and safely just by pressing one lever.

For the vast majority of motorcyclists who love to travel, Pan-European, although six years old, is still a very good choice. First of all, it is surprising how easy it is to manage it even in the city. Buying Golden Wing may wait a little longer. ...

Technical information

Test car price: 14.590 EUR

engine: four-cylinder V4, four-stroke, 1.261 cc? liquid cooling, 4 valves per cylinder, electronic fuel injection.

Maximum power: 93 kW (126 KM) at 8.000/min.

Maximum torque: 125 Nm @ 6.000 rpm

Energy transfer: Transmission 5-speed, cardan shaft.

Frame: aluminum.

brakes: two coils ahead? 310 mm, tribal jaws, posterior disc? 316mm, tribal jaws, ABS and CBS.

Suspension: front telescopic fork? 45mm, 117mm travel, single rear shock, 5-step preload adjustment, 122mm travel.

Tires: front 120 / 70-17, back 170 / 60-17.

Seat height from ground: 790 +/– 15 mm.

Fuel tank: 29 l.

Wheelbase: 1.490 mm.

Weight: 287 kg.

Representative: Motocenter AS Domžale, Blatnica 3a, Trzin, 01/562 33 33, www.honda-as.com.

We praise and reproach

+ torque and engine power

+ comfort

+ wind protection

+ brakes

+ spacious suitcases

- driving position

Matevž Gribar, photo: Saša Kapetanovič